In this work we aimed to perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials within an aging population that investigated the general impacts of a resistance training (RT) protocol on key outcome measures relating to gait and/or balance. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines, two electronic databases (PubMed, and Scopus) were searched for randomized controlled trials that measured at least one key outcome measure focusing on gait and/or balance in older adults. 3794 studies were identified, and after duplicates were removed, 1913 studies remained. 1886 records were removed due to the abstract not meeting the inclusion criteria. 28 full-text articles were assessed further, and 20 of the articles were identified as meeting the criteria for inclusion. The remaining 20 studies were assessed for quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale; 12 studies remained and were included in this systematic review. Our review suggests that RT has a positive effect on both gait and balance in an elderly population. RT improves gait, specifically straight-line walking speed in older adults. RT is an adequate training method to improve balance in an aging population. Improvements in strength, attributed to RT, may allow for greater autonomy and independence to carry out activities of daily living as we age.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the validity and accuracy of the low-cost Xiaomi Mi Band 4 (MB4) fitness tracker in relation to step count and heart rate in free-living conditions. Methods: 46 participants join in this study (38.65 ± 14.36 years old). The MB4 was compared with a video recording in laboratory conditions, also with the Sense Wear and Firstbeat monitors in free-living conditions. Results: No significant differences were found in the number of steps in the laboratory protocol between devices, in both, at low and high walking speed. For the free-living conditions, the MB4 showed high values of convergent validity in relation to the Firstbeat monitor during recording in both rest and walking situations. Moreover, the MB4 showed adequate values of convergent validity with the Sense Wear monitor during the 24 h recording, at medium speeds, and climbing stairs. Conclusion: The accuracy and precision of the MB4 is reasonable and can be used to monitor the average of step count and heart rate in free-living conditions.

Background: The necessity of improve the life quality in elderly people is well-known. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical and cognitive training programs, as well as their combination on the cognitive functions and physical capacities in women over 80 years old. Methods: Forty-three women took part in this study (80.86 ± 5.03 years). They were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Experimental group 1 performed cognitive training. Experimental group 2 did physical–cognitive training, and Experimental Group 3 accomplished physical training. All of training programs had duration of eight weeks (five sessions of 60 min per week). We measured cognitive variables with the Stroop test, D2 test, and Trail Making test. Physical variables were measured with handgrip strength, Minute Step Test, and visual–acoustic reaction time. Results. Control group reduces his physical and cognitive capacities, while the three experimental groups increase these capacities. We found a strong correlation between the increase of physical and cognitive capacities. Conclusion: Eight weeks of training physical, cognitive or mixed, increased physical and cognitive functions of elderly people which may reduce the negative effects of the aging process.

Background: Football performance depends on the integration of physical, technical, and cognitive abilities under constantly changing conditions. In this context, dual-task training combining physical and cognitive demands has emerged as a promising approach to enhance decision-making and game intelligence in youth football players. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an eight-week dual-task training programme on physical (speed, strength, and agility), cognitive (working memory, planning, processing speed, and response time), technical (dribbling and short passing), and dual-task performance in U16 football players. Methods: Thirty-two players (age: 14.88 ± 0.65 years; BMI: 20.98 ± 1.79 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 14) and an experimental group (n = 18). The experimental group completed a dual cognitive–motor training (CMT) programme consisting of 24 sessions (3 sessions/week, 10–15 min each), integrated into regular football practice. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments included football skills (dribbling and passing tests), cognitive tests (Wom-Rest and Vismem-Plan), physical tests (countermovement jump, 20 m sprint, and 505 change-of-direction), and a dual-task test (soccer skills and cognitive aptitude test). Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in all assessed variables, while the control group exhibited no changes or declines in performance. The most notable effects were observed in SoSCAT with visual interference, dual-task cost, and 505 change-of-direction. Conclusions: The findings suggest that integrating brief dual CMT programmes into regular football practice can simultaneously enhance physical, technical, and cognitive performance in youth players. This evidence supports the implementation of dual CMT as an effective and time-efficient tool in talent development programmes.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on anthropomorphic and cardiometabolic variables in schoolchildren with overweight and obesity. A total of 443 schoolchildren (age: 6.37 ± 0.65 years) took part in this study. The experimental group (EG; n = 295; age = 6.40 ± 0.64 years) was compound with children with overweight and obesity, whereas children with normoweight were included in the control group (CG; n = 148; 6.31 ± 0.67 years). The EG performed a training program based on HIIT two times per week for 28 weeks (56 sessions), whilst the CG performed their habitual physical education classes based on the national curriculum. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat, ∑ 4 skinfold fat, waist to height ratio, waist circumference, and cardiometabolic risk were measured. The dependent variables were analysed by two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA 2 × 2). To analyse the percentage differences between groups, the chi-square test was used. P-value was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences were found in the EG in BMI, waist circumference, body fat, ∑ 4 skinfold fat, and waist to height ratio. In conclusion, an HIIT training program can be an effective tool for improving anthropomorphic variables and reducing cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren with overweight and obesity.