There is a specific anthropometric profile for each sport, which may be differentiated even in relation to the position, role or event category within each sport discipline. However, there are few studies on acrobatic gymnastics, and the goal of this work was to determine the anthropometric profile depending on the event category, as well as factors that predisposed to performance in these categories. The sample consisted of 150 gymnasts from Spain, divided into 8 groups according to the event category and the role played. The kinanthropometric measurements were taken through the procedures established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kineantropometry. The anthropometric characteristics, including body mass index, somatotype, body composition and proportionality using the Phantom stratagem were analyzed, and the results obtained from the different groups were compared. A regression analysis was performed with particular groups of gymnasts. No significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed between groups of female tops or male bases, although differences were found between female group bases and female pair bases. It could be suggested that higher values of body height, sitting height, the minimum abdominal circumference, percentage of fat and low biliocristal breadth predispose female bases to work in pairs rather than in groups. The conclusion is that the anthropometric measurements are not decisive when guiding a gymnast toward choosing one event category or another, except for female bases.

The home confinement derived from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic changes in people’s habits. This situation has influenced their eating, rest, physical activity and socialization patterns, triggering changes in their mental stability. It was demonstrated that physical activity is beneficial for people’s physical and mental health. By its moderate volume and requiring little space or material, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could prove to be a valid alternative in a situation of confinement. The aim of the present study was to observe the impact of an 8-week HIIT protocol on the body composition and the depressive symptoms of adults in strict home confinement. A total of 21 healthy adults, both male and female, (35.4 ± 5.6 years old; 70.50 ± 12.1 kg; 171 ± 10 cm) were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 11) who carried out an 8-week Tabata protocol, based upon calisthenic exercises with their own weight in their homes, and a control group (CG, n = 10) who did not carry out any systematic physical activity over the same period. Following the intervention, the EG experienced a significant reduction in percentage (t = 3.86, d = 0.57, p < 0.05) and in kg (t = 4.62, d = 0.29, p < 0.05) of body fat mass (BFM) and body fat mass index (BFMI) (t = 4.61, d = 0.31, p < 0.05), as well as a reduction in depressive symptoms (t = 6.48, d = 1.3, p < 0.05). These results indicate that HIIT is a potential public health tool that could possibly be prescribed to the population in case of future situations of home confinement.

The use of mobile devices has changed the way we relate to each other, influencing teaching–learning processes and the motivation of adolescents towards these processes. One of the most developed tools has been applications (apps), which are software used on cell phones, tablets or computers. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze the content of applications for mobile devices that is considered the most suitable complement to Physical Education (PE) classes for secondary school students. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out, collecting information on the main characteristics of 31 free fitness apps: the descriptive, technical, educational and psychological dimensions. The results of this study show that most of the apps for physical activity have recent updates and are mainly related to cardiovascular exercise or strength for two purposes: either for exercise accounting or the creation of training plans for the user. They are intended for users of very heterogeneous ages and, therefore, do not take into account their individual characteristics. They do not have an adequate design to facilitate their didactic use. Therefore, we conclude that the applications evaluated lack the necessary educational potential to be used in the PE classroom. Based on the content analysis carried out, we describe a series of criteria that allow teachers and adolescents themselves to select physical exercise apps, and we propose to carry out research to guide developers when developing digital training/physical exercise content with an educational component that can be used as a complement for adolescents in- and outside the field of PE.

Background: The study of psychosocial aspects in adolescents is of increasing interest in the field of formal education. Therefore, the design and evaluation of an Acrobatic Gymnastics (AG) programme focused on the personal and social needs of adolescents in Physical Education (PE) is proposed. The objectives of this research are to establish the associations and relationships between self-esteem and social skills in order to determine the effectiveness of the programme. Methods: This is an evaluative research study in which a participatory action research method was used. Eighty-three secondary school students aged 14 and 15 participated in the study. The Ambez@r Group Social Skills Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used for data collection. Results: Students with socially skilful behaviour have a high level of self-esteem. The designed programme produces statistically significant improvements in both constructs. Conclusions: The programme is effective in improving the social skills and self-esteem of adolescents, and there is a clear association between both constructs.