Objective: This study investigates the relationship between lower limb strength and postural stability in single-leg stance using the Balance Master system. Methods: The research involved 64 participants divided into sedentary and physically active groups based on metabolic equivalents of task (METs) values, normal weight, overweight, and obese according to body composition. Postural control was evaluated using the Sensory Organization Test. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in mean and maximum lower limb strength between the groups. Furthermore, postural stability in open and closed eyes conditions did not show significant differences between the groups. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between lower limb strength and stability in single-leg stance with eyes open. Conclusions: These findings suggest that lower limb muscle strength is essential for postural stability, especially when vision is available to aid balance. The study highlights the importance of interventions focused on strengthening muscles to improve physical functionality in adults.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and body composition, and the levels of motor skills and strength in overweight and obese men. Methods: The research involved 64 men. Body composition, physical activity, motor control, Motor Control Test (MCT), and strength variables were evaluated. Body composition was assessed by DXA, and the participants were classified into two groups according to the percentage of total fat mass: greater and less than 27.65%. Physical activity was assessed using accelerometry, and motor control was measured with posturography, which provided a composite score of motor performance and postural control effectiveness. Strength was assessed using hand, leg, and back dynamometers. Results: The participants with a higher percentage of body fat had a lower DSI (Dynamic Strength Index) (p < 0.001) and significantly reduced PAL (physical activity level) and energy expenditure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the muscle strength of the upper limbs (p = 0.06) and lower limbs (p = 0.419). With regard to MCT, there was a significant difference between groups in the backward direction (p = 0.041), with the group with the highest percentage of body fat showing lower values. Conclusions: Individuals with a higher percentage of body fat tend to have lower levels of strength, physical activity, and energy expenditure, which can lead to impaired balance. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve body composition and levels of strength and physical activity, with a positive impact on general health and quality of life. Emphasis should be placed on improving physical activity levels in male individuals with a higher percentage of fat mass to improve their body composition and dynamic strength levels, which are beneficial to life, particularly to help improve postural control.

The study analysed the impacts of the preventive measures of COVID-19 on the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression in soccer athletes. Twenty-four males participated in the study, with an average age of 18.4 +/- 1.4 years, who had their training suspended due to the preventive measures of COVID-19. Levels of anxiety, stress and depression (DASS21) and competitive anxiety (CSAI-2 R) were assessed during training interruption and 20 days after the laps. The return to training, after the training interruption period, reduced the levels of somatic anxiety (10.6%), cognitive anxiety (10.5%), depression (9.8%), stress (19.7%), anxiety (14.2%) and self-confidence (4.8%), but without significant differences. It was identified that athletes with more than 10 years of practice had a significant increase in confidence (p = 0.009) compared to athletes with less than 10 years of practice. During the pandemic, there was no variation in the levels of anxiety, stress and depression symptoms in athletes.

Introduction: Tapering is a decisive phase in planning a young swimmer's preparation for competition. During this period, not only training loads, but also recovery, which includes sleep quality, must be constantly monitored. Objective: This study aims to investigate sleep behavior as a variable directly influenced by training load during the tapering phase of training for young swimmers. Methods: A polysomnography test was performed at the beginning of the tapering phase, as a baseline for sleep variables. In each daily training session, the overload and recovery variables were measured. The internal training load was evaluated in the PSE session and the external load by quantifying the training. The recovery variables were divided into the recovery variable, assessed using the TQR questionnaire, and sleep variables, which included sleepiness, scored using the Karolinska scale, and sleep behavior, using an actigraph and a sleep diary. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is no significant influence between training loads and sleep variables. However, a strong association was observed between TST and EL (External load), in the irregular sleep group. Level of evidence III, Study of behavior.

Hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle (MC) impact muscular strength and flexibility in women practicing strength training, potentially leading to performance reductions and increased injury susceptibility. Understanding these variations across MC phases is crucial for precise training program guidance. This cross-sectional, exploratory study assessed muscular strength and flexibility levels during the MC in 20 women (aged 20-35) engaged in strength training for at least 6 months. The Sit and Reach Test (SRT) measured flexibility, and the 1-Maximum Repetition Test (1RM) leg extension evaluated muscular strength during menstrual, post-menstrual, and pre-menstrual phases. While the post-menstrual period showed the highest strength values (50.65 ± 17.70 kg), no significant differences were observed compared to other phases. However, flexibility was significantly higher in the post-menstrual period (29.43 ± 8.69 cm) compared to menstrual (p=0.002) and pre-menstrual phases (p=0.001). Statistically, no significant differences were found in strength performance. Nevertheless, flexibility appeared influenced by MC phases, with superior outcomes in the post-menstrual period. This research enhances our understanding of how MC phases may impact strength and flexibility in women engaged in strength training, providing valuable insights for tailoring training programs to individual needs. Keywords: Hormonal fluctuations, Women's fitness, Exercise performance, Strength Training, Flexibility.