Purpose: Numerous articles have recently studied the involvement of the gut microbiota in neurological diseases. Aging is associated with changes in the microbiome, which implies a reduction in microbial biodiversity among other changes. Considering that the consumption of a fermented-food diet improves intestinal permeability and barrier function, it seems of interest to study its participation in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews existing studies to establish whether the consumption of fermented foods and fermented beverages prevents or ameliorates neurodegenerative decline in old age.Methods: The protocol used was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Details of the protocol for this systematic review are registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021250921).Results: Out of 465 articles identified in the Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, a total of 29 that examined the relationship of the consumption of fermented products with cognitive impairment in old people were selected (22 cohort, 4 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies). The results suggest that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and daily intake of coffee, soy products, and fermented-food diets in general are associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.Conclusion: Daily consumption of fermented foods and beverages, either alone or as part of a diet, has neuroprotective effects and slows cognitive decline in old people.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=250921, identifier: CRD42021250921.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine whether a rowing training program improved the quality of life and the physical activity levels in female breast cancer survivors (n = 28) (stage 1–4.54%; stage 2–36.36%; stage 3–54.54%; and stage 4–4.54%), diagnosed 4.68 ± 3.00 years previously, who had undergone a subsequent intervention (preservation 56.53% and total mastectomy 43.47%) and had a current mean age of 52.30 ± 3.78 years. The participants (n = 28) engaged in a 12-week training program, each week comprising three sessions and each session lasting 60–90 min. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were also administered. The results showed statistically significant improvements in levels of physical activity and in the dimensions of quality of life. We can conclude that a 12-week rowing training program tailored to women who have had breast cancer increases physical activity levels, leading to improved health status and quality of life.

Canoeing is one of the sport disciplines that brings great success to Spain in international competitions and Olympic Games (of the 17 medals won in Rio in 2016, four were in this sport, including three gold). However, the journey to become an elite athlete coincides in time with the challenge of pursuing an academic education, which often involves making difficult choices in the training-university dichotomy. The aim of this research was to ascertain how the Spanish under-23 calm water canoeing team perceives their athletic and academic careers. The present study was carried out with the Spanish under-23 flat water canoeing team, the step prior to competition at the highest level. The study sample comprised the whole population, namely the entire national team, made up of 21 athletes (11 women and 10 men) with a mean age of 20.57 ± 2.64 years and 10.00 ± 3.49 years of experience. These athletes are usually based at La Cartuja High Performance Center (Seville) and combine their sports activity with studying toward a university degree. A double qualitative and quantitative methodology was used. For the first of these, an interview script was elaborated based on the theoretical model by Wylleman et al. (2013). Applicable consents were requested from the Spanish Royal Canoeing Federation, coaches and paddlers. Interviews were carried out with each athlete twice: at the beginning and at the end of the season/academic year, which were recorded and subsequently tabulated and analyzed. Concerning quantitative methodology, the ESTPORT dual career questionnaire validated by Sánchez-Pato et al. (2016) was used. The results show that for all the paddlers canoeing is very important. It is typically complicated for them to attend classes, and subject planning is usually based on their training schedules. In the second/last part of the course, it is stressful for these athletes to combine both activities and some drop out of school. During the course, though, they appreciate having another activity that allows them to escape from the training routine. In addition, they miss not having an academic tutor to guide and advise them. These student-athletes are aware that their sport causes them to miss out on many moments with family and friends due to training or competing. However, at present this is offset, largely because of their high level of performance, which makes it easier for them to obtain scholarships that provide economic support.

The aim of this study was to determine whether a rowing training program leads to improvements in physical fitness and body composition in women who have survived breast cancer (53.70 ± 7.88 years). The participants (n = 30) completed a twelve-week training program consisting of three sessions per week, with each session lasting from sixty to ninety minutes. An anthropometric and general physical fitness assessment was performed before and after the program. The results showed statistically significant improvements in all the physical fitness tests performed: sit and reach (2.82 cm); back scratch, dominant (3.29 cm); back scratch, non-dominant (4.59 cm); counter movement jump (1.91 cm); hand grip, dominant (2.54 kgf); hand grip, non-dominant (2.53 kgf); chair stand (2.56 rep); and six-minute walk (51.56 m). In addition, a significant improvement was observed in the efficiency of the cardiovascular system measured by heart rate, in beats per minute (bpm), both before (−12.63 bpm) and after the six-minute walk test (−11.46 bpm). The evaluated body composition parameters also improved, specifically total lean mass (2.18 kg) and the percentage of total body fat (−2.63%). We can therefore conclude that rowing training programs can be a strategy to be considered for improving physical fitness in this population given the improvement obtained in both anthropometric and physical fitness variables, thus leading to better health and quality of life.