DSpace Colección :

Exergaming System for Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure: Development and Usability Assessment Study of a Device Prototype

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:18:49 GMT

Título : Exergaming System for Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure: Development and Usability Assessment Study of a Device Prototype Autor : Blasco-Peris, Carles; Alcocea Garrido, Juan Pedro; Seguí, Bárbara; Zaragoza, Rocío; Climent-Paya, Vicente; Fuertes-Kenneally, Laura; Manresa-Rocamora, Agustín; Sanz-Rocher, Ana; Baladzhaeva, Sabina; Sarabia, José Manuel Resumen : Background: Heart failure (HF) is a growing global health concern, and adherence to early cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains suboptimal. Exergaming is a promising alternative to conventional exercise programs for patients with HF. However, existing research has limitations, and the integration of exergaming into clinical practice remains challenging. Most notably, current studies often rely on commercially available systems that are not tailored to needs specific to patients with HF, lack long-term adherence strategies, and have limited evaluation in the initial phases of cardiac rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to design, develop, and assess the usability of a novel exergaming prototype (ie, HEFMOB), integrating immersive virtual reality (VR), real-time biometric monitoring, and autonomous session management to support early-phase, exercise-based CR in patients with HF. Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed HEFMOB through iterative prototyping. The final system included a pedalbased VR cycling game and an upper-limb mobilization minigame, with real-time monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. Usability was assessed in two phases: (1) an expert evaluation and refinement phase and (2) a single-session usability phase involving 10 patients with HF (4 female). The sessions were recorded and individually evaluated by 2 researchers using the Serious Game Usability Evaluator tool. After each session, the participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) to rate the usability of the exergaming prototype and enjoyment, respectively. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results: The participants had a mean age of 64.8 (SD 8.4) years, BMI of 26.7 (SD 4.6) kg/m2, and left ventricular ejection fraction of 40.5% (SD 7.4%). All participants completed the session without adverse events. The SUS score averaged 71.5, SD 17.8 (indicating good usability) and IMI scores indicated very high enjoyment (mean 25.1, SD 3.5). A total of 136 gameplay-related events were recorded: negative (n=76, mostly confusion), neutral (n=49), and positive (n=11). Interface-related issues (n=61) were most common, followed by design (n=52) and hardware (n=23). Conclusions: HEFMOB appears to be a promising, engaging, and well-tolerated tool for delivering tailored exergaming interventions in patients with HF. High usability and enjoyment ratings support its acceptability, while structured user experience analysis provided valuable insights for system refinement. This study marks a critical step toward integrating personalized, gamified exercise in inpatient settings, especially where early mobilization is lacking. Building on these findings, future research will assess long-term usability and clinical impact through a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Reliability and validity of a non-linear index of heart rate variability to determine intensity thresholds

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:18:31 GMT

Título : Reliability and validity of a non-linear index of heart rate variability to determine intensity thresholds Autor : Sempere-Ruiz, Noemí; Sarabia, José Manuel; Baladzhaeva, Sabina; Moya-Ramón, Manuel Resumen : Exercise intensity distribution is crucial for exercise individualization, prescription, and monitoring. As traditional methods to determine intensity thresholds present limitations, heart rate variability (HRV) using DFA a1 has been proposed as a biomarker for exercise intensity distribution. This index has been associated with ventilatory and lactate thresholds in previous literature. This study aims to assess DFA a1’s reliability and validity in determining intensity thresholds during an incremental cycling test in untrained healthy adults. Sixteen volunteers (13 males and 3 females) performed two identical incremental cycling stage tests at least 1 week apart. First and second ventilatory thresholds, lactate thresholds, and HRV thresholds (DFA a1 values of 0.75 and 0.5 for HRVT1 and HRVT2, respectively) were determined in heart rate (HR), relative oxygen uptake (VO2rel), and power output (PO) values for both tests. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), change in mean, and typical error for the reliability analysis, and paired t-tests, correlation coefficients, ICC, and Bland- Altman analysis to assess the agreement between methods. Regarding reliability, HRV thresholds showed the best ICCs when measured in PO (HRVT1: ICC = .87; HRVT2: ICC = .97), comparable to ventilatory and lactate methods. HRVT1 showed the strongest agreement with LA 2.5 in PO (p = 0.09, r = .93, ICC = .93, bias = 9.9 ± 21.1), while HRVT2 reported it with VT2 in PO (p = 0.367, r = .92, ICC = .92, bias = 5.3 ± 21.9). DFA a1 method using 0.75 and 0.5 values is reliable and valid to determine HRV thresholds in this population, especially in PO values.

Age does not influence the physical performance of football players with cerebral palsy

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:18:13 GMT

Título : Age does not influence the physical performance of football players with cerebral palsy Autor : Peña-González, Iván; Henríquez, Matías; Sarabia, José Manuel; Moya-Ramón, Manuel Resumen : The aims of this study were to compare the physical performance profile of football players with cerebral palsy (CP), according to their age, consider the sport class (FT1, FT2, and FT3), and analyse the relationship between their age and their physical performance. The physical performance of seventy-five CP football players from the Spanish CP Football National Competition was assessed. A one-way analysis of variance did not reveal physical performance differences between CP football players classified into four age-groups (< 20; 20—29.9; 30—34.9; > 35vyears). The Pearson’s correlation analysis did not show a correlation between players’ physical performance and their age, except for dribbling ability in the overall sample (r = 0.25; P = 0.037). The linear regression analysis showed that the age only predicted the dribbling ability ( = 0.25; P < 0.05) but with low explained variance (R2 = 0.06). The main finding of the present study reveals no systematic differences in physical performance between CP football players according to their age.; Les objectifs de cette étude étaient (1) de comparer le profil de performance phy-sique des joueurs de football porteurs d’une infirmité motrice cérébrale (IMC), en fonction deleur âge, et en considérant la classe sportive (FT1, FT2 et FT3), et (2) d’analyser la relationentre leur âge et leur performance physique. Les performances physiques de soixante-quinzejoueurs de football avec IMC participant à la compétition nationale espagnole de football ontété évaluées. Une analyse unidirectionnelle de la variance n’a pas révélé de différences deperformances physiques entre les joueurs de football IMC classés en quatre catégories d’âge(< 20 ; 20—29,9 ; 30—34,9 ; > 35 ans). L’analyse de corrélation de Pearson n’a pas montré decorrélation entre les performances physiques des joueurs et leur âge, à l’exception de la capa-cité de dribble dans l’échantillon global (r = 0,25 ; p = 0,037). L’analyse de régression linéairea montré que l’âge ne prédisait que la capacité de dribbler ( = 0,25 ; p < 0,05) mais avec unefaible variance expliquée (R2 = 0,06). Le principal message de cette étude est que pour lestranches d’âge considérées, il n’existe aucun effet détectable de l’âge sur les performancesphysiques des joueurs de football IMC.

Exploring the Impact of Web-Based vs. In-Person Exercise Training on Benefits and Adherence in Substance Use Disorder Interventions: A Pilot Study

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:17:46 GMT

Título : Exploring the Impact of Web-Based vs. In-Person Exercise Training on Benefits and Adherence in Substance Use Disorder Interventions: A Pilot Study Autor : Montón-Martínez, Roberto; Ballester-Ferrer, Juan Arturo; Baladzhaeva, Sabina; Sempere-Ruiz, Noemí; Casanova-Lizón, Antonio; Roldan, Alba; Pastor, Diego; Sarabia, José Manuel; Javaloyes, Alejandro; Peña-González, Iván; Moya-Ramón, Manuel Resumen : Background: Substance use disorders pose unique challenges, affecting individuals physiologically and socially. This study addresses the fundamental question of how adherence to exercise programs impacts those with substance use disorders, examining both in-person and online interventions. Methods: A 12-week analysis involving 26 participants assessed physical fitness, strength, and quality of life. Participants were categorized into in-person and online exercise groups, with their adherence tracked through attendance and a dedicated app. Results: The in-person group exhibited higher adherence rates and significant improvements, in contrast to the challenges encountered by the online groups, particularly in substance use disorder cohorts. Statistical analyses highlighted these differences, emphasizing the pivotal role of the exercise program delivery format. Conclusions: This research advocates for hybrid models, blending professional supervision with online flexibility, recognizing the distinct challenges of substance use disorders. Insights from this study will contribute to shaping more effective, personalized interventions in the complex landscape of substance use disorders, offering guidance for advancing treatment strategies.

Is the Verification Phase a Suitable Criterion for the Determination of Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction? A Validation Study

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:50:15 GMT

Título : Is the Verification Phase a Suitable Criterion for the Determination of Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction? A Validation Study Autor : Manresa-Rocamora, Agustín; Fuertes-Kenneally, Laura; Blasco-Peris, Carles; Sempere-Ruiz, Noemí; Sarabia-Marín, José Manuel; Climent-Paya, Vicente Resumen : The verification phase (VP) has been proposed as an alternative to the traditional criteria used for the determination of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in several populations. Nonetheless, its validity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse whether the VP is a safe and suitable method to determine the VO2 max in patients with HFrEF. Adult male and female patients with HFrEF performed a ramp-incremental phase (IP), followed by a submaximal constant VP (i.e., 95% of the maximal workload during the IP) on a cycle ergometer. A 5-min active recovery period (i.e., 10 W) was performed between the two exercise phases. Group (i.e., median values) and individual comparisons were performed. VO2 max was confirmed when there was a difference of 3% in peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) values between the two exercise phases. Twenty-one patients (13 males) were finally included. There were no adverse events during the VP. Group comparisons showed no differences in the absolute and relative VO2 peak values between both exercise phases (p = 0.557 and p = 0.400, respectively). The results did not change when only male or female patients were included. In contrast, individual comparisons showed that the VO2 max was confirmed in 11 patients (52.4%) and not confirmed in 10 (47.6%). The submaximal VP is a safe and suitable method for the determination of the VO2 max in patients with HFrEF. In addition, an individual approach should be used because group comparisons could mask individual differences.

Somatotype Analysis of International Football Players with Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison with Non-Disabled Football Players

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:38:27 GMT

Título : Somatotype Analysis of International Football Players with Cerebral Palsy: A Comparison with Non-Disabled Football Players Autor : Doménech, Carmen; Roche, Enrique; Reina, Raul; Sarabia, José Manuel Resumen : Football for people with cerebral palsy is a para-sport involving ambulant athletes with impairments, such as hypertonia, ataxia, or athetosis. The objective of the present study was to describe the somatotype of a representative sample of international football players according to different functional profiles of cerebral palsy, including spastic diparesis, athetosis/ataxia, spastic hemiparesis, and minimum impairment criteria, and to compare it with non-disabled football players. A total of 144 international para-footballers and 39 non-disabled footballers participated in the study, and their somatotype was calculated using anthropometric measurements. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the groups to determine and assess the differences between the different functional profiles, and the analysis of anthropometric variables and body composition showed no differences. Regarding somatotype, a predominance of the mesomorphic component was observed in all subgroups, and differences in somatotype were also found between non-disabled footballers and para-footballers with spastic hemiparesis and minimum impairment criteria. This study suggests that there may be a degree of homogeneity in terms of somatotype among footballers with or without physical impairments, such as hypertonia, athetosis, or ataxia. Furthermore, it provides reference values of international-level para-football players for the different sport classes, which can help coaches and trainers monitor athletes’ physical conditions.

International football players with cerebral palsy maintained their physical fitness after a self-training program during the COVID-19 lockdown

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:20:54 GMT

Título : International football players with cerebral palsy maintained their physical fitness after a self-training program during the COVID-19 lockdown Autor : Peña-González, Iván; Sarabia-Marín, José Manuel; Manresa-Rocamora, Agustín; Moya-Ramón, Manuel Resumen : Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic caused a complete stop in sport participation which meant a detraining period for athletes. High-level athletes had to train at home guided by their coaches and conditioning trainers in an effort to maintain their physical fitness. The aim of maintaining the training adaptations and physical fitness during the COVID-19 mandatory lockdown was especially important for CP athletes, in which the detraining period was expected to cause early declines in motor function, poor coordination and muscle weakness due to their disability. Methods: The present study assessed the effect of a guided self-training program on international CP football players’ physical fitness during the COVID-19 mandatory lockdown. Fifteen CP football players from the Spanish National Team participated in the study. An experimental design with a pre- (T1) and a post-intervention (T2) assessment was carried out, with a 12-week period of players’ self-training (divided in two periods of 6 weeks) which combined strength and endurance training. Physical performance assessment consisted in the free countermovement jump (CMJ), 5, 10 and 20-m sprint, the modified agility T-test (MAT) and a dribbling test. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for between-group comparisons, while the Student’s paired t test or the Fisher Pitman permutation test, based on the normality of the data, were used for within-group comparisons. Results: The results showed no differences between sport classes (FT1, FT2 and FT3) in physical fitness change after the training program (Chi2 = 0.16 to 1.73; p = 0.42 to 0.92). Within-group comparisons showed an increase of jump height in the CMJ (4.19 cm [2.46, 5.93]; p < 0.001) and a maintenance of the 5, 10 and 20-m sprint, MAT and dribbling ability (<0.01 to 0.09 s; p = 0.19 to 0.97). Discussion: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examined the physical fitness adaptations to a training program with CP football players. The results show that a 12-week guided self-training program without football-specific stimulus may be effective to maintain or even improve the specific physical performance of international CP football players during a non-competitive period (as the COVID-19 lockdown). This study reveals that CP football players are able to show adaptations to the strength and endurance training and this could be the basis for future research regarding training adaptations in CP football players.

Young soccer players aggrupation for conditioning trainings according to players’ maturation and physical performance: A practical example

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:20:40 GMT

Título : Young soccer players aggrupation for conditioning trainings according to players’ maturation and physical performance: A practical example Autor : Peña González, Iván; Sarabia Marín, José Manuel; Moya-Ramón, Manuel Resumen : Under the current structure of soccer, young players are organized according to their chronological age, which may create physical differences between them within a same age-group. These differences influence the player talent identification and selection process and the strength and conditioning development as they give an advantage to those players who are more advanced in their maturation. The present study provides an example carried out by a Spanish soccer academy which reorganized their players according to their maturity status and their physical condition with the aim of comparing conditioning levels and development in a more homogeneous context. The measurements, the player data analysis that was performed and the examples of players who were assigned to other teams according to this grouping model are shown. Final strength and conditioning training recommendations are provided from the scientific literature regarding the specific adaptations throughout the maturation process.; Bajo la estructura actual del fútbol, los jóvenes jugadores son organizados de acuerdo con su edad cronológica, lo que puede crear diferencias físicas y madurativas entre ellos dentro de un mismo grupo de edad. Esas diferencias influyen en el proceso de identificación y selección de talentos y en el desarrollo de la fuerza y el acondicionamiento físico dado que los jugadores que están más avanzados en su proceso madurativo suelen tener una ventaja física. Este estudio proporciona un ejemplo llevado a cabo en un club de fútbol español el cual reorganizó a sus jugadores en función de su estado madurativo y su condición física con el objetivo de comparar su nivel de acondicionamiento y su desarrollo en un contexto madurativo más homogéneo. En el trabajo se muestran las medidas, los análisis realizados a los jugadores y ejemplos de jugadores que fueron asignados a otros equipos de acuerdo con este modelo de agrupación. Finalmente se muestran recomendaciones para el entrenamiento de fuerza y el acondicionamiento de acuerdo con la literatura científica relacionada con adaptaciones específicas a lo largo del proceso madurativo.

Effect of exercise in the recovery process after the inflammation process caused by coronavirus

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:20:17 GMT

Título : Effect of exercise in the recovery process after the inflammation process caused by coronavirus Autor : Córdova-Martínez, Alfredo; Pérez-Valdecantos, Daniel; Caballero-García, Alberto; Sarabia-Marín, José Manuel; Roche, Enrique Resumen : Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 - COVID-19) disease causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. During infection, activation of macrophages and pro-inflammatory granulocytes produces cell damage, inducing lung inflammation that leads to the characteristic symptoms of fever, cough, fibrosis, and high increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In general, during the inflammatory process and infection by coronavirus, cytokines are elevated, particularly IL-1, 6 and 12, TNF-α, and TGF-β. In addition, patients with complications and lethal prognosis present increased serum levels of IF-I and γ compared to healthy individuals or patients with moderate symptoms. On the other hand, it is known that physical activity favours an adaptation of the immune system function. In this context, we suggest that appropriate exercise programs could improve recovery of people who have suffered from COVID-19 disease, improving the quality of life and reinforcing the protection against future infections. The immunomodulatory properties of exercise and physical activity could act as prevention tools for different chronic diseases in healthy individuals and complement therapeutic tools in sick patients. Nevertheless, exercise must be adequate both in time and intensity, taking into account the patient's clinical situation as well as their previous physical activity.

Evaluating a New Optical Device for Velocity-Based Training: Validity and Reliability of the PowerTrackTM Sensor

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:38:20 GMT

Título : Evaluating a New Optical Device for Velocity-Based Training: Validity and Reliability of the PowerTrackTM Sensor Autor : Martín Rivera, Fernando; Rodrigo Mallorca, Darío; Franco Grau, Luis María; Vidal Vidal, Jose Vicente Cayetano; Sáez Berlanga, Ángel; Chulvi Medrano, Iván Resumen : Abstract Background: Velocity-based training (VBT) requires precise measurement devices to monitor neuromuscular performance. PowerTrackTM is a novel optoelectronic device designed to assess movement velocity in resistance training. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of PowerTrackTM during the Smith machine back squat. Methods: Twenty experienced-trained men performed three repetitions at three submaximal loads (20, 50, and 70 kg) across two sessions. Velocity metrics—mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and maximum velocity (Vmax)—were simultaneously recorded by PowerTrackTM and the criterion device (MuscleLabTM). Validity was assessed via ordinary least products (OLP) regression, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman plots. Reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Results: PowerTrack showed high agreement with MuscleLabTM for MPV and Vmax (slope ≈ 1.00; CCC = 0.95–0.97), while MV presented a proportional bias (slope = 0.83). ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.91 across loads, and SEM remained <0.09 m/s for all metrics, indicating excellent relative reliability and acceptable absolute precision. Conclusion: Despite a slight underestimation of MV at light loads, PowerTrackTM proved to be a valid and reliable device for velocity monitoring in VBT contexts.