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Monitoring of physical activity levels of guide dog owners – a preliminary study

2020-02-11T11:04:30Z

Title: Monitoring of physical activity levels of guide dog owners – a preliminary study Authors: Laranjo, Luis; Sousa, Nelson; Marmeleira, José Abstract: Despite the well-documented benefits of regular physical activity, people with disabilities are often challenged with too many barriers that discourage an active lifestyle. This is particularly evident among people with visual impairments (VI). Previous studies have shown that adults with VI are significantly less active than the general population, and do not meet the physical activity recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, most study samples are based on participants using a white cane. Owning a guide dog is often described as a factor for increased mobility and has the potential to increase physical activity. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to objectively assess the physical activity of adults with VI assisted by a guide dog.

Physical activity and functional fitness in older adults with cognitive impairment

2018-03-01T16:54:27Z

Title: Physical activity and functional fitness in older adults with cognitive impairment Authors: Ferreira, Soraia; Marmeleira, José Abstract: The aging process leads to inevitable life changes, and is characterized by a progressive loss of psychological and physiological functions (Daroff & Aminoff, 2003; Spirduso, 2005). Cognitive impairment is very common in the elderly, (Daroff & Aminoff, 2003) and ranges from mild to severe (e.g., mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease). Unfortunately, the information available about the physical activity and sedentary behavior of people with cognitive impairment is scarce. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine physical activity levels and functional fitness of older adults with cognitive impairment.

Effects of a multimodal exercise program on cognitive functioning and physical fitness of nursing home residents

2018-03-01T16:45:32Z

Title: Effects of a multimodal exercise program on cognitive functioning and physical fitness of nursing home residents Authors: Galhardas, Luis; Raimundo, Armando; Marmeleira, José Abstract: Physical activity is an important strategy to promote successful aging, being associated with several health benefits and a reduction in risk of all-cause mortality. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the study of the effects of multimodal exercise in the functional capacity of older adults (e.g., Vaughan et al., 2014), but the investigation is still scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a multimodal exercise program on cognitive functioning and physical fitness of nursing home residents.

Associations of body image with internalizing symptoms and bullying in adolescents.

2018-03-01T12:38:34Z

Title: Associations of body image with internalizing symptoms and bullying in adolescents. Authors: Marmeleira, José; Palma, Daniela; Veiga, Guida Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the association between adolescents' body image and internalizing symptoms and bullying. Forty-four portuguese adolescents (19 boys and 25 girls, aged 12-16 years old) completed the Collins’ Child Figure Drawings, the Preoccupation with Body Appearance questionnaire, the Children’s Depression Inventory, the Preoccupation/Rumination questionnaire, the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, the Self-report Behaviors during Bullying Episodes and the Florence Cyberbullying-Cybervictimization Scales. Higher preoccupation with body appearance was moderately associated (p<.05) with higher negative humor, negative selfesteem, preoccupation/rumination, fear of social negative evaluation, and victimization during bullying episodes. Higher dissatisfaction with body image (assessed by Collins’ Child Figure Drawings) was moderately associated (p<.05) with higher interpersonal problems, victimization during bullying episodes and cyberbullying victimization. These findings suggest that negative self-evaluation of body image may have major implications for adolescents' psychological wellbeing, and that it is important to determine whether there is a causal relationship.