The ongoing topic of attitudes toward inclusion of students with disabilities in Physical Education (PE) classes emphases the role of schools as a primary place where attitudes toward disabilities can be changed. The effect of an awareness program on students' attitudes toward the inclusion of peers with disabilities in PE was examined, as well as variables such as sex, age, previous contact with disability, and competitiveness. The participants were 509 students (235 girls, 274 boys; M age = 13.3 yr., SD = 1.1, range = 11-16), who attended middle and high Portuguese schools. The awareness intervention comprised a one-week program (2 PE classes, 90 min. and 45 min.). Attitudes were assessed before and after the intervention. The awareness program appeared to have a positive influence on changing students' attitudes toward inclusion in PE.

To truly understand physical educators' concerns about inclusion their voices must be heard, but little research has been done in Portugal. For this reason, a semi-structured interview in a focus group was held with young physical educators aiming to identify the perceptions and challenges with respect to inclusion in their physical education (PE) classes. Findings of the present research suggest that these PE teachers advocated for inclusion and pointed out advantages for students with and without disabilities, although they raised some challenges that could be an obstacle to eff ectiveness, including the lack of specifi c training and experience in inclusive PE and type and severity of the student's impairment. These results emphasize the need for specifi c preparation of Portuguese PE teachers in inclusive PE not only during the university curricula but also during their professional careers.

The main purpose of the present research is to test the validity and reliability of the revised version of the Children's Attitudes towards Integrated Physical Education-revised-CAIPE-R (Block, 1995), using a Portuguese sample. Participants were 683 middle school students without disabilities (n=316 females and n=367 males, between 11 and 16 years, mean age 13.31 ± 1.10). The CAIPE-R measures students 'attitudes toward including students with a disability in general physical education (GPE). The estimation of reliability was ascertained using the coefficient alpha for the two subscales and was reported at 0.72 and 0.48 respectively. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a slightly different factorial organization with a small number of cross loadings. The internal consistency and the validity of the CAIPE-R have been adequately tested, replying the original structure presented by Block (1995). Results points out that the Portuguese version of the CAIPE-R is a valid and reliable instrument to assess attitudes of students without disabilities toward including peers with disabilities in their GPE classes, providing significant interest and adequacy for the use of CAIPE-R in future researches.

Physical activity (PA) in elders has been shown to have positive effects on a plethora of chronic diseases and to improve immunity, mental health, and cognition. Chronic stress has also been shown to have immuno-suppressive effects and to accelerate immunosenescence. Exercise could be a significant factor in ameliorating the deleterious effects of chronic stress, but variables such as the type, intensity, and frequency of exercise that should be performed in order to effectively reduce the stress burden need to be defined clearly. PRO-HMECSI will allow us to investigate which hormonal and immunological parameters are able to mediate the effects of exercise on mucosal immunity, psychological/biological stress, and cognitive functioning in older people. Phase I consists of an observational cross-sectional study that compares elders groups (n = 223, >65 years) by functional fitness levels aiming to identify biomarkers involved in maintaining immune and mental health. Neuroendocrine and immune biomarkers of stress, psychological well-being related to mental health, neurocognitive function, functional fitness, and daily PA will be evaluated. Phase II consists of a 28-week intervention in elders with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) profile (n = 149, >65 years, divided in three groups of exercise and one control group), aiming to investigate whether the positive effect of three different types of chair-based exercise programs on physical and psychological health is mediated by an optimal endocrine environment. Primary outcomes are measures of cognitive function and global health. Secondary outcomes include the evaluation the other dimensions such as immune function, psychological health, and depression. Few studies addressed the effects of different types of exercise interventions in older population samples with MCI. We will also be able to determine which type of exercise is more effective in the immune and hormonal function of this population.

The purpose of this article was to systematically review and organise the available literature devoted to the topic of depressive symptoms and burnout in football players. A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTdiscus, PubMed, and Psychinfo for articles published up to June 2020. The searches yielded 1589 articles, and after the screening process, a total of 18 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for review. Playing position and conflicts with coach/management seems to have a direct influence on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in current players as do the injuries and life events of former players. During the pre-competition phase, most of the athletes displayed reduced rates, indicating burnout. An exploration of the mental health of football players will help to create models of care and guide professionals so that they may help players achieve better performance while also having better wellbeing. Understanding how to prevent and cope with the emotional wellbeing of football players will be possible to guide players and coaches.