Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca

@utad.pt

Departamento de Ciências do Desporto, Exercício e Saúde - UTAD
universidade de trás-os-montes e alto douro

Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca


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https://researchid.co/23frk49

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Health (social science), Nutrition and Dietetics, Education, Multidisciplinary
23

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Cardiovascular Response to Exercise with and Without Alcohol Consumption: Evidence of an Interaction Between Distance Covered and Perceived Exertion
    Thiago Ferreira de Sousa, Aline de Jesus Santos, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca
    Nutrients, 2026
    Background: Acute alcohol consumption may interfere with the dynamics between internal and external load during exercise, potentially attenuating cardiovascular responses. Objective: This study investigated the association between distance covered during a running test and mean heart rate, while examining the moderating role of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) under conditions with and without acute alcohol ingestion. Methods: This crossover experimental study included 12 physically active male university students (23.7 ± 3.7 years). Participants completed two intermittent running sessions (control and alcohol conditions), separated by ≥48 h. In the alcohol condition, participants consumed 0.4 g of ethanol/kg of body mass. Heart rate was continuously monitored using a Polar RCX5 monitor, and total distance covered and RPE (Borg 6–20 scale) were assessed immediately after test completion. Analyses included paired comparisons, Pearson correlations, and linear regression models with interaction terms. Results: No significant associations between variables were observed in the control condition. With alcohol consumption, distance covered was positively associated with mean heart rate, and RPE significantly moderated this relationship. Conclusions: Acute alcohol ingestion may modify the interaction between external load, perceived exertion, and cardiovascular response during running. These results highlight the importance of integrated monitoring of internal and external load, especially in contexts involving recent alcohol consumption.
  • Predictive Factors of Mental Health in Athletes from the Paralympic Preparation Program During Social Isolation: The Role of Sleep, Competitive Status, and Motivation
    Eduarda Coelho, Carla Lourenço, Antonino Pereira, Maria Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal, Sandra Fonseca
    Sports, 2026
    Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for elite athletes, disrupting training routines and affecting mental health. This study examined the impact of social isolation on training, sleep, motivation, and psychological well-being among Portuguese Paralympic athletes. Methods: Forty-five athletes (31.36 ± 10.81 years) from the Paralympic Preparation Program participated, divided into the Paralympic Preparation Project (PPP; n = 21) and the Paralympic Hopes and Talents Project (PHTP; n = 24). Training routines before and during social isolation were compared. Sleep duration, training motivation, and mental health were assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5). The analysis employed paired and independent t-tests and a multiple linear regression (Enter method) to examine predictors of mental health. Results: Daily training duration declined by 34.3% (p < 0.001), though weekly frequency remained stable (p = 0.061). PPP athletes reported higher mental health scores than PHTP athletes (66.24 vs. 60.37; p = 0.048). The regression model explained 42.8% of the variance in mental health (R2 = 0.428). Sleep duration was positively associated with mental health and showed the highest standardized coefficient in the regression (β = 0.351; p = 0.008), followed by PPP status (β = 0.315; p = 0.024) and motivation (β = 0.278; p = 0.041). Conclusions: Maintaining biological routines, particularly sleep and motivation, supports mental health under social isolation. Higher well-being among PPP athletes underscores the need for targeted interventions for less experienced athletes. Sports organizations should prioritize sleep hygiene and psychological support to mitigate vulnerability during crises.
  • Benefits of a therapeutic garden on the health and well-being of patients with mental illness: A case study
    do Nascimento Silva, Sofia Preciosa, Fernandes Fonseca, Sandra Celina, de Almeida Pereira, Antonino Manuel, Carneiro Afonso Varajidás, Carla Sandra, Rocha Teles De Castro Coelho, Eduarda Maria
    Motricidade, 2025
    O estudo investiga os benefícios de um jardim terapêutico na saúde e bem-estar de pacientes com doença mental num hospital de dia. A investigação foi conduzida entre março de 2019 e junho de 2020, tendo sido desenvolvida em três fases distintas, a construção e intervenção no jardim terapêutico, e a preparação e aplicação de entrevistas a profissionais de saúde. Quinzeutentes, diagnosticados com esquizofrenia, depressão profunda e perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva, frequentaram o jardim regularmente. Os resultados demonstram múltiplos benefícios terapêuticos, incluindo: aumento da responsabilidade e cumprimento de regras, melhoria da socialização, redução do stress e ansiedade, facilitação da expressão emocional, estimulação sensorial e física, redução do consumo de tabaco e diminuição dos reinternamentos psiquiátricos. O jardim promoveu o relaxamento e o desenvolvimento de rotinas mais estruturadas, contribuindo para a reabilitação dos utentes. A investigação reforça a eficácia dos jardins terapêuticos como abordagem complementar no tratamento da doença mental, destacando o seu impacto positivo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes.
  • Analysis of the dietary supplement consumption profile in Brazilian athletes subjected to doping control between 2015 and 2022
    Rodrigues, André Valentim Siqueira, Pereira, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto, Labanca, Bruna de Jesus, Oliveira, Felipe Alves Gomes de, Fonseca, Sandra Celina Fernandes, et al.
    Motricidade, 2025
    The consumption of dietary supplements (DS) has increased considerably, and despite the potential performance benefits, the occurrence of contaminated DS exposes athletes to risks in doping controls. This study aimed to analyse DS consumption among Brazilian athletes from the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, considering gender, the consumption period (in or out of competition), and the number of supplements reported as consumed from 2015 to 2022. To this end, all Doping Control Forms within the aforementioned period were reviewed. DS consumption had a prevalence of 71.54%, with a result of 4.47± 3.35 (mean±SD) among these athletes. Women reported higher usage than men. The number of DS consumed was higher in the Olympic years. Additionally, while out-of-competition consumption was less prevalent, it involved a greater number of DS. Excessive DS consumption was evident, with 7.68% reporting the use of more than 10 DS (among those athletes who use at least one DS). No significant differences were observed between Olympic and Paralympic athletes. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational strategies to promote the responsible use of DS, reduce doping risks, and encourage further research to explore gender-specific consumption patterns and variations across competition periods.
  • Brazilian footballers and the self-report of medicine intake: The show must go on
    Rodrigues, André Valentim Siqueira, Pôças, Elisa Suzana Carneiro, Pereira, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto, Labanca, Bruna de Jesus, Oliveira, Felipe Alves Gomes de, et al.
    Motricidade, 2025
    Athletes, especially footballers, frequently use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications. However, limited research on prolonged usage exists, particularly among Brazilian athletes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of NSAIDs and analgesics in Brazilian footballers, comparing their use with that of athletes from Olympic and Paralympic sports, considering sex, competition period (in or out-of-competition), and sport type (contact or non-contact). An observational study analyzed 8,997 Doping Control Forms from 2021 and 2022, managed by the Brazilian National Anti-Doping Organization. Data such as sport, sex, collection period, and self-reported medication use in the preceding week were extracted. Medications were categorized into five groups: no medication, non-selective NSAIDs, selective NSAIDs (Cox-2), analgesics/myorelaxants, and paracetamol/dipyrone. χ2 tests compared athlete groups, medication use, sex, sport, and test period at a 95% significance level. Results showed higher NSAID usage among footballers compared to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and athletes in contact and non-contact sports. In-competition periods were a significant factor, with footballers showing increased NSAID use compared to other athletes.
  • Physical activity practice and negative self-rated health among university students during COVID-19
    Juliana de Souza Soares, Thiago Ferreira de Sousa, Maria Isabel Martins Mourão-Carvalhal, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca
    Mundo Da Saude, 2025
    During the pandemic, significant changes in university students’ routines affected their lifestyle and health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of negative self-rated health (NSRH) among university students and to analyze its association with moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (MPA) and muscle-strengthening physical activity (MSPA) during the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,150 students from Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, with a mean age of 31.43 years (SD: 11.07), of whom 63.8% were women. Self-rated health was assessed through a single question, with “fair,” “poor,” and “very poor” considered negative responses. MPA and MSPA practices were assessed using the PERMEV instrument between August 2021 and April 2022. Descriptive analyses and binary logistic regression were performed to estimate associations, with calculation of Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), in both crude and adjusted analyses. The significance level adopted was 5%. The prevalence of NSRH was 38.6%, higher among women (42%) than men (32.5%). Increased MSPA was associated with lower odds of NSRH in both sexes, while maintaining MSPA showed an additional protective effect among men. There was a significant relationship between MSPA and NSRH in both sexes during the pandemic, suggesting that MSPA may reduce negative impacts on health perception during prolonged crisis periods, highlighting the importance of strategies to encourage this type of exercise in situations of physical and social distancing.
  • Physical activity practice and negative self-rated health among university students during COVID-19
    Juliana de Souza Soares, Thiago Ferreira de Sousa, Maria Isabel Martins Mourão-Carvalhal, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca
    Mundo Da Saude, 2025
    Na pandemia, mudanças significativas na rotina de universitários impactaram seu estilo de vida e sua saúde. Os objetivos do estudo foram determinar a prevalência de autoavaliação negativa de saúde (AANS) entre universitários e analisar sua associação com a prática de atividade física aeróbica de intensidade moderada (PAFM) e de fortalecimento muscular (PAFF) durante a pandemia. Estudo transversal com 1.150 estudantes da Universidade Estácio de Sá, Rio de Janeiro, com idade média de 31,43 anos (DP: 11,07), sendo 63,8% mulheres. A autoavaliação da saúde foi mensurada por uma pergunta, considerando como respostas negativas “regular”, “ruim” e “muito ruim”. As práticas de PAFM e PAFF foram coletadas pelo instrumento PERMEV, entre agosto de 2021 e abril de 2022. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e regressão logística binária para estimar associações, com cálculo do Odds Ratio (OR) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%), em análises brutas e ajustadas. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. A prevalência de AANS foi de 38,6%, sendo maior entre mulheres (42%) do que entre homens (32,5%). O aumento da PAFF associou-se a menores chances de AANS em ambos os sexos, enquanto a manutenção da PAFF mostrou impacto protetor adicional nos homens. Houve uma relação importante entre a PAFF e a AANS em ambos os sexos durante a pandemia, sugerindo que a PAFF pode reduzir os impactos negativos sobre a percepção de saúde em períodos de crise prolongada, tornando importantes estratégias de incentivo à prática desta modalidade de exercícios em situações de distanciamento físico e social.
  • Factors associated with changes in physical activity practices among Brazilian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Soares, Juliana, Ferreira Sousa, Thiago, Martins Mourão-Carvalhal, Maria Isabel, Celina Fernandes Fonseca, Sandra
    Motricidade, 2025
    O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar fatores sociodemográficos, de vínculo universitário e de estilo de vida associados às mudanças na prática de atividade física durante a pandemia da COVID-19 em universitários brasileiros. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 1.151 universitários da Universidade Estácio de Sá, Brasil. Fatores relacionados à variável dependente “prática de atividade física moderada” foram analisados via Odds Ratio e intervalo de confiança a 95% por regressão logística multinomial. 35,5% dos universitários relataram aumento da prática e 25,7% relataram redução. Houve maiores chances de redução entre homens, estudantes diurnos, menos estressados para sair de casa e que monitoravam a pressão arterial. Estudantes cursando até três disciplinas tiveram menos chances de redução. Aumentos na prática foram influenciados pelo sexo masculino, residência na capital, cursos na área da Saúde, estudo diurno, redução do comportamento sedentário e monitoramento da pressão arterial. Menor chance de aumento ocorreu em estudantes que mantiveram ou aumentaram o distanciamento físico em ambientes abertos. Fatores sociodemográficos, de vínculo universitário e comportamentos relacionados à saúde se associaram à redução e ao aumento na prática de atividade física.
  • Negative self-rated health, physical activity and sitting time in Brazilian adolescents: moderating effects of sociodemographic and behavioural aspects
    de Sousa, Thiago Ferreira, dos Santos Silva, Emanuele, Pereira, Karine Moraes, Fonseca, Sandra Celina Fernandes, Fonseca, Silvio Aparecido
    Motricidade, 2025
    A atividade física insuficiente e o comportamento sedentário podem repercutir nos níveis de saúde percebidos, que representa um importante marcador da ocorrência de morbidades e mortalidade precoce. Objetivou-se estimar a prevalência e as associações diretas, bem como a consideração de possíveis efeitos moderadores das características sociodemográficas e comportamentais, entre atividade física e tempo sentado com a autoavaliação negativa de saúde, de acordo com o gênero, em adolescentes brasileiros. Este é um estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar (PeNSE) de 2019. O desfecho foi a autoavaliação negativa de saúde. As variáveis independentes foram a atividade física e o tempo sentado. A medida de associação empregada foram as Razões de Prevalências (RP), complementadas pelos valores de intervalo de confiança a 95% (IC95%). As prevalências de autoavaliação negativa da saúde foram de 2,8 (IC95% 2,4–3,3) e 5,8% (IC95% 5,1–6,5) entre rapazes e moças, respectivamente. As prevalências de autoavaliação negativa de saúde nas adolescentes brasileiras foram 1,5 vezes maiores para aquelas com elevado tempo sentado. Adolescentes do sexo masculino mais jovens com tempo sentado ≥ 3 horas/dia, apresentaram prevalências 2,64 (IC95% 1,38–5,05) vezes maiores de autoavaliação negativa de saúde. Conclui-se que moças foram mais propensas a autoavaliação negativa de saúde. Nos rapazes, a idade influenciou a associação do comportamento sedentário com o nível de saúde percebida.
  • Impact of Physical Exercise on Quality of Life, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study
    Eduarda Maria Rocha Teles de Castro Coelho, Helena Isabel Azevedo Mendes, Carla Afonso Varajidás, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca
    Onco, 2024
    Controlled study designs usually report that physical exercise improves the health of women living with breast cancer. However, many of these women are not sufficiently active to experience the benefits of exercise. The main objective was to analyze the effect of a physical exercise program on quality of life, self-esteem, and depression in breast cancer survivors. Thirteen participants (46.54 ± 6.31 years old) completed the exercise intervention. Three patient-reported questionnaires were used: Supplementary Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (QLQ-BR23), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). All participants had significantly improved self-esteem (p = 0.004). Although there were no statistically significant changes in depression, there was a notable decrease in scores (6.39 ± 4.75 vs. 5.00 ± 4.75; p = 0.080). Regarding quality of life, significant improvements were observed in “future perspectives” (p = 0.047) and “arm symptoms” (p = 0.015). No significant changes were noted in the other variables. Our results suggest that physical exercise is an effective strategy that positively affects breast cancer survivors’ quality of life and self-esteem. The results reinforce the need for community-based exercise programs for breast cancer survivors. Healthcare professionals should promote physical exercise to improve health outcomes before, during, and after treatment.
  • Enhancing Elderly Nutrition: A Qualitative Evaluation of Menus in a Social Solidarity Institution in the North of Portugal
    Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca, Suzanne Carvalho Barroso, Maria Cristina Teixeira Santos
    Nutrients, 2024
  • Nutritional risk assessment in institutionalized elderly in a Private Social Solidarity Institution, in Vila Real, Portugal
    Sandra FONSECA, Suzanne CARVALHO, Claudia AFONSO, María Cristina TEIXEIRA SANTOS
    Nutricion Clinica Y Dietetica Hospitalaria, 2022
  • What are the characteristics that influence the sitting time in university students?
    Thiago Ferreira de Sousa, Ferdinando Oliveira Carvalho, Emanuele dos Santos Silva, Fernanda Carneiro Mussi, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca, Danielle Cristina Guimarães da Silva, Adna Luciana de Souza, Gerleison Ribeiro Barros, Silvio Aparecido Fonseca
    Revista Brasileira De Cineantropometria E Desempenho Humano, 2022
  • Prevalence and risk factors associated with physical inactivity among university students from Ceará, Brazil
    Sandra Fonseca, Michelle Ponte, Eduarda Coelho, João Da Fonseca, Isabel Mourão-Carvalhal
    Nutricion Clinica Y Dietetica Hospitalaria, 2021
  • Mothers’ and fathers’ learning needs during pregnancy
    Anabela Figueiredo, Sandra Fonseca, Alexandrina Cardoso
    Revista De Enfermagem Referencia, 2021
  • Exercise with music: An innovative approach to increase cognition and reduce depression in institutionalized elderly
    Revista De Psicologia Del Deporte, 2020
  • Oxidative stress function in women over 40 years of age, considering their lifestyle
    Maria Paula Gonçalves Mota, Zirlene Santos, Jorge Soares, Ana Pereira, Sandra Fonseca, Francisco Peixoto, Isabel Gaivão, Maria Oliveira
    Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2017
  • Factors associated with body image dissatisfaction in Portuguese adolescents: Obesity, sports activity and TV watching
    Eduarda Maria Rocha Teles de Castro Coelho, Sandra Celina Fernandes Fonseca, Graça Sofia Monteiro Pinto, Maria Isabel Martins Mourão-Carvalhal
    Motricidade, 2016
  • How can age and lifestyle variables affect DNA damage, repair capacity and endogenous biomarkers of oxidative stress?
    Jorge Pinto Soares, Amélia Maria Silva, Sandra Fonseca, Maria Manuel Oliveira, Francisco Peixoto, Isabel Gaivão, Maria Paula Mota
    Experimental Gerontology, 2015
  • Hematological and biochemical markers after a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in world-class athletes
    Felipe Brandão, Helder Miguel Fernandes, José Vilaça Alves, Sandra Fonseca, Victor Machado Reis
    Revista Brasileira De Cineantropometria E Desempenho Humano, 2014
  • 42 – Obesity related to free time activities in Portuguese children
    M. Duncan, Luke James, Layla Griffiths, K. Anyfandakis, G. Dali, E. Kousta, M. Dolianiti, G. Tsagaraki, H. Kallergis, A. Koulieri, A. Tsitsika, A. Papathanasiou
    Public Health Nutrition, 2012
  • 80 – Body dissatisfaction in Portuguese adolescents: Gender and obesity prevalence
    Eduarda Coelho, Leandro Oliveira, Sandra Fonseca, Isabel Mourão
    Public Health Nutrition, 2012
  • ELSa interventional portuguese health program to promote physical activity
    Maria Isabel Martins Mourão Carvalhal, Sandra Fonseca, Eduarda Maria Rocha Teles de Castro Coelho
    International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 2011