All Stories

  1. Using project management principles to plan the research and development project “Active Pregnancy”

    Article • Discover Public Health, September 2026, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  2. Tendências do Fitness em Portugal para 2026

    Article • Retos, March 2026, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  3. Immunomodulatory, inflammatory, functional and biomechanical benefits of chronic exercise in physically active vs. insufficiently active older after fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose: nine months cohort

    Article • Clinics, January 2026, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  4. Proteomic changes induced by acute exercise and high-intensity interval training during pregnancy: a pilot randomised controlled trial

    Article • Scientific Reports, November 2025, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  5. Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (“Questionário Seja Ativa durante a Gravidez”) into Portugal and Brazil Portuguese

    Article • Apunts Sports Medicine, October 2025, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  6. Tendencias iberoamericanas del fitness para 2025: un estudio comparativo regional

    Article • Retos, September 2025, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  7. Long-lasting effects of pregnancy and childbirth on physical activity in early school-age children

    Article • Scientific Reports, September 2025, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  8. From one birth to the next: how cesarean section affects maternal physical activity and health in later pregnancy—A prospective cohort study

    Article • Frontiers in Public Health, August 2025, Frontiers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  9. Impact of in-person versus online supervised multicentre multicomponent prenatal exercise programme on maternal physical activity, fitness and healthy lifestyle: the Active Pregnancy trial SPIRIT 2025-based protocol

    Article • BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, July 2025, BMJ

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  10. Changes in insulin, leptin, resistin and irisin levels and their associations with blood pressure after an 8-week supervised, online “HIIT Mama” program vs. self-performed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during pregnancy – A randomized contr...

    Article • Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, June 2025, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  11. Effects of interventions based on the transtheoretical model for increasing physical activity in elderly: systematic review

    Article • Retos, June 2025, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  12. Physical Activity and Sedentary Patterns of Pregnant Women in Southern Spain and the Relationship with Sociodemographic and Obstetric Characteristics: A Cross-Sectional Study

    Article • Healthcare, June 2025, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  13. Empowering moms: Supervised HIIT vs. self‐performed moderate intensity physical activity during pregnancy and the battle against depression and poor mental health in the postpartum period ‐ The follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial

    Article • Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being, May 2025, Wiley

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  14. Physical Activity and Sedentary Patterns of Southern European Pregnant Women and the Relationship with Sociodemographic and Obstetric Characteristics: A Cross-Sectional Study

    Article • May 2025, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  15. Exploring user profiles and preferences for mobile apps promoting active lifestyles during pregnancy and postpartum: cross-sectional study

    Article • BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, May 2025, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  16. International Delphi study of clinical and exercise professionals’ opinion of physical activity prescreening and contraindications for participating in postpartum physical activity

    Article • British Journal of Sports Medicine, March 2025, BMJ

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  17. Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Pregnancy and Postpartum Among Iranian Women: A Scoping Review

    Article • Healthcare, December 2024, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  18. High-intensity interval training is an effective exercise mode to maintain normal blood pressure during pregnancy: a randomized control trial

    Article • Scientific Reports, November 2024, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  19. Benefícios do exercício físico durante a gravidez na condição física materna – revisão sistemática

    Article • Retos, August 2024, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  20. Tendências do Fitness em Portugal para 2024

    Article • Retos, June 2024, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  21. Understanding and Involving the Perspective of Pregnant Women as Users When Designing the Framework of e-Health and Exercise Interventions during Pregnancy: Preliminary Study

    Article • Healthcare, May 2024, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  22. Development and validation of the physical exercise program “Active Mums” for postpartum recovery: application of the CReDECI-2 guidelines

    Article • BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, May 2024, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  23. Changes in Foot Biomechanics during Pregnancy and Postpartum: Scoping Review

    Article • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, May 2024, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  24. Fostering the social and physical challenges of female recreational or professional athletes in pregnancy and postpartum

    Article • BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, February 2024, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  25. Effects of the MIND&GAIT physical exercise programme on depressive symptoms in institutionalised frail older adult: A Pilot Study

    Article • Retos, February 2024, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  26. Stress is not so bad—cortisol level and psychological functioning after 8-week HIIT program during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

    Article • Frontiers in Public Health, January 2024, Frontiers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  27. Nutritional Knowledge about Maternal and Newborn Health among Physiotherapists during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Article • Nutrients, January 2024, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  28. Can Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Maternal Exercise Affect Birth and Neonatal Outcomes—A Cross Sectional Study

    Article • Nutrients, November 2023, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  29. Feasibility of a Supervised Postpartum Exercise Program and Effects on Maternal Health and Fitness Parameters—Pilot Study

    Article • Healthcare, October 2023, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  30. Feasibility of a Supervised Postpartum Exercise Program and Effects on Maternal Health and Fitness Parameters—Pilot Study

    Article • September 2023, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  31. Tendências do Fitness em Portugal para 2023

    Article • Retos, February 2023, Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica (FEADEF)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  32. The Importance Assigned by Pregnant Women to the Quality Characteristics of Fitness Instructors. A Qualitative Study

    Article • Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, January 2023, Taylor & Francis

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  33. Health and fitness trends in Southern Europe for 2023: A cross-sectional survey

    Article • AIMS Public Health, January 2023, American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  34. 2023 Fitness Trends from Around the Globe

    Article • ACSMʼs Health & Fitness Journal, January 2023, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  35. Effects of 8-Week Online, Supervised High-Intensity Interval Training on the Parameters Related to the Anaerobic Threshold, Body Weight, and Body Composition during Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    Article • Nutrients, December 2022, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  36. Individual Characteristics and Pain Sensitivity during Pregnancy—A Cross-Sectional Study in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women

    Article • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, October 2022, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  37. ACTIVE PREGNANCY: Workshop on Promotion of Physical Activity in Pregnancy for Exercise Professionals

    Article • Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, September 2022, Taylor & Francis

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  38. Active Pregnancy: A Physical Exercise Program Promoting Fitness and Health during Pregnancy—Development and Validation of a Complex Intervention

    Article • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, April 2022, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  39. Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? An Updated Systematic Review

    Article • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, April 2022, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  40. Biomechanical alterations in pregnant and postpartum women.

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Marco Branco, Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  41. Evidence-Based and Practice-Oriented Guidelines for Exercising During Pregnancy

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  42. Exercise Prescription and Adaptations in Early Postpartum

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  43. Exercise Selection and Adaptations During Pregnancy

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  44. Exercise Testing and Prescription in Pregnancy

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  45. Exercise and Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Postpartum

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  46. Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health Promotion for the Pregnant Exerciser

    Article • January 2022, Springer Science + Business Media

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  47. Relationship between Heart Rate Variability and Functional Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

    Article • Healthcare, September 2021, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  48. Comparison of the accuracy of a free 3D camera system with the Ariel performance system

    Article • Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering Imaging & Visualization, June 2021, Taylor & Francis

    Professor Marco Branco, Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  49. Phase angle cutoff value as a marker of the health status and functional capacity in breast cancer survivors

    Article • Physiology & Behavior, June 2021, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  50. Tendências do Fitness em Portugal para 2021

    Article • Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte, April 2021, Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  51. How to HIIT while pregnant? The protocol characteristics and effects of high intensity interval training implemented during pregnancy – A systematic review

    Article • Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, March 2021, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  52. Responsiveness of the Calf-Raise Senior test in community-dwelling older adults undergoing an exercise intervention program

    Article • PLOS One, April 2020, PLOS

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  53. Development and validation of a complex intervention: A physical exercise programme aimed at delaying the functional decline in frail older adults

    Article • Nursing Open, September 2019, Wiley

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  54. Effectiveness of a Combined Intervention on Psychological and Physical Capacities of Frail Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

    Article • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, August 2019, MDPI AG

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  55. Osteoarthritis, Exercise, and Tissue Engineering: A Stimulating Triad for Health Professionals

    Article • Journal of Aging Research, May 2019, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Pedro Morouço

  56. A Brief Review on Processes for Cartilage Repair

    Article • Applied Mechanics and Materials, April 2019, Trans Tech Publications

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Pedro Morouço, Cristina Galhano

  57. An mHealth intervention programme to promote healthy behaviours and prevent adolescent obesity (TeenPower): A study protocol

    Article • Journal of Advanced Nursing, January 2019, Wiley

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  58. Can the calf-raise senior test predict functional fitness in elderly people? A validation study using electromyography, kinematics and strength tests

    Article • Physical Therapy in Sport, July 2018, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  59. Effect of 6-month community-based exercise interventions on gait and functional fitness of an older population: a quasi-experimental study

    Article • Clinical Interventions in Aging, April 2018, Dove Medical Press

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  60. Community-Based Exercise Intervention for Gait and Functional Fitness Improvement in an Older Population: Study Protocol

    Article • Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, January 2017, Human Kinetics

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  61. Exercise training programs and detraining in older women

    Article • Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, January 2017, Publicaciones Universidad de Alicante

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  62. Calf-raise senior: a new test for assessment of plantar flexor muscle strength in older adults: protocol, validity, and reliability

    Article • Clinical Interventions in Aging, November 2016, Dove Medical Press

    Helo Andre, Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  63. GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION METHOD APPLIED TO THE KINEMATICS OF GAIT IN PREGNANT WOMEN

    Article • Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, September 2016, World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  64. KINETIC ANALYSIS OF GAIT IN THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTERS OF PREGNANCY

    Article • Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, June 2016, World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  65. Influence of Body Composition on Gait Kinetics throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum Period

    Article • Scientifica, January 2016, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  66. Comparison between overweight due to pregnancy and due to added weight to simulate body mass distribution in pregnancy

    Article • Gait & Posture, October 2015, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  67. Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? A Systematic Review

    Article • Current Women s Health Reviews, September 2015, Bentham Science Publishers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  68. Summary of Guidelines for Exercise in Pregnancy–are they Comprehensive Enough for Designing the Contents of a Prenatal Exercise Program?

    Article • Current Women s Health Reviews, September 2015, Bentham Science Publishers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  69. Editorial: Active Pregnancy - Benefits and Recommendations of Physical Activity and a Healthy Lifestyle Throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum

    Article • Current Women s Health Reviews, September 2015, Bentham Science Publishers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  70. Three-Dimensional Kinetic Adaptations of Gait throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum

    Article • Scientifica, January 2015, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  71. BIOMECHANICAL MODEL FOR KINETIC AND KINEMATIC DESCRIPTION OF GAIT DURING SECOND TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF BIOMECHANICAL LOAD ON THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

    Article • Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, February 2014, World Scientific Pub Co Pte Lt

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  72. Biomechanics of Gait during Pregnancy

    Article • The Scientific World JOURNAL, January 2014, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  73. Kinematic Analysis of Gait in the Second and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy

    Article • Journal of Pregnancy, January 2013, Hindawi Publishing Corporation

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  74. PREDICTION OF GROUND REACTION FORCES DURING GAIT USING SIMULATION ANALYSIS

    Article • Journal of Biomechanics, July 2012, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  75. KINETIC AND KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF GAIT OF 2nd AND 3rd TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY

    Article • Journal of Biomechanics, July 2012, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  76. THE OVERLOAD INFLUENCE IN ANGULAR KINEMATICS AND JOINT MOMENTS IN LOWER LIMB AND PELVIS DURING GAIT IN SAGITTAL PLANE

    Article • Journal of Biomechanics, July 2012, Elsevier

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha, Professor Marco Branco

  77. Analysis of Kinematics of the Lower Limb during Step Exercise

    Article • Perceptual and Motor Skills, December 2009, SAGE Publications

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  78. Prevalence Of Musculoskeletal Disorders In Step Instructors

    Article • Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2009, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  79. Peak Ground and Joint Forces in Step-Exercise Depending on Step-Pattern and Stepping-Rate

    Article • The Open Sports Sciences Journal, February 2009, Bentham Science Publishers

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  80. Analysis of Ground Reaction Forces in Step Exercise Depending on Step Pattern and Stepping Rate

    Article • The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, January 2009, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  81. Analysis of Ground Reaction Forces in Step Exercise Depending on Choreography and Stepping Rate

    Article • Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2007, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  82. Comparative Study of Plantar Pressure during Step Exercise in Different Floor Conditions

    Article • Journal of Applied Biomechanics, May 2007, Human Kinetics

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  83. Osteogenic index of step exercise depending on choreographic movements, session duration, and stepping rate * COMMENTARY * COMMENTARY

    Article • British Journal of Sports Medicine, October 2006, BMJ

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  84. Step Senior Exercise Program Promotes Functionality

    Article • Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2006, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  85. Combined Effect of Orthotics and Fatigue on Three Plantar Fasciitis Injury Factors

    Article • Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2006, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  86. BIODINAMICS OF STEP DOWN PHASE OF STEP EXERCISE. INFLUENCE OF MUSIC SPEED

    Article • Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, May 2001, Wolters Kluwer Health

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha

  87. Sports Biomechanics: Kinetic Analysis of Exercise using Inverse Dynamics and Pressure Insoles

    Article • Civil-Comp, Ltd.

    Professor Rita Santos-Rocha