Abstract
The present study had the following objectives: i) to examine the inter-scale correlations between the three dimensions of responses (intensity, direction and frequency) of the CSAI-2R and its relationship with competitive experience, and ii) evaluate the effect of competitive experience anxiety (cognitive and somatic) and self-confidence in the total sample and for different types of modalities (individual vs. team). The sample consisted of 267 athletes (196 male and 71 female), of different sports, aged be-tween 18 and 40 years (M = 24.30, SD = 5.62). Athletes completed the Brazilian version of the CSAI-2, which included the addition of the dimensions of direction and frequency response. Spearman test and Manova were used for the data analysis. Overall, it was found that the competitive experience has a high multivariate and significant effect on the dimensions of competitive anxiety. Both individual and team athletes with low competitive experience showed a trend to report lower levels of self-confidence intensity, compared to counterparts with high competitive experience. These results were discussed in view of the theoretic framework and practical implications planning Sport Psychology intervention programs in local athletes with different backgrounds. Copyright © 2014 Fundação Técnica e Científica do Desporto.

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure the subject's sense of presence while they performed a task (riding a bicycle downhill) in a virtual reality (VR) environment and to compare it by body position (standing vs. sitting) and gender. The sample consisted of 35 subjects (19 male and 16 female) between 17 and 33 years of age. A translated and validated Portuguese version of the lgroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQp) and the Reflexive Motor Acts (RMAs), based on direct observation, were used as metrics. The results showed significant differences between body position at the level of Experienced Realism, Spatial Presence and Overall Sense of Presence. When measuring RMAs, it was demonstrated that people in the sitting position presented a higher frequency. We concluded that body position influences perceptions of credibility, which has an impact on the sense of presence. No differences were identified between the genders.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of exercise plus pharmacotherapy on monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin) and cortisol levels. A total of 26 women with clinical depression were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: aerobic exercise plus pharmacotherapy or only pharmacotherapy. The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise, 45-50 min/session, three times/week, for 16 weeks. The biological parameters were measured before and after the exercise program. Adding exercise to pharmacotherapy had no additional effects on monoamines and cortisol plasma levels. These data are preliminary outcomes from a small sample and should be replicated.

Abstract
The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) has been a widely used instrument for the assessment of anxiety in sport but within limited cultural contexts. Conceptual issues as well as concerns about the psychometric properties of the measure have resulted in questions surrounding its use. The purposes of the present study were (a) to examine the factorial validity and reliability of the CSAI-2, including the intensity, direction, and frequency dimensions with a Brazilian sample; (b) to investigate the inter-scale correlations among the three measured dimensions and between the original and the reduced scales; and (c) to examine the properties of the CSAI-2 within a novel cultural context. A sample of 334 athletes (245 male, 89 female) completed the CSAI-2 questionnaire 1hr prior to competition. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted that contrasted the proposed model with competing models. These results provided support for a reduced measurement model (CSAI-2R; 16 items) that was comprised of three factors (cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence). The pattern of inter-scale associations revealed correlated, but not identical, factors. Correlations between the original and the reduced scales were high. In conclusion, these results provide evidence that the CSAI-2R (16 items) has good psychometric properties for all response dimensions within a Brazilian cultural context and is a valid competitive state anxiety and self-confidence measure when used immediately prior to competition.