Changes in quality of life, strength and heart rate variability after 4-weeks of supervised online burpees training during the covid-19 quarantine in…

2022

In order to maintain physical fitness during the COVID-19 quarantine, we designed a short-term intervention with one body-weight exercise – burpees. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand level of feasibility and potential benefits of our protocol to different variables in young adults during the COVID-19 quarantine. An online 4-week intervention was administered to 13 young adults (age 22.5±1.39 years, weight 71.8±10.1 kg). The main phase of each session consisted of burpees, a calisthenics body-weight exercises. The training was administered daily. Data regarding quality of life (QoL), body composition, posture, heart rate variability (HRV), cardiovascular health, and strength were…

Study of postural control and body balance in subjects with Down syndrome

2020

Purpose. Body imbalance and poor postural control have negative impact on gait and may increase the risk of falling in healthy individuals as well as those with Down syndrome (DS). Since people with DS have lower physical levels than people who do not present this condition, the purpose of our research was to compare features of postural control and body balance between subjects affected by DS and a control sample. Methods. Participants enrolled were divided into the following two groups: A DS group (DSG; n = 22; 9 females and 13 males; age range: 16-36 years) and an age-matched control group (CG; n = 25; 11 females and 14 males; age range: 16-36 years). All participants were subjected to t…

Physical Activity Levels and Related Energy Expenditure during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Sicilian Active Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Sur…

2020

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Italian government has adopted containment measures to control the virus’s spread, including limitations to the practice of physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of PA, expressed as energy expenditure (MET–minute/week), among the physically active Sicilian population before and during the last seven days of the COVID-19 quarantine. Furthermore, the relation between this parameter and specific demographic and anthropometric variables was analyzed. Methods: 802 Sicilian physically active participants (mean age: 32.27 ± 12.81 years; BMI: 23.44 ± 3.33 kg/m2) were included in the study and…

Is karate effective in improving postural control?

2012

Background: Performing complex motor skills, such as the ones performed by karate athletes, requires a great sense of balance. Because the posturo-kinetic performance seems to be improved by sport practice, especially by sports involving a lot of posturokinetic activities, the aim of this review was to critically analyse the scientific literature in order to appraise whether any positive correlation between karate and improved postural control is scientifically supported. Material/Methods: The online search engines Scirus and Medline were used for generating the data. A comprehensive literature search was conducted based on the following keywords: “karate”, “postural control” and “body sway…

OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNING PERFORMANCE

2014

The aim of this study was to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological adaptation of a kind purely aerobic workout. Particular attention has also been given to the analysis of oxidative stress by detecting some enzymatic blood parameters. We investigate the effect of 2 months of training on middle distance running (800 meters and 1500 meters) agonistic athletes; nine active specifically trained males of mean (± SD) age 19,9 years. The physiological characteristics of middle runners are different from those sprinters and long distance runners because include a variety of aerobic and anaerobic capabilities. Two weeks prior to the 2 months period of exercise, subjects were tested f…

The role of school physical education on adolescents' fitness levels during the pandemic period from COVID-19: An observational study of the Italian …

2022

ObjectivesIn Italy, in 2013, a new school curriculum with a sport character was established in high schools, called Sports High School (SHS). The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the fitness levels of SHS students who, respecting all the safety rules to limit the spread of COVID-19, practiced physical education (PE) at school with continuity for almost all of 2021, and to compare them with Traditional High School (THS) students; (2) to evaluate as the SHS may have influenced the fitness levels in adolescents.MethodsThis is a case-control study in which thirty participants were enrolled (SHS: n = 15; THS: n = 15). To assess the fitness levels, the following tests were administered: the…

Effectiveness of a Physical Education Program on the Motor and Pre-literacy Skills of Preschoolers From the Training-To-Health Project: A Focus on We…

2020

Many studies reported a positive relationship between motor skills, cognitive functions, and school performance in school-age children; however, little is known in preschool children. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a physical education program (PEP) on locomotor, object control skills, and pre-literacy cognitive functions in a wide population of preschoolers and verify whether weight status could influence these abilities. In the context of the Training-to-Health Project, a sample of 1,029 preschoolers was recruited in kindergartens from the urban area of Palermo (Italy). Their gross motor and pre-literacy skills were tested before (PRE) and after (POST…

The effect of resistance training programs on lean body mass in postmenopausal and elderly women: a meta-analysis of observational studies

2021

AbstractAging and menopause are associated with morphological and functional changes which may lead to loss of muscle mass and therefore quality of life. Resistance training (RT) is an effective training mode to increase muscle mass. We reviewed the existing literature to identify studies implementing RT protocols and evaluating muscle hypertrophy exclusively in healthy, postmenopausal and elderly women. Participants’ age range was comprised between 50 and 80 years. The primary outcome observed was muscle hypertrophy. Fat mass was also evaluated, if available. PubMed and Web of Science were the screened database, and original articles written in English and published from 2000 up to 2020 we…

Effects of an adapted physical activity program on psychophysical health in elderly women.

2016

Giuseppe Battaglia,1,2 Marianna Bellafiore,1,2 Marianna Alesi,1,2 Antonio Paoli,3 Antonino Bianco,1,2 Antonio Palma1,2 1Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, 2Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy Background: Several studies have shown the positive effects of adapted physical activity (APA) on physical and mental health (MH) during the lifetime. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a specific APA intervention program in the improvement of the health-related quality of life (QOL) and functional condition of spine in elderly women. Method…

Profiles of Physical Fitness Risk Behaviours in School Adolescents from the ASSO Project: A Latent Class Analysis

2018

The aim of the present investigation was to describe profiles of adolescents&rsquo

Influence of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on Peak Force During Handgrip Tests in Athletes

2018

Background: In contact sports, such as martial arts, protection from oral injuries is generally recommended. Several authors have focused on the effects of wearing such oral protective gear on sports performances and, in particular, occlusal devices. Although many studies have shown improvements in athletic performance, especially in maximal isometric strength, to date there is still no consensus on the issue. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate differences in isometric handgrip before and after the application of an occlusal splint (OS) in martial arts athletes. Methods: A repeated measures within-subjects design was adopted for the study. Twenty-five young martial arts athlet…

The importance of standard operating procedures in physical fitness assessment: a brief review

2022

Abstract Background Physical fitness status is a key aspect of health and, consequently, it is important to create and adopt appropriate interventions to maintain or improve it, and assess it using valid measures. While in other testing contexts, standard operating procedures (SOPs) are commonly and widely adopted, in physical fitness testing, a variety of unstandardized testing protocols are proposed. Aims The topic of this review was to evaluate the existing literature on SOPs in physical fitness assessment and to provide guidelines on how SOPs could be created and adopted. Method The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were screened and original, peer-reviewed studies …

Race Profiles of Rowers During the 2014 Youth Olympic Games

2018

Cerasola, D, Cataldo, A, Bellafiore, M, Traina, M, Palma, A, Bianco, A, and Capranica, L. Race profiles of rowers during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2055-2060, 2018-Among the different factors affecting the outcome of elite rowing competitions, pacing strategy plays a relevant role. The purpose of this study was to analyze the race profiles of youth athletes competing at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games over a distance of 1,000 m. According to the competition outcome of sculling and sweep events, 96 youth (17-18 years) rowers (48 male and 48 female) were divided into winner (W), not winner (NW), qualified (Q), and not-qualified (NQ) athletes. The time during the 1,0…

The Development of Motor and Pre-literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial

2019

It is known in the literature that fundamental motor skill acquisition is strongly associated with the development of neuromotor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects in childhood. Unfortunately, in Italy, the physical education teacher is not included in the school’s core personnel, and it is very hard to find a specific physical education program (PEP) that could improve preschool children’s motor and cognitive status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quotient of gross motor development (QGMD) and pre-literacy skills concerning visual analysis and spatial orientation abilities changed after 16 weeks of PEP (2 h/week) in preschool children. We conducted a school-bas…

Kinematics of Cervical Spine during Rowing Ergometer at Different Stroke Rates in Young Rowers: A Pilot Study

2022

Background: Research on biomechanics in rowing has mostly focused on the lumbar spine. However, injuries can also affect other body segments. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to explore any potential variations in the kinematics of the cervical spine during two different stroke rates on the rowing ergometer in young rowers. Methods: Twelve young rowers of regional or national level were recruited for the study. The experimental protocol consisted of two separate test sessions (i.e., a sequence of 10 consecutive strokes for each test session) at different stroke rates (i.e., 20 and 30 strokes/min) on an indoor rowing ergometer. Kinematics of the cervical spine was assessed using an iner…

Pain Perception and Stabilometric Parameters in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After a Pilates Exercise Program

2016

Various exercise interventions, such as Pilates exercises and traditional physical therapy methods, are employed to decrease low back pain (LBP). Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is distinct from LBP, however, as the distribution of pain is restricted to the region between the costal margin and the inferior gluteal. The aim of our randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a program of Pilates exercises on pain perception and stabilometric parameters in patients with NSLBP. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated, using a 1:1 scheme, to either the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG completed a 14-week program of Pilates exercises, performed thri…

Motor and cognitive development: the role of karate

2014

Background: regular physical activity has an effect on biological responses in both muscles and organs that, in turn, alter the structure and functions of the brain. Therefore, this study aims at comparing motor (sprint, coordination ability and explosive legs strength skills) and cognitive abilities (working memory, attention, executive functioning) in children. Methods: 39 children with average chronological age of 9 years were divided in: Karatekas (n=19) and Sedentary (n=20) groups. Their abilities were measured by motor and cognitive tests. Motor skills were assessed through a battery composed by the 20 mt Sprint test, the Agility test and the Standing board jump Test. Cognitive profil…

Expression Pattern of Angiogenic Factors in Healthy Heart in Response to Physical Exercise Intensity

2019

Recently, many studies showing the regeneration potential of both cardiac and hematopoietic stem cells in adult heart following injury were definitively retracted by the literature. Therefore, stimulating myocardial angiogenesis becomes to be important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Regular endurance exercise has been reported to induce capillary growth in healthy and diseased myocardium resulting in cardioprotective phenotype. Previously, we demonstrated a significantly increased capillary proliferation in mouse hearts following 30 and 45 days of endurance training. In the present study, we examined the localization and expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor rece…

Motor and cognitive growth following a Football Training Program

2015

Football may be a physical and sport activities able to improve motor and cognitive growth in children. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess whether a Football Training Program taken over 6 months would improve motor and cognitive performances in children. Motor skills concerned coordinative skills, running and explosive legs strength. Cognitive abilities involved visual discrimination times and visual selective attention times.Forty-six children with chronological age of ~9.10 years, were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=24) attended a Football Exercise Program and Group 2 (n=22) was composed of sedentary children.Their abilities were measured by a battery of tests including mo…

Physical exercise and prevention of falls. Effects of a Pilates training method compared with a general physical activity program

2021

Introduction Falls are the leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of falls and stimulates postural control. The aim of this study was to compare a general physical activity program for the elderly with a Pilates program to evaluate the effects on balance and on reducing the risk of falling. Materials and methods Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, but only 41 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Pilates group (P-G) and a group following a nonspecific program of physical activity (Pa-G). Each subject underwent the hand grip test, Berg balance scale test, and postu…

Methodological Considerations for Movement Education Interventions in Natural Environments for Primary School Children: A Scoping Review.

2022

Background: Education is the ideal setting for carrying out projects to improve primary students’ capacities. In recent years, interventions in natural environments have been more frequently proposed, but there is still a lack of standardization, making deeper study of the topic necessary. This review aims to report on what previous scientific research has been carried out, and eventually, to propose standard operating procedures for future interventions. Methods: This is a scoping review that adopted the PRISMA guidelines. Primary school children have been included, and the interventions had to be proposed adopting nature as the primary element of the learning process. Results: A total of …

Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health…

2020

Background: The importance of assessing “food literacy” since youth has been highlighted and, to this purpose, valid and consistent instruments are needed. This study aimed to assess the validity and internal consistency of the preschool-FLAT (Food Literacy Assessment Tool). Methods. 505 children from 21 kindergartens, recruited within the Training-to-Health Project in Palermo (Italy), underwent oral sessions and activities on food-related aspects. Their knowledge/skills were recorded in the preschool-FLAT. The following scale measures were assessed: Content validity; internal consistency (Chronbach’s alpha coefficients); construct validity (Structural Equation Modeling&md…

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment of calcific bursitis of the medial collateral ligament of the knee

2021

Calcific bursitis of the medial collateral ligament of the knee is an infrequent pathological condition. In 1988, Kerlan and Glousman identified the clinical features of medial collateral ligament bursitis. Pain and knee functions limitation are the clinical symptoms that are most frequently encountered during the reactive inflammatory process in the bursa, that characterizes the reabsorption phases of the calcific material. It is well documented in the literature that the maximum efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous treatment, with significant reduction or disappearance of symptoms, occurs precisely in this phase. The case report presented in this study confirms the validity as a the…

Gross motor coordination: We have a problem! A study with the Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder in youth (6-13 Years)

2021

The main goal of our cross-sectional research was to determine the current values of gross motor coordination (GMC) of Italian boys and girls between 6 and 13 years of age. Secondary goals were to study gender differences, and the four subtests trend with ages. Results were compared with the references proposed by KTK authors and with similar searches. Anthropometric measurements and KTK data from 2,206 schoolchildren (girls: n = 1,050; boys: n = 1,156) were collected. The KTK raw score (RS) increased with the age of the subjects (r = 0.678; p < 0.001). In 11–13-year-old subjects, the increase in results is less than in younger subjects. RS showed differences by gender (F = 5.899; p …

Alcohol consumption and hormonal alterations related to muscle hypertrophy: a review

2014

Detrimental effects of acute and chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption on human physiology are well documented in the literature. These adversely influence neural, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. However, the side effects of ethanol consumption on hormonal fluctuations and subsequent related skeletal muscle alterations have received less attention and as such are not entirely understood. The focus of this review is to identify the side effects of ethanol consumption on the major hormones related to muscle metabolism and clarify how the hormonal profiles are altered by such consumption.

Time spent on the smartphone does not relate to manual dexterity in young adults.

2021

Abstract Background The Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) is widely adopted to evaluate manual dexterity, it presents normative data but the test is influenced by different factors. The influence of time spent on smartphones has not been considered before, for this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate if smartphone use influences the time to complete the GPT. A total of 38 (21 women; 17 men) young adults 20.7 (1.5) years participated in the study. The time spent on the smartphones during the last seven days was recorded through the device itself and the GPT performance was measured. A correlation analysis between the time spent on the smartphone and GPT was performed while the t-te…

Walking in Natural Environments as Geriatrician’s Recommendation for Fall Prevention: Preliminary Outcomes from the “Passiata Day” Model

2020

Background: The Geriatric Unit of the University of Palermo developed the “Passiata Day” model, a green exercise intervention consisting of a one-hour walk, once/week, in a city park. The purpose of this study was to assess body balance in older people who walked regularly compared to sedentary people. Methods: 106 older people (75 women and 31 men; mean age: 72.3 ± 8.2 years) without fall history were invited to participate voluntarily in this natural environment walking program. After six months, both the participants who had taken part regularly in the walk (i.e., the physical activity group (PAG; n = 72; 54 women and 18 men; mean age: 70.7 ± 7.2 years)), and wh…

Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly: A systematic review

2019

BACKGROUND: Due to demographic changes the world's population is progressively ageing. The physiological decay of the elderly adult may lead to a reduction in the ability to balance and an increased risk of falls becoming an important issue among the elderly. In order to counteract the decay in the ability to balance, physical activity has been proven to be effective. The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific literature in order to identify physical activity programs able to increase balance in the elderly. METHODS: This review is based on the data from Medline-NLM, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscuss and includes randomized control trials that have analyzed balan…

Protein supplements consumption: a comparative study between the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy

2014

Background: Protein supplements are extensively used among commercial gym users and athletes. Although demographic information amongst such consumption has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to compare protein supplement consumption in commercial gym users, both from the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire has been administered to 561 subjects. 207 from the city centre (CC) and 354 from the suburbs (SB) of Palermo, Italy. Protein supplement consumption, frequency of use and association with other dietary supplements has been investigated. Subsequently frequency distribution has been used for demographic assessment. Results: 30…

Group fitness activities for the elderly: an innovative approach to reduce falls and injuries

2013

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the opportunity to adopt, for the elderly, already validated function ability tests to better understand how to prevent falls and injuries and to better plan group fitness activities like ballroom dance classes (e.g., Valzer, Polka, Mazurka). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Barthel Index (BI) were administered and the occurrence of falls during the previous 2 years was evaluated by anamnesis. One hundred and twenty-two elderly subjects living in Palermo city participated to the study. According to the anamnesis, subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). T…

Disease management of type 2 diabetes: a follow-up analysis in a sanitary district of Sicily

2011

AIM:The aim of this paper was to analyze the Disease management of type 2 diabetes in a sanitary district of the Sicily Region (Italy). METHODS: In a population of 9 698 subjects, we selected patients with known type 2 diabetes: a cohort of 385 subjects, (206 women and 179 men) following up for one year. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the analyzed population was 3.97%. A great lot of cohort was on a diet. RESULTS: After one year, a per cent reduction of obese and overweight subjects was observed. No differences were observed for Body Mass Index (BMI) at the beginning and at the end of the study. After one year, through educational meetings with the doctor, a significant increase of knowle…

Increased Cx43 and Angiogenesis in Exercised Mouse Hearts

2007

Several studies focused on the macroscopic architecture of increased cardiac wall induced by exercise training. Our goal was to evaluate myocardiocyte, interstitial and vascular component, and connexin-43 expression in endurance-trained mouse hearts. Sixty-three 10-week-old male Swiss mice were divided into four sedentary groups (C0, C15, C30 and C45) and three groups exercised respectively for 15 (T15-D; running intensity [RI]: 3.18 m/min; running duration [RD]: 75 min/first week and 150 min/second week), 30 (T30-D; RI: 3.96 m/min; RD: 150 min/third week and 225 min/fourth week) and 45 days (T45-D; RI: 3.96 m/min and 4.8 m/min, respectively for the fifth and sixth week; RD: 300 min) on a t…

Predicting the 2000‐m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60‐s Mean Power Variables in National Level Young R…

2020

Abstract Many studies reported various relationships between 2000-m rowing performance and anthropometric as well as metabolic variables, however, little is known about 60-s mean power in elite youth athletes. The aim of this study was to develop different regression models to predict 2000-m rowing indoor performance time (t2000) using anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and mean power established during a 60-s all-out test (W60) in national elite youth rowers. Fifteen youth male Italian rowers (age: 15.7 ± 2.0 years; body height: 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; body mass: 71.2 ± 10.0 kg) performed an incremental maximal test, a 60-s all-out test and a 2000-m race simulation using a Co…

Patisiran Enhances Muscle Mass after Nine Months of Treatment in ATTRv Amyloidosis: A Study with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Handgrip Streng…

2022

Background and aims. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv) is caused by mutations in the TTR gene, leading to misfolded monomers that aggregate generating amyloid fibrils. The clinical phenotype is heterogeneous, characterized by a multisystemic disease affecting the sensorimotor, autonomic functions along with other organs. Patisiran is a small interfering RNA acting as a TTR silencer approved for the treatment of ATTRv. Punctual and detailed instrumental biomarkers are on demand for ATTRv to measure the severity of the disease and monitor progression and response to treatment. Methods. Fifteen patients affected by ATTRv amyloidosis (66.4 ± 7.8 years, six males) …

Improved postural control after dynamic balance training in older overweight women

2010

Background and Aims: Many studies have reported a greater frequency of falls among older women than men under conditions which stress balance. Previously, we have found an improvement in static balance in older women with an increased support surface area and an equal load redistribution on both feet in response to a dynamic balance training protocol. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the same training program and body composition would have effects on the postural control of older overweight women. Methods: Ten healthy women (68.67 ± 5.50 years; 28.17 ± 3.35 BMI) participated in a five-week physical activity program. This included dynamic balance exercises such as heel-to…

The effects of postural exercise protocol in young female volleyball players with knee valgus

2017

The effects of a calisthenics training intervention on posture, strength and body composition

2017

BACKGROUND: Calisthenics was a term used to define a generic set of body weight exercises. Such term is now used to define a world wide spread discipline based on body weight and gymnastics exercises.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to administer a calisthenics training protocol and evaluate its effects on posture, strength and body composition in untrained individuals.METHODS: Twenty-eight male participants (24.2 +/- 4.2 years; 67.0 +/- 8.3 Kg; 173.3 +/- 5.2 cm) were divided into two groups, a Calisthenics based intervention group (SG) and a control group (CG). The SG exercised for 8 weeks. Each participant underwent a body composition analysis, a postural assessment, a handgrip test, …

The influence of sounds in postural control

2017

Postural control is a polisensory system based on the synergism of visual, proprioceptive (kinaesthetic), auditory and labyrinthic (both otolithic and canalar) inputs. Each individual, according to age, organizes different somatosensorial strategies in order to manage postural control. Therefore the prevalence of visual, auditory, proprioceptive and labyrinthic input management varies from subject to subject during growth. It is known that during the first year of age, before the achievement of an erect posture, this latter is mainly managed according to auditory and labyrinthic stimuli, whereas once the bipodalic stance is achieved, afferent proprioceptive information from the foot and fro…

Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Three Case Reports

2019

Swimming pool activities revealed to be efficacious to train psychomotor skills and increase adaptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a specific multi-systemic aquatic therapy (CI-MAT) on gross motor and social skills in three adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Methods: three adolescents with ASD of which two boys (M1 with a chronological age of 10.3 years and a mental age of 4.7 years; M2 with a chronological age of 14.6 and a mental age inferior to 4 years) and one girl (chronological age of 14.0 and a mental age inferior to 4 years). The study was divided into three phases: …

The effects of physical training without equipment on pain perception and balance in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial

2017

BACKGROUND: Research supports a link between exercise and falls prevention in the older population. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to evaluate pain perception and balance skills in a group of elderly subjects and to examine the consequences of a standardized equipment-free exercise program intervention on these variables. The study utilized a randomized controlled trial method. METHODS: 92 subjects were recruited from a rural Sicilian village (Resuttano, Sicily, Italy). Subjects were randomly split into two groups, an experimental group (EG; n = 49) and a control group (CG; n = 43). Qualified fitness instructors delivered the standardized physical exercise program for the EG whilst the CG did no…

The influence of the stomatognathic system on explosive strength: A pilot study

2015

[Purpose] Recent findings suggest there is an interesting interaction between the stomatognathic system and the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the influence of the temporomandibular joint on the explosive strength of the lower limbs. [Subjects and Methods] An observational study was carried out. The subjects were 60 male football players who voluntarily participated in the investigation. After a warm-up phase of 10 minutes, each participant performed three Squat Jumps (SJ) with different mandible positions: mouth closed and mouth open. SJ heights were recorded using a Sensor Medica force platform and the FreeMed system. [Results] Sixty participants we…

The efficacy of muscle energy techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a systematic review

2019

Abstract Background Muscle energy techniques are applied to reduce pain and increase range of motion. These are applied to a variety of pathological conditions and on asymptomatic subjects. There is however limited knowledge on their effectiveness and which protocol may be the most beneficial. Objective The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy of muscle energy techniques (MET) in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Design Systematic Review. Methods A literature search was performed using the following database: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding MET in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were considered for investigation. The main outc…

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) Does Not Affect Sports People’s Explosive Power: A Pilot Study

2021

Purpose: This study is aimed to preliminary investigate whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) could affect explosive power considering genetic background in sport subjects.Methods: Seventeen healthy sports volunteers with at least 3 years of sports activities participated in the experiment. After 2 weeks of familiarization performed without any stimulation, each participant received either 50 Hz-tACS or sham-tACS. Before and after stimulation, subjects performed the following tests: (1) the squat jump with the hands on the hips (SJ); (2) countermovement jump with the hands on the hips (CMJ); (3) countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ-AS); (4) 15-s Bosco’s test; (5) s…

The evaluation of dual-task conditions on static postural control in the older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2019

Abstract Background In postural stability evaluation, the dual-task concept is often adopted in order to create a more challenging situation. The dual-task consists of performing simultaneously two tasks, a primary static or dynamic motor task and an additional secondary cognitive task. Usually, a multitask condition leads to a reduction in the postural control performance, especially in older adults. Considering the wide spectrum of secondary task conditions existing in scientific literature, the present manuscript aims to write a peer-reviewed protocol that will be used in a systematic review and meta-analysis performed to identify the effects of different secondary tasks conditions in a …

Expression of 60-kD Heat Shock Protein Increases during Carcinogenesis in the Uterine Exocervix

2002

<i>Objectives:</i> The aim of the present study was to determine the presence and expression of the 60-kD heat shock protein (HSP60) in the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence in the uterine exocervix and to evaluate its diagnostic and prognostic significance. <i>Methods and Results:</i> We performed Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses on biopsies from 40 cases, consisting of 10 normal exocervical biopsies, 10 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (L-SIL), 10 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (H-SIL) and 10 cancerous exocervices (G2 grade). The immunohistochemical results were quantified by computer-assisted image analysis. Western blot analysis sho…

Erratum to “Protein supplement consumption is linked to time spent exercising and high-protein content foods: A multicentric observational study” [He…

2019

An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on elite athletes phenotype expression

2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of soccer players having the best genetic background that could increase performance, evaluating the polymorphism that are considered Performance Enhancing Polymorphism (PEPs) distributed on five genes: PPAR alpha, PPARGC1A, NRF2, ACE e CKMM. Particularly, we investigated how each polymorphism works directly or through another polymorphism to distinguish elite athletes from non-athletic population. Sixty professional soccer players (age 22.5 +/- 2.2) and sixty healthy volunteers (age 21.2 +/- 2.3) were enrolled. Samples of venous blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP protocols with …

Evaluation of fitness levels of children with a diagnosis of acute leukemia and lymphoma after completion of chemotherapy and autologous hematopoieti…

2014

The aim of this study was to assess the fitness levels and possible deficits in physical performance in children with a diagnosis of childhood acute leukemia and lymphoma after 10 months of therapy ending through a specific test battery. A total of 58 subjects were enrolled in this study. The experimental group (EG) (7.55 ± 2.43 years; 41.8 ± 16.37 kg; 144.6 ± 10.21 cm) consisted of 18 children with diagnosed leukemia and lymphoma after completion of 10 months of therapy intervention and 40 healthy children who were enrolled in a control group (CG) (7.92 ± 1.78 years; 37.4 ± 12.37 kg; 140.6 ± 12.61 cm). A testing battery including the standing broad jump; the sit-up test; the 4 × 10 m shutt…

Technological advancements in the analysis of human motion and posture management through digital devices

2021

Technological development of motion and posture analyses is rapidly progressing, especially in rehabilitation settings and sport biomechanics. Consequently, clear discrimination among different measurement systems is required to diversify their use as needed. This review aims to resume the currently used motion and posture analysis systems, clarify and suggest the appropriate approaches suitable for specific cases or contexts. The currently gold standard systems of motion analysis, widely used in clinical settings, present several limitations related to marker placement or long procedure time. Fully automated and markerless systems are overcoming these drawbacks for conducting biomechanical…

The relationship between type 2 diabetes family history, body composition and blood basal glycemia in sedentary people.

2013

The aim of this study was to verify whether there is a positive correlation between family history to type 2 diabetes mellitus and body mass and composition, and alterations in blood basal glycaemia levels in sedentary male and female. Anthropometric variables, blood parameters, body composition and body surface area were evaluated on 183 male and 237 female sedentary individuals. Participants were classified into two groups: FH(+) (family history positive) and FH(-) (familiar history negative) according to their medical history. The FH(+) group showed higher values of body mass and body surface area than FH(-) group. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the femal…

Redox and autonomic responses to acute exercise-post recovery following Opuntia ficus-indica juice intake in physically active women

2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate if the supplementation with Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) juice may affect plasma redox balance and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters following a maximal effort test, in young physically active women. Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and crossover study comprising eight women (23.25 ± 2.95 years, 54.13 ± 9.05 kg, 157.75 ± 0.66 cm and BMI of 21.69 ± 0.66 kg/m2) was carried out. A juice containing OFI diluted in water and a Placebo solution were supplied (170 ml; OFI = 50 ml of OFI juice + 120 ml of water; Placebo = 170 ml beverage without Vitamin C and indicaxanthin). Participants consumed the OFI juice or Placebo…

Evaluation of Podalic Support and Monitoring of Balance Control in Children with and without Dyslexia: A Pilot Study

2020

Background: The American Psychiatric Association has identified dyslexia as a neurobiological disorder. The aim of the study was to evaluate podalic support, balance control, and dyslexia&#8217;s effects on interpersonal relationships. Methods: Fifty-seven subjects were enrolled for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group was composed of children with diagnosis of dyslexia. The control group was composed of healthy subjects. Each subject underwent baropodometry and posturographic analysis. In addition, the Multidimensional Self-esteem Assessment test by Bracken was used for a precise measurement of self-esteem in both groups (TMA). Results: The static b…

The sit up test to exhaustion as a test for muscular endurance evaluation

2015

Aims/Hypothesis The aim of this study was to examine the sit up test to exhaustion as a field test for muscular endurance evaluation in a sample of sedentary people of both sexes. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Three-hundred-eighty-one participants volunteered for the study (28.5 ± 10.0 years; 168.2 ± 8.9 cm; 65.1 ± 11.1 kg), of which 194 males (27.5 ± 10.2 years; 173.6 ± 7.0 cm; 71.2 ± 5.2 kg) and 187 females (29.6 ± 10.1 years; 162.6 ± 7.1 cm; 58.7 ± 8.9 kg). Each subject voluntarily and randomly performed: a sit up test (SUT), a push up test (PUT), and a free weight squat test (ST), all till exhaustion. A multiple regression analysis was adopted for data analysis. Subsequ…

The involvement of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in heart exercise-related angiogenesis

2013

Background Little is known about the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cardiac vascular remodelling induced by exercise. Our aim was to evaluate and localize MMP-2 and MMP-9’s activities in relation to capillary proliferation in mouse hearts trained for 15, 30 and 45 days. Methods Sixty-three mice were randomly assigned to 7 groups: four control sedentary groups (C0, C15, C30 and C45) and three groups trained by an endurance protocol (T15, T30 and T45). MMP-2 and MMP-9 were examined with zymography and immunostaining analyses. Capillary proliferation was evaluated counting the number of CD31-positive cells. Results Different activity patterns of the latent form of both MMPs…

The Impact of Fluid Loss and Carbohydrate Consumption during Exercise, on Young Cyclists’ Fatigue Perception in Relation to Training Load Level

2021

High-level young athletes need to face a wide spectrum of stressors on their journey to élite categories. The aims of the present study are (i) to evaluate session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) at different training impulse (TRIMP) categories and the correlations between these two variables and, (ii) evaluate the correlations between sRPE, fluid loss, and carbohydrate consumption during exercise. Data on Edward’s TRIMP, sRPE, body mass loss pre- and post- exercise (∆), and carbohydrate consumption (CHO/h) during exercise have been acquired from eight male junior cyclists during a competitive season. One-way ANOVA and correlation analysis with linear regression have been performed on acq…

Comparison of posturographic parameters between young taekwondo and tennis athletes

2018

[Purpose] Physical activity can influence the development of postural control and balance. Therefore, the aim of study was to use posturography assessment to compare balance control on the Romberg test between athletes in two very different sports, taekwondo and tennis. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-nine young athletes participated in the study, 11 forming the taekwondo group and 18 the tennis group. Posturography was performed using the FreeMed system (Sensor Medica). Between-group differences were evaluated using unpaired Student’s t-test. [Results] There was a significance between-group difference in the centre of pressure and the ellipse surface area with no between-group difference…

Körperkoordinations test für Kinder: A short form is not fully satisfactory

2022

Assessment of motor competence (MC) is crucial to finding deficiencies in children's motor development. Because of the need to ensure validity, reliability, and feasibility, the selection of contemporary testing batteries is a difficult task. Many papers report the validity of the KTK test in describing MC in school aged children. KTK consists of 4 four separate items: walking back, jumping sideways, moving sideways, and hopping for height. Some authors suggested the use of a short version of KTK that includes 3 items excluding one subtest: hopping for height. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of short versions of Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK). A sample of 2,231 part…

A systematic review to determine reliability and usefulness of the field-based test batteries for the assessment of physical fitness in adolescents -…

2015

The aim of the present review is to investigate the main field-based tests, used alone or included in sport or fitness batteries, for the assessment of health- and skill-related physical fitness components in adolescents. Different scientific databases were searched through using the selected key words related to physical fitness and its components for adolescence. The search focused on original articles and reviews/meta-analyses using valid, reproducible and feasible tests that fit within the school environment. A total of 100 scientific manuscripts were included in the qualitative synthesis. The present systematic review pointed out 5 fitness tests that well adapt to the evaluation of the…

Research of cardiomyocyte precursors in adult rat heart

2006

Recent reports supported the existence of stem cells in adult hearts. However, phenotype and localization of these cells have not been completely described and it is unknown if cardiac regenerative potential differs from one subject to another. The aims of our work were to identify different populations of cardiac stem cells by the analysis of specific markers and to evaluate the expression variability of these markers in 12 adult rat hearts. The expression of CD9, taube nuss and nanog suggests the presence of stem cells from the earliest stages of embryogenesis in adult myocardium. Their different expression could be associated to the degree of stem cell differentiation. CD34 and c-Kit ant…

Physical fitness assessment in Goalball: A scoping review of the literature

2020

Background Goalball is a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes. Although it is widely practiced, a great variety of tests are adopted to evaluate athletes' physical fitness. Therefore, the objective was to identify the physical fitness tests adopted in this sport to find the common aspects between them and, eventually, to propose a standard operating procedure. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were adopted. The studies were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A selection process by title, abstract, and full-text, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was …

Physical Activity and Sports Practice in Children and Adolescents at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Hypothetical Future Scenarios and Preventive …

2021

As a logical and direct consequence of the closure of schools and sports facilities, an expected reduction in the practice of physical activity (PA) and sports has been detected in both children and adolescents all over the world. Hence, we analysed the short-term and long-term consequences of the lack/low level of PA and sports activity in this population, which we referred to as primary and secondary risks, respectively, the latter of which have to be considered in hypothetical future scenarios.

Pericardium of the frog,Rana esculenta,is morphologically designed as a lymphatic space

2003

The importance of the pericardium and the pericardial fluid (PF) in the control of cardiac function has emerged over the past few years. Despite the acknowledgment that amphibians are exposed to both dehydration and excessive water accumulation, nothing is known about their pericardial structure and the morphological basis of the PF formation. We have studied the parietal pericardium (PP) morphology in Rana esculenta by electron microscopy. SEM images of the inner surface, which lines the pericardial cavity, revealed the presence of large vesicles and many small circular openings. TEM observations showed that the PP is made up of an inner mesothelial lining, often constituted by two layers …

Effects of a dynamic balance training protocol on podalic support in older women. Pilot Study

2009

Background and aims: The foot provides the only direct contact with supporting surfaces and therefore plays an important role in all postural tasks. Changes in the musculoskeletal and neurological characteristics of the foot with advancing age can alter plantar loading patterns and postural balance. Several studies have reported that exercise training improves postural performance in elderly individuals. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of a dynamic balance training protocol performed for 5 weeks on the support surface, percentage distribution of load in both feet, and body balance performance in healthy elderly women. Methods: Ten subjects (68.67±5.50 yrs old; 28.1…

Sports massage with ozonised oil or non-ozonised oil: Comparative effects on recovery parameters after maximal effort in cyclists

2013

Abstract OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of passive rest (PR) and sports massage with (SMOZO) and without (SM) ozonised oil on sports performance psycho-physiological indices in competitive amateur cyclists after 3 pre-fatiguing Wingate cycle and post-recovery ramp tests. DESIGN: An intra-subjects experimental design with repeated measures. SETTING: Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Padua. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen male competitive cyclists (age: 27 ± 3.5 years, body weight: 77.6 ± 8.3 kg, height: 178 ± 7.7 cm) were studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects' power output (P), heart rate (HR), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and blood lactate (BL) clearance in response …

Cognitive and Physical Activity-Related Aspects of Children Associated to the Performance of the Crunning Movement

2021

The aim of this investigation was to identify possible related factors associated to the performance of the crunning test in European children and adolescents. A total number of 559 children and adolescents (age range 6&ndash

The development of motor skills by a physical education programme in preschool children: a preschool-based controlled trial

2018

Purpose: Unlike other European countries, Italian kindergartens do not include the physical education teacher in the school organic personnel. This is frequently associated with the lack of opportunities to perform physical education by preschool children. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a specific physical education program (PEP) on the quotient of gross motor development (QGMD) in preschool children. Methods: We conducted a school-based non-randomised controlled trial. It involved 119 children, clustered in a control group (CG, n = 29, age 52.1 ± 8.65 months; height 1.1 ± 0.07 m, body weight 19.2 ± 5.55 kg, body mass index (BMI) 16.9 ± 3.16) and an intervention group (…

Sport Against Violence and Exclusion

2020

Il presente manuale è frutto di un’attenta analisi da parte di esperti del settore sportivo a livello internazionale (Austria, Bosnia ed Erzegovina, Croazia, Lituania, Serbia, Spagna). Esso rappresenta il punto di partenza per una riflessione profonda riguardo tematiche quali violenza ed esclusione sociale, in contesti sportivi e scolastici. Il suo intento è quello di essere una guida pratica per tecnici ed operatori che si trovano quotidianamente a formare ed educare i ragazzi sulla gestione delle relazioni all’interno del gruppo (sportivo e non), sulla presenza di fenomeni frequenti (ad es., il pregiudizio) e di eventuali conflitti. Inoltre, il manuale fornisce conoscenze aggiuntive per g…

Match Load Physical Demands in U-19 Professional Soccer Players Assessed by a Wearable Inertial Sensor

2023

Background: Wearable inertial sensors are poorly used in soccer to monitor external load (EL) indicators. However, these devices could be useful for improving sports performance and potentially reducing the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the EL indicators (i.e., cinematic, mechanical, and metabolic) differences between playing positions (i.e., central backs, external strikers, fullbacks, midfielders, and wide midfielder) during the first half time of four official matches (OMs). Methods: 13 young professional soccer players (Under-19; age: 18.5 &plusmn; 0.4 years; height: 177 &plusmn; 6 cm; weight: 67 &plusmn; 4.8 kg) were monitored through a wearable inertial sens…

Effects of Sicilian Opuntia ficus-indica juice on heart rate variability after a maximal exercise in young physically active women

2018

Significant reduction of physical activity in patients with neuromuscular disease during COVID-19 pandemic: the long-term consequences of quarantine

2020

Abstract Background Quarantine was the measure taken by governments to control the rapid spread of COVID-19. This restriction resulted in a sudden change in people’s lifestyle, leading to an increase in sedentary behavior and a related decrease in the practice of physical activity (PA). However, in neuromuscular diseases patients need to perform regular PA to counteract the negative consequences of the disease. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the levels of PA, measured as energy expenditure (MET–minute/week), among patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) before and during the last week of quarantine. Methods A total of 268 Italian subjects, living in Sicily, completed an adap…

Effects of a Postural Exercise Program on Vertical Jump Height in Young Female Volleyball Players with Knee Valgus

2022

Background: Although a knee valgus position is related to the increase in injury risk in volleyball players, there is a lack of studies on the relationship between knee valgus and vertical jump (VJ) performance. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a postural exercise program on VJ height in young female volleyball players with knee valgus. Methods: This pilot study included 19 young female volleyball players divided into the following groups: the Valgus Experimental Group (VEG); the Valgus Control Group (VCG); and the Neutral Control Group (NCG). All three groups carried out the same volleyball training program. In addition, only the VEG underwent a 3-month postur…

Is bodyweight affecting plantar pressure distribution in children?

2020

Abstract The aim of this study is twofold: firstly, to investigate the plantar pressure distribution differences in children coming from 4 different weight categories and secondly to analyze the presence of sex-related plantar pressure distribution differences. Overall, 416 children, aged 7 to 12 years old were randomly selected from 6 different local schools, and voluntarily participated in the study. Two hundred twenty six of them were men, while 190 were women (mean age: 9.93 ± 1.02 years; height: 1.39 ± 0.8 m; body mass: 37.76 ± 10.34 kg; BMI: 19.24 ± 4.02 kg/m2). Based on the body mass index (BMI) the sample was grouped in the following categories: underweight (UW); normal weight (NW);…

Un salutare esercizio

2013

The execution of the Grooved Pegboard test in a Dual-Task situation: A pilot study

2020

Background Manual dexterity is an important aspect in everyday life, which is widely studied through the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). Since Dual-Tasks (DT) activities are widely investigated and important to simulate everyday life situations, the objectives of the present pilot study were the evaluation of the effect of a cognitive task and a motor task during the performance of the GPT and the feasibility of the GPT in a DT contest. A secondary objective was to evaluate the training effect of the GPT. Methods A total of 31 young adults (20 man and 11 woman, age (SD): 27.7 (2.5)) performed the GPT eight times to understand the presence of a training effect before performing the GPT in DT. T…

Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study

2020

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an endocrine disease with a precocious significant impairment of growth and neuromotor development. Thyroid hormones are essential for central nervous system development, maturation, and myelination. Furthermore, thyroid hormone deficiency affects the function of several systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The disease has a significant incidence in the general population (1:3000–1:2000 newborns in Italy). The aim of the present study was to evaluate any differences in upper and lower limb strength, body sway, and plantar loading distribution in children with CH compared to healthy children. Methods: In this study, the case group was c…

Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma: A case report

2001

Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumor. We studied a case arising in the pleural cavity of a young subject, characterised by the presence of spindle cell, small cell, and large epithelioid cell areas. We performed stains for mucosubstances and analysed the expression of cytokeratins 5/6, 7, 8, 18, 19, CEA, CD34, Ber-Ep4 and calretinin to characterize the phenotype of this neoplasm. We furthermore assessed immunohistochemically the presence of p53, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 3, four apoptotic markers, to evaluate a relationship between apoptotic activity and the behaviour of this tumor. Our findings showed a strong presence of calretinin, p53 and Bcl-2 in all three ar…

Retraction: Alcohol consumption and hormonal alterations related to muscle hypertrophy: a review

2014

Detrimental effects of acute and chronic alcohol (ethanol) consumption on human physiology are well documented in the literature. These adversely influence neural, metabolic, cardiovascular, and thermoregulatory functions. However, the side effects of ethanol consumption on hormonal fluctuations and subsequent related skeletal muscle alterations have received less attention and as such are not entirely understood. The focus of this review is to identify the side effects of ethanol consumption on the major hormones related to muscle metabolism and clarify how the hormonal profiles are altered by such consumption.

Study of axillary lymph node asymmetry in a female population

2001

We analysed a large series of axillary lymph nodes, with and without metastases following radical mastectomy for breast cancer. We found left/right asymmetry in numbers of lymph nodes, and also asymmetry of lymph node dimensions, which could have been the caused by tumoral antigenic stimulation. The distribution of hyperplastic node patterns differed significantly.

A prospective analysis of the injury incidence of young male professional football players on artificial turf

2016

Background: The effects of synthetic surfaces on the risk of injuries is still debated in literature and the majority of published data seems to be contradictory. For such reasons the understanding of injury incidence on such surfaces, especially in youth sport, is fundamental for injury prevention. Objectives: The aim of this study was to prospectively report the epidemiology of injuries in young football players, playing on artificial turfs, during a one sports season. Patients and Methods: 80 young male football players (age 16.1 ± 3.7 years; height 174 ± 6.6 cm; weight 64.2 ± 6.3 kg) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The participants were then divided in two groups; the first…

Effects of an experimental short-time high-intensity warm-up on explosive muscle strength performance in soccer players: A pilot study.

2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an experimental short-time warm-up consisting of a small number of intermittent high-intensity sprints on explosive muscle strength performance in soccer players and to identify recovery times after performing the sprints. Furthermore, we evaluated the reliability of a smartphone app in jumping performance.Methods: Twenty male soccer players were given the following tests: 1) the counter-movement jump (CMJ) test with the Microgate system, 2) the counter-movement jump (CMJ) test with the MyJump smartphone app, and 3) the handgrip strength test. The experimental short-time high-intensity warm-up was carried out 1 week after test administr…

Do children and adolescents with idiopathic short stature show postural alterations? Possible influence of SHOX haploinsufficiency in a pilot study

2019

Needs in terms of quality of life (QoL), consisting of physical, emotional and social domains, represent a hot spot in idiopathic short stature (ISS). Between ISS, it is estimated that 12% can have SHOX deficiency. Furthermore, SHOX deficiency can affect posture and GH treatment ameliorate their QoL. Although scientific research has investigated many fields of the physical domain, very few studies highlighted how this pathological condition may affect posture. The aim of this study was to evaluate postural characteristics in patients with ISS.

Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review

2021

Stretching is commonly used to increase range of motion and flexibility. Therefore, investigations are usually oriented towards the muscle-tendon unit. Limited evidence exists regarding potential effects of stretching on peripheral nerves which lie within muscles. The objective of this investigation will be to elucidate the responses of peripheral nerves to stretching. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching protocols on responses of peripheral nerves were retrieved for investigation. The NHLBI tool was used for quality assessment. Outcomes included nerve stiffness, nerve displacement,…

Protein supplementation and dietary behaviours of resistance trained men and women attending commercial gyms: a comparative study between the city ce…

2014

Background: It is anecdotally recognized that commercial gym users assume supplements in order to improve performance or health. However, dietary behaviours of people and athletes attending commercial gyms have been poorly studied. The exact amount and frequency of dietary supplements consumption are still needed to be investigated. The main purpose of this study is to understand the quantity and quality of food intake, as well as dietary supplementation in people attending commercial gyms. Secondly to compare the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to 561 subjects, 207 from the city centre (CC) and 354 from the suburbs (SB) …

Dual-task conditions on static postural control in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021

Dual-task (DT) consists of the performance of two tasks simultaneously. An index of DT difficulty has been linked to decreased postural control. Because a wide range of DT is employed, this study aimed to evaluate its effects in static balance in older adults. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were screened, and the secondary tasks were grouped as manual, reaction time, discrimination and decision making, mental tracking, verbal fluency, working memory, or “other” tasks. A total of 66 studies have been included. The meta-analysis was conducted on 28 effects and showed a significant mean effect size of d = 0.24 (p = .02, SE = 0.10; confidence interval [0.04, 0.44]), indicating a worsening i…

The Relation Between Stretching Typology and Stretching Duration: The Effects on Range of Motion.

2018

AbstractDifferent stretching strategies and protocols are widely used to improve flexibility or maintain health, acting on the muscle tendon-unit, in order to improve the range of motion (ROM) of the joints. This review aims to evaluate the current body of literature in order to understand the relation between stretching typology and ROM, and secondly to evaluate if a relation exists between stretching volume (either as a single training session, weekly training and weekly frequency) and ROM, after long-term stretching. Twenty-three articles were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. All stretching typologies showed ROM improvements over a long-term period, however…

Improving Children's Coordinative Skills and Executive Functions

2016

Recent studies have focused on the positive influence of regular physical activity on executive functioning in children. Coordinative skills (agility) and executive functions (updating, attention, inhibition and planning processes) were investigated in children before and after 6 months of a Football Exercise Program compared to a control group of sedentary peers. The participants were 44 children aged 8.8 years: Group 1 comprised 24 children in a football (i.e., soccer) exercise program and Group 2 comprised 20 sedentary children. At pre-test and post-test, coordinative skills and executive functions were measured. After the Football Exercise Program, there were significant differences be…

60KDa chaperonin (HSP60) is over-expressed during colorectal carcinogenesis

2003

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of the heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), a mitochondrial matrix-associated protein belonging to the chaperonin family, in colorectal adenomas and cancers, comparing them to normal colonic tissues and hyperplastic polyps. We performed both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis for HSP60. Immunohistochemistry resulted positive in all tubular adenomas and infiltrating adenocarcinomas. By contrast, normal tissues and hyperplastic polyps were negative. Quantitative analysis showed that tubular adenomas with different levels of dysplasia did not present statistical differences concerning HSP60 positivity. In addition, carcinomas al…

Postural stability in subjects with whiplash injury symptoms: results of a pilot study

2014

Posturographic tests can be used to assess and confirm the body's imbalance in subjects with whiplash injury. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm this pilot study.To verify through a posturographic exam the qualitative and quantitative alterations of postural stability in subjects with previous cervical trauma in comparison with healthy subjects.A total of 42 subjects were analysed for the study; 22 as the control group (NM) and 20 (WM) with a positive anamnesis of whiplash injury from 3 to 12 month from diagnosis through a force platform. Centre of pressure (CoP) movements of the two groups with their eyes open and closed were recorded.During the closed eye test, t…

Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program

2020

Background: Physical fitness in youth is a predictor of health in adulthood. The main objective of the present study was to understand if an enriched sport activity program could increase physical fitness in a population of schoolchildren. Methods: In a sample of 672 children aged 10.0 &plusmn

Interrelationship Between Age, Gender, and Weight Status on Motor Coordination in Italian Children and Early Adolescents Aged 6–13 Years Old

2021

Although numerous evidences reported a negative correlation between motor coordination (MC) and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents, the interrelationship between age, gender, and weight status is still debatable. Hence, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between MC and weight status according to age and gender across childhood and early adolescence in a large sample of Italian elementary and middle school students. A number of 1961 Italian school students (1,026 boys, 935 girls) was stratified in three consecutive age groups (6–7, 8–10, and 11–13 years) and four weight status categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) accordi…

Physical Fitness Evaluation of School Children in Southern Italy: A Cross Sectional Evaluation

2018

The aim of this work was to evaluate the fitness levels of different physical components in schoolchildren in southern Italy and identify age-related effects of physical performance. One hundred and fifty-four schoolchildren with ages ranging between 6 and 10 years (age 8.1 ± 1.45 years; 33.70 ± 10.25 kg; 131.50 ± 13.60 cm) were recruited for the investigation. Each scholar underwent a fitness-test battery composed of five elements. A Hand-Grip Strength Test to assess the strength of the hand muscles, a Standing Broad Jump Test to assess lower body explosive strength, a Sit-Up Test to exhaustion to evaluate abdominal muscular endurance, a 4 × 10-m Shuttle Run Test to assess agility, and a 2…

Influence of a specific aquatic adapted physical activity in a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A case study

2019

Aquatic environment offers an exciting and motivating place for children and aquatic exercise programs provide an appropriate setting for early educational interventions in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a specific Multi-systemic Aquatic Therapy (CI-MAT) on gross motor and adaptive skills in a child with ASD. The study was divided into three phases: baseline, 12-week CI-MAT program and Post-Test. Child was administered a battery of tests incorporating anthropometric measurements, gross motor development test (TGM test), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) and Psychoeducational Profile (PEP-3) before and after a …

JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS AND FITNESS: A TEAMWORK

2018

Introduction: Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) have limited fitness and reduced aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity vs. healthy peers. Furthermore, low intensity exercise programs are safe in children with JIA and may improve fitness, joint excursion and quality of life, reduce pain, fatigue and the employ to antiinflammatory drugs. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate postural and balance deficits and fitness with specific test battery in children and adolescents affected by JIA. Methods: We enrolled 30 patients with JIA (13 M; 17 F; age: 8-18 years); among those, 7 were evaluated longitudinally in the period 2016-2018, comparing the tests in different …

Positional transversal release is effective as stretching on range of movement, performance and balance: a cross-over study.

2022

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare the positional transversal release (PTR) technique to stretching and evaluate the acute effects on range of movement (ROM), performance and balance. Methods Thirty-two healthy individuals (25.3 ± 5.6 years; 68.8 ± 12.5 kg; 172.0 ± 8.8 cm) were tested on four occasions 1 week apart. ROM through a passive straight leg raise, jumping performance through a standing long jump (SLJ) and balance through the Y-balance test were measured. Each measure was assessed before (T0), immediately after (T1) and after 15 min (T2) of the provided intervention. On the first occasion, no intervention was administered (CG). The intervention order was rando…

Training the Vertical Jump to Head the Ball in Soccer

2012

R esearchers involved in the training methodology to improve jump ability proposed a variety of techniques and exercise modalities (22,15,4). Nevertheless, the question on what percentage of training should be dedicated to strength and what to power seems unresolved. First of all, to better understand the matter, we have to stress the difference between strength and power. Generally speaking, in athletics, the rate of force development (RFD) is much more important than strength alone; the average RFD (mRFD) can be estimated as the ratio Fmax/Tmax, where Tmax is the time to reach the peak force, whereas Fmax is the maximum force. This ratio is also named explosive strength, commonly computed…

Training session intensity affects plasma redox status in amateur rhythmic gymnasts

2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine systemic responses of oxidant/antioxidant status following 2 training sessions of different intensity in amateur rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: Before the experimental training, 10 female gymnasts performed a gradually increased exercise test to assess maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and anaerobic threshold. They executed 2 intermittent training sessions separated by 48 h of recovery (48 h-post R): the first was performed at low-moderate intensity (LMI) and the second at high intensity (HI). Blood samples were collected immediately pre- and post-training and 48 h-post R. Hydroperoxide level (OxL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)…

Combined effect of different factors on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in Italian adolescents

2019

Background The observed increase in body weight and cardiometabolic risk (CR) in youth from developed countries contributes to the global burden of chronic diseases in adult age. The aim of this work is to provide a patterning of the associations between different factors and the weight status and CR of the subjects involved in the Italian ministerial ASSO project. Methods This study involved 919 students from high schools in Palermo. Weight, height and waist circumference were collected by trained teachers; weight status was estimated by the BMI cut-offs for adolescents and CR through the waist-to-height ratio. Questionnaires were administered through the web-based ASSO-NutFit software. Ch…

A scoping review on how physical fitness is evaluated in sitting volleyball players

2023

Introduction: Sitting volleyball is a widely practiced paralympic sport. A correct and standardized physical evaluation helps coaches to plan and manage the training. It is also important to evaluate physical fitness accurately and adopt standardized protocols to compare and normalize the data. The aim of the study was to evaluate physical fitness evaluation methods adopted in sitting volleyball and to eventually propose standard operating procedures. Evidence acquisition: English-written and peer-reviewed original articles were included in this review. The population studied was composed only of athletes practicing sitting volleyball. Articles were searched on the electronic databases PubM…

Changes in spinal range of motion after a flexibility training program in elderly women

2014

Giuseppe Battaglia,1,2 Marianna Bellafiore,1,2 Giovanni Caramazza,2 Antonio Paoli,3 Antonino Bianco,1,2 Antonio Palma1,2 1Department of Law, Society, and Sport Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 2Sicilian Regional Sports School of Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), Sicily, Italy; 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy Background: Aging-related reduced spinal mobility can interfere with the execution of important functional skills and activities in elderly women. Although several studies have shown positive outcomes in response to spinal flexibility training programs, little is known about the management of sets and repetitions in traini…

Upper body strength endurance evaluation: A comparison between the handgrip strength and three body weight tests

2021

BACKGROUND: The hand-grip strength test has been widely adopted to evaluate upper limb strength. Other field based tests as push-ups and pull-ups are commonly used for the same purpose. It is however unclear if these may be used interchangeably for upper body strength evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate strength endurance of the upper body and understand which test could be the most appropriate for upper body evaluation. METHODS: Thirty-eight healthy young male participants were tested with three tests comprised of: 1) push-ups (PS), 2) pull-ups (PL) and 3) parallel dips (PD) performed to exhaustion. Grip strength (GS), total number of repetitions, time-…

Effects of physical activity on postural balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from pilot study

2017

How Does the Amount of a Physical Education Intervention Affect Gross Motor Coordination in Early Childhood?

2022

Little is known about the dose–response of physical education interventions on motor coordination in preschoolers. Our aim was to investigate whether the development of motor skills changed depending on different amounts of a physical education program (PEP) in children aged 3–5 years. One hundred forty-five children were recruited from kindergartens and randomly divided into a control group (CG, n = 28), which did not perform any PEP, and two intervention groups, which performed 4 h/week (I1, n = 78) and 10 h/week (I2, n = 39) of a PEP for 16 weeks. Each lesson was set in the form of a programmed game in order to produce fun, thus increasing enthusiasm for participation. Before and after t…

Effects of pilates exercise programs in people with chronic low back pain: a systematic review

2015

The Pilates method has recently become a fast-growing popular way of exercise recommended for healthy individuals and those engaged in rehabilitation. Several published studies have examined the effects of Pilates method in people with chronic low back pain (LBP). The objective of this study is to describe and provide an extensive overview of the scientific literature comparing the effectiveness of the Pilates method on pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP. The study is based on the data from the following sources: MEDLINE-NLM, MEDLINE-EBSCO, Scopus Elsevier, Cochrane, DOAJ, SciELO, and PLOSONE. Original articles and systematic reviews of adults with chronic nonspeci…

The surprising influence of family history to type 2 diabetes on anaerobic performance of young male élite athletes

2014

Aims/Hypothesis It is known that family history to type 2 diabetes induces anthropometric changes in various populations. Regular physical activity can induce adaptations in these subjects regularizing body composition and anthropometric parameters. The aim of this study is therefore to understand if family history to type 2 diabetes affects anaerobic performance in young male élite athletes. Methods Forty six young male élite athletes were tested. Thirty three without family history to type 2 diabetes (FH-) and thirteen with family history to type 2 diabetes (FH+). Anthropometric parameters, body composition, physiological parameters and athletic performance were assessed. Results Weight (…

Evaluation of Posturographic and Neuromuscular Parameters during Upright Stance and Hand Standing: A Pilot Study

2023

Upright bipedal posture is the physiological human posture; however, it is not the only possible form of human standing; indeed, an inverted position, a handstand, is required during gymnastics or other sports. Thus, this study aimed to understand the differences between the two standing strategies from a postural and neuromuscular perspective. Thirteen gymnasts with at least three years of sports experience underwent a baropodometric assessment and a surface electromyography (sEMG) examination in a standard upright bipodalic stance and during a handstand. The sEMG examination was performed on the gastrocnemius during an upright stance and on the flexor carpi radialis during the handstand. …

Transcranial alternating current stimulation and sports performance: an explorative study of the association with the genetic background

2017

An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents. The ASSO Project

2018

Monitoring physical fitness (fitness) and identifying, since the beginning, possible determinants in youth could be useful to preserve health and avoid morbidities in adulthood. The main objective of this study is to provide details on the fitness levels of a sample of adolescents living in the Southern area of Italy and describe its associations with biological/genetic, socio-cultural/environmental, and lifestyle (physical activity/sedentariness, alcohol/smoking, meal patterns/habits) factors. The study was conducted within the Adolescence Surveillance System for Obesity Prevention (ASSO) project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and examining adolescents&rsquo

Identification of normal and pathological posterior inter-malleolar ligament with dedicated high-field vs low-field MRI. A pilot study

2015

AIM the aim of the study was to determine an objective measure of detection of posterior inter-malleolar ligament (PIML) through a magnetic resonance (MRI) of the ankle with two dedicated scanners: high-field (1-Tesla: HMF) and low-field (0.2-Tesla: LMF). METHODS two-hundred subjects were randomly recruited for the study and then divided in two groups (HMF and LMF). We retrospectively evaluated the MRI of the ankle in the two groups of patients. PIML evaluation was performed globally and separately using different scan planes. RESULTS in HMF and LMF, the PIML was identified respectively in 55 and 11% of cases. PIML was classified as "indeterminate" in 28 and 57% of patients, and "absent" in…

One repetition maximum bench press performance: A new approach for its evaluation in inexperienced males and females: A pilot study

2014

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method to perform the one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test, by combining previously validated predictive and practical procedures. Eight young male and 7 females participants, with no previous experience of resistance training, performed a first set of repetitions to fatigue (RTF) with a workload corresponding to 1/3 of their body mass (BM) for a maximum of 25 repetitions. Following a 5-min recovery period, a second set of RTF was performed with a workload corresponding to 1/2 of participants’ BM. The number of repetitions performed in this set was then used to predict the workload to be used for the 1RM bench press test using May…

A Review of Countermovement and Squat Jump Testing Methods in the Context of Public Health Examination in Adolescence: Reliability and Feasibility of…

2019

Background In the context of a public health physical fitness (PF) examination in adolescence, a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a squat jump (SJ) are two vertical jump (VJ) tests widely used to evaluate lower limb muscle strength and power, respectively. The main criticism of both the CMJ and SJ test is the lack of test standardization. Therefore, the objectives of this review are: (a) to gather information about both jumps; (b) to investigate whether it is possible to identify common procedures referred to in the CMJ and SJ technical execution, and (c) to design standard operating procedures (SOPs) to promote CMJ and SJ standardization in an adolescent population aged 12-18 years. Methods …

Prostasomes as zinc ligands in human seminal plasma

2004

Prostasomes are small vesicles, containing zinc, secreted by prostate in human seminal plasma and showing a physiological role on sperm properties. In this study, the possible correspondence between prostasomes and a prostatic high molecular weight protein complex, recently indicated as zinc ligand, has been investigated. Isolated prostasomes, examined by scanning electron microscopy, were dialysed to evaluate their zinc binding capacity. Furthermore, seminal plasma Sephadex G-75 elution was carried out before and after prostasome removal. Prostasome preparations, containing typical vesicles of 50-500 nm, showed a positive correlation between their zinc and protein levels. They were able to…

Determination of a strength index for upper body local endurance strength in sedentary individuals: a cross sectional analysis.

2015

A range of balance between flexor and extensor muscles is fundamental in order to prevent pathologies caused by bad postures or to ensure health of the joint as a measure of prevention of overtraining in specific muscle groups. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the ratio between “pulling” and “pushing” strength in sedentary individuals. 212 healthy participants, of both genders (139 male and 73 female; age 32 ± 13.3 years, weight 70.2 ± 14.1 kg, height 173 ± 9 cm) were retained for investigation. Strength was assessed through a new methodology: Pulling through a lat-pulldown test while pushing strength through a chest-press test. Both tests were performed to exhaustion with an …

Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular ri…

2016

Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) is an increasingly popular dietary approach used for weight loss and overall health. While there is an increasing body of evidence demonstrating beneficial effects of IF on blood lipids and other health outcomes in the overweight and obese, limited data are available about the effect of IF in athletes. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the effects of a modified IF protocol (i.e. time-restricted feeding) during resistance training in healthy resistance-trained males. Methods: Thirty-four resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to time-restricted feeding (TRF) or normal diet group (ND). TRF subjects consumed 100 % of their energy needs…

The variation of the balance strategy during the lifespan: a pilot stduy

2017

Protein supplement consumption is linked to time spent exercising and high-protein content foods: A multicentric observational study

2019

The main aim of this study is to analyze if protein supplement consumption and food patterns vary across three geographical regions and secondly to identify possible factors that increase the likelihood of ingesting protein supplements.A total of 916 responses from gym users of 3 countries (Italy, Turkey and UK) were entered for analysis. Questions were related to supplement consumption (protein and other supplements), food intake and training habits. A descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were performed.No differences were found across groups regarding: prevalence of protein supplement consumption, typology of other ingested supplement and food intake…

Soccer practice as an add-on treatment in the management of individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia

2013

Giuseppe Battaglia,1,3 Marianna Alesi,2 Michele Inguglia,4 Michele Roccella,2 Giovanni Caramazza,3 Marianna Bellafiore,1,3 Antonio Palma1,3 1Department of Law, Social and Sport Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 2Department of Psychology, University of Palermo, Palermo Italy; 3Regional Sports School of CONI Sicilia, Sicily, Italy; 4Local Health of Palermo, Palermo, Italy Abstract: Physical activity is an important aspect of good health for everyone; it is even more important for psychiatric patients who usually live an unhealthy lifestyle. In recent years, there has been growing focus on the use of soccer as a vehicle to improve the health of subjects with severe mental illness…

High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training (HIRT) influences resting energy expenditure and respiratory ratio in non-dieting individuals

2012

Abstract Background The benefits of exercise are well established but one major barrier for many is time. It has been proposed that short period resistance training (RT) could play a role in weight control by increasing resting energy expenditure (REE) but the effects of different kinds of RT has not been widely reported. Methods We tested the acute effects of high-intensity interval resistance training (HIRT) vs. traditional resistance training (TT) on REE and respiratory ratio (RR) at 22 hours post-exercise. In two separate sessions, seventeen trained males carried out HIRT and TT protocols. The HIRT technique consists of: 6 repetitions, 20 seconds rest, 2/3 repetitions, 20 secs rest, 2/3…

Self-esteem, quality of life, and physical activity in women with diagnosed endometriosis: a pilot study in an Italian sample

2021

Purpose. Endometriosis is a painful pathology impairing women's daily life. Several studies have shown that patients report low mental and physical quality of life, but no general evaluation of their self-esteem has been found. Studies concerning physical activity frequency present inconsistent results. Therefore, the current paper aims to compare life quality and selfesteem in women with endometriosis with the Italian normative data of the measures used. Methods. Overall, 36 women with diagnosed endometriosis treated in hospital completed a questionnaire detecting physical activity frequency, self-esteem, quality of life, and socioeconomic information. One sample t-test served to compare t…

Cardiovascular Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021

AbstractThe aim of this study will be to review the current body of literature to understand the effects of stretching on the responses of the cardiovascular system. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching on responses of the cardiovascular system were investigated. Outcomes regarded heart rate(HR), blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV of which baPWV for brachial-ankle and cfPWV for carotid-femoral waveforms), heart rate variability and endothelial vascular function. Subsequently, the effects of each outcome were quantitatively synthetized using meta-analytic synthesis with random-…

Gross motor proficiency and intellectual functioning

2018

This cross-sectional study examines differences in gross motor proficiency as a function of different intellectual functioning profiles. Two motor areas have been investigated as being equally essential to gross motor functions in every-day life: locomotion and object control. It aims to compare gross motor skills endorsed by children with Down syndrome (DS), children with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF), and typically developing children (TDC). Group 1 was composed of 18 children with DS (chronological age=8.22), group 2 was composed of 18 children with BIF (chronological age=9.32), and group 3 was composed of 18 children with typical development (TD) (chronological age=9.28). Gr…

One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students

2021

The COVID-19 outbreak forced Italian students to reduce their daily activities, inducing a seden-tary attitude that was worsened by distanced learning. This study aimed to survey the physical activity levels that were maintained before and during the social restrictions following the pan-demic, their correlation to musculoskeletal pain, as well as analyzing the impact of these COVID-19 restrictions on pain and fatigue that affects daily life activities. A total of 2044 students completed the online questionnaire, of which the results of 1654 participants were eligible. Before the pandemic, the levels of physical activity were distributed as: 19.9% no activity, 30.1% light ac-tivity, 21.5% m…

An Interaction Path of Mothers’ and Preschoolers’ Food-and Physical Activity-Related Aspects in Disadvantaged Sicilian Urban Areas

2021

Background: The relationship between mothers and their children’s lifestyle is still unclear, especially in disadvantaged areas. Consequently, the study aims to identify a path explaining the extent to which maternal eating habits and physical activity (PA) level predict food-related aspects, PA practice and Quotient of Gross Motor Development (QGMD) in preschoolers from disadvantaged urban areas. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 79 dyads of mothers and children were recruited from kindergartens. Information related to family socio-demographic aspects, mothers’ and children’s dietary intake frequencies and PA/sedentariness, mothers’ weight and height, mothers’ perception o…

Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts

2012

Abstract Background Despite the increasing use of very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKD) in weight control and management of the metabolic syndrome there is a paucity of research about effects of VLCKD on sport performance. Ketogenic diets may be useful in sports that include weight class divisions and the aim of our study was to investigate the influence of VLCKD on explosive strength performance. Methods 8 athletes, elite artistic gymnasts (age 20.9 ± 5.5 yrs) were recruited. We analyzed body composition and various performance aspects (hanging straight leg raise, ground push up, parallel bar dips, pull up, squat jump, countermovement jump, 30 sec continuous jumps) before and after…

Differential expression of estrogen receptors (ER?/ER?) in testis of mature and immature pigs

2004

High affinity estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate estrogen action in male reproductive tissues. The objective of the present study was the immunolocalization of estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta in immature and mature testes of pig, a species in which the role of estrogens on gonadal function is scarcely known. Testes from 3 and 18 month-old pigs were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin embedded-tissues using both mouse anti-human monoclonal IgG ERalpha and IgG ERbeta 1 isoform. Western blot analysis demonstrated antibody specificity. ERalpha staining was not observed in immature testes, but it was detected in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and in the mo…

Protein supplementation in strength and conditioning adepts: knowledge, dietary behavior and practice in Palermo, Italy

2011

Abstract Background It is known that supplement use is a widespread and accepted practice by athletes and people who attend commercial gyms. Little is known about protein supplement amongst people undertaking strength training in commercial gyms in Italy when compared to the US. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the use of protein supplementation, alone or in association with other supplements, and dietary behavior amongst regular fitness center attendees in Palermo, Italy. Design Resistance training information have been collected from 800 regular fitness center attendees for the initial analysis. A specific questionnaire was generated for the experimentation. Data were co…

Evaluation of Fitness and the Balance Levels of Children with a Diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Pilot Study

2017

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a main cause of physical disability and has high economic costs for society. The purpose of this study was to assess the fitness levels and the postural and balance deficits with a specific test battery. Methods: Fifty-six subjects were enrolled in this study. Thirty-nine healthy subjects were included in the control group and seventeen in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group. All subjects were evaluated using a posturography system. The fitness level was evaluated with a battery of tests (Abalakov test, sit-up test, hand grip test, backsaver sit and reach, the toe touch test). An unpaired t-test was used to determine differences. Pearson’s co…

The relationship between moderate hearing loss with balance and postural control

2017

Does Stretching Training Influence Muscular Strength? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

2022

Thomas, E, Ficarra, S, Nunes, JP, Paoli, A, Bellafiore, M, Palma, A, and Bianco, A. Does stretching training influence muscular strength? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-This aim of this study was to review articles that performed stretching training and evaluated the effects on muscular strength. Literature search was performed using 3 databases. Studies were included if they compared the effects on strength following stretching training vs. a nontraining control group or stretching training combined with resistance training (RT) vs. an RT-only group, after at least 4 weeks of intervention. The meta-analyses were performe…

Influence of Geographical Area and Living Setting on Children's Weight Status, Motor Coordination, and Physical Activity

2022

This study was aimed (i) to examine the effect of living setting (rural vs. urban), geographical area (North vs. Center vs. South), and gender (boys vs. girls) on weight status, motor coordination, and physical activity (PA) level of Italian school-age children; (ii) to examine differences in the neighborhood walkability of different school areas from different geographical areas and living settings; and (iii) to examine whether motor coordination, PA level, geographical areas, living setting, neighborhood walkability, and gender could predict children's weight status. We assessed anthropometric parameters, gross motor coordination, and PA level in 1,549 children aged between 8 and 13 years…

Biochemical adaptations in middle-distance runners: an assessment of blood and anthropometric parameters

2014

In order to understand the mechanism underlying the physiological adaptation of purely aerobic workout, we investigated the effect of 2 months of training on nine males (17-22 year-old) middle distance running agonistic athletes. Blood sample was collected in the morning to analyze: hematological parameters, lipid profile, liver function enzymes [glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT)] and skeletal and myocardial markers of muscle damage [creatin kinase (CK) and creatin kinase MB (CK-MB)]. Endurance training, as it implies high oxygen consumption, should increase reactive oxygen species, but it has been shown that exercise lea…

Decreased postural control in people with moderate hearing loss

2018

Balance is a complex process that involves multiple sensory integrations. The auditory, visual, and vestibular systems are the main contributors. Hearing loss or hearing impairment may induce inappropriate postural strategies that could affect balance and therefore increase the risk of falling. The aim of this study was to understand whether hearing loss could influence balance, cervical posture, and muscle activation in the cervical region. Thirteen patients (61 ± 13 years; 161.8 ± 11.0 cm; 70.5 ± 15.9 kg) with moderate hearing loss (Right ear −60 ± 21 dB; Left ear −61 ± 24 dB) underwent: an audiometric examination, a postural examination (with open and closed eyes) through a stabilometric…

Improvement of gross motor and cognitive abilities by an exercise training program: three case reports

2014

Marianna Alesi,1 Giuseppe Battaglia,2 Michele Roccella,1 Davide Testa,1 Antonio Palma,2 Annamaria Pepi1 1Department of Psychology, 2Department of Law, Social and Sport Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy Background: This work examined the efficacy of an integrated exercise training program (coach and family) in three children with Down syndrome to improve their motor and cognitive abilities, in particular reaction time and working memory. Methods: The integrated exercise training program was used in three children with Down syndrome, comprising two boys (M1, with a chronological age of 10.3 years and a mental age of 4.7 years; M2, with a chronological age of 14.6 years and a ment…

Effects of three distinct protocols of fitness training on body composition, strength and blood lactate

2010

AIM: Circuit training is a very popular methodology in fitness program because it allows to join together cardiovascular and strength training. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological effects of circuit training performed at different intensities on body composition, strength and blood lactate in middle-aged subjects who had recently undergone only minimum physical training. METHODS: Forty participants (aged 50-65) were assigned to a control group (CG) or to one of the three exercise treatment groups: Endurance Group (EG), Circuit-Low Intensity Group (CLG), Circuit-High Intensity Group (CHG). The three groups exercised three times per week, 50 min per session for 12 wk …

How do sports affect static baropodometry? An observational study among women living in southern Italy

2018

Purpose. the aim of the study was (a) to investigate the differences in plantar pressure distribution between athletes (A) and sedentary (S) women; (b) to examine the differences, if any, in plantar pressure between sports within the A group. Methods. the study involved 173 females; 98 were S (age: 24.23 ± 6.11 years; height: 161.11 ± 6.44 cm; weight: 56.70 ± 8.19 kg; bMI: 21.81 ± 2.52 kg/m 2 ; body surface area [bSA]: 1.59 ± 0.13; shoe size: 37.83 ± 1.53), 75 were A (age: 22.47 ± 4.89 years; height: 159.98 ± 5.95 cm; weight: 55.49 ± 7.61 kg; bMI: 21.62 ± 2.18 kg/m 2 ; bSA: 1.57 ± 0.12; shoe size: 38.05 ± 1.55). For plantar support analysis, the FreeMed posturography system was used, includ…

The role of physical activity on postural stability and fitness characteristics in pediatric patients with GH deficiency

2019

Purpose: Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) show low fitness levels before GH treatment is started. Muscular strength, flexibility and postural stability are related to health and quality of life. Since it is widely recognized that physical activity increases GH secretion and GH could ameliorate fitness, if a high adherence to treatment is documented (1), the purpose of this study is to investigate any difference on posturographic parameters and muscular features in physically active children with GHD, treated with GH with a high adherence to the treatment, and compared with sedentary pediatric patients. Methods: 13 children (7 males, 6 females) with GHD were enrolled at the Univ…

The impact of physical activity on psychological health during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy

2020

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has upset the normality of Italian daily life, forcing population to social distancing and self-isolation. Since the containment precautions also concern sport-related activities, home workout remained the only possibility to play sports and stay active during the pandemic. The present study aimed to examine changes in the physical activity levels during self-quarantine in Italy, and the impact of exercise on psychological health. A total of 2974 Italian subjects has completed an online survey, but only 2524 subjects resulted eligible for this study. The questionnaire measured the total weekly physical activity energy expenditure before and during quarantine…

The posterior talocalcaneal ligament: an MRI evaluation

2020

Purpose Awideinter-individualvariabilityintermsofsize,orientationandinsertionisobservedregardingankleligaments. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the anatomical features of the posterior talocalcaneal ligament (PTCL) observed through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle. Methods The study was retrospectively carried out on 893 ankle MRI’s exams. The exams have all been performed using a 1.5-T (T) MRI. The same scanning protocols and scan planes were carried out in all the exams. The first evaluated param- eter was the recognition of the PTCL. Subsequently, in all those cases where the ligament was present, its features such as insertion sites, length, and…

The Case of Insertional Adductor Tendinopathy of an International-Level 3,000-m Steeplechase Runner

2021

Background: Groin pain is a frequent condition among athletes. One of the causes of groin pain is tendinopathy, a frequently diagnosed medical condition, which can also occur in the adductor muscles. Despite the high prevalence of this medical condition among athletes, it is infrequent to observe tendinopathic groin pain in steeplechase runners. The aim of this case study is to describe the case of an international-level 3,000-m steeplechase runner with groin pain, who was subsequently diagnosed with adductor insertional tendinopathy.Case Presentation: We present the case of an Italian 3,000-m steeplechase and long distance runner, Ala Zoghlami (180 cm, 57 kg), with groin pain, diagnosed as…

Motor Conduction Studies and Handgrip in Hereditary TTR Amyloidosis: Simple Tools to Evaluate the Upper Limbs

2022

PurposeHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv) is caused by mutations in the TTR gene, leading to misfolded monomers that aggregate generating amyloid fibrils. The clinical phenotype is heterogeneous, and characterized by a multisystemic disease affecting the sensorimotor and autonomic functions along with other organs.Materials and MethodsAll the patients were assessed by complete neurological assessment, neurophysiological evaluation, of the median nerve, and handgrip analysis. The data are presented as means and standard deviations. Parametric and non-parametric assessments have been performed to identify differences between groups. Pearson's correlation has been…

Food literacy predictors and associations with physical and emergent literacy in pre-schoolers: results from the Training-to-Health Project

2019

AbstractObjective:Food literacy (FL) is a crucial need encompassing basic literacy and fundamental movement skills. The present study aimed to investigate the FL level in pre-schoolers and to evaluate the effect of potential predictors and the associations with gross motor and emergent literacy skills.Design:Cross-sectional study conducted within the Training-to-Health Project.Setting:Kindergartens (n 21) in the Palermo City Council, Italy.Participants:Pre-school children aged 3–6 years (n 921) followed education sessions on nutritional topics, practical activities and compiled prearranged sheets. FL was assessed by the five-domain toolkit ‘preschool-FLAT’; gross motor and emergent literacy…

Postural and neuromuscular strategies during upright stance and hand standing

2017

Effects of Different Long-Term Exercise Modalities on Tissue Stiffness

2022

AbstractStiffness is a fundamental property of living tissues, which may be modified by pathologies or traumatic events but also by nutritional, pharmacological and exercise interventions. This review aimed to understand if specific forms of exercise are able to determine specific forms of tissue stiffness adaptations. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify manuscripts addressing adaptations of tissue stiffness as a consequence of long-term exercise. Muscular, connective, peripheral nerve and arterial stiffness were considered for the purpose of this review. Resistance training, aerobic training, plyometric training and stretching were r…

Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise

2020

Previous research has reported that children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) showed functional and cognitive impairments. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and body posture between children with ISS treated with growth hormone (GH) and healthy peers (healthy children, HC), and to analyze whether these parameters were affected by physical exercise. Eighteen children for the ISS group (mean age: 10.96 ± 1.68 years) and 26 children for the HC group (mean age: 10.19 ± 1.06 years) were recruited for the study. All participants performed the following assessments: handgrip and Sargent test for the muscle strength evaluation; baropodometric and stabilometric test for the…

Postural control and balance in a cohort of healthy people living in Europe: An observational study

2018

Abstract In the past 20 years, posturography has been widely used in the medical field. This observational study aimed to report the values derived from posturography of a wide set of healthy subjects from various European countries using a plantar pressure platform and a standardized method of measurement. A random cluster sampling of 914 healthy subjects aged between 7.0 and 85.99 years, stratified by age, was carried out. To provide percentile values of our cohort, data were processed to obtain 3 curves corresponding to the following percentiles: 25th, 50th, 75th, and the interquartile range. Distance-weighted least squares method was used to represent the percentile on appropriate graph…

The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behaviour in a Relatively Young Population Living in Kosovo

2021

To abate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, different restriction measures were imperative, limiting the possibility to be engaged in physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity (PA) levels expressed as energy expenditure (MET-min/week) and sedentary behaviour in Kosovo. The possible association between PA levels and other factors was analyzed. 1633 participants (age range: 13 to 63 years; mean: 24.70 ± 9.33 years; body height: 172 ± 10.57 cm; body mass: 69.10 ± 13.80 kg; BMI: 23.09 ± 3.63 kg/m2) participated in the study, categorized by age, gender, BMI, and living area. An online survey, including an adapted version of the…

PREJUDICE AND PROBLEM SOLVING IN VIOLENCE AND EXCLUSION

2020

Il presente manuale è frutto di un’attenta analisi da parte di esperti del settore sportivo a livello internazionale (Austria, Bosnia ed Erzegovina, Croazia, Lituania, Serbia, Spagna). Esso rappresenta il punto di partenza per una riflessione profonda riguardo tematiche quali violenza ed esclusione sociale, in contesti sportivi e scolastici. Il suo intento è quello di essere una guida pratica per tecnici ed operatori che si trovano quotidianamente a formare ed educare i ragazzi sulla gestione delle relazioni all’interno del gruppo (sportivo e non), sulla presenza di fenomeni frequenti (ad es., il pregiudizio) e di eventuali conflitti. Inoltre, il manuale fornisce conoscenze aggiuntive per g…

Evaluation of the podalic support in subjects with dyslexia: a pilot study

2017

Relationship between velocity and muscular endurance of the upper body

2018

Strength, power and muscular endurance tests have been developed as means of assessing people's physical abilities. However, testing may be expensive or time consuming. A method to reduce the time of physical assessment could be to use predictive algorithms for indirect assessment. The aim of this study will be to determine a relationship between strength, power and muscular endurance in order to identify predictors for an easier and faster assessment. 33 male strength-trained participants (22.8 ± 4.6 years, 172.5 ± 6.7 cm, 68.0 ± 10.6 kg) performed a single pull-up (SPU) and a single push-up (SPH) and a set of pull-ups (EPU) and push-ups (EPH) to exhaustion. The participants were divided i…

Evaluation of knee joint proprioception and balance of young female volleyball players: a pilot study

2015

[Purpose] The main purpose of our study was the evaluation of the effects of long-term volleyball practice on knee joint proprioception and balance of young female athletes. [Subjects and Methods] An observational case-control study was performed. The study enrolled 19 female volleyball players in the experimental group and 19 sedentary counterparts as controls. A Biodex balance system and dynamometer were used for the evaluations. The paired t-test was used to determine the significance of differences between the performance of athletes and controls. [Results] The knee proprioception analysis showed a significant difference at 60° joint position in active and passive tests. A similar trend…

Different resistance training protocols influence basal metabolic rate and respiratory ratio in nondieting individuals

2008

Expression of heat shock proteins in bladder cancers

2005

The influence of stomatognatic apparatus in atletic performance: the effects of the palatal exteroceptors stimulation in football players

2014

Study of quotient of gross motor ability in children with Down Syndrome

2016

Physical characteristics of moderately active men after 8 weeks of ‘‘calisthenics’’ training

2016

Aim: Calisthenics was originally a term used to define body weight exercises [1–3]. This term is now used to define a world wide spread sport based on body weight exercises. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the effects of calisthenics (sport) on sedentary individuals. Methods: 28 male participants (24.2 ± 4.2 years; 67.0 ± 8.3 kg; 173.3 ± 5.2 cm) were divided into two groups, a Calisthenics based intervention group (CIG) and a control group (CG). The CGI exercised for 8 weeks. Each participant underwent a postural assessment, a handgrip test (HG), a push-up and a pull-up test. Each participant was tested at baseline and post intervention. Results: The CGI improved their po…

Physiological response on 1 RM bench press performance

2012

A number of methods for determining upper body maximal strength are present. The 1-RM is defined as the maximum amount of resistance that can be performed for only 1 repetition and it has been shown to be reliable in various populations. Further, setting an intensity of resistance training based on a percentage of the 1-RM has been found to be effective for improving outcomes such as muscle strength, muscle power, and muscle hypertrophy. Little is known about the metabolic cost of 1RM evaluation and which is the optimal recovery time between sessions. We analyzed the physiological response during a standardized protocol of 1RM-Bench Press Test (1RM-BP). Fourteen healthy subjects (25,6±7,4 y…

UNA PANORAMICA SULL’ANEMIA SIDEROPENICA NEGLI ATLETI/AN OVERVIEW ON IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN ATHLETES

2012

Diversi studi in letteratura riportano come la capacità prestativa degli atleti di endurance sia fortemente compromessa in seguito all’insorgenza di anemia sideropenica. Questa, infatti, è una delle più importanti cause di overtraining negli atleti che pratica attività sportive di lunga durata come: la maratona, la marcia, il ciclismo. Tra le diverse cause di anemia ferropriva ricordiamo: una dieta inadeguata a soddisfare le richieste di ferro dell’organismo, una riduzione dell’assorbimento di ferro a livello intestinale e/o un’eccessiva perdita di questo elemento da parte dell’atleta. Il controllo periodico tramite analisi ematochimiche, metaboliche e funzionali potrebbe essere un valido s…

FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE SUPPLEMENTATION IN ATHLETES AND FITNESS PEOPLE. A REVIEW

2009

Il presente lavoro pone l’accento sull'importanza di una corretta idratazione sia per gli atleti sia per i sedentari. E’ infatti noto che l'acqua e i componenti in essa disciolti sono di fondamentale importanza per mantenere inalterate le principali funzioni del nostro organismo. Sono stati analizzati in particolare i sali minerali contenuti nell’acqua e nelle bevande utilizzate per la loro integrazione. E’ infatti invalso l'uso e l'abuso di integratori salini per gli atleti sulla cui utilità sono presenti in letteratura diversi contributi. Gli AA hanno anche approfondito il tema della sudorazione e le situazioni in cui aumentano le perdite di fluidi corporei cercando di capire come atleti …

Gross motor proficiency and intellectual functioning

2018

Abstract This cross-sectional study examines differences in gross motor proficiency as a function of different intellectual functioning profiles. Two motor areas have been investigated as being equally essential to gross motor functions in every-day life: locomotion and object control. It aims to compare gross motor skills endorsed by children with Down syndrome (DS), children with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF), and typically developing children (TDC). Group 1 was composed of 18 children with DS (chronological age = 8.22), group 2 was composed of 18 children with BIF (chronological age = 9.32), and group 3 was composed of 18 children with typical development (TD) (chronological …

EFFETTI DELLA TERAPIA MULTISISTEMICA IN ACQUA SULLE ABILITA’ GROSSOMOTORIE E COGNITIVE IN SOGGETTI CON DISTURBO DELLO SPETTRO AUTISTICO

2015

Lo scopo del presente studio è stato quello di studiare gli effetti della “terapia multisistemica in acqua” (TMA) sulle abilità grossomotorie e cognitive in bambini con disturbo dello spettro autistico. Le attività hanno coinvolto sei soggetti e si sono svolte attraverso la “pianificazione” di un intervento individualizzato e interpersonale volto a ridurre i sintomi e migliorare le capacità comunicative e relazionali del bambino avvalendosi degli ambienti strutturati delle piscine pubbliche. Dopo l’intervento terapeutico, i soggetti hanno mostrato un miglioramento del quoziente di sviluppo grosso-motorio e una modificazione degli schemi cognitivi, comportamentali, comunicativi ed emotivi. I…

A web-based survey about protein supplementation amongst net-surfers. An innovative approach using Protein Project Google App©

2012

Web surveys present methodological challenges including lower response rates as compared to other survey methods like face to face interview, self reports using questionnaire and phone interview. The efficacy and appropriateness of design elements of invitations to participate in a web survey is not yet well understood for many reasons. To understand the feasibility of this innovative approach, an experiment (Protein Project) with key questions regarding protein supplementation was set up according to previous findings (Goston et al. 2004; Bianco et al. 2011). A Google App© was used to generate a questionnaire with seven-items and subsequently the created form was redirected to various soci…

Healthy shoes: a project for a detailed assessment of ramson for the shoes based on quantitative evaluation of variations of feet anatomy

2005

Parental recognition of overweight as a health problem in school-age children living in a inner-city-neighborhood of Palermo, Italy: a cross-sectiona…

2007

Oxidant/antioxidant response of rhythmic gymnastics trainers following high intensity interval exercise training

2013

Post-rehabilitation home exercises after stroke and hip fracture: results of a pilot study in Palermo

2010

Although most patients having sustained a stroke or hip fracture (PSHF) attend a period of therapy and rehabilitation program, it usually only last a few months and they may not continue an exercise program when the rehabilitation treatment has ended. Many Authors suggests that PSHF can improve or maintain the rehabilitation outcomes through an exercise program. At the geriatric assessment and integrated home-care Unit, Health-District 10, ASP6-Palermo, we enrolled 51 PSHF who were able to collaborate and follow the home exercise program and compared them with 50 PSHF who had been discharged from the same Unit in the period preceding the beginning of the study. The home exercise program was…

Expression of Heat Shock Protein in bladder cancers.

2005

Expression of Heat Shock Protein in bladder cancers.

Indagine conoscitiva sulla pratica sportiva nella Città di Palermo, II parte.

2008

ASSESSMENT OF CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS (CRF) WITHOUT EXERCISE TESTING AND ASSOCIATION OF CRF WITH WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE (WC) IN YOUNG ADULTS

2007

Adaptations in heart rate and arterial pressure induced by a specific program of exercise training for elite soccer referee: a case report.

2005

sovraccarico funzionale in età adulta

2014

Post-chemotherapy physical fitness level on children with diagnosis of leukemia: results of a pilot study

2012

Introduction: Children with diagnosis of leukemia are at risk for developing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal complications such as decreased muscle strength, impaired gross and fine motor performance, decreased energy expenditure, osteonecrosis, and osteoporosis. These secondary complications due to the medical interventions may lead to activity limitations and participation restrictions in daily life experiences. However, few Authors suggest that if children participate in an individualized physical therapy exercise program, these limitations may be prevented or at least reduced. We evaluated the level of physical fitness on children with diagnosis of leukemia (C-LK) during the post-chem…

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by sigarette smoke: role in the maintenance of the inflamed state in COPD.

2005

Molecular factors involved in the angiogenesis process of exercised mouse hearts

2008

WHAT IS FITNESS: DEFINITION, HISTORY AND HEALTH BENEFITS. A REVIEW.

2008

Effects of a specific training protocol on body composition and balance in healthy elderly women

2008

Additional file 1: of Combined effect of different factors on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in Italian adolescents

2019

Sampling procedure (DOCX 88 kb)

Analysis of myoD and connexin-43 expression in gluteus maximum muscle of young mice after endurance training

2006

IMAGING OF THE SUBTALAR AND THE TRASVERSE TARSAL JOINTS

2004

Relationship between anthropometric parameters, strength and speed in school children

2013

The effects of three different training protocols on beginners in eight weeks

2012

The aim of this study was to compare three different methods of training in order to determine the effectiveness on weight loss in relation to body composition in adults. One hundred subjects aged 18 to 38 years, with a BMI equal to or greater than 27 and a body fat percentage greater than 22% for women and 12% for men, were enrolled in this study. They were subdivided into 3 groups that followed a different protocol. Before to start the training protocols was detected the starting level of fitness by a test of maximal oxygen consumption, VO2 max and maximal strength tests that it was detected by one maximal repetition of the major muscle groups; this has allowed to draw up personalized tra…

Performance profile analysis of unipedal paralympic sprinter: a case report

2011

The principal goal of elite athlete is to compete in international sporting events like Olympic or Paralympic Games. For this reason, athletes submit to multi-year training program (Vaeyens R et al., 2009; Ratel S, 2011). However, there are individuals who qualify to compete in the Paralympics even without a sporting past. The aim of this work was to examine the performance profile of a female paralympic sprinter [age: 37 years; mass: 58.2 Kg; height: 1.61m; BMI: 22.45; athletic category: T44 (100 m; 200 m)] with a 1/3 right lower limb unilateral transtibial amputation since the age of 2 years and 6 moths and lacking a sporting history. In particular, we analyzed used macrocycle, workload p…

Attività motorie e disabilità intellettive e mentali

2014

RUOLO DELL’ESERCIZIO FISICO NELLA QUALITÀ DI VITA DI SOGGETTI CON SCLEROSI MULTIPLA. ROLE OF EXERCISE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SUBJECTS WITH MULTIPL…

2012

La sclerosi multipla è una patologia neurodegenerativa cronica che ha un impatto considerevole sullo stato fisico, psicologico e sociale dei pazienti, influenzando negativamente la loro qualità di vita. Tra i fattori contribuenti ad una ridotta qualità di vita sono inclusi la presenza di dolore, spasmi, sindromi depressive, l’aumento della fatica e la riduzione della forza muscolare, mobilità ed autonomia nella deambulazione. Accanto alla medicina convenzionale, varie forme di medicina complementare ed alternativa, tra cui l’esercizio fisico, sono utilizzate dai soggetti con sclerosi multipla. Tuttavia, poche sono le prove scientifiche a sostegno della loro efficacia nel ridurre i sintomi d…

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF CSE EXPOSURE ON THE EXPRESSION OF MMPS IN PULMONARY EPITHELIAL CELL LINES

2004

Gross-Motor and Cognitive Abilities in Down Syndrome: The efficacy of an integrated Exercised Training

2014

LOCALIZATION OF SEVERAL ANGIOGENIC FACTORS IN THE MOUSE MYOCARDIUM IN RESPONSE TO ENDURANCE TRAINING

2009

Introduction: Previous studies carried out in our laboratory showed the presence of hypertrophy associated with angiogenesis in the mouse myocardium in response to endurance training (I). Moreover, we analysed the expression of several angiogenic factors as VEGFR- 1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/Flk-1, HIF-1a, iNOS and MMP-9 showing that the exercise differently regulates their expression levels in the angiogenic hearts according to the intensity and length of endurance training (II). The aim of this study was to examine the localization of VEGFR-1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/Flk-1, HIF-1a, iNOS and MMP-9 in the same experimental model in order to observe in which cells these proteins are expressed in response to exer…

STUDYING EMBRYONIC LUNG DEVELOPMENT BY TISSUE ENGINEERING.

2005

EFFECTS OF OVERLOADED STRENGTH TRAINING ON VERTICAL JUMPING PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

2013

Effects of a constant and incremental workload training protocol on upper body strenght gains

2011

EFFECTS OF THE SPORT-SPECIFIC TRAINING BACKGROUND ON SEATED MEDICINE BALL THROW IN YOUNG BASKET- BALL AND VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

2012

Introduction A sport-specific training background (SSTB) based on the nature of sport might affect explosive power of upper limbs in athletes (Izquierdo et al., 2002). However, there have been no attempts to study this in young female players from different ball games background. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of sport-specific training background on explosive power of upper limbs in basketball [BP] and volleyball players [VP]. Methods In the present study, thirty one short-limbed girls (Scelic Index ≥54.6) of which 11 age-matched control sedentary subjects [SS] (age: 15.00+/-0.52 years, BMI: 21.10+/-2.09, SI: 55.45+/-1.45, sedentary life: 3 years); 10 bask…

Effects of sport-specific training background on performance of volleyball and basketball athletes

2013

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 3 years of sport-specific training background (SSTB) on throwing performance and vertical jumping in young female players of team sports. Methods: Thirty-one healthy adolescent girls, of which 11 age-matched control subjects [C], 10 volleyballers (VP) and 10 basketballers (BP) were considered in our analysis. The vertical jumping performance was evaluated by squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with (CMJ-AS) and without arm swing (CMJ) using Optojump system (Microgate S.R.L., Italy). Instead, the throwing performance was measured by seated backward overhead ball throw (SBOMBT) and seated chest pass throw (SCPT) using a 3-kg rubber m…

PPARa GENE VARIATION AND PHISYCAL PERFORMANCE IN ITALIAN SOCCER PLAYERS

2012

PURPOSE: One of the genes of the health-related fitness phenotype is a PPARα coding for peroxisome proliferator activator receptor alpha, a central regulator of expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. The aim of our research was to study the role of polymorphism of PPARα gene in performance enhancing in Italian soccer players. METHODS: Sixty professional soccer players and thirty sedentary volunteers were enrolled in the study. Samples of venous blood were obtained at rest in the morning by conventional clinical procedures. Serum was collected and lipid profile was measured by using a commercial kit. An aliquote of anticoagulant-treated blood was used to prepare genomic DNA f…

PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT USE AMONG NETSURFERS VISITING HEALTH AND FITNESS COMMUNITY: FINDINGS FROM AN INTERNET-BASED SURVEY

2012

Introduction It is largely known that protein supplement (PS) use is a widespread and accepted practice by athletes and people who attend commercial gyms (Bianco et al., 2011). However, only few studies have been carried out in order to investigate supplement use and lifestyle in netsurfers of health and fitness community. For this reason the purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the use of PS, age and lifestyle of people who visited a specific Italian sporting website: www.fitnessa360.com. Methods 273 subjects netsurfing in the www.fitnessa360.com completed the 6-item online-questionnaire about age, gender, daily cigarette consumption, protein supplement use, information sou…

Effetti dell’allenamento di endurance sulla microvascolarizzazione del miocardio di topo

2006

Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters among overweight adults

2015

The benefits of regular exercise are known for a long time, but the mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in sedentary overweight adults.

ADULT STEM CELLS: THE REAL ROOT INTO THE EMBRYO?

2007

During embryonic development, a pool of cells may become a reserve of undifferentiated cells, the embryo-stolen adult stem cells (ESASC). ESASC may be responsible for adult tissue homeostasis, as well as disease development. Transdifferentiation is a sort of reprogramming of ESASC from one germ layer-derived tissue towards another. Transdifferentiation has been described to take place from mesoderm to ectodermal- or endodermal-derived tissues and viceversa but not from ectodermal- to endodermal-derived tissues. We hypothesise that two different populations of ESASC could exist, the first ecto/mesoblast-committed and the second endo/mesoblast-committed. If confirmed, this hypothesis could le…

EFFECTS OF A TRAINING PROGRAM ON MEDICINE BALL THROWING PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

2012

Introduction It is often recommended that off-season training programs aim to develop muscular strength and power in volleyball players (Marques et al., 2008). However, improvements in performance may be possible with a well-designed training regimen. The purpose of this case report is to study the effects of a specific training program to improve explosive power of upper limbs in young female volleyball players. Methods In the present study were included twenty one short-limbed girls (Scelic Index ≥54.6) of which 11 age-matched control sedentary subjects [SS] (age: 15.00+/-0.52 years, BMI: 21.10+/-2.09, SI: 55.45+/-1.45) and 10 volleyball players [VP] (age: 14.50+/-0.97 years, BMI: 22.17+/…

ANALYSIS OF INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE AND HYPOXIA-INDUCIBLE FACTOR-1ALPHA IN THE VASCULAR REMODELLING OF EXERCISED MOUSE HEARTS

2008

WHAT IS FITNESS

2008

Abincol® (Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02, Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01), an oral nutraceutical, prag…

2019

Chronic intestinal disorders (CID), including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticular disease (DD), are diseases that relapse episodes. There is evidence that patients with CID have intestinal dysbiosis, so probiotics may counterbalance the impaired microbiota. Therefore, the current survey evaluated the efficacy and safety of Abincol®,an oral nutraceuticalcontaining a probiotic mixture with Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 (1 billion of living cells), Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02 (800 millions of living cells), and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01 (200 millions of living cells), in 3,460…

SEDENTARY BEHAVIOURS IN RELATION TO BODY-MASS-INDEX DEFINED EXCESS OF WEIGHT IN TEENAGERS LIVING IN A SMALL URBAN CENTRE OF SICILY, ITALY

2009

Introduction: Epidemiological studies indicate that sedentary behaviours are associated with obesity independently of physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of sedentary behaviours with excess of weight in a sample of children living in a smallest Sicilian town where several confounding factors could be presumed to play a limited role because of a very homogeneous daily lifestyle. Methods: The investigation involved a randomly selected sample of 100 pupils attending the first grade of secondary education school of a smallest town with 5,485 inhabitants. Sedentary behaviour was assessed by administering a questionnaire including questions about time spent…

An innovative way to highlight the power of each polymorphism on the elite athletes phenotype expression

2015

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of soccer players having the best genetic background that could increase performance, evaluating the polymorphism that are considered Performance Enhancing Polymorphism (PEPs) distributed on five genes: PPARα, PPARGC1A, NRF2, ACE e CKMM. Particularly, we investigated how each polymorphism works directly or through another polymorphism to distinguish elite athletes from non-athletic population. Materials And Methods. Sixty professional soccer players (age 22.5 ± 2.2) and sixty healthy volunteers (age 21.2± 2.3) were enrolled. Samples of venous blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP pr…

Parental recognition of overweight as a health problem in school-age children living in an inner-city neighborhood of Palermo, Italy: a cross-section…

2007

ISBN: 978-88-89876-08-

Endurance Training and Heart Agiogenesis: new insights

2009

STUDY OF SAGITTAL SPINAL ROM IN ELDERLY WOMEN AFTER A SPECIFIC FLEXIBILITY-TRAINING PROGRAM

2013

The reduction of spinal mobility is one luckless consequence of the aging process. In particular, scarcity of exercise appears to be the principal reason of aging-related spinal dysfunction syndrome, which is characterized by adaptive shortening of soft tissue and a partial loss of range of spinal motion (1). Several recommendations promoting the spinal flexibility in elderly people are based on stretching programs that include static and ballistic exercises and PNF techniques (2). Several studies showed that specific training programs could improve body balance (3), bodyweight distribution on feet (4), muscle strength and flexibility (5) in elders. In particular, Imagama et al. (2011) show…

Changes in plasmatic redox status following low-moderate interval exercise training in rhythmic gymnastics trainers

2013

“CALCIAPENSIERI” PROJECT: AN ADD-ON TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBJECTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

2013

Introduction If physical activity is a pivotal component of good health for everyone, there is an increasing emphasis on its importance for psychiatric patients affected from schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s dementia, major depressive disorder (Knochel et al. 2012). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soccer practice on the self reported health quality of life (SRHQL) and sports performance (SP) in psychotic subjects. Methods Eighteen schizophrenic male patients were randomized into either a trained (TG) and control group (CG). TG was trained for 12 weeks by two soccer training sessions/week. CG did not perform any regular sports activity during experimental period. Anthropome…

Does the exercise training intensity affect plasmatic redox status in rhythmic gymnastic?

2013

THE EVALUATION OF MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

2011

Introduction The agility and coordination are two of many attributes required to become a successful player. Several reports have showed that the training of muscle flexibility leads to improvements both in the coordinative and technical performance, and in the process of motor learning (1). The aim of our study was to evaluate the flexibility of shoulders, trunk and lower limbs in young male soccer players compared to that of sedentary subjects. Methods Twelve players (age: 20.00 ± 3.74 years; weight: 74.25 ± 6.80 kg; height: 178.92 ± 6.65 cm) belonging all to the same soccer team and ten sedentary subjects (age: 21.8 ± 3.12 years; weight: 73.60 ± 5.29 kg; height: 179.50 ± 5.78) were teste…

A study on sports activities performed by Palermo football club fans

2011

Introduction: It is known that sport is able to evoke high levels of emotional attachment and identification (Sutton et al., 1997). This phenomenon can be a factor stimulating the practice of football mainly at a young age. The aim of this study was to explore whether Palermo fans do sports activities and especially football. Methods: Several websites and telecasts mainly followed by Palermo fans were used to select the participants for this study and invite them to fill in a questionnaire. The data collected were elaborated by statistical analysis. Results: 899 fans filled in the questionnaire (743 men and 156 women). The average age of women was 32.74 ± 11.13 years; while that of men was …

TRAUMI E TRAUMATISMI ASSOCIATI ALLA PRATICA SPORTIVA

2014

Soccer practice as vehicle to improve sporting performance and psychophysical health in psychotic subjects

2012

In recent years there has been a growing attention in the use of soccer as a vehicle to improve mental health. Local health organizations are beginning to understand that soccer may be an effective way to promote good mental health and help increase access to, and uptake of, services for mental health service users (Pringle 2009). The aim of this study was to investigate effects of soccer practice on the psychophysical perception and performance in psychotic subjects. Eighteen overweight male subjects, 10 trained psychotics [TPs] (age: 36+/-6 years; height: 164+/-7.00 cm; weight: 77.44+/-13.60 kg; BMI: 28.55+/-3.70) and 8 no-trained psychotics [NTPs] (age: 35+/-5 years; height: 163+/-4.00 c…

FITNESS IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

2010

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and persons who are less active and less fit have a 30% to 50% greater risk for high blood pressure and others metabolic diseases. The objective of this study was to improve the cardio-respiratory fitness, and to reduce body weight in an obese, hypertensive and sedentary man (Metabolic Syndrome Case Report). The anthropometrics and physiological characteristics were recorded before, during and after the experimentation. The subject performed a specific fitness program for eleven months (70 sessions). The results showed a significant reduction of Body Mass (p<0.001). Moreover the resting blood pressure recorded at the end…

A web-based survey about protein supplemantion amongst net-surfers. An innovative approach using Protein Project Google App

2012

Stima della fitness cardiorespiratoria (CRF) con un test "senza esercizio fisico" e associazione con indicatori convenzionali di rischio cardio-vasco…

2007

ANALYSIS OF SERUM BIOMARKERS IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER A TWO-WEEK PRECOMPETITIVE TRAINING

2009

Indagine conoscitiva sulla pratica sportiva nella Città di Palermo, I parte.

2008

THE ANALYSIS OF BODY BALANCE IN A PARALYMPIC SPRINTER: A CASE REPORT

2011

Introduction Trans-tibial amputation is responsible for biomechanical changes (i.e. absence of muscles, bones and joints) and modifications in both afferent and efferent projections. Because of these impairments, body balance is difficult to control and falls are a significant problem for trans-tibial amputees (Curtze et al., 2010). The aim of our study was to evaluate whether specific exercises can improve body balance in a paralympic sprinter (category: T-44) after 7 weeks of training. Methods The athlete was a healthy and active female subject (age: 37 years; weight: 58.2 Kg; height: 161cm; BMI: 22.45) with an unilateral transtibial amputation to 1/3 of the right lower limb since the age…

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by cigarette smoke: role in maintenance of the inflamed state in copd

2005

Influence of a flexibility training program on psychophysical health of elderly women

2014

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a specific flexibility training program on the spinal health status and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in female older subjects. Methods: Thirty older women were recruited in a senior centre of Palermo and randomly assigned in two groups: trained group [TG] (n: 17; age: 68.35±6.04 years; BMI: 27.28±3.08) and control group [CG] (n: 13; age: 69.69±7.94 years; BMI: 27.88±2.81). TG was trained for 8 weeks by two sessions/week. In particular, every training session included three phases: warm up (~10 min), central period (~50 min) including specific exercises to train spinal flexibility, and cool down (~10 min)1. CG did not pe…

Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01) in patients undergoing bowel prepa…

2019

Bowel preparation (BP) for colonoscopy induces significantly changes in gut microbiota and elicit intestinal symptoms. Impaired microbiota causes an intestinal dysbiosis. Consequently, probiotics may counterbalance the disturbed microbiota after BP. The current survey evaluated the efficacy and safety of Abincol®,an oral nutraceuticalcontaining a probiotic mixture with Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 (1 billion of living cells), Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02 (800 millions of living cells), and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01 (200 millions of living cells), in 2,979 outpatients (1,579 males and 1,400 females, mean age 56 years) undergoing BP. Patients took 1 stick/daily for 4 w…

Variazioni dell'apofisi trasversa della settima vertebra cervicale: studio anatomo - radiologico su una popolazione >

1990

Gli autori hanno studiato le modificazioni morfologiche delle apofisi trasverse della settima vertebra cervicale. Sono state osservate principalmente due variazioni: la mega - apofisi trasversa e la costa cervicale. Gli autori hanno riscontrato una incidenza di variazioni notevolmente superiore rispetto a quanto riportato in letteratura, suppongono che ciò sia dovuto alla relativa > geografica e socio - economica ed ipotizzano una trasmissione genetica di tale variazione del tipo autosomico recessivo.

RELAZIONE TRA HANDGRIP E FAMILIARITÀ AL DIABETE DI TIPO 2: UNO STUDIO PILOTA/ RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HANDGRIP: RESULTS OF A PILOT S…

2012

Obiettivo: È stata analizzata la possibile relazione, su un campione della popolazione siciliana, tra il grado di familiarità al diabete di tipo 2, i parametri antropometrici ed alcuni test di forza specifica. Materiali e metodi: In modalità random sono stati selezionati 88 uomini e 27 donne, distinti in FH- (assenza di familiarità per il diabete di tipo 2), FH+ (con un componente in linea indiretta con la malattia) ed FH++ (con un genitore affetto dalla malattia). Sono stati rilevati i parametri antropometrici, i parametri cardiovascolari ed è stato rilevato l’handgrip ad entrambe le mani. Le differenze tra i gruppi sono state analizzate con il test ANOVA ed attraverso correlazioni paramet…

USE OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS AND DIETARY BEHAVIOUR: RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON PEOPLE ATTENDING COMMERCIAL GYMS IN ITALY

2011

Introduction Nutrition is traditionally perceived as a crucial component of physical fitness and performance. In the last few decades, the increasing understanding of human nutrition and exercise physiology has showed that a wise management of nutrient intake could positively affect fitness improvements and sport performance. The aim of this study was to examine the use of dietary supplements and diet behavior amongst regular fitness centers users in Italy. Methods A specific questionnaire was generated for the experimentation. The data were collected using the face-to-face interview method. Only strength and conditioning classes participants were included in the selection criteria. Trainin…

Parental perception of childhood overweight in an inner-city area of Palermo, Italy

2008

EFFECTS OF THREE DISTINCT PROTOCOLS OF FITNESS TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION STRENGTH AND BLOOD LACTATE

2008

INJURY PREVENTION IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS: RESULTS OF A PILOT STUDY

2012

Risk factors for soccer injuries and prevention have been discussed by several authors, but only few have investigated the effectiveness of preventive interventions, in particular in the last few years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a prevention program on the incidence of soccer-related injuries in three different categories of younger players (Allievi, Giovanissimi e Primavera). The soccer teams took part in a prevention program to decrease injury risk, for two agonistic seasons (2005-06, 2006-07). Before identifying training programs, we valued the younger fitness status: each youth soccer players (aged 13 to 19) performed exercise tests of functional capaci…

THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MANAGEMENT OF BODY WEIGHT IN PSYCHOTIC SUBJECTS

2013

Psychotic subjects live an unhealthy lifestyle that tends to reinforce the metabolic syndrome (1). It is known, indeed, that antipsychotic treatments stimulate appetite (2) and induce weight gain (3). Several therapeutic approaches including psycho-educational behavioral interventions and exercise training programs have been elaborated in order to manage antipsychotic-induced weight gain (4,5). Wirshing et al. (2006) elaborated a specific project based on oral presentations in order to educate psychotic subjects about lifestyle changes they can adopt to reduce weight gain. They showed that patients with mental illness are able to benefit from educational presentations about nutrition and a …

Monitoring biomarkers during preseason preparation period in professional soccer players

2011

Aim. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a 3-week experimental intervention on biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation-period. Methods. Eight participants (age 22.5±2.2 yrs) were enrolled in the study. During the physical preparation period players have attended a training program (51,9 hours) planned by coaches of “Equipe-Sicilia-2009”. Results. At rest, the lipid profile, the creatine kinase (CK), the lactic-acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and the expression of nuclear receptors peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR α/γ) were analyzed before starting and after 3 weeks of training sessions. The plasma level of CK in our samples sho…

PROGETTO PILOTA PER LO SVOLGIMENTO DELL’ATTIVITA’ MOTORIA IN BAMBINI E ADOLESCENTI CON PREGRESSA NEOPLASIA

2012

Effects of a ludic-motor program on motor development and early literacy skills in preschool children

2017

There is insufficient evidence in the literature about many correlations between motor and cognitive skills in 3-5 year old children [1]. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the development of the gross motor skills and the prerequisites of reading/writing following a ludic-motor program (LMP) in pre-school children. This study has involved 189 children (age: 4.62 ± 0.97 years; height: 107.83 ± 7.82 cm, body weight: 19.84 ± 4.95 kg) attending 8 kindergartens in Palermo. The children were randomly divided in a control group (C, n= 29), a 1-intervention group (I-1, n= 120) and a 2-intervention group (I-2, n= 40). I-1 and I-2 respectively performed 4 and 10 hours/week…

EFFECTS OF A SPECIFIC FLEXIBILITY TRAINING PROGRAM ON SPINAL RANGE OF MOTION IN OLDER WOMEN

2013

Introduction Aging-related reduced spinal mobility can interfere with the execution of important functional skills and activities in elderly women. However there is a lack of studies about the effects of range of motion exercises on flexibility outcomes in older populations and a lack of consensus regarding the prescription of stretching exercises for older adults (ACSM, 2009). For these reasons the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which spinal extension and flexion could be improved in a population of older women participating in a 8-week flexibility training program. Methods Thirty female volunteers were cluster randomized into either a control group [CG] (n: 13; age: 69…

EXPOSURE OF BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS TO CIGARETTE SMOKE EXTRATS (CSE) INDUCES CASPASE-3-INDEPENDENT APOPTOSIS

2004

Comparison of the effects of massage with mineral oil or ozonated oil bioperoxoil© on blood lactate, stress percevied and heart rate in cyclists

2010

Muscular fatigue is a factor that influence heavily performance of athletes. There is a lack of data about effect of massage with substances “ad hoc”. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of application of ozonated oil on some parameters linked to fatigue in cyclists. 30 cyclists male was divided in two groups of 15 (PLO= placebo oil; OZO=ozonated Oil). Subjects was submitted in two different session to work protocol that consist in a rectangular test on cyclergometer followed by 30’ of rest. After the rest athletes performed an incremental test. HR (heart rate), Wmax (Watt maximal), RPE (rate of Perceived Exertion) and Lab(Blood Lactate) was misured at the end and after 5’…

L’ATTIVITA’ FISICA NEI BAMBINI CON PREGRESSA NEOPLASIA: PREVENZIONE DEL RISCHIO NEUROMUSCOLARE E MUSCOLO-SCHELETRICO

2012

Use of dietary supplements and dietary behaviour among young people who exercise at gyms

2008

COMPARISON OF VERTICAL JUMPING PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG SEDENTARY SUBJECTS, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

2009

Introduction: The ability to jump high is considered important in a number of sports. It is commonly accepted that the use of the arms increases jump height (I). In particular, in some sport situations such as basketball and volleyball the ability to utilize arm swing is fundamental in order that players may reach the maximum performance. Instead, sedentary subjects are not usually able to utilize efficiently upper-limb motion compare to active people during vertical jumping performance. The purpose of this study was to examine flight time (sec.) [Ft], jump height (cm) [Jh] during vertical jumping by countermovement [CMJ] with and without arm swing in young, sedentary subjects and basketbal…

INCREASED EXPRESSION OF TITIN IN MOUSE GASTROCNEMIUS MUSCLE AFTER AN ENDURANCETRAINING PROGRAM

2007

IS HYPOXIA A TRAINING STIMULUS FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES’ PERFORMANCE? A BRIEF REVIEW.

2012

ABSTRACT: Background. There is increasing popularity among elite athletes to endorse altitude training to enhance performance levels. Altitude training may be used for enhanced performance at sea level, or to acclimatise to a competition at altitude. Enhancement of muscle oxidative capacity, muscle glycolytic capacity, skeletal muscle oxygenation, oxygen transport and storage within the muscle, and hormonal regulation have been reported with altitude training. Aim. The aim of this review is to analyse current knowledge on hypoxic training and its possible relation to enhanced endurance performance. This paper will consider factors including the process of enhanced sea level performance in r…

Effects of a physical education program on the development of early literacy abilities in preschool children

2016

Introduction Several studies showed a relationship between physical activity and cognition in school-aged children (Carson et al 2015). The aim of this study was to analyse whether the amount and frequency of a physical education (PE) program affected the early reading and writing skills in preschool children. Methods This study involved 189 children (age: 4.62 ± 0.97 years; height: 107.83 ± 7.82 cm, body weight: 19.84 ± 4.95 kg) of 8 Palermo kindergartens who were randomly divided in a control group (C, n= 29), a 1-intervention group (I-1, n= 120) and a 2-intervention group (I-2, n= 40). I-1 and I-2 children performed a PE program of 16-week length for 4 and 10 hours/week, respectively (to…

Influenza della familiarità al diabete di tipo 2 sulle caratteristiche antropo-biometriche di giovani calciatori

2010

Differential expression of estrogen receptors (ERalpha/ERbeta) in testis of mature and immature pigs

2004

Family history to type 2 diabetes influence on body parameters of young soccer players

2011

The aim of our study was to analyze the difference of phenotype in healthy soccer players with family history of type 2 diabetes and healthy soccer players without family history of type 2 diabetes. The anthropometric parameters and body composition was analysed. The group with positive family history (FH+) had the highest values of wrist circumference (p<0.05) associated with not statistically significant increase of body fat mass and fat free mass. Also, the heart function was analysed. FH+ players had a diastolic basal pressure values higher than other group, but other functional parameters were the same. Analysing lung function indicators, FH+ players showed significant greater FEV1 and…

Characterization and bilogical property of prostasome-like vesicles in pig semen

2005

Il fitness in gravidanza

2013

Osgood-Schlatter syndrome and pelvic tilt: longitudinal screening on adolescent male soccer players

2010

Aim and Methods. We realized a longitudinal screening on 258 adolescent male subjects practising agonistic soccer; during sport season, 10.47% of group (N=27) showed a tibial anterior apophysite (Osgood-Schlatter syndrome). Results. By statistical analysis we showed that 77.77% of diseases was related to presence of adolescent pelvic tilt; there more we showed that 83.33% of athletes with right Osgood- Schlatter syndrome presented a left pelvic tilt, 66.67% of athletes with left Osgood Schlatter syndrome showed a right pelvic tilt. Conclusion. The study shows that pelvic tilt can represent a risk factor to controlateral Osgood- Schlatter syndrome inducing a functional overload.

INFLUENCE OF FELDENKRAIS METHOD ON SPINE HEALTH IN PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRAL MUSICIANS. PILOT STUDY/INFLUENZA DEL METODO FELDENKRAIS SULLA SALUTE DEL R…

2012

Obiettivo: Lo scopo di questo studio è stato quello di esaminare se il Metodo Feldenkrais fosse utile per migliorare la flessibilità muscolare e ridurre il dolore alla schiena in musicisti orchestrali professionisti. Materiali e metodi: Diciassette partecipanti sono stati reclutati da un orchestra sinfonica di Palermo (Italia) e divisi casualmente in un gruppo di controllo (C, n = 8) e un gruppo Feldenkrais (F, n = 9). Il primo non ha partecipato al protocollo Feldenkrais e a qualsiasi altra attività fisica; mentre il secondo ha preso parte ad un programma costituito da quattro lezioni di gruppo di Consapevolezza Attraverso il Movimento (CAM) eseguito 2 ore alla settimana per 4 settimane. A…

Percezione del problema dell'eccesso di peso nell'infanzia da parte dei genitori: risultati di un'indagine nel centro storico di Palermo

2007

THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS ON CHILDREN WITH PREVIOUS NEOPLASIA

2013

Introduction:There is a lack of data investigating the effects of physical activity (PA) on adolescent and young adultsurvivors of child- hoods’leukemia, moreover some authors suggest that children with diagnosis of leukemia (LK) are showing decreased level of fitness and a moderate risk for developing neuromuscular and musculoskeletal complications.We aim to verify if, in children involved in an individualized physical exercise program, the above-mentionedlow fitness level may be prevented or at least reduced. Subjects and methods:We assessed the level of physical fitness on children with diagnosis of leukemia during the post-chemotherapy period. We evaluated the fitness in 9 children (8.3…

Handgrip strength and 1RM bench press performance: a novel approach to evaluate upper body maximal strength

2012

In the last few years, handgrip strength has been widely recognized as a relevant indicator of physical function, nutritional status and quality of life in a clinical population. However, the scientific literature is still lacking of knowledge regarding the use of this indicator within a general healthy and physically active population. The possibility to use the handgrip strength as an indicative value of some specific physical qualities, such as the upper body maximal strength (expressed in terms of 1RM bench press), can be considered an unexplored field and its development might represent a relevant support for the strength and conditioning professionals. Therefore, we hypothesize that a…

VALUTAZIONE DELLA PRESTAZIONE DI SALTO VERTICALE IN SOGGETTI SEDENTARI, GIOCATORI DI PALLAVOLO E DI PALLACANESTRO

2011

La prestazione di salto verticale risulta essere uno degli elementi caratterizzanti il gioco della pallavolo e della pallacanestro. Tuttavia, poco è noto circa gli effetti dei loro modelli prestativi sulla capacità di salto verticale in giovani atlete. Lo scopo di questo lavoro, è stato, pertanto, quello di valutare, in soggetti sedentari e giocatori di pallavolo e pallacanestro di sesso femminile, il tempo di volo e l’altezza di salto durante l’esecuzione dello squat jump (SJ) e del counter-movement jump (CMJ). Dai risultati ottenuti il modello prestativo appare essere un fattore condizionante la prestazione di salto verticale nei soggetti allenati. E in particolare, i gesti tecnici della …

Pediatric exercise programs in children with hematological cancer: a systematic review

2013

In the world today, there are roughly 25 million cancer survivors. Progress in treatments have greatly improved cure rates, with 5-year survival now approaching 80%, but are associated with numerous negative physical and psychological side-effects and a deterioration in the quality of future life. Cancer survivors are at increased risk for second cancers, other forms of comorbidity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis), and functional decline. Lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation may prevent these conditions and improve survivors’ quality of life. Observational research has shown that the physical activity levels of survivors of…

Considerazioni circa i sistemi scheletrico ed articolare del piede

2004

Adaptations of foot in point fight athletes

2014

Studying embrionic lung development by tissue engineering.

2005

Indagine sugli effetti dell'attività ludico-motoria nello sviluppo motorio e cognitivo dei bambini della scuola dell'infanzia

2016

L’obiettivo del presente studio è stato quello di valutare l’influenza di un programma di attività motorie sullo sviluppo delle abilità motorie e dei pre-requisiti della lettura e della scrittura in bambini di 3-5 anni delle scuole dell’Infanzia del Comune di Palermo. Centottanove bambini sono stati divisi in 3 gruppi: un gruppo che non ha seguito alcun intervento e due gruppi che hanno seguito un programma motorio rispettivamente della durata di 52 e 180 ore. Le abilità di locomozione e di controllo degli oggetti sono state misurate con il test of gross motor development, i pre-requisiti della lettura e della scrittura con il PRCR-2. Il programma motorio ha aumentato significativamente la …

STUDY OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN FUTSAL

2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in futsal male and female professional players with at least three years of sports practice at the federal level. For this reason we analyzed the anthropometric characteristics and athletic performance by standardized agility and speed tests such as: Agility T-test, 20-m Sprint test and shuttle test. We found significant sex and role-related differences in futsal game in agreement with the scientific literature that show a best performance of male soccer players than female ones in Agility T-test, 20-m Sprint test and shuttle test.

The articular system of the foot

2005

INVOLVEMENT OF VEGF RECEPTOR SYSTEM IN THE ANGIOGENESIS OF HIPERTTROPHIC HEARTS OF TRAINED MICES

2007

Adaptations in heart rate and arterial pressure induced by a specific training exercise program for elite soccer referees: a case report.

2005

Increased expression of titin in mouse gastrocnemius muscle after an endurance-training program

2007

Titin, a sarcomeric giant protein, plays crucial roles in muscle assembly, elasticity and stability. Little is known about titin adaptation to endurance exercise. We studied the effects of endurance training on titin expression in mouse gastrocnemius muscles (MGM). Sixty-three ten-week-old male Swiss mice were divided into seven groups. Four groups were composed of untrained control animals (C0, C15, C30, C45) instead the other three included mice trained for 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and 45 (T45) days by treadmill. The training protocol was mainly aerobic, characterized by moderate-intensity, rhythmic and continuous exercises. Titin expression was determined by immunohistochemistry on MGM section…

Analisi della frequenza cardiaca e della concentrazione di lattato ematico in soggetti sovrappeso allenati con uno specifico protocollo di spinning.

2006

How does economic status influence the fitness level in young healthy students? The Asso Project

2013

Anatomia clinica del sistema articolare del piede

2006

From a semantic point of view the word “ankle” and “ankle region” are not synonyms as “ankle” identifies all the components of the ankle joint while “ankle region” identifies the ankle joint as well as every structures in the region, form the surface level to the skeletal one. The articular system of the foot is formed by thirthyfour synovial joints, seventeen of which have complementary curvilinear articular surface, the remaning seventeen having plane joints. The rounded surface joints are: the talonavicular joint (a spheroidal joint that is part of the transverse tarsal joint), the “anatomical” subtalar joint ( a saddle joint), five ellipsoid (or condylar) joints and ten, ankle and inter…

Study of gross motor skill performance in kindergarten children

2012

Several studies show a high decline in coordinative motor skills in childhood (Roth et al., 2009). For this reason, promotion of physical activity and motor skills appear to be a valuable mean to improve children’s development in today’s kindergartens. The purpose of the investigation was to study the effects of a specific training program to train gross motor skills in kindergarten children. Forty-one preschool children (27 females and 14 males) were cluster randomized into either a control group [CG] (n: 19; age: 4.68+/-0.82 years; height: 1.11+/-0.07 m; weight: 21.51+/-4.88 kg) and a trained group [TG] (n: 22; age: 4.55+/-0.51 years; height: 1.12+/-0.06 m; weight: 21.95+/-4.87 kg). The T…

The evaluation of motor skills on young soccer player: an innovative approach

2012

Guida subacquea per apneisti non vedenti

2012

Modular and removable structure, variable in height, to be fixed/anchored to the bottom of the swimming pool/tank through sliding tracks suitable for the two cables located at both sides of the swimming-pool along the same modules.On the one hand, the diving guide was designed to allow blind divers to move inside the pool autonomously and safely, without the help of instructors even when more than one diver is present in the pool/lane. On the other hand, the diving guide can be stretched to reach various lengths when needed.

Whiplash injure and human body balance: a force platform analysis.

2009

Whiplash injury is common trauma in occidental countries, its evaluation is estimated commonly clinically. Posturography may be used to verify body human imbalance whiplash injury related. The aim of this study was to analyze human body equilibrium in both sexes and verify if posturographic test can be used to assess body human imbalance in subjects with whiplash injury. We selected 41 volunteers of both sexes to analyze human body balance trough a force platform of health subjects and subjects with whiplash injure. Recording the Centre of Pressure (CoP) movements of these groups with open and closed eyes, we found that in both sexes, subjects with cervical injure had a significant increase…

Effetti dell'attività fisica in pazienti in età evolutiva con AIG e deficit posturali e di equilibrio: uno studio pilota

2017

Effects of physical activity on postural balance in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from a pilot study

2017

Background: The juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the main rheumatic disease in pediatric age. The rheumatic diseases are main causes of physical disability and have high economic costs for society. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the physical activity can prevent the decline in balance related diseases in children with previous diagnosis of JIA. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six subjects were enrolled in this study. Thirty-nine healthy subjects were included in the control group (CG) and seventeen in juvenile idiopathic arthritis group (JIAG). Subsequently, the JIAG was stratified in two ones, respectively: JIAG active (JIAG-ACT) and JIAG sedentary (JIAG-SED). The analysis was…

Post-surgical intestinal dysbiosis: use of an innovative mixture (Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02, Lacto…

2019

Abdominal surgery represents a high risk for hospital-acquired infections and complication that may compromise the surgery outcome. Patients with recent abdominal surgery have an intestinal dysbiosis. There is evidence that probiotics may counterbalance the impaired microbiota. Therefore, the current survey evaluated the efficacy and safety of Abincol®,an oral nutraceuticalcontaining a probiotic mixture with Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 (1 billion of living cells), Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02 (800 millions of living cells), and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01 (200 millions of living cells), in 612 outpatients (344 males and 268 females, mean age 58 years) undergoing diges…

NERVOUS AND VASCULAR DISORDERS RELATED TO CYCLING

2008

STUDIO DEL PROFILO PRESTATIVO DI UNA VELOCISTA PARALIMPICA

2009

L’obiettivo principale di un atleta di elite è quello di partecipare a manifestazioni sportive di elevato livello agonistico e di grande prestigio internazionale quali i Giochi Olimpici o Paralimpici. Affinché ciò avvenga, nella maggior parte dei casi, gli atleti seguono complesse programmazioni pluriennali di allenamento. Tuttavia, alcuni soggetti privi di un passato sportivo raggiungono in breve tempo i limiti di qualificazione richiesti per partecipare a gare di livello internazionale. Lo scopo del lavoro è stato, pertanto, quello di esaminare il percorso prestativo di una velocista disabile attraverso l’analisi della distribuzione dei carichi di lavoro e dei tempi di gara caratterizzant…

IMPROVING EQUILIBRIUM BY SHORT-TERM BALANCE TRAINING IN HEALTHY OLDER WOMEN

2007

HUMAN BALANCE EVALUATION IN SUBJECTS WITH CERVICAL INJURIES COMPARED TO HEALTHY SUBJECTS: RESULTS OF A PILOT STUDY

2011

Introduction It is very important that forensic medicine properly calculates the biological damage not only through the disturbance indicated by the patient, but more accurately through instrumental diagnosis. Our aim was to verify through posturography the qualitative and quantitative alterations of postural stability in subjects with cervical trauma, compared to the control group. Methods We analysed 78 subjects, selecting 42 volunteers and distinguishing a control group of 22 normal men (NM) and a group of 20 men (WM) with a positive anamnesis of whiplash injury for six months. Through a force platform, we recorded the Centre of Pressure (CoP) movements of these groups, both with their e…

VO2MAX IN ATLETI DI ENDURANCE ED INFLUENZA DEGLI ACIDI GRASSI OMEGA-3 E DI UNA DIETA RICCA DI PESCE

2011

Effect of a modified intermittent fasting on strenght body composition and metabolic varables after 8 weeks of resistance training in amateur body bu…

2014

A web-based surveillance system on adolescents’ lifestyles and obesity prevention: ASSO-FTB preliminary findings. The ASSO Project

2012

In a context where obesity represents a cause of concern in childhood and where there is a lack of standardized data collection systems, ASSO Project (Adolescents and Surveillance System for Obesity prevention), financed by the Italian Ministry of Health, aims to develop a surveillance system structured on adolescents lifestyles. It is a prospective study with online data collection, simultaneous descriptive data analysis and real time report. The ASSO-Toolkit is made of questionnaires, forms and a fitness test battery: ASSO-PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire);ASSO-PASAQ (Physical Activity, Smoke, Alcohol, Questionnaire); ASSO- FHQ (Food Habits Questionnaire); ASSO-FFQ (Food Frequency …

The effects of extra-virgin olive oil supplemented with Vit. E and Q10 on plasma antioxidant capacity and aerobic performance in athletes

2010

SELF-ESTEEM AND POSTURE: AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM OF PEDAGOGIC AND POSTURAL TRAINING

2012

SELF-ESTEEM AND POSTURE: AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM OF PEDAGOGIC AND POSTURAL TRAINING Bellafiore, M.1,3, Battaglia, G.1,3, Caramazza, G.2,3, Storniolo,F.1, Costantino, D.3, Bianco, A.1,3, Palma, A.1,3. 1: DISMOT (Palermo, Italy), 2: PhD in “Human Diet and Nutri- tion” (Palermo, Italy), 3: Regional Sport School of Sicily CONI (Olympic National Italian Committee, Italy). Introduction It is known that exists a strong interaction between psycho-emotional aspects and postural system. A deficit in self-esteem can be associated with an altered conception of own body imagine which reflects itself in the behavior and posture of the person. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a program…

Group fitness activities on elderly: an useful approch to prevent injuries and dropping out

2012

Can Wii modulate visuospatial attention lateralization?

2012

INVOLVEMENT OF VEGF RECEPTOR SYSTEM IN THE ANGIOGENESIS OF HYPERTROPHIC HEARTS OF TRAINED MICE

2007

Self-Esteem and body-image in individuals practicing fitness activities

2012

SPACE FLIGHT AND LOSS OF STRENGTH IN UPPER LIMB MUSCLES

2008

PPARα GENE VARIANTS AS PREDICTED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING POLYMORPHISMS IN PROFESSIONAL ITALIAN SOCCER PLAYERS

2012

Additional file 1 of Time spent on the smartphone does not relate to manual dexterity in young adults

2021

Additional file1.

Analysis of body composition and blood parameters on 20 subjects after 6 months of training with SuperJump

2014

The “Jill Cooper’s aerobic accellerator system” uses high quality rebound, modified to increase the acceleration, create a more accommodating work surface, greater stability and cushioning to protect joints. Thanks to the three forces of acceleration, deceleration, and the force of gravity, for each jump, the one-way valves of the lymphatic pathways open and close pushing the lymph towards the next “closed”. This action allows the lymphatic system to make a full turn faster than usual. We investigate the effects of 6 months of training on 20 subjects (age: 37 ± 19; weight: 74 ± 19 Kg; height:164,5 ± 13,5 cm; BMI: 28,13 ± 6,876 Kg/m2; % body fat: 26 ± 14,7 Kg). Antropometric parameters were …

ANALISI VOCALE DI EMISSIONI FONATORIE SOTTO SFORZO SUB-MASSIMALE: UN CASO STUDIO

2013

La laringe rappresenta il principale organo vocale, ma riveste anche un ruolo determinante nell'attività muscolare. E' noto infatti che la funzione di fissazione della laringe partecipi alla stabilizzazione dell'intera gabbia toracica, durante il compimento di uno sforzo attraverso l'accollamento cordale e la manovra di Valsalva, la laringe, dunque, ricopre un ruolo primario anche in questa funzione, come dimostrato dagli studi sui soggetti laringectomizzati, i quali riferiscono difficoltà nel sollevare oggetti pesanti dopo l'intervento (1). In ambito sportivo atleti ed istruttori possono evidenziare, durante la pratica, emissioni di sforzo sfocianti nel malmenage vocale esponendosi al risc…

Modulation of MMP-2 activity in human lung fibroblasts by cigarette smoke: role in the manteinance of the inflamed state in COPD

2005

Significant modifications in body composition and cardio-respiratory fitness induced by a specific indoor cycling protocol

2008

Analysis of weight status and back pain in public employees

2012

Effects of a dietary supplement containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on liver of exercised mice

2005

Sport e disabilità psichica: una complementare strategia d’intervento

2010

L’attività motoria è nota essere in grado di migliorare la salute psicofisica dei soggetti con disabilità mentale (Hutchinson, 1999) ed, in particolare, il gioco del calcio risulta essere un importante veicolo d’intervento nella riabilitazione psichiatrica (Pringle, 2009). Lo scopo del presente lavoro è stato quello di studiare gli effetti della pratica del calcio sulla condizione prestativa e psicofisica in soggetti psicotici dopo 8 settimane di allenamento. Metodi: Hanno partecipato allo studio 10 soggetti in sovrappeso (età: 36±6 anni; peso: 77.44±13.60 Kg; altezza: 164.44±7.00 cm; IMC: 28.55±4.06), afferenti nell’anno 2008 alle strutture psichiatriche di Palermo e Provincia e la cui ido…

Automatic induction of rules for computer-aided diagnosis in the multiple sclerosis by analysis of brain MR images

2004

THE USE OF SPORTS DRINKS IN SPORTS AND FITNESS AMBIT

2010

Introduction Sport drinks are beverages aimed at rehydrating the body, restoring the electrolytes (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cl, P) and energy reinstatement (carbohydrates and other nutrients). As is well established in research5, the concentration of these substances decreases as a result of sustained strain and, in some cases, these can even finish and alter the organic functionality1,7. Sport drinks were born for the purpose of performance and are classified based on their concentration/litre in isotonic beverages (with an electrolytic composition more or less similar to body fluids [about 300 mOsm /L] with medium – rapid assimilation), hypotonic beverage (with an electrolytic composition lower tha…

Unipedal vertical jumping performance in soccer players

2011

Introduction: The muscular strength between the dominant and non-dominant legs of soccer players has been the centre of research that has highlighted contradictory results. Several researchers have reported symmetry between the dominant and non-dominant legs, whereas others suggest the existence of a significant asymmetry. Kicking and cutting skills in soccer are clearly unilateral, require asymmetrical motor patterns and can lead to the development of asymmetrical adaptations in the musculoskeletal function of the lower limbs (Fousekis et al., 2010). The purpose of this study was to examine the flight time [FT] and jump height [JH] during a vertical one-legged countermovement jump by domin…

Does a specific genetic background influence endurance or power-orientated phenotypes?

2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of individuals having the “best” mitochondrial biogenesis related polygenic profile that could increase performance. We compared polygenic profile analyzing several polymorphisms on sixty professional italian soccer players, considered “power-oriented athletes” and thirty sedentary volunteers. Samples of venous blood were obtained by standard clinical procedures and anticoagulant-treated blood was used to prepare genomic DNA. The polymorphic sites were scanned using PCR-RFLP protocols with different enzyme. Furthermore, a cloted part of venus blood sample was used to obtain serum from which we analyzed total cholesterol, high densit…

Self-esteem, body image and B.M.I. in people attending fitness classes

2012

Over the last decade there have been several studies which support the role that physical exercise plays in the promotion of well-being and positive mental health. A crucial aspect in the well-being is the relationship between self-esteem and body-image. Anyway limited theoreticallybased longitudinal studies on body image and its relationship with selfesteem among adult men and women is documented (Grossbard, Lee, Neighbors, Larimer, 2009; Mellor, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, McCabe, Ricciardelli, 2010). Different cultural standards for ideal body types have been identified: for females a thin figure represents attractiveness and for males, a more muscular build symbolizes power and success. Body ma…

Group fitness activities on elderly: who is eligible and who is not.

2012

Introduction While it is impossible to prevent every injury, literature suggests that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if people took appropriate preventative action. On the other side, one major problem of Group Fitness Instructors is to find the right intensity/level suitable for every attendee during classes (e.g. ballroom dancing). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the opportunity to adopt already validated function ability tests on group fitness activities with the aim to prevent injuries and maintain or increase quality of life. Methods The study was conducted with a quasi-experimental design. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Barthel index (BI) were administered …

How does physical education affect the development locomotor and object control skills in preschool children?

2016

Introduction Unlike other European countries, in Italian kindergartens the physical education (PE) teacher is not including in the school organic personnel. This is frequently associated with lack of opportunities to perform PE by preschool children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse whether the effects of a PE program on the development of locomotor and object control skills in preschool children would depend on the hour amount of intervention. Methods This study involved 189 children (age: 4.62 ± 0.97 years; Height: 107.83 ± 7.82 cm, body weight: 19.84 ± 4.95 kg) of 8 Palermo kindergartens who were randomly divided in a control group (C, n= 29), an intervention group 1 (I1, …

INFLUENCE OF FAMILY HISTORY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES ON PHENOTYPE AND PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG PEOPLE OF BOTH SEX.

2010

The type 2 diabetes is commonly considered a complex genetic disease, resulting from interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors without any single factor having strong independent effects. We studied the influence of family history to type 2 diabetes on physical phenotype of 47 health adolescents. In both sexes groups with positive family history (FH+) had the highest values of stature and body weight (p<0.05 for males, not significant for females), waist circumference (p<0.05 for males, not significant for females), and wrist circumference (p=0.05 for males, not significant for females). Considering performance, FH+ males showed a significant higher performance in power …

A TRAINING PROTOCOL INTEGRATED OF PILATES- AND YOGA-BASED EXERCISES FOR WOMEN WITH BACK PAIN

2012

A TRAINING PROTOCOL INTEGRATED OF PILATES- AND YOGA-BASED EXERCISES FOR WOMEN WITH BACK PAIN Bellafiore, M.1,3, Battaglia, G.1,3, Caramazza, G.2,3, Fantauzzo, V.1, Bianco, A.1,3, Palma, A.1, 3. 1: DISMOT (Palermo, Italy), 2: PhD in “Human Diet and Nutrition” (Palermo, Italy), 3: Regional Sport School of Sicily CONI (Olympic National Italian Committee, Italy). Introduction Pilates and Yoga are bodymind activities recently become very popular in Italian fitness gyms. Their outcomes have been studied separately and it has been reported that both reduce low back pain affecting either the physiological and mental aspects (Posadzki et al., 2011; Tilbrook et al., 2011). However, few evidences are …

Effects of game funcional model on jump performance in youg basketballers and volleyballers

2009

PERCEZIONE DEL PROBLEMA DELL'ECCESSO DI PESO NELL'INFANZIA DA PARTE DEI GENITORI: RISULTATI DI UN'INDAGINE NEL CENTRO STORICO DI PALERMO

2007

Smoke exposure affects gelatinase A and B activity levels in two lung epithelial cell lines

2006

PERFORMING SOCCER GAME AFFECTS THE VELOCITY, AGILITY AND PSYCHOPHYSICAL CONDITION IN PSYCHOTIC SUBJECTS

2011

Introduction Physical activity is an important aspect of good health for everyone and is even more important for psychiatric patients who usually live an unhealthy lifestyle and assume medications that tend to reinforce their metabolic syndrome (Kopp, 2009). The purpose of this study was to examine whether performing soccer game by psychotic subjects has effects on their velocity, agility and psychophysical perception. Methods Methods Eighteen overweight male subjects, 8 no-trained psychotics [NTPs] (age: 35.00+/-5.00 years; height: 163.00+/-4.00 cm; BMI: 25.00-29.90) and 10 trained psychotics [TPs] (age: 36.00+/-6.00 years; height: 164.00+/-7.00 cm; BMI: 25.00- 29.90) from Local Health of …