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Background Manual dexterity is the ability to manipulate objects using the hands and fingers for a specific task. Although manual dexterity is widely investigated in the general and special population at all ages, numerous aspects still remain to be explored in children. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of the training effect of the execution of the Grooved Pegboard test (GPT) and to measure the performance of the GPT in dual-task (DT), i.e., during a motor task and a cognitive task. Methods In this observational, cross-sectional study manual dexterity was assessed in children aged between 6 and 8. The procedure consisted of two phases: (1) the execution of five consecutive trials of the GPT to evaluate the training effect; (2) the execution of one trial of the GPT associated with a motor task (finger tapping test, GPT-FTT), and one trial of the GPT associated with a cognitive task (counting test, GPT-CT) to evaluate the performance in DT. Results As for the training effect, a significant difference (p

12 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, supplementary information https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37026-y.-- Data availability: The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request, Urbanization has reshaped ecosystems and changed natural processes, driving an intense transformation of biomes, biotic community composition and diversity. Despite the growing interest in studying urban ecology over the last decades, the consequences of these changes on species occupying these ecosystems are not yet fully understood. Trophic generalism and tolerance to human disturbance have been proposed as two key traits in the colonization of urban environments. However, most studies focused on species’ average traits, paying less attention to the potential role of inter-individual variability. Here, we examined diet specialization in urban and rural breeding pairs, as well as its relationship with individual behaviour and intraspecific competition, using the burrowing owl as a study model. Our results show that both urban and rural breeding pairs behaved as trophic specialists. The diet of burrowing owl breeding pairs followed a gradient from coleopteran- to micromammal-dominated, which is related to individual behaviour (bolder individuals consuming more coleopterans than shyer ones). Besides, pairs distant from others showed a more diverse diet than those experiencing higher levels of intraspecific competition. Models fitted separately for each habitat showed that the proportion of micromammals in the diet of urban breeding pairs was related to their behavior, while the diet of rural pairs was not affected by individual behavior but by intraspecific competition. However, despite the strong selection of tame and more explorative individuals in urban environments and the higher density they reach in this habitat type, they did not differ in their degree of diet specialization from rural conspecifics. Although it would be necessary to evaluate prey availability on a small scale, our results suggest that burrowing owl breeding pairs behave as specialists, despite the generalist character of the species, and that this specialization is not affected by the occupation of urban environments but to individual behaviour and intraspecific competition, The project was funded by Projects CGL2015-71378-P MINECO/FEDER, UE and CGL2012-31888 (Spain) and Fundación Repsol, With the institutional support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S)

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 collected before and after the intervention period. Participants’ QoL significantly increased after four weeks (p=.025). Also, participants’ strength improved, assessed by the push-up test (p=.017). Systolic blood pressure showed no difference between the pre- and post-measures, while a significant reduction was found in diastolic blood pressure. The HRV assessment showed increased mean RR (p=.005) and RMSSD (p=.014) and decreased mean HR (p=.004) (in the time domain). For the frequency-domain variables, no significant difference was found. No significant changes were noted in body composition, posture, handgrip strength and countermovement squat jump height. Our preliminary results suggest that the 4-week daily online burpees intervention is a feasible method that could improve QoL, upper body strength and HRV in young adults. This non-time-consuming approach could be easily administered to promote healthy living and counteract physical inactivity during COVID-19 restrictions thanks to its feasibility, short duration, and low cost.

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 posturographic analysis. Results: Spearman correlation coefficient showed correlations between the following parameters: BBS versus hand grip test (r = 0.68); BBS versus ellipse surface area (r = −0.75). There were significant differences between groups after the exercise program: both groups showed an improvement in performance but the P-G recorded significantly better results than the Pa-G. Discussion and conclusions: This study confirmed that physical activity improves both balance and strength. However, our data show that Pilates has a greater effect on these physical abilities than a general physical activity program.

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Resumen Introducción: la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica se caracteriza por presentarse en pacientes con uso de vía aérea artificial, es la segunda causa de infección nosocomial en el paciente crítico, aumenta la mortalidad y los días de hospitalización. Los sistemas de aspiración forman parte de las medidas de prevención de este tipo de neumonía, además ambos presentan cambios en los parámetros hemodinámicos sin mantener un estándar claro respecto a superioridad sobre cada uno de estos. Objetivos: realizar una comparación de los dos tipos de sistemas de aspiración y su relación con la NAVM y las complicaciones hemodinámicas relacionadas a través de una revisión sistemática. Metodología: se realizó una revisión sistemática guiada por la formulación de una pregunta estructurada en base a formato PICO considerando el tipo de sistema de aspiración utilizado, incidencia de NAVM y complicaciones hemodinámicas asociadas. Resultados: se incluyeron 12 artículos separados en dos grupos – relación entre sistemas de aspiración y neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica y relación entre sistemas de aspiración e impacto en la hemodinamia –, se incluyeron estudios de 10 países, los rangos de edad media para ambos grupos radican entre los 62,54 años y 57,62 años. Del primer grupo la relación causal entre el tipo de sistema de aspiración y la presencia de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica no evidencia significancia sustancial (valor P>0.05); en el segundo grupo se identifican en la mayoría de los documentos factores relacionados a cambios en la hemodinamia de acuerdo al tipo de sistema de aspiración utilizado como son alteraciones en saturación de oxígeno, frecuencia cardiaca y presión arterial media (valor P>0.05) y en un grupo menor se identifican cambios en la saturación arterial de oxígeno. Discusión y conclusión: no se logró determinar un impacto sobre cuál tipo de sistema de aspiración genera una mantención y/o disminución de la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica debido a la falta de significancia estadística, es relevante indicar que en la mayoría de las variables hemodinámicas existió una variación de los parámetros.

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 outpatients (1,660 males and 1,800 females, mean age 55 years) with chronic intestinal disorders. Patients took 1 stick/daily for 8 weeks. Abincol® significantly diminished the presence and the severity of intestinal symptoms and improved stool form. In conclusion, the current survey suggests that Abincol® may be considered an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of patients with chronic intestinal disorders. (www.actabiomedica.it)

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 digestive surgery. Patients took 1 stick/daily for 8 weeks. Abincol® significantly diminished the presence and the severity of intestinal symptoms and improved stool form. In conclusion, the current survey suggests that Abincol® may be considered an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of patients undergoing digestivesurgery. (www.actabiomedica.it)

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 weeks after colonoscopy. Abincol® significantly diminished the presence and the severity of intestinal symptoms and improved stool form. In conclusion, the current survey suggests that Abincol® may be considered an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of patients undergoing BP. (www.actabiomedica.it)

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 balance and physical activity in healthy elderly over 65 years of age during the last decade. A final number of 8 manuscripts were included in the qualitative synthesis, which comprised 200 elderly with a mean age of 75.1 ± 4.4 years. The sample size of the studies varied from 9 to 61 and the intervention periods from 8 to 32 weeks. Results: Eight articles were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. The articles investigated the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise, balance training, T-bow© and wobble board training, aerobic step and stability ball training, adapted physical activity and Wii Fit training on balance outcomes. Balance measures of the studies showed improvements between 16% and 42% compared to baseline assessments. Conclusions: Balance is a multifactorial quality that can be effectively increased by different exercise training means. It is fundamental to promote physical activity in the aging adult, being that a negative effect on balance performance has been seen in the no-intervention control groups.

En la investigación titulada Control Gubernamental y Gestión por Resultados en las Municipalidades de la Provincia de Canchis – Cusco. Se formuló el siguiente problema ¿Cuál es el grado de efectividad del control gubernamental en las actividades organizativas de las Municipalidades de la provincia de Canchis – Cusco? y ¿Cómo es el impacto en la obtención de mejores resultados en estas municipalidades?, dando con el objetivo analizar la efectividad del control gubernamental en las actividades organizativas y el impacto en la obtención de mejores resultados de las municipalidades de la provincia de Canchis - Cusco, para plantear una propuesta de organización del control gubernamental, siendo la hipótesis que el grado de efectividad del control gubernamental en las actividades organizativas de las municipalidades de la provincia de Canchis - Cusco, se encuentra entre deficiente o moderado y como tal el impacto en la obtención de mejores resultados no es favorable, teniendo como variables Control Gubernamental y Gestión por resultados en estas municipalidades; el tipo de investigación en el presente trabajo fue de nivel básico, porque buscamos generar conocimientos, a partir de la medición y evaluación de aspectos, dimensiones o componentes por investigar en relación al ejercicio del adecuado control gubernamental y una gestión por resultados en las municipalidades de la provincia de Canchis – Cusco. Universidad Nacional de Educación Enrique Guzmán y Valle. Tesis

Analisi del fenomeno complesso della negozialità romana

Il contributo si occupa delle regulae iuris e del luogo di elaborazione

Strong relations between physical fitness and health in adolescents have been established in the last decades. The main objectives of the present investigation were to assess major physical fitness components in a sample of Italian school adolescents, comparing them with international data, and providing a fitness index model derived from percentile cut-off values of five considered physical fitness components. A total of 644 school pupils (15.9±1.1yrs; M=399; F=245) were tested using the ASSO-Fitness Test Battery (FTB), a tool developed within the Adolescents and Surveillance System for the Obesity prevention project, which included the handgrip, standing broad-jump, sit-up to exhaustion, 4×10m shuttle run and 20m shuttle run tests. Stratified percentile values and related smoothed curves were obtained. The method of principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to the considered five fitness components to derive a continuous fitness level score (the Fit-Score). A Likert-type scale on the Fit-Score values was applied to obtain an intuitive classification of the individual level of fitness: very poor (X0.5) between the Fit-Score and all the fitness components. The median Fit-Score was equal to 33 for females and 53 for males (in a scale of 0-100). The ASSO-FTB allowed the assessment of health-related fitness components in a convenient sample of Italian adolescents and provided a fitness index model incorporating all these components for an intuitive classification of fitness levels. If this model will be confirmed, the monitoring of these variables will allow early detection of health related issues in a mass population and hence will give the opportunity to plan appropriate interventions.This work was supported by grants from MIUR-Agenas GR-2008-1140742 (CUP 185J10000500001)., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 121, No. 1 (Supplement) 2016

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 of a 16-week LMP carried out by outside experts; while C children do not perform any LMP. This program was planned in 21 learning modules aimed to develop bodily schemes, basic motor skills, fine motor control and coordination abilities. Before and after the LMP, locomotor and object control skills were evaluated with the Test of Gross Motor Development, while early reading/writing skills with the PRCR-2 test. Analyses of covariance were performed to compare outcomes for I1, I2 and C groups at post-test and the covariate was the participants’ measure of cognitive skills at pre-test. Statistical significance was defined at p, Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 121, No. 1 (Supplement) 2016

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 female participants, with no previous experience of resistance training, performed a first set of repetitions to fatigue (RTF) with a workload corresponding to ⅓ 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 ½ 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 Mayhew’s equation. Oxygen consumption, heart rate and blood lactate were monitored before, during and after each 1RM attempt. A significant effect of gender was found on the maximum number of repetitions achieved during the RTF set performed with ½ of participants’ BM (males: 25.0 ± 6.3; females: 11.0x± 10.6; t = 6.2; p < 0.001). The 1RM attempt performed with the workload predicted by Mayhew’s equation resulted in females performing 1.2 ± 0.7 repetitions, while males performed 4.8 ± 1.9 repetitions. All participants reached their 1RM performance within 3 attempts, thus resulting in a maximum of 5 sets required to successfully perform the 1RM bench press test. We conclude that, by combining previously validated predictive equations with practical procedures (i.e. using a fraction of participants’ BM to determine the workload for an RTF set), the new method we tested appeared safe, accurate (particularly in females) and time-effective in the practical evaluation of 1RM performance in inexperienced individuals., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 121, No. 1 (Supplement) 2016

During 2000m indoor rowing performances, the estimated aerobic and anaerobic contribution are 65-75% and 25-35%, respectively2. In considering that anaerobic power could be an important predictor of performance1, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the power outputs during a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) on a cycling ergometer and a 2000m rowing ergometer performance in young rowers. In two separate days, 11 young (14.9±1.1yrs) male rowers performed a 2000m indoor rowing ergometer performance and a 30s WAnT on a cycling ergometer. WAnT peak power (PP) and mean power (MP), and 2000m time indoor rowing performance (t2000) were collected. Moreover, PP and MP were normalized with respect to body mass. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the association between t2000 and absolute and normalized PP and MP values. Absolute PP and MP were 888.1±133.2W and 548.5±74.4W, respectively. The relative picture for normalized values was 13.4±1.5 W·kg-1 and 8.2±0.6 W·kg-1. High associations emerged between t2000 (431.5±19.5s) and absolute PP (r=-0.900, P=0.05) values, whereas no significant relationship was observed for normalized PP (r=-0.585, P=0.058) and AP (r=-0.561, P=0.072) values. These findings indicate that PP and MP could be considered significant predictors of 2000m rowing ergometer performances, substantiating also the relevance of the anaerobic energy pathways to the 2,000m rowing performance., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 122, No. 1 (Supplement) 2017

Background. 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 the spine and consequently balance. The aim of this study was to understand if hearing loss could influence balance and posture Methods. 13 patients (61±13 year; 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: 1) an audiometric examination 2) a postural examination (with open and closed eyes) through a stabilometric platform, and 3) a sternocleidomastoid EMG examination. Results. No differences were found between right and left hemibody between the audiometric, posturographic, and the EMG amplitude. EMG parameters have shown no association with hearing loss, for both right or left head rotation. Multiple regression analysis has shown a negative regression coefficient (R2 -0.69) between hearing loss and the posturographic parameters. Conclusions. Hearing loss is associated to increased posturographic measures (CoP, ellipse X and Y deviations) underlining a reduced postural control in people with hearing impairment. No association has been found between neck activation and hearing loss., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 122, No. 1 (Supplement) 2017

Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) is a global issue that causes increasing number of deaths annually. In the complex pathogenesis of ALD the involvement of mitochondria is well established and gross morphological alterations (mega - mito chondria) in the liver biopsies of patients are recognised as hallmarks of ALD. However, the impact and significance of alcohol on mitochondrial architecture, dynamics and on mitochondria - shaping proteins (MSP) remains unknown due to the lack of good exper imental models. Firstly, we utilised human hepatoma VL - 17A cells expressing ethanol - metabolizing enzymes to assess the kinetics (1 - 14 days) and the impact of increasing doses of alcohol (25 - 250mM) on mitochondrial morphology by confocal and electron micros copy. In order to study alcohol toxicity in normal hepatocytes and in other hepatic cell types an ex vivo model was also developed. Precision cut liver slices were derived from human tissue and cultured for 8 - 72 hours with increasing doses of ethanol (50 - 2 50mM). The morphological analysis revealed an initial mitochondrial hyper - fragmentation; while mega - mitochondria developed as a consequence of longer exposures. These structural modifications were associated with changes in the MSP regulating fragmentation but not fusion, opening new perspectives in the development of therapies for ALD aimed to modulate mitochondrial dynamics., Journal of World Mitochondria Society, Vol 2, No 2 (2016)

Il lavoro si basa sull'analisi del concetto di cittadinanza e di sovranità in diritto romano alla luce dei fenomeni di globalizzazione che hanno messo in discussione i classici criteri identitari. Si auspica cosi un ritorno ad una visione del concetto di identità conforme all'esperienza romana che per questo va studiata e analizzata in ottica comparatistica.

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 thrice per week under the supervision of an exercise specialist, while the CG was managed with a social program only. Measures of posturography and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for pain perception were obtained at baseline (T0) and after the 14 weeks of intervention (T1). Posturography measures improved for patients in the EG, with both eyes open and eyes closed (P

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 (total hours: 52 and 180, respectively), carried out by PE teachers; while C children do not perform any PE program. This program was planned in 21 learning modules aimed to develop the bodily schemes, basic motor skills, fine motor control, coordination abilities, autonomy, socialization, emotion and affectivity control. Before and after a PE program, early reading and writing skills were assessed with PRCR-2 test. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to compare outcomes for I1, I2 and C groups at post-test and the covariate was the participants’ measure of cognitive skills at pre-test. Statistical significance was defined at p

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 posture (with open eyes p\0.001 and with closed eyes p \0.05), and their strength (push-up test p\0.01 with a 16.4 % increase and pull up test p\0.0001 with a 39.2 % increase). No differences were shown for the HG test. No differences were displayed in any variable of the CG between pre and post measures. Conclusions: Calisthenics training is a cheap, feasible and effective training solution to improve posture and strength without the use any major equipment.

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 prestazione motoria e le abilità cognitive dei due gruppi intervento in maniera dipendente dalla durata del programma rispetto al gruppo controllo. E’ stata osservata inoltre una correlazione positiva tra le abilità motorie e quelle cognitive. Pertanto, l’attività motoria può essere uno strumento efficace per favorire l’apprendimento scolastico di tutti i bambini e, ancora di più, di quelli con disturbi specifici di apprendimento.

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, n= 120) and an intervention group 2 (I2, n= 40). I1 and I2 children performed a PE program of 16-week length for 4 and 10 hours/week respectively (total hours: 52 and 180), carried out by PE teachers, while C children do not perform any PE program. This program was planned in 21 learning sessions aimed to develop the body schemes, basic motor skills, fine motor control, coordination abilities, confidence and autonomy, socialization, emotion and affect control. Locomotor and object control skills were evaluated with the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGM), (Ulrich, 1985) before and after PE program. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed to compare outcomes for I1, I2 and Control groups at post-test and the covariate was the participants’ measure of motor skills at pre-test. Results I1 and I2 groups showed a significant increase in both locomotor and object control skills compared with C group after PE program. I2 ability level was significant higher than I1 group. The improvement in locomotion skills was bigger than object manipulation those. The two abilities combined provide a Quotient of Gross-Motor Ability that was in the average at baseline in all groups and became high in I1 and I2 after PE program. Discussion The improvement of locomotor and object control skills in both intervention groups indicates that PE program positively affects the motor development of preschool children. We suppose that this is dependent on the duration of the intervention given the higher level of improvement showed by the I2. The difference in the ability levels between locomotor and object control skills might be associated with the maturation of nervous system and sensory-perceptual and motor experiences of children. References Ulrich DA. Test of Gross Motor Development. Austin, TX, USA: PRO-ED; 1985