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Irisin is an exercise-induced cytokine mainly secreted by myocytes. Circulating level of irisin can increase in response to acute exercise, promoting pleiotropic effects on health. Generally, irisin is evaluated in blood, however, its collection is invasive. Saliva sample would not have any risk associated with blood collection and would represent a less invasive method for irisin detection. Until now, there are only a few studies that have analyzed irisin levels in saliva. In the present research, five healthy male adults performed an incremental exercise until exhaustion on cycle ergometer. Serum and saliva samples were collected before exercise and 15min, 24h and 48h after reaching the exhaustion. Irisin was detected by ELISA assay. Serum and salivary irisin levels increased from baseline to 24h post exercise and reverted to basal levels after 48h of rest. A significant rise of both serum and salivary irisin level at 24h (p≤0.05) compared to baseline levels was found. Furthermore, a significant correlation between irisin percentage change in serum and saliva from baseline to 24h post exercise was detected (r=0.92, p<0.05). Despite the relatively limited sample, this research suggests that collecting saliva samples might represent a valid and less invasive method to detect irisin level changes induced by exercise.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common postural disorders (Garoflid, 2000) identified with a rounded back and shoulders forward (Vaughn, 2007) that could be developed during adolescence (Kamaci, 2015). Young basketball players have a high level of endurance demand, often overloading the biological tissues and causing biome- chanical compensations (Guedes, 2014). Due to the immaturity of their musculoskeletal structures, those consequences may influence the growth process and lead to the development of various postural patterns (Grabara, 2014). The following study aims to verify if the use of a corrective program could prevent postural disorders in young basketball athletes. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy male adolescents basketball players took part in the study: fourteen in the experimental (EXP) group (15.3±1.1yrs; 65.9±9.1 kg; 182.5±6.2 cm) and fourteen in the control (CTRL) group (15.4±1.3 yrs; 73.9±6 kg; 180.8±7.5 cm). Both groups were assessed with a postural screening test in order to find any postural issues and subjects were screened with manual inclinometers and plumb line (Kendall, 2005). At baseline (PRE) and post 8 weeks of training (POST), Dorsal Kyphosis grades (DK), Forward Head Posture grades (FHP), Forward Shoulder Position anteposition (FSP), and Push-Pull ratio (PPratio) have been evaluated. The training program was structured with three parts: the first with mobility exercises for the upper joints, the second with analytical exercises for the shoulder musculature, and a third with integrated exercises for the upper musculature. RESULTS: In the EXP group, DK (PRE 45.8±5.3°; POST: 36.1±7°), FHP (PRE: 12.9±5.6°; POST: 3.3±3.4°), FSP (PRE: 12.9±1.5 cm; POST: 11.1±1.4 cm), and PPratio (PRE: 2.73±1.24; POST: 1.54±0.34) were significantly (p<0.01) influenced by training. In the CTRL group, there weren’t any significant changes in the data except for the FSP (PRE: 12.3±1.3 cm; POST: 13.1±1.6 cm) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our dat

INTRODUCTION: Music is associated with improved physical performance in a wide range of activities. When music is used during physical activity, it can elicit positive emotions and distract athletes from unpleasant feelings associated with physical exertion and fatigue(1). Some evidence shows no effect of time of day on the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during aerobic performances(2). The aim of this study was to test the influence of self-selected motivational music, and time of training on RPE during a cycling exercise at moderate and vigorous intensity. METHODS: Forty-seven university students were recruited: 24 males and 23 females (age 22.6±2.4 yrs; BMI 21.9±2.7 kg/m2; V’O2max 39.3±7.6 mlO2/kg/min). All subjects performed four randomized training sessions at two different times of day, with and without self-selected motivational music(3): two sessions in the morning from 8:30 am to 9:30 am (MO+M; MO-M) and two sessions in the evening from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (EV+M; EV-M). Each training session included 6 min of cycling at constant load at 60% of V’O2max (MOD), interspersed by a 10-min break, and at 90% (VIG) of V’O2max, estimated from a submaximal direct test. At the end of each 6-min bout, CR10 Borg’s scale(4) was administrated to rate fatigue. RESULTS: RPE was significantly influenced by music, indeed it decreased during exercise performed with self-selected motivational music both at MOD (MO+M: 2.3±1.2; MO-M: 2.6±1.3; EV+M: 2.2±1.1; EV-M: 2.5±1.3; p=0.025) and VIG (MO+M: 6.1±2.0; MO-M: 6.8±1.9; EV+M: 6.5±2.1; EV-M: 6.7±2.0; p=0.001) intensity, regardless of gender. Conversely, time of day did not influence RPE neither at MOD nor at VIG intensity, in both gender. CONCLUSION: This research, taking into account both the influence of music and of time of day, confirms previous find-ings of a positive effect of motivational music(5) and no influence of time of day(2) on RPE. Exercisers are advised to listen to self-selected motivational music while training

Purpose: For a proper exercise (EX) prescription, it is necessary to consider the individual needs, such as the effect of regular training at a specific time of day1 or of listening to music while exercising2. The evidence regarding the combined effect of music at different times of the day do not seem to be sufficiently investigated. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects induced by music listened during the aerobic exercise on oxygen consumption (mV_O2), in males and females, in two different intensity domains (moderate and vigorous), at two different times of day (morning and evening). Methods: Forty university students were recruited: 20 males and 20 females (age 22.7 ± 2.6 yrs; BMI 21.8 ± 2.5 kg m-2; mV_O2max 39.7 ± 7.9 mL kg-1 min-1). All subjects performed 4 training sessions at two different times of day, with and without self- selected motivational music3: 2 in the morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am (MO ? M, MO-M) and 2 in the evening from 17:30 to 18:30 pm (EV ? M, EV-M). Each training session included 6 min of cycling at constant load corresponding to 60% (MOD) and 90% (VIG) of mV_O2max, interspersed with 10 min of recovery. The mV_O2 was continuously monitored, obtaining data averaged every 30 s (Fitmate, Cosmed, Italy). Results: At the end of MOD EX, females, regardless of listening to music, obtained lower mV_O2 in the evening (p = 0.03) (EV ? M 1192.0 ± 236.6 and EV-M 1203.4 ± 252.5 vs MO ? M 1232.1 ± 284.3 and MO-M 1216.5 ± 249.5 mL min-1, respectively); males attained lower VO2 while listening to music only in the evening (p = 0.04) (EV ? M 1876.7 ± 283.5 and EV-M 1915,7 ± 313,4 vs MO ? M 1896.8 ± 302.7 and MO-M 1867.7±316.7 mL min-1, respectively). At the end of VIG EX, regardless of listening to music, only females showed lower mV_O2 in the evening (p = 0.02) (EV ? M 1946.2 ± 390.6 and EV-M 1980.7 ± 464.4 vs MO ? M 1985.9 ± 453.3 and MO-M 1985.7±422.8 mL min-1, respectively). Conclusions: Regardless of listening to music, during both MOD

Purpose: Irisin is a hormone-like myokine involved in several and relevant physiological processes. Recently, there is an increasing interest in studying irisin, and its response to acute aerobic exercise (1). Indeed, aerobic physical activity can increase the circulating level of this myokine, promoting pleiotropic beneficial effects on human health. However, the exact outcome of acute aerobic exercise on the amount and time release of irisin is unknown (1, 2). The aims of this study were to explore the impact of an incremental exercise on serum irisin level in healthy male adults and to compare the acute exerciseinduced irisin changes in young and middle- aged individuals. Methods: Sixteen participants, young adults (YA: n = 8; age: 24.5 ± 2 y; BMI: 22.8 ± 2 kg/m2; peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak): 47.5 ± 6 ml/kg/min) and middle-aged adults (MA: n = 8; age: 43.0 ± 9 y; BMI: 23.5 ± 2 kg/m2; VO2peak 47.0 ± 8 ml/kg/min) performed an incremental exercise until exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. Their VO2peak was determined via direct gas analysis and their blood samples were collected before the test, 15 min and 24 h post-exhaustion. The serum levels of irisin were determined using ELISA Assay (#EK-067–29). Results: There were no differences between groups in BMI and VO2peak (p[0.05). Baseline irisin levels were significantly higher in YA with respect to MA (9.4 ± 1.1 vs 7.5 ± 1.8 ng/ml; p\0.05). A significant increase of irisin level was detected 24 h after acute aerobic exercise both in young and middle-aged adults (4.2 ± 2.1 and 5.8 ± 2.5 ng/ml, respectively; p\0.001). Noteworthy, after acute aerobic exercise, the change in serum irisin concentrations from 15 min to 24 h was significantly greater in MA than YA (4.4 ± 1.7 vs 2.8 ± 1 ng/ml; p\0.05), resulting in a comparable irisin level 24 h post-exercise (13.3 ± 1.9 vs 13.6 ± 1.5 ng/ml; p = ns). Conclusions: This study has shown that an acute aerobic exercise determined an increase in serum irisin concentration (both in

Purpose: Both aerobic fitness and muscular power have been reported as crucial for elite alpine ski racing1. To date, aerobic fitness has been mainly investigated in skiers using incremental cycling step test, while muscular power by the mean of jump testing such as countermovement jump (CMJ)1. However, no research investigated the relationship between these two fundamental systems. Thus, our purpose was to study the relationship between the maximal cycling workload (MCW) and CMJ- derived metrics. Methods: Sixteen young alpine skiers (gender: 7 F / 9 M; age: 16.7 ± 1.3 years; BMI: 22.8 ± 1.9 kgm-2) performed 2 CMJ trials using an Optojump system2. First, the jump height (CMJH) was computed from the highest trial, as well as the jump peak mechanical power (CMJP) using the Johnson & Bahamonde formula3, including CMJH and participants’ height and weight. Then MCW was determined through an incremental maximal cycling test performed at 80 rpm. After a 3-min warm-up (at 50 W for females and 75 W for males), the workload increased every minute with 15 W steps for females and 25 W for males until exhaustion. MCW was registered as the workload of the last step completed before exhaustion. A stepwise regression model tested the relationship between MCW and CMJ-derived metrics. CMJH and CMJP were entered as continuous predictors, with a threshold to enter and remove terms equal to 0.15. The significance level was set to a = 0.05. Results: Both CMJH (36.2 ± 9.1 cm) and CMJP (2929 ± 1006 W) were included in the model (R2 = 84.9%) and resulted significantly positively correlated with MCW (282 ± 81 W) (F = 5.9, p = 0.030; and F = 36.5, p\0.001 respectively). Follow-up individual linear regression models confirmed the relationships (CMJH: R2 = 45.5%, F = 10.4, p = 0.006; CMJP: R2 = 78.1%, F = 49.6, p\0.001). Conclusions: The presented results demonstrated that both CMJ metrics were positively correlated with MCW, with a strengthened relationship for CMJP, thus adjusting CMJ per

Background: Exercise has beneficial effects on older adults, but controversy surrounds the purported "compensatory effects" that training may have on total daily physical activity and energy expenditure in the elderly. We wanted to determine whether 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) induced such effects on physical activity and energy expenditure in healthy, active older adult men. Methods: Twenty-four healthy elderly male volunteers were randomized to two groups. The experimental group performed HIIT (7 x 2 min cycling repetitions, 3 d/w); the control group performed continuous moderate-intensity training (20-30 min cycling, 3 d/w). Physical activity and energy expenditure were measured with a multisensor activity monitor SenseWear Armband Mini. Results: During HIIT, significant changes were observed in moderate and vigorous physical activity, average daily metabolic equivalents (METs), physical activity level, and activity energy expenditure (p < 0.05) but not in total energy expenditure. Sleep and sedentary time, and levels of light physical activity remained constant during the training period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that HIIT induced no compensatory effect: HIIT does not adversely affect lifestyle, as it does not reduce daily energy expenditure and/or increase sedentary time.

INTRODUCTION: The viewpoint of embodied cognition holds that cognitive processes are rooted in the body’s interactions with the world aimed at gathering and collecting as much information as possible: cognition is situated, body based and for action1. Therefore, embodied education research may have important implications for education because it highlights an approach to learning through whole-body engagement2. To date, there has been little agreement on the positive effect of classroom-based lessons integrating mathematics/geometry and physical activity3,4. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of embodied education on mathematical achievement and physical fitness (PF) level. METHODS: The study was designed as a school-based controlled trial targeting primary school children and was carried out between October 2020 and May 2021. Pupils were divided into the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG), involving 82 children in the first and 39 in the second group. The intervention lasted 8 months, with two 50-min lessons per week, for a total amount of 30 lessons, carried out in the gym or in an open space. The CG did traditional physical education (PE) lessons, whereas EG, through practical activities during curricula PE lessons, learned geometrical and mathematical concepts. The assessments, performed twice, at the beginning and at the end of the project comprised: a mathematical achievement evaluation with the “Test for the evaluation of calculating and problem solving abilities” (AC-MT 6-11)5; three PF measurements by the six min walking test (6MWT)6, the 4x10m shuttle run test (4X10m SRT) and the standing broad jump test (SBJ)7. RESULTS: Mathematical skills significantly improved throughout the sample with a greater achievement in the EG compared with CG (EG: X2=27.88; p<0.05; CG: X2=12.11; p<0.05). Children in the EG were significantly more successful in problem solving ability in maths than the CG (p=0.0120). Children in both groups

Athletic performance is influenced by many factors such as the environment, diet, training and endurance or speed in physical effort and by genetic predisposition. Just a few studies have analyzed the impact of genotypes on physical performance in rugby. The aim of this study was to verify the modulation of genetic influence on rugby-specific physical performance. Twenty-seven elite rugby union players were involved in the study during the in-season phase. Molecular genotyping was performed for: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE rs4646994), alfa-actinin-3 (ACTN3 rs1815739) and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1 rs1049434) and their variants. Lean mass index (from skinfolds), lower-limb explosive power (countermovement jump), agility (505), speed (20 m), maximal aerobic power (Yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1) and repeated sprint ability (12 × 20 m) were evaluated. In our rugby union players ACE and ACTN3 variants did not show any influence on athletic performance. MCT1 analysis showed that TT-variant players had the highest peak vertical power (p = 0.037) while the ones with the AA genotype were the fastest in both agility and sprint tests (p = 0.006 and p = 0.012, respectively). Considering the T-dominant model, the AA genotype remains the fastest in both tests (agility: p = 0.013, speed: p = 0.017). Only the MCT1 rs1049434 A allele seems to be advantageous for elite rugby union players, particularly when power and speed are required

The purpose of the study was to measure anthropometry, isometric force, balance, functional movement quality and asymmetries and peak oxygen uptake of prospective Rio 2016 Olympic Games Eventing horse riders (five males and two females: age 26-41 years, height 173.0 ±8.9 cm, weight 66.4 ±11.1 kg, BMI 22.0 ±1.8 kg·m-2, FEI ranking 33-409). Mean and maximal isometric of the hands were approximately 45 kg, and 50 kg, respectively. Total maximal isometric force of the lower limb resulted 372.6 kg for the extensor muscles, and approximately 58 kg for the adductor muscles. Mean composite functional movement score was 14.1, mean Bunkie score 3.4, Y-balance score 93.1 ± for the left side and 90.9 for the right one. V?O2peak values ranged between 2.4 and 4.2 l·min-1and 46.8 and 59.7 ml·kg-1·min-1. The oldest and more experienced athletes had a greater postural control on the anterior direction. The athletes with a superior FEI ranking had a greater postural control. Subjects had high maximal isometric strength of the hands and lower limbs, good physical functions parameters, balance and maximal aerobic power and few muscular strength and balance asymmetries.

INTRODUCTION: To date, there has been little agreement on circadian variation in sports performance. It seems that both chronotype and habitual training time-of-day (HTT) need to be considered when assessing diurnal variation in performance [1]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate if chronotype and HTT may influence the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after two different intensity trials performed in three times of day. METHODS: The chronotype of participants (N56: age 23.8±2.1 yrs, BMI 22.1±2.0 kg/m2, V’O2max 40.1±9.1 ml/kg/min) was assessed using the Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) [2] and their maximal oxygen uptake (V’O2max) was determined via direct gas analysis (Fitmate-Pro, Cosmed, Italy) on a cycle ergometer (LC6, Monark, Sweden) using a submaximal exercise-based protocol. Subjects’ HTT was objectively evaluated using an activity monitor (Lifecorder Plus, Kenz, Japan) worn for one week. Participants performed two 6-minute bouts of exercise on cycle ergometer at 60% and 90% of V’O2max at 8.30am (morning trial, MT), at 1.00pm (afternoon trial, AT) and at 5.30pm (evening trial, ET) in a randomised order. Training sessions were interspersed by 48 hours. After each session, participants reported their RPE (CR10) [3]. RESULTS: Distributions of chronotype and HTT were 27% of Morning-types (M-type), 59% of Neither-types (N-type) and 14% of Eveningtypes (E-type) and 21% of subjects trained in the morning, 55% in the afternoon and 23% in the evening, respectively. When the RPE of all the subjects were examined as a whole, there was no difference between the MT, the AT and the ET (60% V’O2max MT: 3.0±1.5, AT: 2.9±1.4, ET: 2.8±1.5; 90% V’O2max MT: 7.3±2.4, AT: 7.1±2.4, ET: 7.0±2.3). No time-by-group interaction effect on RPE was observed when participants were grouped by chronotype (60% V’O2max p=0.2931; 90% V’O2max p=0.7653) or HTT (60% V’O2max p=0.9370; 90% V’O2max p=0.9862). However, M-type reported lower RPE scores post MT and E-type post

It is well-acknowledged that cognitive and physical decline associated with aging can be prevented or reduced with the engagement in regular physical activity (PA). Dance activities combine cardiovascular, cognitive, and coordinative demands, providing a popular leisure PA among elderly. This study examined the correlations between quality of life (QoL), cognitive and physical performance, and PA level in older adults who participated in at least 10 years of amateur ballroom dancing. Methods: The study was designed as an observational study. A sample of 20 (10 men; age range: 65 to 80 years; BMI: 26.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) amateur senior dancers were compared with a sample of 18 (8 men; age range: 65 to 75 years; BMI: 25.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) non-sedentary individuals (control group) following an adapted PA program. Quality of life and cognitive functioning assessment tools were administered: 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36v2), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). Physical performance was measured with their preferred walking speed (PWS), and level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was evaluated using a multi-sensor activity monitor. Results: Participants presented a good SF-36v2 physical component and a very good mental com- ponent summary, a total MoCA score within the limits, and an average total CRIq score. Their PWS and daily MVPA were high. Differences neither in the three questionnaires nor in PWS and PA level were observed between groups. A significant, moderate, and positive correlation was found between PWS and SF-36v2 physical component summary score. Conclusion: Ballroom dancing seems to allow elderly individuals to maintain good cognitive and physical abilities, QoL, an acceptable normal cognitive reserve, notable physical performance, and PA level to the same extent as an adapted PA program. Both types of PA seem to be able to contrast the mental and physical decline associated with aging.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2019–2020 season, swimming competitions and training have been limited leading to a setback in performances. The study analyzed if, during the subsequent season, swimmers’ have been able to regain the lost performance. Swimming time trends were analyzed comparing Tokyo with Rio Olympics and with mathematically predicted results. The gap between the gold medalist and the last finalist, and the differences between men and women have also been considered. Swimming competition results of females and males, in 100 m and 200 m Freestyle and Backstroke, were collected from the Olympics’ official website. Results showed that at Tokyo Olympics almost all swimmers’ times improved as compared to Rio’s. Analysis of performance trends highlighted that performance progression does not proceed in a linear fashion and that is best predicted by more recent results. Women’s progression was higher than men’s and the gap between the first and last finalist constantly decreased, except for the Tokyo Olympics. In conclusion, the unprecedented Tokyo Olympic Games and qualification year seems not to have disrupted all Olympic swimmers’ performance, suggesting that stakeholders support and athlete’s coping ability might safeguard the subsistence of performance.

In team sports, non-contact ACL and MCL injuries occur during abrupt changes of direction, like turns or cutting manoeuvres. Fatigue affects dynamic neuromuscular control and increases knee injury risk. This study analysed how lower limb joints and centre-of-mass kinematics are affected throughout a high-intensity running protocol involving repeated 180°-turns. Twenty young men (18–23 years, BMI: 20.8–24.4 kg m−2) completed a 5-m shuttle running trial lasting 5 min at an average speed of 75% of their maximum aerobic speed. During the test, cardio-metabolic parameters were obtained, together with joints and centre-of-mass kinematics, using a motion capture system. Kinematic data were compared between the first and the last minute of exercise. Perceived exercise intensity ranged from “hard” to “maximum exertion” and post-exercise lactate concentration ranged from 5.4 to 15.5 mM. The repetition of 180°-turns induced a substantial reduction of hip (−60%, p <.001, large effect) and knee flexion (−40%, p =.003, medium-to-large effect), and an increase of hip adduction and internal rotation (+25–30%, p <.05, medium-to-large effect). Since such movements are factors increasing the likelihood of non-contact knee injuries, we concluded that the prolonged repetition of turns may expose participants to increased risk of ligament failure. Prevention programmes should include discipline-specific neuromuscular training especially in late practices.

Background: The etiology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in women football results from the interaction of several extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors. Extrinsic factors change dynamically, also due to fatigue. However, existing biomechanical findings concerning the impact of fatigue on the risk of ACL injuries remains inconsistent. We hypothesized that fatigue induced by acute workload in short and intense game periods, might in either of two ways: by pushing lower limbs mechanics toward a pattern close to injury mechanism, or alternatively by inducing opposed protective compensatory adjustments. Aim: In this study, we aimed at assessing the extent to which fatigue impact on joints kinematics and kinetics while performing repeated changes of direction (CoDs) in the light of the ACL risk factors. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional associative study. Twenty female players (age: 20–31 years, 1st–2nd Italian division) performed a continuous shuttle run test (5-m) involving repeated 180°-CoDs until exhaustion. During the whole test, 3D kinematics and ground reaction forces were used to compute lower limb joints angles and internal moments. Measures of exercise internal load were: peak post-exercise blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion. Continuous linear correlations between kinematics/kinetics waveforms (during the ground contact phase of the pivoting limb) and the number of consecutive CoD were computed during the exercise using a Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) approach. Results: The test lasted 153 ± 72 s, with a rate of 14 ± 2 CoDs/min. Participants reached 95% of maximum HR and a peak lactate concentration of 11.2 ± 2.8 mmol/L. Exercise duration was inversely related to lactate concentration (r = −0.517, p < 0.01), while neither%HRmax nor [La–]b nor RPE were correlated with test duration before exhaustion (p > 0.05). Alterations in lower limb kinematics were found in 100%, and in lower limb kine

Purpose: The WHO provided guidelines on physical activity (PA) and sedentary (SED) behaviour for children (WHO, 2020). The emergency pandemic situation and related restrictions that the population has experienced since February 2020 has greatly changed the habits and time spent on extracurricular sports (Stockwell, 2021). Methods: The study was designed as a school-based controlled trial targeting primary schoolchildren and has been carried out between November 2019 and December 2020. 121 subjects attending the first and second years of primary school were involved. The assessment was performed three times, November 2019 (Nov19), October 2020 (Oct20) and December 2020 (Dec20). PA level and SED habits in leisure time was evaluated using 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR) questionnaire (Weston, 1997), filled out by the parents of the subjects. During the first assessment the surrounding reality was in a condition of normality for what concerns the socio-sanitary situation. The second monitoring was carried out during the resumption of activities following a general lockdown period. The last one was carried out during a period of partial lockdown characterized by the full suspension activities of gyms, swimming pools and sports centers. Results: On average, less than half (39,1%) of children undertook the recommended 60 min of PA and all children spent more than 2 h (285 min) each day in SED activities. During the period of restrictions, children carried out alternative activities in the domestic context, which resulted in a reduction of sedentariness (Nov19: 304 ± 40, Oct20: 273 ± 40, Dec20: 278 ± 41 min; p,0001), but also in a net reduction of vigorous activities (Nov19: 25 ± 27, Oct20: 33 ± 31, Dec20: 9 ± 14 min; p,0001). Conclusions: The pandemic situation has changed the extracurricular habits of children. Ensuring children can access to indoor or outdoor non-structured vigorous physical activities, and parents’ support are important prerequisites for enabling

Il baskin è un nuovo sport che si ispira al basket e permette di far giocare contemporaneamente persone con e senza disabilità, maschi e femmine, in virtù di nuove regole e nuove strutture. Il modello funzionale di uno sport è tanto più importante quanto più si vuole rendere qualificata la metodologia d’allenamento. Scopo del presente studio è stato quello di creare un modello prestativo per i soggetti in ruolo 5. Cinque soggetti maschi (età 16,8±2.7 aa; BMI 22,6±2,4 kg/m2; VO2max 65,5±6,8 mlO2/kg/min; FCmax 196±1,9 bpm) praticanti baskin e basket, sono stati analizzati. Ogni soggetto è stato monitorato durante le partite di campionato di baskin e di basket per 30’ con l’Actiheart (CamNtech) da cui è stato possibile estrapolare la frequenza cardiaca (FC) di picco e media e il consumo di ossigeno (VO2) di picco e medio. I soggetti sono stati anche monitorati durante 30’ di allenamento di baskin e di basket con calorimetria indiretta (K4b2) per ricavare le correlazioni individuali FC/VO2 nelle reali condizioni di gioco. Tale relazione è stata utilizzata per estrapolare il VO2 dalla FC durante le partite. A compimento è stata effettuata l’analisi di una partita non di campionato di baskin con il GPS (MinimaxX Catapult Innovations), da cui sono stati ricavati i metri percorsi e la velocità media tenuta dai soggetti. Il VO2 e la FC medi e di picco, durante le partite di campionato di baskin e di basket, sono risultati comparabili tra loro. I picchi di FC raggiunti durante il gioco sono stati di 190±8,1 bpm (97±4,8% FCmax teorica). I valori medi su cui le partite si sono tenute sono di 139±20,8 bpm (71±10,9% FCmax). Durante le partite si è raggiunto il valore di VO2 di picco di 62,7±10,5 mLO2/kg/min (95.2±8,5% VO2max). Il VO2 medio è stato di 29±10 mLO2/kg/min (44±15,6% VO2max). Dalla valutazione delle partite di baskin con GPS si conferma la natura alternata della disciplina: tempi di corsa ad intensità più e meno elevate durante tutto l’arco della gara.

Typically gait speed decreases and gait variability increases in elderly. The aim of this study was to define the influence of energy cost of walking on gait speed and of health-related physical fitness on gait variability. Thirty healthy young and older women were recruited in the study. Energy cost of walking (Net CW ) was analyzed with indirect calorimetry while a kinematic analysis was performed with an optoelectronic system to calculate gait variability (GV) during treadmill walking at different speeds. Gait speed was defined as the preferred walking speed (PWS) of the subject and health related physical fitness (HRPF) comprised body fat, strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. In healthy elderly women, the coefficient of variation of step width was found to be a better indicator of GV than stride time, stride length and double support coefficients of variation. GV was not affected by age allowing a high PWS. Furthermore, significant associations, adjusted for age, body mass index and number of falls, were identified neither between Net CW and the PWS, nor between HRPF and GV; only a significant association was found between hand-grip strength and gait stability. Findings highlighted the importance to evaluate hand-grip strength as an indicator of gait efficiency.

The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is a simple assessment tool to evaluate exercise capacity. The result of the test is the distance that a subject can walk at a constant and normal pace within 6 minutes (6MWD) and reflects the aerobic/fitness performance related to walking function. Use of 6MWT has been relevant to assess exercise tolerance either in healthy children or in patients with, heart, lung and metabolic diseases. Our aim was to find 6MWT reference values in healthy Italian children. The 6MWT was performed in 5614 children aged 6-11 years recruited from primary Italian schools. Age related reference percentiles of the covered distance were gender-modeled. A linear and quadratic regression model was used to predict 6MWT performance. Males walked longer distances than females, respectively 598.8±83.9 m vs 592.1±77.6 m (p = 0.0016). According to the regression analysis, 6MWD was positively related to age, gender and height, while it was negatively related to body weight [(6MWD =-160.16 + 93.35× age (years)-4.05× age2 (years) +7.34× gender (m) +2.12× weight (kg) -2.50× height (cm)]. Reference values were established for the 6MWT in healthy children. The age related 6MWD percentiles provided a useful tool in the assessment of capacity in 6-11 year children, in fact they may be helpful to evaluate the effect of a given treatment or rehabilitation program and represent a feasible measure as to prevention within the primary school context. It was found a substantial difference from other countries for 6mwd values. In our study, factors such as age, weight and height were relevant for the prediction of 6MWD, similarly to other studies. Therefore, these variables should be taken into account in context of exercise performance.

The parental influence on children’s cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been only marginally investigated. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether parental CMRF and CRF were associated with those of their school-aged children. This cross-sectional analysis included 53 Italian school-children along with their parents. CMRF were assessed by measuring the waist circumference (WC) and by computing the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), whereas CRF was estimated with the six-minute walking test (6MWT). A multiple stepwise backward elimination regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between parental and children’s features. Both parental WC and WHtR were associated with children’s ones (R2 = 0.28, p = .005; R2 = 0.18, p = .041). Maternal WC and WHtR strongly predicted primary-school children’s CMRF (R2 = 0.54, p = .005; R2 = 0.67, p = .001). No significant parental influence was observed for CRF. This study investigated, for the first time, the associations between parental CMRF and CRF, and those of their children. Our results suggest that children’s WC and WHtR, but not CRF, can be predicted by their parent’s parameters. Maternal CMRF may have a stronger influence on children’s ones, compared to fathers, particularly during primary-school years.

The parental influence on children’s cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been only marginally investigated. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether parental CMRF and CRF were associated with those of their school-aged children. This cross-sectional analysis included 53 Italian school-children along with their parents. CMRF were assessed by measuring the waist circumference (WC) and by computing the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), whereas CRF was estimated with the six-minute walking test (6MWT). A multiple stepwise backward elimination regression analysis was performed to investigate associations between parental and children’s features. Both parental WC and WHtR were associated with children’s ones (R2 = 0.28, p = .005; R2 = 0.18, p = .041). Maternal WC and WHtR strongly predicted primary-school children’s CMRF (R2 = 0.54, p = .005; R2 = 0.67, p = .001). No significant parental influence was observed for CRF. This study investigated, for the first time, the associations between parental CMRF and CRF, and those of their children. Our results suggest that children’s WC and WHtR, but not CRF, can be predicted by their parent’s parameters. Maternal CMRF may have a stronger influence on children’s ones, compared to fathers, particularly during primary-school years.

The aim of the present study was to quantify the impact of training restrictions, due to COVID-19 sanitary emergency, on physical and emotional strain of horse-riding Eventing competitions before and after eight weeks of lockdown. Performance was assessed by the penalty points attained, anxiety by the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, strain by the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) method. Moreover, Heart Rate was continuously monitored for fifty-four female national level Eventing horse-riders. Lockdown decreased performance outcome of horse-riders in Eventing competitions up to six weeks, with the Dressage test being the most affected discipline. Performance in Dressage was strongly related to both anxiety and session-RPE. After lockdown, Show-Jumping and Cross-Country courses were shorter allowing RPE to remain stable, session-RPE to significantly decline and cardiovascular strain not to exceed pre-lockdown values. In conclusion, emotional stress in Dressage and workload in Cross-Country should be carefully managed by equestrian Eventing stakeholders when planning training and competitions after a period of lockdown. Moreover, sRPE appears to offer a practical method of monitoring riders load during training and competition and could also be of use for home-based training during any future sport activities restrictions.

Karate is a martial art that include striking, kicking and punching techniques, and requires high levels of functional skills. Karate counts millions of practitioners worldwide and it is also spreading in Paralympic competitions: there is a need for accurate categories definition for disabled athletes. The aim of the current study was to present kinematic data of an elite Paralympic karateka, in comparison with able-bodied athletes, to promote a better classification within the discipline, based on objective evaluations of physical impairments. A male black belt Paralympic karateka (age: 36 years; body weight: 75.5 kg; height: 173 cm) with lower limbs impairments was evaluated. He performed a standardized sequence of movements (kata) from Shotokan karate. Joints and center-of-mass kinematics were collected with an optoelectronic motion capture system and compared with those obtained in two groups of able- bodied (Masters and Practitioners) athletes from a previous study. The sequence performed by the karateka lasted longer than in both able-bodied groups. Center of mass velocity and acceleration lowered in comparison with Masters. Knees range of movement and peak angular velocity were similar to Practitioners but lower than Masters. We concluded that physical impairments negatively affected the function of lower limbs in the Paralympic athlete, as fundamental skills in karate elite performance (dynamic balance control and joint angular velocity) were lower.

Il successo keniota ed etiope nelle gare di fondo, dagli ultimi 40 anni ad oggi, sembra essere un fenomeno inarrestabile e ineguagliabile. Lo scopo di questo articolo è quello di presentare i dati attuali relativi ai fattori che contribuiscono potenzialmente al successo senza precedenti di fondisti kenioti ed etiopi. La review di seguito ha preso in considerazione le possibili cause di tale avvenimento, esaminando (1) i fattori genetici, (2) le particolari condizioni ambientali e culturali, (3) le motivazioni intrinseche, (4) i vantaggi conferiti da un ambiente ipossico vagliando gli adattamenti ematologici, fisiologici, ventilatori e metabolici e, infine, (5) i fattori antropometrici. Una causa conclamata non è definita, ma la letteratura scientifica indica chiaramente che kenioti ed etiopi possiedono una maggior efficienza del gesto biomeccanico del correre e un maggiore rendimento metabolico a causa delle loro gambe esili, sottili e snelle con poca massa, rispetto ai competitori. La performance sportiva sulla lunga distanza di kenioti ed etiopi è il risultato dell’interazione tra particolari caratteristiche evolutive e fattori ambientali, che hanno portato a specifici tratti antropometrici con conseguenti vantaggi biomeccanici, con il risultato che in milioni di anni, sono state costituite particolari strutture a livello dell’articolazione della caviglia che presenta specificità strutturali muscolo-tendinee uniche, che avvantaggiano questi atleti nelle gare di endurance. Tale specifico fattore, unito a elementi di natura culturale, motivazionale e di allenamento, ha determinato lo straordinario successo mondiale di cui sono protagonisti kenioti ed etiopi.