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BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week-game-based training versus a traditional multilateral approach on motor skills acquisition and physical fitness, in a group of U9 children playing soccer. METHODS Forty children aged 9 or younger (U9) recruited from a local soccer school were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a game-based training program (GB) or a multilateral training (MA) approach. The training programs lasted 12 weeks, and players were tested at baseline and at the end of the program (12-week follow-up). The outcomes were: standing long jump test, shuttle dribble test, 10×5 shuttle run test and Mini-Cooper test. RESULTS Within-group comparisons showed statistically-significant improvements in both of the groups: standing long lump (P

The aim of this study was to define the performance model of wheelchair tennis, by means of 20 Hz GPS together with heart rate monitors, while also investigating potential surface-related differenc...

Objective: The objective of this study was to verify the effect of micro-loads and elastic bands exercise program in a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Twenty-one people with PD, participated in this study. All participants were able to walk unassisted, and their disability score using the Hoehn & Yahr scale was 2 ± 0.5. Subjects were randomly assigned to micro-loads group (11 subjects, age 69 ± 10 years; weight 72 ± 12 kg, height 171 ± 7 cm) or to elastic band group (9 subjects, age 70 ± 11 years; weight 69 ± 15 kg and high 169 ± 9 cm). Both groups performed two sessions of physical activity per week during a period of 5 months. Subjects were evaluated on flexibility with sit and reach test; the body balance with stabilometric platform, useful to evaluate the center of pressure (COP); the Spinal Mouse® to assess the column shape and the sit to stand test to measure the strength performance of lower limbs. Tests were three times during the training period: after the first and the third month of physical activity and at the end of the training period. Results: Data showed a statistically significant variation in the sit to stand test in the EG group (T0 vs T2; Anova, p < 0.001, post hoc, p < 0.01, +19%). Conclusion: Both micro-loads and elastic band exercises were well-tolerated. Elastic bands exercises produced a significant improvement in the lower limbs muscles performance.

Trisomy of the short arm of chromosome 12 is a rare genetic disease characterised by dysmorphic features, mental retardation, behavioural disorders, seizures predisposition and other congenital abnormalities. Arterial hypertension is not a characteristic feature of 12p trisomy, although congenital heart defects are reported. In this case report, we present a young patient with incomplete trisomy 12p, analysing some characteristics of this disease that have not been previously described in literature.

Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates®, a 30 s static stretching protocol and elastic bands resistance training on lower and hand-grip strength, rachis morphology, flexibility and body balance among RRMS patients. Methods: Twenty-two subjects affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS, EDSS ≤ 6) were randomly divided into 3 groups whose members each performed 16 weeks of training. Stabilometry, rachis morphology, sit and reach, handgrip and sit to stand tests were performed three times: T0, after a month of learning training protocols; T1, after eight weeks of training; and T2, after sixteen weeks of training. Results: Static stretching group. Spinal Mouse (inclination line between ThSp1 and S1 from a standing position): T0 vs. T2, -55%; Sit and Reach test: T0 vs. T2, +15%. Pilates group. Sit and Reach test: T0 vs. T2, +15%; Sit to Stand test: T0 vs. T2, +31%. Elastic group. Stabilometry with eyes open: T0 vs. T1, -51%; stabilometry with eyes closed: T0 vs. T1, -52%; sit to stand test: T0 vs. T2, +39%. Conclusion: Static stretching, Pilates and resistance training are useful to increase the autonomy in the daily life of people with MS thanks to the adoption of these three different training methods.

This research aims to investigate the direct and indirect effects of physical training on psychological health in a sample of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Thirty-five women affected by relapsing-remitting MS, with a mean age of (40 ± 5) years and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ranging between 0 and 3, participated in the study. After baseline tests, in accordance with pairing techniques, participants were assigned to an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG attended a 12-week combined aerobic and strength program. Those in the EG and the CG were homogeneous at baseline and were treated similarly except for the intervention. Participants of both groups were tested before and after the intervention with the following instruments: 1. Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS); 2. Beck Depression Inventory scale (BDI); 3. Multiple Sclerosis Quality of life–54 (MSQOL-54). Data was analyzed with non-parametric tests for unpaired samples, linear regression and mediation analysis. The results showed: (a) the benefits of physical training on the perception of fatigue, depression, social activity and Quality of Life (QoL) in the EG; (b) the role of fatigue as a mediator of the relationship between participation in physical training and depression, social activity and QoL. Findings suggested the effectiveness of a combined aerobic and strength training for the improvement of psychological aspects in women affected by MS and the mediation role of fatigue in such a relationship.