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PURPOSE: Therefore our purpose was to investigate the differences of physiological responses between two aerobic exercises: Constant Pulse Training (CPR) and low impact aerobic routine (LIA) in order to understand if LIA fits the needs of overweight subjects in terms of energy substrate utilization. METHODS: Six overweight female underwent a V'O2max incremental submaximal test (Quark b2, Cosmed, Italy). Oxygen uptake (V'O2) and heart rate (HR) were used to draw V'O2/HR relationship. Each subject also took part in two training sessions carried out over alternate days: A) CPR training on treadmill at 65%, 70% and 60% of HRmax for 10, 30 and 5 min respectively; B) LIA routine consisting of warming up phase (10 min), aerobic phase (30 min), cooling down phase (5 min). During both sessions the following parameters have been continuously monitored (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy): HR, V'O2, respiratory exchange ratio (RER). RESULTS: Results are referred to the whole training session. If we consider the correlation between HR and V'O2, both expressed as percent values of the maximum, linear regression line among HR and V'O during CPR never overlaps the one during LIA.CONCLUSION: Both exercise modes seem to lie in the aerobic metabolism. However energy expenditure (EE) of LIA is higher than CPR, while the relative amount of CHO is significantly higher. This should be took into account when fat burning exercises are prescribed. Besides HR seems to correlate with V'O2 (according with ACSM statement) in CPR, while the same does not occur during LIA. Therefore, HR is a reliable index of the exercise intensity during CPR training, but it could overestimate V'O2 (and EE) during LIA routine.

Muscular explosive power of the lower extremities is a critical performance factor in many types of sports. The most widely used test to measure explosive power is the jump test, which is considered the gold standard owing to its validity and reproducibility. However, the jump test involves complex movement that creates problems of repeatability and spinal overload. In contrast, the leg press test appears easier to perform and less problematic as regards repeatability and overloading. Use of the push test has been reported elsewhere, but to our knowledge no published data are available that correlate the jump and the push tests. To fill this gap, the aim of our study was to verify correlations between the two tests in order to validate the push test as a method for measuring explosive power of human leg extensor muscles and to identify the optimal load to be applied with this method for obtaining maximum mechanical power. The study population comprised a group of 16 physically active males randomly assigned to two different testing sessions: one with the push test and the other with the jump test. In both tests muscular power without countermovement was measured. The push test was performed on a horizontal press (Technogym Italia) with the subject in a sitting position and the knees and hips bent to 90°. The subject was asked to push as hard as possible against the carriage using both legs while the carriage was free to move backward along two tracks. A series of tests were performed using progressively heavier loads (100-120-140-160-180-200% of body weight). The test was repeated 3 times with each load. The jump test was performed with the subject starting in a semisquat position with the knees bent to 90°. Tests were carried out using natural weight (body weight) and progressively increased loads (10-20-30-40-50% of body weight) on a force platform. The test was performed in triplicate for each load. For both the jump and push tests, parameters were measured using

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The purpose of the present study was to compare aerobic, anaerobic and strength performance changes induced by two short-term (3-week) body mass reduction programs based on the same low-calory diet (1200-1500 kcal/day), nutritional education and psychological counseling, but entailing different exercise training protocols. An individualized, low-volume and moderate-intensity exercise training (IET) was contrasted with a non-specific, high-volume, low-intensity exercise training (NET). Thirty obese in-patients (12 males, 18 females; mean age±SD: 33.9±9.4 yr, range: 19-51yr; mean BMI: 40.5±3.8 kg/m2, range: 35.3-51.4 kg/m2) were randomly divided in two gender-matched groups of 15 subjects each undergoing a different exercise training protocol. Maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) determined with a submaximal indirect test on a bicycle ergometer, lower limb maximum power output (W˙ max) determined with the jumping method, global motor capabilities determined by analysis of locomotor pattern during a short (8 m) running, maximum strength (1-RM) of upper and lower limb muscle groups determined with isotonic machines were tested before and after the program. Adherence to an individual exercise activity and maintenance of body weight (bw) loss were evaluated with a telephonic interview 6 months after the completion of the program. In both groups a significant (p<0.001) and comparable weight loss was observed (IET: –4.27%; NET: –4.17%). In both groups V˙O2max and W˙ max increased significantly (p<0.05-0.001) when expressed relatively to body mass, while in absolute terms they were significantly (p<0.001) improved only in IET group. 1-RM in all tested muscle groups was significantly increased in both IET and NET subjects (p<0.001-0.01), but improvements were significantly greater in IET as compared with NET (p<0.05-0.001). The analysis of locomotor pattern during the short running indicated that IET subjects significantly improved their global motor capabilities (p

PURPOSE To compare body composition, aerobic and strength performance changes induced by two short-term (3-week) body mass reduction programs entailing different exercise training protocols: an individualized, low-volume and moderate-intensity exercise training (IET) was compared with a non specific, high-volume, low-intensity exercise training (AET). METHODS 30 healthy severely obese in-patients (age: 33,9 ± 9,4yr; BMI: 40,5 ± 3,8kg/m2) were randomly divided in two groups of 15 subjects following two different exercise protocols consisting in: a) cardiovascular exercise (30min treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise at 50–60% of VO2max for IET, and 30 min of cycle ergometer or 40 min of walking for AET) and b) strength exercise (3 sets of 15 reps at 40–50–60% of 1MR for the upper and lower limb major muscle groups for IET, and 20 min indoor dynamic standing and floor exercise for AET). The weekly caloric consumption through aerobic exercise was comparable. Body composition, VO2max, maximal strength (MS) of upper and lower limbs were evaluated before and after the program. The 6 month follow up interview was included to assess body weight, physical activity ratio (PAR) and diet habits. RESULTS In both groups a significant and comparable weight loss and fat mass reduction were observed(p < 0,001). Only the IET group maintained the fat free mass while it was reduced in the AET group (p < 0,01). VO2max increased only in IET group (p < 0,001). MS was increased in both IET and AET subjects (p < 0,01), but improvements were greater in IET as compared with AET (p < 0,05). After 6 months, IET subjects reported a higher level of spontaneously chosen physical activity (p < 0,05) than AET subjects. CONCLUSION Results suggest that a customized exercise protocol offers more advantages in decreasing body weight, preserving muscle mass and in improving aerobic and strength performance than an non specific protocol

The effects on aerobic, anaerobic and strength performance of aerobic (A) or A and strength (AS) training, integrated with a 3-week body weight reduction programme involving an energy-restricted diet, nutritional education and psychological counselling, were evaluated in 52 grade II or III obese individuals (A: n=26; AS: n=26). After 3 weeks, both training programmes led to a similar and significant reduction (p<0.001) in body mass (A:4.8%; AS: 4.4%) and an increase (p<0.05 - p<0.01) in maximal oxygen consumption (A:16.8%; AS: 10.9%). A significant (p<0.05 - p<0.001) increase was found in absolute lower limb anaerobic power output evaluated by means of a jumping test (A: 13.7%; AS: 18.1%) and stair climbing test (A: 9.7%; AS: 4.3%), without any significant difference between A and AS. A comparable and significant (p<0.01) increase was also found in average horizontal velocity during a short sprint running test (A: 8.1%; AS: 7.1%), with a shorter time of footground contact (A: 4.9%; AS: 6.6.%) and a higher step frequency (A: 4.0%; AS: 10.4%). The maximum strength increase after the body weight reduction programme determined by one maximal repetition test of lower and upper limb muscle groups was significantly greater (p<0.05 - p<0.001) in the AS group, ranging from 11.4% to 25.4% (A) and from 26.7% to 41.8% (AS). These results indicate that integrating a body weight reduction programme involving diet, nutritional education and psychological counselling with A or AS exercise has similar positive effects in lowering body mass and improving A and anaerobic performance. However, the addition of strength training to A conditioning increases maximum strength.

The study investigated the effect of a short-term (3-week) body mass reduction program, combining energy-restricted diet, nutritional education, psychological counselling and aerobic exercise training (DEP-AT) on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and anaerobic alactic performance evaluated with different techniques in obese patients (grade II and III). Fifty-three (14 males, 39 females) obese subjects [average +/- SD body mass index (BMI): 41.6 +/- 4.2 kg/m2] were tested before and after the DEP-AT program characterised by a daily conditioning protocol of aerobic exercise on cycloergometer, treadmill and armergometer for a total duration of 35 min at an intensity corresponding to 50% of individual VO2max during the first week of the program and at 60% in the following 2 weeks. VO2max was determined with the cycloergometric indirect method. Short-term alactic anaerobic performance was evaluated with: a) jumping test (5 consecutive jumps with maximal effort, Bosco technique), b) short sprint running test (8m), and c) stair climbing test (modified Margaria test). The DEP-AT program induced a significant weight loss (-4.57 +/- 1.26%, p < 0.001) and a significant VO2max increase (14.1 +/- 20.5%, p < 0.001). After the DEP-AT program, lower limb alactic anaerobic power output, calculated on a per kg body mass basis, increased significantly both in jumping and in stair climbing (20.1 +/- 24.8%, p < 0.001 and 13.5 +/- 19.75%, p < 0.001, respectively), as well as average horizontal velocity during short sprinting (7.2 +/- 17.6%, p < 0.01). Power output was a major determinant of the motor performance, being significantly correlated with: a) vertical displacement of the centre of gravity (R2 = 0.884, p < 0.001) in jumping test, b) vertical velocity (R2 = 0.348, p < 0.001) in stair climbing test, and c) horizontal velocity (R2 = 0.394, p < 0.001) in short running test. In conclusion, short-term DEP-AT program induces significant improvements in both aerobic capabilities and a

Anorexia nervosa (AN) patients often perform high levels of physical activity (PA), which does not necessarily diminish after a successful therapy (Kostrzewa, 2013), and have lower physical fitness (PF) than normal weight peers both at baseline and after weight restoration (Alberti, 2013). PURPOSE: This study examined the individual variation in PA in AN patients before and after treatment and explored if they are related to PF outcome. METHODS: 33 females receiving inpatient treatment for AN participated in this study (age, 23.2±8.8yr; weight, 38±5.2kg; height, 1.61±0.6m). PA was assessed with an activity monitor that combined heart rate and movement signals by measuring minutes of moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and the sum of the minutes spent in moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA). PF was assessed with an adapted version of the Eurofit Physical Fitness Test Battery (EPFTB) including aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal fitness, flexibility and motor fitness (Alberti, 2013). All measurements took place during the first week and at the end of treatment. The treatment lasted 20 wk, and included 13 wk of inpatient therapy followed by 7 wk of day-hospital (Dalle Grave, 2008). RESULTS: The treatment was associated with a significant increase in body mass index (p<0.0001). Significant associations, adjusted for BMI, were found between MVPA and PF for Sit-Up Test (R2, .351; β, .244; p, <.001) at baseline. PA levels were positively associated with an increase in PF performance outcome (Handgrip Test: R2, .276; β, .439 p, <.01; Six-Minutes Walk Test: R2, .149; β, .307; p, <.05) at discharge, with a greater contribution of MPA. Each 10-min of MPA was associated with an increase of 0.4 kg of handgrip strength and with a gain of 2.88 m in the Six-Minutes Walk Test. CONCLUSION: Weight was restored after therapy. Aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness were positively affected by moderate physical activity levels. Future studies should investigate when an individualized

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents is rising in the European region with an increase of the onset of risk factors associated with ill health (1). Time spent in sedentary (SED) behaviour and physical activity (PA) have been both associated with adiposity (2, 3). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of physical activity and sedentary behaviours from childhood (CH) to adolescence (AD). METHODS: The study population consisted of 2828 students aged between 6 and 14 years old (height, 1,45±0,16 m; weight, 39,6±12,7 kg; BMI, 18,3±3,0 kg/m2) and was divided into two groups: CH and AD. Subjects were classified as normal weight (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (OB) according to Cole classification (4). Parents were asked to fill a questionnaire inquiring about time spent in PA, and SED behaviours outside school hours on a weekly basis. The amount of PA was evaluated adding leisure time PA, time spent playing sports and time spent in physically active commutes to and from school. SED activities included TV viewing, playing or working on a computer/playing videogames and any other sedentary activities. A multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex and age, was used to assess the association between BMI category and PA or SED; significance was set at p<0,05. RESULTS: 79,9% of the cohort was classified as NW, 17,1% as OW and only 3,9% as OB. Overweight and obesity significantly decreased from CH to AD (X2=33,45; p<0,0001). The average amount of PA was 245,5±152,2 min/week and the SED time reached 1739,1±809,7 min/week, both significantly increasing from CH to AD (ANOVA; p<0,0001). PA was not significantly correlated with SED in neither CH nor AD (r=-0,031 and 0,024; respectively). Significant associations, were identified between SED (odds ratio (OR): 1,001; 95%CI: 1,000-1,001; p<0,001) and PA (OR: 0,997, 95%CI: 0,996-0,999; p<0,01) level and obesity. No associations persisted for overweight. DISCUSSION: According

Aim. Lack of physical activity is

INTRODUCTION Development of fundamental motor skills (FMS) in childhood is considered an important goal during the growing-up process. Till a few years ago it was guaranteed and performed throught a natural and active life style and today we can see a motor impoverishment related to the principal gross motor abilities . The advent of electronic static games, the diminution of movement opportunities for our children and the progressive reduction of free-time are the causes of this situation. Today the scholastic motor activities (practiced for less than two hours a week) are not enough to guarantee quantity and quality of motor development in childhood. The study shows how since the late 1985s one can see an impoverishment in all the considered FMS and in particular in running, high and long Jumping and power throwing. METHODS In the year 1985 a test battery was submitted to 1233 (620 boys 613 girls) italian students aged 9 and 10 (GR1). The same test battery was proposed to 985 (472 boys 513 girls) same aged students in 1996 ( GR2) and 988 (502 boys 486 girls) students in 2008 (GR3).The data have been collected through the scholastic system by submitting tests during physical education (PE) lessons after a 20 minutes warm-up. Test battery: Speed run (mt.40), Endurance run(mt.600), Long Jump , High jump, precision throw ( Basket drought) and power throw (two hand throwing of a 1 Kg medical ball), twine-skip and pole-climb. RESULTS In the two periods 1985-1996 (P1) and 1996-2008 (P2) we have been noticed differences in the weight, in the height and in the BMI. Today boys and girls are taller and heavier. The increase of these two dimensions in the children morphology is predominant for the increase in body mass, therefore we can also notice a marked increase in BMI. All data has been compared with NCHS Growth Charts (NCHS 2000). In all tests we noticed a loss of ability in every group (9,10 ages boys and 9,10 ages girls). Gaps are more evident in endurance and power a

INTRODUCTION In Italy popular courtyard games have always been a favourite pastime for all children(1). Up to 20 years ago they practise these games spontaneously and joyfully in the playgrounds in afternoon leisure time. The most popular and well-known of these games (although they may be called different names around Italy) are “Nascondino” (Hide and Seek), “ Prendersi” (Touch me),“Palla prigioniera” (ball in the jail), “Mosca cieca”(blind fly),“Giro tondo”(Turn in round), “Campana”(Bell), “ Cavallina”(Small horse). The characteristics of these forms of play are: adaptable and non-structured environments, the presence of flexible and negotiable rules and the adaptability to the numbers of participants. These games have always been considered important because they are spontaneous and enjoyable and encourage the morphological, motor, intellectual and social growth of the children. The study shows how these games, which have been handed down from grandparent to parent to grandchild, have been slowly decreasing or even disappearing over the last two generations. METHODS In 2008 a questionnaire was carried out on the parents of 398 children from 3 to 5 years living in a country town in the North of Italy (192 males and 196 females). The questionnaire included not only questions regarding their children (Children group = G3) but also two additional sections of questions about themselves (Parents group = G2) and the children’s grandparents (Grandparents group= G1). The questionnaires, in all age groups, included the type of games that were most played (F1), the analysis of the places where they were played (F2), the number of players (F3) and the amount of leisure time devoted to the games (F4). The data was collected using the Likert scale and analysed using the statistical method SPSS comparing the 3 groups (G1, G2 e G3) and the four factors quoted above (F1, F2, F3 and F4). RESULTS The results of the questionnaire show clearly that the games played by children today

INTRODUCTION : Among the most common gross-motor abilities running, jumping and throwing have been considered some of the most important fundamental motor skills (FMS).Their development, 30 years ago,was guaranteed and performed throught a natural and active life style.Today the scholastic sport activitie and the structured extra scholastic sport activities are not enough to guarantee quantity and quality of motor development of our preadolescents. The study shows how since the late 1970s one can see a progressive motor impoverishment related to the principal gross-motor abilities(1),caused by the diminution of movement opportunities for our children(2)and by the advent of computers,cellular telephones and electronic static games. METHODS :In the year 1976 a test battery was proposed to 1000 students.The same test battery was proposed to 500 students in 2007.The data have been collected through the scholastic system by submitting tests during PE lessons after a 20 minutes warm-up.Test battery: Speed run (boys mt.80; girls mt.60), Endurance run(mt.1000), Long Jump, High jump, precision throw (Basket drought) and strength throw (one hand throwing of a little ball), twine-skip test and pole-climb test. RESULTS :After 30 years significant differences have been noticed in the weight, in the height and in the Body Mass Index. Today boys and girls are taller and heavier and we can also notice a marked increase in BMI.All data have been compared with NCHS Growth Charts(3). In all tests we noticed a loss of ability. These differencies are more evident in endurance and power abilities than in precision tasks. Regarding the gender, these difference are more evident in the girls (increase average of failure 18,59 %) than the in boys (increase average of failure 15,31 %). Differences among the participants according to their ages and birth date were analysed with Pearson’s Chi-square test and statistical significance have been confirmed by the O.R.(odds ratio) values. DISCUSSION