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The rapid evolution of technologies is a key innovation in the organisation and management of physical activities (PA) and sports. The increase in benefits and opportunities related to the adoption of technologies for both the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the management of chronic diseases is evident. In the field of telehealth, these devices provide personalised recommendations, workout monitoring and injury prevention. The study aimed to provide an overview of the landscape of technology application to PA organised to promote active lifestyles and improve chronic disease management. This review identified specific areas of focus for the selection of articles: the utilisation of mobile APPs and technological devices for enhancing weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, managing diabetes and cancer and preventing osteoporosis and cognitive decline. A multifactorial intervention delivered via mobile APPs, which integrates PA while managing diet or promoting social interaction, is unquestionably more effective than a singular intervention. The main finding related to promoting PA and a healthy lifestyle through app usage is associated with "behaviour change techniques". Even when individuals stop using the APP, they often maintain the structured or suggested lifestyle habits initially provided by the APP. Various concerns regarding the excessive use of APPs need to be addressed.

Strength training elicits benefits both in performance and on a psychological level in women, such as increased muscle strength and improved self-esteem. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a training strategy for enhancing muscular strength. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of WB-EMS superimposed over classic resistance training on isometric strength, endurance strength and flexibility. Furthermore, the safety of the protocol was assessed by monitoring the levels of creatine kinase (CK) 48 h after the training protocol was completed. Sixteen active women (aged 22.06 ± 1.88) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) ( n = 8) and a control group (CG) ( n = 8). The EG performed four sets of 12 repetitions of three strength exercises with superimposed WB-EMS, while the CG performed the same protocol without WB-EMS. RM-ANOVA showed a significant time*group interaction on posterior kinetic chain extensors' mean and peak strength in the EG (F (1,14) = 10.036; p = 0.007; and F (1,14) = 20.719; p < 0.001; respectively). A significant time*group interaction was found in the sit and reach test for the EG (F (1,14) = 10.362; p = 0.006). Finally, ANOVA performed on the CK levels showed no significant difference between the groups (F (1,14) = 0.715; p = 0.412). WB-EMS training led to an immediate improvement in strength performance and flexibility, and this protocol was shown to be safe in terms of CK levels, 48 h after completing the training protocol.

Background: Although physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance hypertension control, the impact of exercise on the potential decrease of the use of antihypertensive medications remains inadequately researched., Aim: The aim was to assess the impact of a two-year PA on the medication requirements of individuals with hypertension., Methods: A clinical trial was conducted, involving 130 participants with essential hypertension who took at least one antihypertensive medication. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG n = 65) or an experimental group (EG n = 65) that underwent a 24-month supervised PA program based on a combination of aerobic and resistance training. The antihypertensive drug load for each participant was determined by adding the ratios of the prescribed daily dose (PDD) to the defined daily dose (DDD) for all antihypertensive medications taken by the participants. The outcome measures were evaluated at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months., Results: A total of 76 participants completed the 24-month assessment, and RM-ANOVA revealed a significantly lower antihypertensive drug load in the EG compared to the CG at 18 ( p < 0.017) and 24 months ( p < 0.003)., Conclusion: A long-term PA program can decrease the antihypertensive drug load in older adults with essential hypertension. The trend of improvement regarding the EG drug load intake and the trend of CG drug load increase, although not significant over time, results in a significant difference between the groups at 18 months and an even greater difference at 24 months. This trend certifies the protective value of PA against the aging process and its related health risk factors.

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of flywheel training, which allows for the replication of specific sports movements, overloading both the concentric and eccentric phases. Inclusion criteria were injury prevention outcomes; ability in terms of strength, power, sprinting, jumping and change of direction; competitive athletes; and RCTs. Exclusion criteria were a lack of a control group and lack of baseline and/or follow-up data. The databases used were Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Sage. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the selected RCTs. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence was used. A PICOS (participants, intervention, comparators, study outcomes, and study design) approach was used to evaluate eligibility. A total of 21 RCTs with 8 to 54 participants in each study analyzed flywheel technology and its application in nine sports. The results showed that flywheel training is a good strategy to improve sports performance, providing variation in training methodologies and athletes' adherence. Further studies are needed to define guidelines on training modality, weekly frequency, volume, and inertia load. Only a few studies have applied the flywheel device directly to overload specific multidirectional movements at different joint angles. This method is not exempt from criticalities, such as the cost and the ability to carry out only individual training.

Background: Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was never previously applied to Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This randomized controlled study aimed to find the most effective and safe WB-EMS training protocol for this population., Methods: Twenty-four subjects (age: 72.13 ± 6.20 years), were randomly assigned to three groups: a high-frequency WB-EMS strength training group (HFG) (rectangular stimulation at 85 Hz, 350 μs, 4 s stimulation/4 s rest), a low-frequency WB-EMS aerobic training group (LFG) (rectangular stimulation 7 Hz, 350 μs, with a continuous pulse duration), and an inactive control group (CG). Participants of the two experimental groups underwent 24 controlled WB-EMS training sessions, with a duration of 20 min each, during 12-week intervention. Serum growth factors (BDNF, FGF-21, NGF and proNGF), α-synuclein, physical performance and Parkinson's Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS-16) responses were analyzed to evaluate the pre-post variation and differences among groups., Results: Significant interactions of Time*Groups were detected for BDNF (Time*Groups p = 0.024; Time*CG, b = -628, IC95% = -1,082/-174, p = 0.008), FGF-21 (Time*Groups p = 0.009; Time*LFG b = 1,346, IC95% = 423/2268, p = 0.005), and α-synuclein (Time*Groups p = 0.019; Time*LFG b = -1,572, IC95% = -2,952/-192, p = 0.026). Post hoc analyses and comparisons of ΔS (post-pre), performed independently for each group, showed that LFG increased serum BDNF levels (+ 203 pg/ml) and decreased α-synuclein levels (-1,703 pg/ml), while HFG showed the opposite effects (BDNF: -500 pg/ml; α-synuclein: + 1,413 pg/ml). CG showed a significant BDNF reduction over time. Both LFG and HFG showed significant improvements in several physical performance outcomes and the LFG showed better results than HFG. Concerning PFS-16, significant differences over time ( b = -0.4, IC95% = -0.8/-0.0, p = 0.046) and among groups (among all groups p < 0.001) were found, and the LFG exhibited better results than the HFG ( b = -1.0, IC95% = -1.3/-0.7, p < 0.001), and CG ( b = -1.7, IC95% = -2.0/-1.4, p < 0.001) with this last one that worsened over time., Conclusion: LFG training was the best choice for improving or maintaining physical performance, fatigue perception and variation in serum biomarkers., Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04878679, identifier NCT04878679., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 di Cagno, Buonsenso, Centorbi, Manni, Di Costanzo, Casazza, Parisi, Guerra, Calcagno, Iuliano, Soligo and Fiorilli.)

During spaceflights, astronauts face different forms of stress (e.g., socio-environmental and gravity stresses) that impact physiological functions and particularly the immune system. In this context, little is known about the effect of such stress on dendritic cells (DCs). First, we showed that hypergravity, but not chronic ultra-mild stress, a socio-environmental stress, induced a less mature phenotype characterized by a decreased expression of MHCII and co-stimulatory molecules. Next, using the random positioning machine (RPM), we studied the direct effects of simulated microgravity on either splenic DCs or Flt-3L-differentiated bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs). Simulated microgravity was found to reduce the BM-conventional DC (cDC) and splenic cDC activation/maturation phenotype. Consistent with this, BMDCs displayed a decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines when exposed to microgravity compared to the normogravity condition. The induction of a more immature phenotype in microgravity than in control DCs correlated with an alteration of the NFκB signaling pathway. Since the DC phenotype is closely linked to their function, we studied the effects of microgravity on DCs and found that microgravity impaired their ability to induce naïve CD4 T cell survival, proliferation, and polarization. Thus, a deregulation of DC function is likely to induce immune deregulation, which could explain the reduced efficiency of astronauts' immune response.

The COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected sports and athletes, influencing performance and psychological wellbeing. In order to provide useful guidelines for coaches, a web-based survey was conducted. Three web-based questionnaires were administered during the last phase of the Omicron wave to a total of 204 Italian athletes (age 24.96 ± 9.82): an informative questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and infection symptoms information, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). No differences between infection sequels of different variant typologies were found over the long term after the infection. The most frequently declared symptoms included cough (50%), muscular skeletal impairments (48%) fatigue (43%) and fever (43%). Results showed that female athletes have a higher risk of developing post-COVID-19 symptoms, GHQ-12 worse results ( p = 0.005) and greater fatigue ( p = 0.0002) than males. No significant difference in infection incidence between high- and low-level athletes was found. Endurance athletes showed greater perceived fatigue than anaerobic sports athletes ( p = 0.045). Conclusions: These results suggested the need for specific approaches and continuous updating to differentiate training programs for different athletes during the return to play. Medical controls and daily monitoring of athletes of all levels after the infection could be advisable.

The specificity of training as well as the specificity of monitoring the training process are believed to be fundamental principles to efficiently plan and carry out the preparation and performance development of athletes. The Anaerobic Intermittent Kick Test (TAIKT) is a sport-specific field test used to specifically evaluate the anaerobic profile of Taekwondo athletes. The aim of this study was to verify whether TAIKT and the 'gold standard' Wingate Anaerobic test (WAnT) were both efficient means to optimally determine the anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity of Greek Taekwondo athletes at a middle-high technical level. Fifteen athletes, 10 females and 5 males (mean age 23.4 ± 4.14 years), underwent the two anaerobic tests (TAIKT and WAnT). The peak of power, the anaerobic capacity, and the peak of blood lactate (BL) were recorded. The two tests showed a moderate correlation with the r value ranging between 0.353 and 0.428, if applied to a sample of middle-high technical level athletes. Regarding the peak of BL, data indicated 40% concordance between the two tests with a coefficient of variation of 12%. Consequently, the two tests were correlated even if not interchangeable due to the different type of exercise required in these assessments. In conclusion, to assess the anaerobic performances and physiological characteristics of Taekwondo athletes, independently of their technical level, the WAnT resulted suitable, while to better assess the functional performance and specific demands of Taekwondo, the TAIKT is more indicated.

Astroglia play an important role, providing de novo synthesized cholesterol to neurons in the form of ApoE-lipidated particles; disruption of this process can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. We recently reported that glia-specific suppression of the lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) gene leads to Alzheimer's disease-like memory deficits. Since LSR is an Apo-E lipoprotein receptor, our objective of this study was to determine the effect of LSR expression modulation on cholesterol and ApoE output in mouse astrocytes expressing human ApoE3. qPCR analysis showed that siRNA-mediated lsr knockdown significantly increased expression of the genes involved in cholesterol synthesis, secretion, and metabolism. Analysis of media and lipoprotein fractions showed increased cholesterol and lipidated ApoE output in HDL-like particles. Further, lsr expression could be upregulated when astrocytes were incubated 5 days in media containing high levels (two-fold) of lipoprotein, or after 8 h treatment with 1 µM LXR agonist T0901317 in lipoprotein-deficient media. In both conditions of increased lsr expression, the ApoE output was repressed or unchanged despite increased abca1 mRNA levels and cholesterol production. We conclude that LSR acts as a sensor of lipoprotein content in the medium and repressor of ApoE release, while ABCA1 drives cholesterol efflux, thereby potentially affecting cholesterol load, ApoE lipidation, and limiting cholesterol trafficking towards the neuron.

Gravity changes are major stressors encountered during spaceflight that affect the immune system. We previously evidenced that hypergravity exposure during gestation affects the TCRβ repertoire of newborn pups. To identify the mechanisms underlying this observation, we studied post-translational histone modifications. We first showed that among the four studied post-translational histone H3 modifications, only lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) is downregulated in the thymus of mice exposed to 2× g for 21 days. We then asked whether the TCRβ locus chromatin structure is altered by hypergravity exposure. ChIP studies performed on four Vβ segments of the murine double-negative SCIET27 thymic cell line, which corresponds to the last maturation stage before V(D)J recombination, revealed increases in H3K27me3 after 2× g exposure. Finally, we evaluated the implication for the EZH2 methyltransferase in the regulation of the H3K27me3 level at these Vβ segments by treating SCIET27 cells with the GSK126-specific inhibitor. These experiments showed that the downregulation of H3K27me3 contributes to the regulation of the Vβ germline transcript expression that precedes V(D)J recombination. These data show that modifications of H3K27me3 at the TCRβ locus likely contribute to an explanation of why the TCR repertoire is affected by gravity changes and imply, for the first time, EZH2 in the regulation of the TCRβ locus chromatin structure.

Physical activity (PA) is a key element in the management of successful aging. The aim of this paper was to show the effects of PA on the quality of life perception, nutritional status, and daily life management of 178 older adults (aged 63.87 ± 8.17) randomly assigned to an Experimental Group (EG), which performed moderate-to-high intensity aerobic and strengthening training, and a Control Group (CG) which performed low-impact PA, assessed after 6, 12, and 24 months. The Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used for the study. In the SF-36 assessment, EG showed a good quality of life perception maintained after 24 months, while CG showed a worsening in the same period (p = 0.018). The EG reported a significant better nutritional status as compared to pre-intervention assessment (p = 0.003) and to CG (p < 0.001). Regarding the PASE, the EG showed a higher level of weekly activities than the CG after 24 months (p = 0.011), while the CG showed a worsening after 12 months (p = 0.008). The prolonged engagement in moderate-to high-intensity PA allowed the maintenance of a good quality of life perception, a good level of nutritional status, and daily life activities.

Compared to traditional electric double-layer capacitors, redox-enhanced electrochemical capacitors (redox-ECs) show increased energy density and steadier power output thanks to the use of redox-active electrolytes. The aim of this study is to understand the electrochemical mechanisms of the aqueous pentyl viologen/bromide dual redox system at the interface of an ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-8) and improve the device performance. Cells with CMK-8 carbon electrodes were investigated in several configurations using different charging rates and potential windows. The pentyl viologen electrochemistry shows a mixed behavior between solution-based diffusion and adsorption phenomena, with the reversible formation of an adsorbed layer. The extension of the voltage window allows for full reduction of the viologen molecules during charge and a consequent increase in the specific discharge energy delivered by the cell. Investigation of the mechanism indicates that a 1.5 V charging voltage with a 0.5 A g -1 charging rate and fast discharge rate produces the best overall performance.

Perturbations of cholesterol metabolism have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Glia-neuron crosstalk is essential to achieve a tight regulation of brain cholesterol trafficking. Adequate cholesterol supply from glia via apolipoprotein E-containing lipoproteins ensures neuronal development and function. The lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR), plays an important role in brain cholesterol homeostasis. Aged heterozygote Lsr+/- mice show altered brain cholesterol distribution and increased susceptibility to amyloid stress. Since LSR expression is higher in astroglia as compared to neurons, we sought to determine if astroglial LSR deficiency could lead to cognitive defects similar to those of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cre recombinase was activated in adult Glast-CreERT/lsrfl/fl mice by tamoxifen to induce astroglial Lsr deletion. Behavioral phenotyping of young and old astroglial Lsr KO animals revealed hyperactivity during the nocturnal period, deficits in olfactory function affecting social memory and causing possible apathy, as well as visual memory and short-term working memory problems, and deficits similar to those reported in neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD. Furthermore, GFAP staining revealed astroglial activation in the olfactory bulb. Therefore, astroglial LSR is important for working, spatial, and social memory related to sensory input, and represents a novel pathway for the study of brain aging and neurodegeneration.

Background: The increasing need to face the problem of sedentarism, especially in the COVID-19 era, induced teachers and researchers to find new intervention methodologies in school context. Active breaks (ABs) include brief periods of physical activity as a part of the curriculum. This study aimed to investigate the AB acute responses on attentive skills and mathematical performance and attention in a primary school., Methods: A total of 141 children (aged 9.61 ± 0.82), divided into six classes, participated in this study. Each class was randomly assigned to three groups on the basis of the type of protocol performed during the three ABs scheduled in a school day: fitness (FIT), creativity (CREAT), and control group (CON). At baseline and at the end of interventions, all participants underwent the Stroop Color and Word test (SCWT) and the math test (MATH) to assess the level of attention and mathematical performance, respectively. The degree of enjoyment was evaluated through the modified Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale., Results: The factorial ANOVA showed significant differences between the FIT and CON in MATH test ( p = 0.023) and SCWT ( p = 0.034). CREAT and FIT groups showed higher degree of enjoyment than the CON (both p s < 0.001)., Conclusions: This study showed a positive acute impact of AB interventions. FIT positively influenced attentive and math performances more than the CREAT, probably due to the correct work/rest ratio and executive rhythm that allowed children to reach a good level of exertion. This report showed that ABs can be a useful and productive activity to be performed between curricular lessons.

The stress impact of COVID-19 restrictions has put the adapted sports community at an unprecedented level of emergency. The self-report Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire was administered to assess the level of psychological distress and emotive reactions such as intrusion (INT), avoidance (AV) and hyperarousal (HYP) following training and competitions suspension within a sample of Italian disabled athletes. A total of 146 self-selected volunteers were included in this study: 73 disabled athletes (aged 42.11 ± 13.70) and 73 athletes (aged 40.23 ± 13.73) who served as the control group. Only 8.22% of the disabled participants vs. 30.14% of athletes were affected by subjective distress. MANOVA showed significant differences in IES-R subjective distress for age, where the emerging adults had a higher level of stress than adults ( p = 0.031), and for the type of sport, where the individual sports group showed higher scores than the team sports group ( p = 0.049). Regarding the IES-R subscales, significant differences were found in INT and AV for age, where the emerging adults showed higher scores than adults ( p = 0.018 and p = 0.046, respectively). Significant differences were found in HYP for type of sport, where the individual sports group showed higher scores than the team sports group ( p = 0.014). The results confirmed a lower distress level of disabled athletes to adverse events than that expressed by athletes. Both sports engagement and the experience of living with impairment, overcoming structural barriers, could act as a buffer effect against stress due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Intergenerational physical activity could be a pleasant method to prevent elderly sedentary behaviors. The aim of this study is to provide a basis to develop an intergenerational physical activity between preschool children and elderly people. An assessing enjoyment three questionnaire survey was administered to 140 participants (aged 67.8 ± 9.1): the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) assessing the sedentariness degree; the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES-Q) assessing enjoyment for the physical activity usually practiced; the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES-INT) assessing the enjoyment for a hypothetical intergenerational program. Successively, the sample was divided into subgroups based on age, gender, marital status, education, employment, sports background, sedentariness level and residential location. Four multichoice questions, aiming to have guidelines in organizing an intergenerational program, were used. A total of 44.3% of the sample found the physical activity practiced pleasant, whereas 81.5% enjoyed the intergenerational program (only 7.1% expressed a negative judgment). A separated one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in PACES-INT for gender, ( p = 0.009), residential location, ( p < 0.001) and employment ( p = 0.004). About 80% of the sample would adhere to the intergenerational programs, despite the fatigue fear and logistic or family relationship problems.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients lead a sedentary lifestyle, being unable or unwilling to exercise conventionally, due to physical and mental limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of a single session of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) on the physical performances and serum levels of the neurotrophic factors in PD patients. Ten subjects (aged 72.60 ± 6.82) underwent 20 min of physical activity with superimposed WB-EMS and, after four weeks, the same protocol with no WB-EMS. WB-EMS was conducted with intermittent stimulation, with 4 s WB-EMS/4 s rest, at 85 Hz, 350 μs. A physical fitness assessment and blood samples collection, to evaluate neurotrophic factors' levels (BDNF, FGF21, proNGF, mNGF), were collected before and after the intervention. The RM-ANOVA showed significant improvements in sit-to-stand ( p < 0.01), arm curl ( p < 0.01), handgrip ( p < 0.01) and soda pop test ( p < 0.01) after the WB-EMS intervention. Higher proNFG serum levels were observed in the WB-EMS condition compared to the no WB-EMS after 60 min post-intervention ( p = 0.0163). The effect of WB-EMS confirmed the electrostimulation ability to modulate the proNGF quantity. The positive impact of the WB-EMS protocol on physical functioning, and eye-hand coordination, makes this intervention a promising strategy to improve motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.

Using rotors to expose animals to different levels of hypergravity is an efficient means of understanding how altered gravity affects physiological functions, interactions between physiological systems and animal development. Furthermore, rotors can be used to prepare space experiments, e.g., conducting hypergravity experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of a study before its implementation and to complement inflight experiments by comparing the effects of micro- and hypergravity. In this paper, we present a new platform called the Gravitational Experimental Platform for Animal Models (GEPAM), which has been part of European Space Agency (ESA)'s portfolio of ground-based facilities since 2020, to study the effects of altered gravity on aquatic animal models (amphibian embryos/tadpoles) and mice. This platform comprises rotors for hypergravity exposure (three aquatic rotors and one rodent rotor) and models to simulate microgravity (cages for mouse hindlimb unloading and a random positioning machine (RPM)). Four species of amphibians can be used at present. All murine strains can be used and are maintained in a specific pathogen-free area. This platform is surrounded by numerous facilities for sample preparation and analysis using state-of-the-art techniques. Finally, we illustrate how GEPAM can contribute to the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms and the identification of countermeasures.

The outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) created an international public health emergency, challenging the psychological resilience of the general population. Regarding this matter, a web-based survey was performed. Data were collected from the following 1,668 self-selected volunteers: 800 athletes (28.30 ± 10.93 years old); 558 coaches (36.91 ± 11.93 years old); and 310 sports managers (42.07 ± 13.38 years old). To assess the level of psychological stress, an Impact of the Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire was used. The results indicated that 34.4% of the participants who were interviewed were affected by subjective distress while 26.4% rated their psychological impact from the sports activity interruption as severe. Separated one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests showed significant differences in the IES-R total score (TS), indicating that the level of stress in terms of gender revealed that women were more stressed than men (p = 0.000), for "sports roles" in which the manager and coaches were more stressed than the athletes (p < 0.05), and "type of sport" in which fitness and individual athletes were more stressed than team athletes (p < 0.01). The middle-level athletes showed significantly more hyperarousal levels than high-level athletes (p = 0.012). The results of this survey may raise awareness of this problem and help athletic associations to have appropriate guidelines in order to better sustain their memberships and organize an optimal resumption of their sports activities. Along these lines, social interactions, which are typical of team sports, are crucial to warrant resilience and psychological health. The athletes by managing independently the new rules and measures, thanks to a clear communication, could improve their adaptive stress reaction., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak caused home confinement, as well as training and sport competitions withdrawals. The prolonged inactivity impact, and lack of in-person interactions among teammates-coaches, could negatively affect athletes. Total of 1508 self-selected Italian athletes, 338 children (aged 10.52 ± 1.31), 499 adolescents (aged 14.17 ± 1.13), and 671 adults (aged 27.59 ± 10.73), completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES-8, IES-15, and IES-R, respectively). Differences by gender, type of sport (individual vs. team), and competitive level (elite vs. amateur) were examined. One-way ANOVAs showed, in adults, significant differences between genders for perceived stress impact total score (TS; p = 0.017) and avoidance behavior, with higher scores in women ( p = 0.045). Between individual and team sport, significant differences were found in TS ( p = 0.038) and hyperarousal ( p = 0.030), with higher results in individual. Adult elite athletes showed significantly higher scores in hyperarousal ( p = 0.020) than amateurs. Significant differences were found between gender in adolescents for avoidance ( p = 0.011), and between competitive levels in children, for intrusion ( p = 0.020). These evidences may raise awareness on distress effects of COVID-19 lockdown among athletes and suggested applying specific well-being protocols during the activity resumption, considering gender, type of sport, and competitive level.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 6-weeks accentuated eccentric training, using a rotary inertial device, on range of motion, assessed with Inter Malleolar Distance test, anthropometry, lower limb explosive and reactive strength, assessed with Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump and 7-Repeated Hop tests, in young elite fencers. Moreover, the effects on hamstring eccentric strength and two technical fencing movements, lunge and advance-advance lunge, were evaluated with motion analysis. The second aim was to evaluate the duration of the accentuated eccentric training residual effects, 6 weeks after the end of the training. Fifty-four male fencers were randomly assigned either to the Inertial Group (IG; n = 26; aged 17.3 ± 1.9 years) such as experimental group, or to the Plyometric Group (PG; n = 28; aged 17.6 ± 2.7 years) such as control group. IG carried out four exercises using the rotary inertial device attached to their waist by a rope. PG carried out several plyometric exercises at the same time in which the IG performed the accentuated eccentric training. MANOVA showed significant improvements in the vertical jumps height post training, with no differences between IG and PG. Significant improvements for technical movements, lunge distance (p = 0.006) and advance-advance lunge distance (p = 0.00005), were found within-group and between-groups (p = 0.00001), with higher improvements in IG than in PG. The univariate analysis showed a significant improvement in lower limb range of motion with higher increase in IG than in PG. The main findings were the significant improvement in lunge and advance-advance lunge distance, maintaining with the same execution time. These results suggested that it is important to apply accentuated eccentric load on specific sport movements., (© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.)

Functional inertial training, a popular high-intensity training mode, provides high neuromuscular activation, developing proprioception, postural control, power, and sprint time. Aim of the study was to assess the acute effects of two types of warm-up (WU), inertial warm-up (IWU) vs. traditional warm-up (TWU), on explosive and reactive strength, sprint, and Change of Directions (COD) in young soccer players. In a randomized cross-over design study, twelve soccer players (aged 13.3 ± 0.7) performed 16 min of IWU and 16 min of TWU. IWU and TWU were spaced two weeks apart. Pre and post intervention tests, aimed at assessing explosive and reactive strength, sprint, and COD ability included: Squat Jump test (SJ), Countermovement Jump test (CMJ), Drop Jump test (DJ), Seven Repetition Hopping test (7R-HOP), 40 m-sprint test (40 m), and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). RM-ANOVA, used to compare differences between IWU and TWU effects (the level of significance set at ρ ≤ 0.05), showed enhanced performance after the IWU compared to the TWU. In addition, the effects of the IWU on performance lasted longer after the IWU than after the TWU. For IAT, the enhanced effects of IWU on performance lasted up to ten minutes after the administration of the IWU. Our results suggest that IWU affects functional changes displaying earlier adaptation in explosive and reactive strength with longer lasting effects compared to TWU and it could be recommended in young soccer athletes as a WU procedure., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Ordered mesoporous titania, prepared via low-temperature spray deposition, was examined as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The material exhibits an exceptionally high electrochemical capacity of 680 mA h g -1 during the first discharge, which rapidly decreases over the following cycles. The capacity stabilizes at around 170 mA h g -1 after 50 cycles and the material delivers 83 mA h g -1 at high charge/discharge rates (10C). A combination of electrochemical and structural characterization techniques were used to study the charge/discharge behavior of the material and the origin of the irreversible capacity. To determine the effect of cycling on the structure of the material, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and energy filtered TEM were carried out on pristine and cycled samples in intercalated and deintercalated states. Titanium K-edge XAS measurements showed that intercalated lithium affects the NEXAFS region. By comparing peak intensity ratios, we propose a method to quantify the amount of lithium inserted into the titania structure and to differentiate between lithium bound in close proximity to titanium, and lithium bound further away from titanium. Additionally, we suggest that the irreversible loss in capacity is due to the formation of phases that are stable, and thereby electrochemically inactive, over the electrochemical cycling conditions applied., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Exercise represents the most important integrative therapy in metabolic, immunologic and chronic diseases; it represents a valid strategy in the non-pharmacological intervention of lifestyle linked diseases. A large body of evidence indicates physical exercise as an effective measure against chronic non-communicable diseases. The worldwide general evidence for health benefits are both for all ages and skill levels. In a dysregulated lifestyle such as in the obesity, there is an imbalance in the production of different cytokines. In particular, we focused on Adiponectin, an adipokine producted by adipose tissue, and on Orexin-A, a neuropeptide synthesized in the lateral hypothalamus. The production of both Adiponectin and Orexin-A increases following regular and structured physical activity and both these hormones have similar actions. Indeed, they improve energy and glucose metabolism, and also modulate energy expenditure and thermogenesis. In addition, a relevant biological role of Adiponectin and Orexin A has been recently highlighted in the immune system, where they function as immune-suppressor factors. The strong connection between these two cytokines and healthy status is mediated by physical activity and candidates these hormones as potential biomarkers of the beneficial effects induced by physical activity. For these reasons, this review aims to underly the interconnections among Adiponectin, Orexin-A, physical activity and healthy status. Furthermore, it is analyzed the involvement of Adiponectin and Orexin-A in physical activity as physiological factors improving healthy status through physical exercise., (Copyright © 2020 Polito, Monda, Nigro, Messina, Di Maio, Giuliano, Orrù, Imperlini, Calcagno, Mosca, Mollica, Trinchese, Scarinci, Sessa, Salerno, Marsala, Buono, Mancini, Monda, Daniele and Messina.)

We demonstrate the broad applicability of the annulation protocol combining, in one pot, a direct arylation and cross aldol condensation for the straightforward synthesis at gram-scale of π-extended thiophene-based scaffolds. The regiospecific direct arylation drives the subsequent cross-aldol condensation proceed under the same basic conditions, and the overall protocol has broad applicability in the synthesis of extended aromatics wherein the thiophene ring is annulated with furans, pyridines, indoles, benzothiophenes, and benzofurans. These scaffolds can be further elaborated into π-extended, highly fluorescent oligomers with a central deficient benzothiadiazole unit with up to nine aromatic rings through coupling reactions.

The isoinertial training method owes its efficacy to an accommodated resistance and optimal individualized eccentric overload. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 6-week isoinertial eccentric-overload training program - using a flywheel inertial device during the execution of specific soccer exercises - on explosive and reactive strength, sprint ability, change of direction (COD) performance and soccer shooting precision. Thirty-four junior soccer players were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PT) (n = 16, aged 13.36 ± 0.80), which underwent a six-week traditional soccer training program, and a flywheel eccentric overload group (FEO) (n = 18, aged 13.21 ± 1.21), which received additional training consisting of two inertial eccentric-overload training sessions per week. Pre and post intervention tests were carried out to assess explosive and reactive strength, sprint ability, COD ability, agility using the Y-agility test (YT) and soccer shooting precision. The FEO showed significantly higher values than the PT in squat jump height (SJh) (p = 0.01), drop jump height (DJh) (p = 0.003), 7 repeated hop test heights (p = 0.001), the Illinois test (ILL) (p = 0.001), and the Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (SHOT) (p = 0.02). Finally, the FEO showed significant between-group differences in DJh (p = 0.007), ILL (p = 0.0002), YT (p = 0.002), a linear sprint test (SPRINT) (p = 0.001), and SHOT (p = 0.003). These results confirmed the positive effect of isoinertial training. The use of an isoinertial device to overload multidirectional movements in specific sport conditions leads to greater performance improvements than conventional soccer training. The absence of knowledge of the eccentric overload applied by the isoinertial device, which is different in any exercise repetition, may stimulate the athlete's neural adaptations, improving their soccer skills and in particular their soccer shooting precision., (© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.)

Methods: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained much attention in the last few years because of the approval of the first intrathecal treatment for this neurodegenerative disease. Latin America needs to develop the demographics of SMA, timely access to diagnosis, and appropriate following of the standards of care recommendations for patients. These are essential steps to guide health policies. This was a descriptive study of a cohort of SMA patients from all over Chile. We analyzed the clinical, motor functional, and social data, as well as the care status of nutritional, respiratory and skeletal conditions. We also measured the SMN2 copy number in this population., Results: We recruited 92 patients: 50 male; 23 SMA type-1, 36 SMA type-2 and 33 SMA type-3. The median age at genetic diagnosis was 5, 24 and 132 months. We evaluated the SMN2 copy number in 57 patients. The SMA type-1 patients were tracheostomized and fed by gastrostomy in a 69.6 % of cases, 65% of SMA type-2 patients received nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, and 37% of the whole cohort underwent scoliosis surgery., Conclusion: Ventilatory care for SMA type-1 is still based mainly on tracheostomy. This Chilean cohort of SMA patients had timely access to genetic diagnosis, ventilatory assistance, nutritional support, and scoliosis surgery. In this series, SMA type-1 is underrepresented, probably due to restrictions in access to early diagnosis and the high and early mortality rate.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of whole body vibration at optimal frequency, on postural control in blind subjects., Method: Twenty-four participants, 12 congenital blind males (Experimental Group), and 12 non-disabled males with no visual impairment (Control Groups) were recruited. The area of the ellipse and the total distance of the center of pressure displacements, as postural control parameters, were evaluated at baseline (T0), immediately after the vibration (T1), after 10 min (T10) and after 20 min (T20). Whole body vibration protocol consisted into 5 sets of 1 min for each vibration, with 1 min rest between each set on a vibrating platform., Results: The total distance of center of pressure showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) amongst groups, while the area remained constant. No significant differences were detected among times of assessments, or in the interaction group × time., Conclusion: No impairments in static balance were found after an acute bout of whole body vibration at optimal frequency in blind subjects and, consequently, whole body vibration may be considered as a safe application in individuals who are blind.

Myopathies secondary to collagen VI mutations (COLVI-M) are the most frequent in the northern hemisphere, affecting the adult and pediatric population. There are no data on its prevalence in Latin America. They are characterized by a great clinical variability, from severe phenotypes, such as Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), to intermediate and mild ones such as Bethlem myopathy (BM). Its onset is also variable and extends from the neonatal period to adulthood. Given the presence of joint hypermobility, the differential diagnosis should be made with various connective tissue diseases. The classical diagnostic algorithm in many patients has been insufficient to guide the genetic study in an adequate way, and from this the muscular magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a very useful tool for a better diagnostic approach of this and other muscular pathologies. This ob jective of this review is to study the forms of presentation, clinical characteristics, specific diagnostic study, differential diagnosis and management of one of the most frequent hereditary muscular patho logies, with emphasis on the contribution of muscle magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: The goal of this study was to compare the changes of direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA) in soccer players of different ages, in order to optimize the best training of these skills., Methods: One hundred eighty-seven players, divided into bi-annual age-groups, U12, U14, U16 and U18, performed two tests: Y-Agility Test, carried out in planned and reactive mode (Y-PLAN and Y-REAC) and Illinois for Change of Direction Test (ICODT). Difference between Y-REAC minus Y-PLAN represents the index of reactivity (REAC-INDEX)., Results: MANOVA showed significant differences among groups (F3,182=14.591; P<0.01; η2p=0.244). Y-PLAN showed significant differences only between U12 and the other groups (P<0.01). ICODT results were significantly different between the groups U12 and U14 and the other groups (P<0.01). Significant Pearson's correlations between Y-TEST and ICODT, for the three categories of young players (0.398 P<0.05; 0.615 P<0.01; 0.608 P<0.01 respectively), were found, whereas no significant correlation was found in U18 group., Conclusions: The best performance of Y-PLAN and ICODT, through age, depends on physical skill level, whereas the best RA results depend on technique and experience that help the players to use anticipatory skill. The high correlations between CODS and RA performances, differently than adult athletes, suggest that an effective work program for young players may include RA and CODS training at the same time.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on memory performance and memory complaint after a 12-week intervention. Eighty community-dwelling volunteers, aged 66.96 ± 11.73 years, were randomly divided into four groups: resistance, cardiovascular, postural, and control groups (20 participants for each group). All participants were tested for their cognitive functions before and after their respective 12-week intervention using Rey memory words test, Prose memory test, and Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Statistical analysis showed that the three experimental groups significantly improved MAC-Q scores in comparison with the control group (p < .05). The variation of MAC-Q scores and the variations of Rey and Prose memory tests scores were not correlated. These results indicate that the 12-week interventions exclusively influenced memory complaint but not memory performance. Further investigations are needed to understand the relation between memory complaint and memory performance, and the factors that can influence this relationship.

Change Of Direction Speed (CODS) and Reactive Agility (RA) are two determining factors in the ability of young soccer players. We aimed to verify if CODS and RA could be useful in order to establish the best young soccer player field position. Ninety-two elite soccer players (15.18 ± 1.21 years, weight 59.18 ± 9.93, height 1.72 ± 0.08, BMI 19.76 ± 2.22), belonging to two youth categories from the Italian First and Second Divisions, volunteered in this study. The participants included 32 defenders (15.06 ± 0.80 years), 37 midfielders (15.11 ± 0.84 years) and 23 forwards (15.48 ± 1.16 years), and they underwent two tests, each one performed in two different ways: the Y-Agility Test, carried out in a planned and reactive mode (Y-PLAN and Y-REAC), and the Illinois for Change of Direction Test (ICODT) performed with and without the ball. REAC-INDEX, which represents the index of reactivity, was calculated as Y-REAC minus Y-PLAN. The difference between the two scores of ICODT (ICODT with the ball minus ICODT without the ball) represents the TECHN-INDEX. Multivariate Analysis of Variances (MANOVA) was used to evaluate significant differences among all position groups, for all the test scores. MANOVA showed no significant differences in test scores or in TECHN-INDEX among the groups, except for the forwards, who were significantly more reactive than the defenders (p < 0.05). The strong and significant Pearson's Correlation between ICODT with and without the ball (p < 0.01) demonstrated that physical and technical preparations have the same relevance in all positions. No significant differences were found among players in different field positions for CODS and RA performances, both with and without the ball. This study does not recommend to use RA and CODS as indicators to assign the players roles in youth soccer.

Backgorund: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rhythmical and extra-rhythmical qualities of music on the heart rate (HR) and rates of perceived exertion (RPE), during sub-maximal stationary bike activity., Methods: HR of 28 female adult participants was monitored during 3 session of physical activity, performed under 3 different conditions: Hi-BPM (music with 150-170 BPM), RHYTHM (rhythmical qualities only of Hi-BPM condition) and control condition without music (CONTROL). Four parameters were analyzed: the highest HR value (High-HR), High-HR minus starting HR (∆HR), time to reach the 75% of Maximal HR (MHR) (TimeTo75%) and time over 75% MHR (TimeOver75%). HR trend analysis was performed to evaluate differences among the three conditions. OMNI-Cycle Scale was administered to evaluate RPE., Results: MANOVA showed significant differences between the three conditions in TimeTo75%, ∆HR (P<0.01) and TimeOver75% (P<0.05). In RHYTHM and CONTROL conditions after reaching 75% MHR, the HR increase were significantly lower than Hi-BPM (P<0.01). No significant differences were found in OMNI-Cycle Scale scores of Hi-BPM and RHYTHM whereas RPE was significantly higher in CONTROL condition (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Hi-BPM and RHYTHM music allowed a faster reaching of the aerobic training zone compared to CONTROL conditions. Nevertheless, after 75% MHR, extra-rhythmical qualities are necessary to maintain or to increase the working HR levels.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on cognition. Eighty participants, 32 males and 48 females, aged 66.96 ± 11.73, volunteered for this study. The participants were randomly divided into the four following groups: Resistance Group (RG; n=20), involved in high intensity strength training; Cardiovascular Group (CVG; n=20), involved in high intensity cardiovascular training; Postural Group (PG; n=20) involved in low intensity training, based on postural and balance exercises; and Control Group (CG; n=20). Exercises were performed over the course of 12 weeks. All participants were tested for their cognitive functions pre- and post-intervention using the following neurocognitive tests: the Attentive Matrices Test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, Stroop Color and Word Interference Test, Trail Making Test and Drawing Copy Test. Statistical analysis showed that the CVG group improved significantly in the Attentive Matrices Test and Raven's Progressive Matrices (both p=<0.05), whereas the RG group improved in Drawing Copy Test time (p=<0.05). These results confirm that different types of exercise interventions have unique effects on cognition. Cardiovascular training is effective in improving performance attentive and analytic tasks, whereas resistance training is effective in improving praxis. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the combination of the two exercise types in order to ascertain if their respective effects can be summated when performed together., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema has recently been recognized as a syndrome but remains under-diagnosed. Neither clinical management nor therapeutic approaches have been clearly defined. Pulmonary rehabilitation has not been considered within the therapeutic options for combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. In this case we explored the potential benefits of a specific aerobic physical retraining program in the management of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema., Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 65-year-old Caucasian man with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and respiratory failure who was receiving long-term oxygen therapy. Our patient underwent physical retraining with moderate intensity aerobic and breathing exercises for four weeks. Clinical and motor tests, as well as questionnaires assessing quality of life and depression levels, were performed prior to and following the retraining. At the end of the retraining program a relevant reduction of long-term oxygen therapy requirement was registered; improvements in terms of physical performance, quality of life, and mood were observed in our patient but no change in respiratory parameters., Conclusions: A program of aerobic physical retraining appears to be beneficial to patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema and may be considered as an additional therapeutic option.

Children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examination frequently experience anxiety and fear before and during the scanning. The aim of the present study was to assess: i) whether and to what extent psychological interventions might reduce anxiety and fear levels; ii) whether the intervention is related to a decrease in the need for sedation. The interventions consisted of three activities: a clown show, dog interaction and live music. The emotional status (anxiety and fear) of the children was evaluated before and after the activities through a rating scale questionnaire. The results showed that the activities had high effectiveness in reducing the level of anxiety and fear and decreased the need for sedation in the experimental group compared to the control group. This approach proved to be a positive patient experience, helping to alleviate children's anxiety and fear, decreasing the need for sedation, and was cost-effective.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric training versus basketball technique training on improving neuro-muscular performance., Methods: Thirty-six (age 14.9±0.9 years, body height 164.0±7.6 cm, body weight 54.0±8.7 kg, BMI 20.1±2.4 kg·m-2) basketball players girls were randomly allocated to 2 groups: Basketball Plyometric Training (BPT, N.=18) and Basketball Technique Training (BTT, N.=18). The players were tested by two specific tests: counter movement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) before and after 6 training weeks., Results: The jump height, as dependent variable, showed a different trend as an effect of the different training protocols, in contrast with the current knowledge. Manova did not show significant interactions between the two groups for the height of jumps, while significant differences were found for interaction time × training (P<0.05) and for main effect × time (P<0.001). After training, the BPT group increased significantly CMJ performance by 11.3% (P<0.05), whereas the BTT group increased by 4.6%. Likewise, the BPT group demonstrated a significant greater improvement of jump height than BTT group (an increase of 15.4% vs. 7.5%, P<0.01; respectively)., Conclusion: These results suggest that both training protocols proposed in this study improved vertical jump performance. However, a combination of the two protocols, plyometric training and sport-specific-exercises, could be useful to optimize performance by an easy transition from controlled a-specific to sport-specific performance requirements. In conclusion, BPT is a safe and effective method of achieving a favourable neuro-muscular performance than BTT in female basketball players.

Talent identification plans are designed to select young athletes with the ability to achieve future success in sports. The aim of the study was to verify the predictive value of coordination and precision in skill acquisition during motor learning, as indicators of talent. One hundred gymnasts, both cadets (aged 11.5 ± 0.5 yr.) and juniors (aged 13.3 ± 0.5 years), competing at the national level, were enrolled in the study. The assessment of motor coordination involved three tests of the validated Hirtz's battery (1985), and motor skill learning involved four technical tests, specific of rhythmic gymnastics. All the tests were correlated with ranking and performance scores reached by each gymnast in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 National Championships. Coordination tests were significantly correlated to 2013 Championships scores (p < 0.01) and ranking (p < 0.05) of elite cadet athletes. Precision, in skill acquisition test results, was positively and significantly associated with scores in 2013 (adj. R(2) = 0.26, p < 0.01). Gymnasts with the best results in coordination and motor learning tests went on to achieve better competition results in three- year time. Key pointsIn talent identification and selection procedures it is better to include the evaluation of coordination and motor learning ability.Motor learning assessment concerns performance improvement and the ability to develop it, rather than evaluating the athlete's current performance.In this manner talent identification processes should be focused on the future performance capabilities of athletes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a mental training protocol could improve gymnastic jumping performance. Seventy-two rhythmic gymnasts were randomly divided into an experimental and control group. At baseline, experimental group completed the Movement Imagery Questionnaire Revised (MIQ-R) to assess the gymnast ability to generate movement imagery. A repeated measures design was used to compare two different types of training aimed at improving jumping performance: (a) video observation and PETTLEP mental training associated with physical practice, for the experimental group, and (b) physical practice alone for the control group. Before and after six weeks of training, their jumping performance was measured using the Hopping Test (HT), Drop Jump (DJ), and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ). Results revealed differences between jumping parameters F(1,71)=11.957; p<.01, and between groups F(1,71)=10.620; p<.01. In the experimental group there were significant correlations between imagery ability and the post-training Flight Time of the HT, r(34)=-.295, p<.05 and the DJ, r(34)=-.297, p<.05. The application of the protocol described herein was shown to improve jumping performance, thereby preserving the elite athlete's energy for other tasks., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two different resistance training programs on lower limb explosive and reactive strength in young female athletes. Fifty seven rhythmic gymnasts were randomly assigned to unspecific resistance training with dumbbells (12 repetition maximum squats) (n = 19; age = 12.0 +/- 1.8 years) or to specific resistance training with weighted belts (6% of body mass; n = 18; age = 11.9 +/- 1.0 years). Squat jump test, counter movement jump test, hopping test, flexibility of the hip, and anthropometric measures were assessed before and after six weeks training. The main result was that both unspecific resistance training and specific resistance training protocols positively affected the jumping performance, with an increase of the lower limb explosive strength of 6-7%, with no side effects. Counter movement jump flight time increased significantly (p < 0.01) while hopping test ground contact time significantly decreased (p < 0.01). No significant differences were detected among groups for flexibility, body mass, calf and thigh circumferences. Therefore, six weeks of resistance training that integrates different elements of rhythmic gymnastics training enhance jumping ability in young female athletes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a single bout of whole-body vibration (WBV) on running gait. The running kinematic of sixteen male marathon runners was assessed on a treadmill at iso-efficiency speed after 10 min of WBV and SHAM (i.e. no WBV) conditions. A high-speed camera (210 Hz) was used for the video analysis and heart rate (HR) was also monitored. The following parameters were investigated: step length (SL), flight time (FT), step frequency (SF), contact time (CT), HR and the internal work (WINT). Full-within one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the randomised crossover design indicated that when compared to SHAM conditions, WBV decreased the SL and the FT by ~4% (P < 0.0001) and ~7.2% (P < 0.001), respectively, and increased the SF ~4% (P < 0.0001) while the CT was not changed. This effect occurred during the first minute of running: the SL decreased ~3.5% (P < 0.001) and SF increased ~3.3% (P < 0.001). During the second minute the SL decreased ~1.2% (P = 0.017) and the SF increased ~1.1% (P = 0.02). From the third minute onwards, there was a return to the pre-vibration condition. The WINT was increased by ~4% (P < 0.0001) during the WBV condition. Ten minutes of WBV produced a significant alteration of the running kinematics during the first minutes post exposure. These results provide insights on the effects of WBV on the central components controlling muscle function.

Background: The demand for molecular prenatal diagnosis (PD) of inherited diseases to help high-risk couples make informed reproductive decisions has increased in the past decade., Methods: We provided multidisciplinary pre-test counselling to 1248 couples at high risk of having a child affected by an inherited disease., Results: After multidisciplinary counselling, 1171 couples requested PD for one of 73 inherited diseases. Of these, 995 (85.0%) were performed on DNA from chorionic villi (CV) and 176 (15.0%) on samples from amniocentesis. The occurrence of pregnancy loss (0.6%) and major complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. We made a diagnosis in all cases (including 8 twin pregnancies) except in 4/995 cases of CV sampling (0.4%) and in 3/176 of amniocentesis (1.7%) due to insufficient DNA. In 15 cases, molecular analysis revealed non-paternity., Conclusions: PD by analysis of foetal DNA from CV is a reliable aid in reproduction decision-making for couples at high risk of inherited diseases. The complexity of experimental procedures and the specific expertise required for the pre- and post-test multidisciplinary counselling suggest that PD be performed in reference centres also within the framework of supranational networks.

The aim of this study was to assess differences in psychological well-being, symptomatic psychological disorders and social participation, between competitive wheelchair basketball participants and those non-participants. Forty-six wheelchair participants, 24 Basketball players (aged 35.60 ± 7.56) and 22 non-players (aged 36.20 ± 6.23), completed three validated self-report questionnaires: Participation Scale (PS), Psychological Well-Being Scale [PWBS] and Symptom Checklist 90 R [SCL-90-R]. ANOVA showed significant overall differences between the two groups. The social restriction score, evaluated by PS, was significantly higher in the non-basketball participants (p=0.00001) than the basketball participants. The PWB Scale showed significant differences in all 6 dimensions: positive relations with others, environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life and self-acceptance (p<0.01), and autonomy (p<0.05), with better scores in the basketball participants. The SCL-90-R scores were significantly lower for the basketball group in the following 6 symptomatic dimensions: depression, phobic anxiety, and sleep disorder (p<0.01), somatization, interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism (with p<0.05). It was concluded that competitive wheelchair basketball participants showed better psychological well-being and social skills than those non-participants., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradients (0, 2, and 7%) on biomechanical parameters during racewalking (RW) at iso-efficiency speed (IES). During the experiment, 12 high-level athletes performed at IES on different slopes. The parameters studied were surface muscular activity (EMG) of 5 muscles of the leg using Muscle Lab (Boscosystem); kinematic parameters were collected using a high-speed camera (210 Hz) analyzed with Dartfish 5.5 Pro; and heart rate (HR) was monitored with a Cardio Polar. The results showed step length (SL), step frequency (SF), and internal work (WINT) decreased with increased treadmill gradient: SL = ([0-2% = 3.48%, p = 0.158], [0-7% = 12.17%, p < 0.001]); SF = ([0-2% = 2.38%, p = 0.173], [0-7% = 6.07%, p < 0.01]); WINT = ([0-2% = 8.34%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 22.81%, p < 0.0001]). Conversely, contact time (CT) and HR increased less significantly with the increased gradients: CT = ([0-2% = 2.46%, p = 0.198], [0-7% = 6.56%, p < 0.01]); HR = ([0-2% = 0.62%, p = 0.652], [0-7% = 3.25%, p < 0.05]). The knee angle (KE) increased, whereas ankle angle (AK) and hip angle (HP) decreased with the increased gradients: AK = ([0-2% = 1.69%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 1.13%, p < 0.01]); HP = ([0-2% = 0.22%, p < 0.03], [0-7% = 0.16%, p = 0.456]); KE = ([0-2% = 1.01%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 1.60%, p < 0.001]). Electromyography (EMG) significantly decreased with the increased gradients in the: tibialis anterior ([0-2% = 22.49%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 41.18%, p < 0.0001]) and rectus femoris ([0-2% = 15.35%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 29.13%, p< 0.0001]). In contrast, EMG activity was significantly increased in the vastus lateralis ([0-2% = 22.95%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 31.15%, p < 0.0001]), gastrocnemius medialis ([0-2% = 21.40%, p < 0.001], [0-7% = 48.37%, p < 0.0001]), and biceps femoris ([0-2% = 190.78%, p < 0.0001], [0-7% = 201.37%, p < 0.0001]). The results indicate that increasing the gradient to 2% did not elicit an increased HR in racewalkers; however, at a 7% gradient, greater muscle activity was required.

Objectives: the issue of time-of-day effects on performance is crucial when considering the goal of reaching peak results in sport disciplines. The present study was designed to examine time-of-day effects in adolescents on motor coordination, assessed with Hirtz's battery and neuromuscular components of strength, evaluated with reactive strength tests., Methods: forty-two elite female gymnasts, aged 13.3 ± 0.5 years (Mean ± SD), were recruited for the study. Fifty healthy female students (aged 12.8 ± 1.7 years) served as the control group. All participants underwent the testing sessions over two days at two different times of day in a randomized order., Results: Oral temperature was measured at the two times of the day and a significant diurnal variation (p < 0.01) in both groups was found. MANOVA revealed significant group differences in the overall tests (p < 0.01). The gymnast group showed no significant differences in the coordination tests with respect to the time of day, but significant differences were observed for reactive strength as assessed with the vertical jump tests (p < 0.01). Gyamnasts attained better results in the evening in the reactive strength tests [flight time (F1.90 = 17.322 p < 0.01) and ground contact time (F1.90 = 8.372; p < 0.01) of the hopping test]., Conclusion: the temperature effect was more evident in the reactive strength tests and orientation test, especially in the gymnast group in which this effect added to their usual training time effect. The time-since-awakening influenced coordination performances in complex tasks more than reaction strength tests in simple tasks. The main outcome of the study was that we did not observe time-of-day effects on coordination skills in elite gymnasts and in untrained adolescents. The time of day in which athletes usually trained these skills could influence these results. Key pointsThe results obtained in this study suggested that the best time to perform a particular task depends specifically on the nature of the task, the precise size of the cognitive load and the level of practice of the participants.In the field of practice, it is incumbent for coaches to organise sports selection based on reactive strength, using the morning hours for untrained adolescents, when alertness and the benefits of sleeping could improve performance. Evening hours, conversely, should be used for elite gymnasts who specifically train at that time (specific "temporal training effect").These study results cannot give indications about the best time of the day to organize selection tests based on coordination skills.

In the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene, Alu deletion, in intron 16, is associated with higher concentrations of ACE serum activity and this may be associated with elite sprint and power performance. The Alu insertion is associated with lower ACE levels and this could lead to endurance performance. Moreover, recent studies have identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor gene AGTR1, which seems to be related to ACE activity. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of the ACE and the AGTR1 gene polymorphisms in 28 Italian elite rhythmic gymnasts (age range 21 ± 7.6 years), and compare them to 23 middle level rhythmic gymnasts (age range 17 ± 10.9 years). The ACE D allele was significantly more frequent in elite athletes than in the control population (χ(2)=4.07, p=0.04). Comparisons between the middle level and elite athletes revealed significant differences (p<0.0001) for the ACE DD genotype (OR=6.48, 95% confidence interval=1.48-28.34), which was more frequent in elite athletes. There were no significant differences in the AGTR1 A/C genotype or allele distributions between the middle level and elite athletes. In conclusion, the ACE D allele genotype could be a contributing factor to high-performance rhythmic gymnastics that should be considered in athlete development and could help to identify which skills should be trained for talent promotion.

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the influence of training workloads and dietary habits on the menstrual status of elite rhythmic gymnasts. In many sports disciplines, it has long been assumed that menstrual disorders among elite female athletes are related to intense physical effort and insufficient energy intake. Potential consequences of this condition include reduced fertility and decreased bone density., Methods: Eighty-one female gymnasts (age 15.9±3.1) completed two self-administered questionnaires: the Menstrual History Questionnaire (MHQ), and the Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Eighty female athletes (age 16.3±3.7), who participated in basketball, volleyball, tae kwon do and fitness activity served as a control group. Physical characteristics, menstrual cycles, training workloads and dietary habits were compared and the relationship between physical training and menstrual cycle characteristics was assessed for the two groups., Results: Fifty percent of the gymnasts declared themselves amenorrheic. Age was significantly and positively correlated (P<0.01) with menarche and menstrual irregularities, and negatively correlated with amenorrhea. The percentage of variance for age at menarche, explained by training hours/week and body mass, was 43%, (P<0.01)., Conclusion: The present study, which examined and compared different age groups of gymnasts, showed that young rhythmic gymnasts who trained intensively, had a delayed onset of menarche of more than two years, thus favouring secondary amenorrhea. Nonetheless, almost all athletes, even though with significant delay, reached cycle regularity, thus minimizing the effect of menstrual disorders on fertility and bone density.

Objective: To develop a preliminary disease severity score for juvenile systemic sclerosis (SSc)., Methods: We conducted an evidence- and consensus-based study that included the following 5 phases: 1) prospective collection of data regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diffuse juvenile SSc who were followed up for at least 4 years or until death; 2) blinded evaluation of the disease course profiles of these patients by experts in juvenile SSc, so that patient profiles with a defined clinical course could be used as the gold standard for the score validation phase; 3) definition of candidate severity indices to be included in potential scores; 4) selection of the pediatric severity score with the best statistical performance, as determined by its ability to classify individual patients as having improvement or worsening of disease compared with baseline values or the previous evaluation; 5) validation of the efficiency of the selected score in patients with a mild, moderate, or severe disease course and comparison with the Medsger severity score for adults with SSc., Results: Thirty-five patients classified as having a mild (n = 17), moderate (n = 10), or severe (n = 8) disease course entered the study. The selected pediatric SSc score, defined as the Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis Severity Score (J4S), included indices of 9 organ systems each scored on a scale of 0-4. To weight the importance of the involvement of different organ systems, a coefficient of severity was introduced. Compared with the modified Medsger severity score, the J4S performed significantly better in detecting change in severity, both in patients with a moderate disease course (0.89 versus 0.52) and in patients with a severe disease course (0.82 versus 0.75)., Conclusion: The J4S is a valid instrument to assess disease severity in juvenile SSc., (Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Rheumatology.)

Objective: To evaluate the actual impact of MEFV mutations on clinical manifestations associated with fever attacks in Caucasian children with periodic fever., Methods: 113 children carrying MEFV mutations (44 with mutations in two alleles, 69 heterozygous) and 205 children negative for mutations in genes associated with periodic fevers were analysed. The following groups of patients were considered: patients carrying two high penetrance mutations (M694V, M694I, M680I); one high, one low penetrance mutation; two low penetrance mutations; one high penetrance mutation; one low penetrance mutation; genetically negative patients., Results: Patients with two MEFV mutations displayed a shorter duration of fever attacks and higher prevalence of a positive family history than patients carrying one MEFV mutation and genetically negative patients. Severe abdominal pain, chest pain and pleurisy were also more frequent in patients with two MEFV mutations compared with children with one MEFV mutation and genetically negative patients. Conversely, a higher frequency of exudative and erythematous pharyngitis, enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, aphthous stomatitis and non-specific skin rash was observed in genetically negative patients and, to a lesser extent, in patients with one MEFV mutation. The frequency of 'familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)-like symptoms' decreases from patients carrying two high penetrance mutations towards patients with a single low penetrance mutation with an opposite trend for 'periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis-like symptoms'., Conclusions: This clinical observation supports recent findings contrasting the notion of FMF being a pure autosomal recessive disorder associated with recurrence of mutations leading to loss of protein function. A dosage effect could be invoked, giving rise to symptom onset even in the presence of one wild-type allele.