Search

Purpose: To identify motivational determinants explaining Physical Education teachers' behaviors promoting students' physical activity (PA) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Nine hundred thirty-one Italian and French teachers completed a questionnaire assessing motivational determinants (self-determined motivation, self-efficacy, perceived ease and usefulness toward digital technologies, engagement at work), their intention and behaviors promoting PA, in reference to before and during the pandemic. Path analyses tested the associations of changes in motivational determinants with changes in intention and behaviors. Results: Increases in autonomous, controlled motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived usefulness toward digital technologies, and a decrease in amotivation were associated with an increase in the intention to promote PA. In turn, an increase in intention, but also in self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, and perceived usefulness toward digital technologies were paired with an increase in behaviors promoting PA. Conclusion: Implications regarding the commitment of Physical Education teachers to challenging pedagogical situations, such as promoting PA amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, are discussed.

Perceived stress in Italian coaches and sport mental health were investigated during the rebooting of sport activities following the first COVID-19 lockdown period. A sample of 237 coaches from various sports were asked to answer the Italian version of the Perceived Stress Scale and the Sport Mental Health Continuum, together with reporting of demographic information. Coaches’ perceived stress levels were compared with data collected during the lockdown period. Women showed a significant decrease in their perceived stress levels compared to the lockdown period, whereas this was not true for men. Hierarchical regression indicated that, during the rebooting phase, increased age of coaches and their psychological well-being experienced in sporting contexts (a sport mental health dimension) were predictive of decreased perceived stress levels. Practical implications for practitioners working in this field are discussed in the conclusions.

Study aim: Dietary and non-dietary weight loss methods are highly prevalent among combat sports athletes (CSA). Most CSA undergo rapid weight loss (RWL) usually a week before the competition to reduce their body mass and thus compete in the lowest weight category possible. The objective of the study was to distinguish the impact of high-intensity sport-specific training (HISST) combined with RWL (phase 1 – P1) on muscle damage markers as well as the effects of HISST alone (phase 2 – P2).

Objective To compare time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, MVPA per day, and steps per day between individuals that were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and healthy control group.Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Data sources Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed have been comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations.Eligibility criteria for selecting studies An observational research that objectively evaluated physical activity among respondents with a history of ACLR.Results Of 302 records, a total of 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Four hundred and forty-three participants underwent the ACLR, 153 men and 290 women. The mean time between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and evaluation of analysed outcomes was 34.8 months. The main findings demonstrated that the ACLR group spent less time in weekly MVPA (standardised mean differences (SMD)=−0.43 (95% CI −0.66 to −0.20); mean = −55.86 min (95% CI −86.45 to −25.27); p=0.0003; τ2=0.00), in daily MVPA (SMD=−0.51 95% CI −0.76 to −0.26]; mean = −15.59 min (95% CI −22.93 to −8.25); p

ObjectiveThe popularity of sport climbing has been growing since its inclusion in the Olympic Games program, which led to more people practicing it on recreational, amateur, and professional levels. Strenuous climbing training sessions and competitions might lead to frequent and serious musculoskeletal injuries and complaints among competitive climbers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and to explore the influence of various risk factors on LBP in adolescent climbers.MethodsThe sample included 180 competitive climbers (46.6% males) aged 13–19 years competing in under-16 (48.3%) or under-20 categories. Data collection was carried out using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).ResultsA total of 74.4% of the entire sample of participants (male = 75%; female = 74%) reported lower back complaints throughout the past twelve months, and only 15.5% during the last seven days. A major part of complaints was classified as low intensity-low disability (Grade I, 62.8%; male = 72.6%; female = 54.2%). Under-20 competitors reported a small but significantly higher percentage of almost all NMQ measures compared to under-16 athletes.ConclusionsThis study found a relatively high prevalence of LBP, although complaints were of limited severity and did not affect climbers' regular training practice. Moreover, climbers did not differ in LBP prevalence according to sex, while climbers from the older age group reported higher complaints and seeking medical attention than younger climbers. Future studies should prospectively monitor the influence of climbing on LBP in youth climbers.

Objective Restrictive diets, forced starvation or voluntary weight loss are attracting more and more attention from scientists. Overall trends show that about 80% of combat sports athletes use specific methods of reducing body mass. Rapid weight loss could be a risk factor for kidney-related adverse outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss in the first and without rapid weight loss in the second phases on body composition and biochemical markers of kidney function.Methods The study was conducted on 12 male wrestlers. Kidney function markers were measured, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid and serum Cystatin-C. Alterations in analysed markers were noted in both phases of the research.Results According to the data, a significant increase was noted in blood urea nitrogen (p=0.002), uric acid (p=0.000) and serum creatinine (p=0.006) during the first phase in comparison with the second phase. The levels of serum Cystatin-C were slightly elevated after both phases compared with the initial measurement.Conclusion It is evident that high-intensity specific training combined with rapid weight loss significantly affects the increase in kidney function markers compared with identical training without rapid weight loss. The findings in this study suggest that rapid body mass reduction is associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury in wrestlers.

Background Strength training plays a crucial role in promoting healthy ageing and music might affect how individuals perform and perceive strength exercises. This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-selected music (SSM) on muscle strength and affective states during maximal isometric contractions on a customized leg extension. Methods Twenty-six healthy middle-aged males (50.8 ± 8.4 years) performed maximal and endurance isometric strength tests under three different conditions: SSM, motivational music (MM), and control condition (CC). Peak force and Rate of Force Development (RFD) were assessed during the maximal isometric strength test. The isometric endurance test evaluated the mean force and a fatigue index. Moreover, Felt Arousal Scale (FAS) was administered before the strength protocol, whereas the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Feeling Scale (FS) at the end of it. Results Mean force was significantly higher in the SSM (507.3 ± 132.2 N) than MM (476.3 ± 122.4 N, p < 0.01) and CC (484.6 ± 119.2 N, p = 0.03). FAS was significantly higher in the SSM (4.0 [1.3] than MM (3.0 [2.3], p < 0.01) and CC (3.0 [1.3], p < 0.01) conditions. FS was significantly higher in the SSM (4.0 [2.0] than MM (3.0 [1.3], p < 0.01) and CC (3.0 [1.3], p < 0.01) conditions. No significant differences were found for peak force, RFD, fatigue index, and RPE. Conclusions Listening to SSM seems to influence isometric endurance strength performance in middle-aged adults positively. Moreover, listening to SSM might improve individuals’ affective states without affecting the level of perceived exertion.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore possible benefits of a peer-tutored physical education programme (PTPE) in comparison with school physical education (SPE) in high school students with intellectual disability. Method: Nineteen students with intellectual disabilities (15 boys, mean age 17.4 ± 1.7 years) were monitored during three PTPE and three SPE classes. A factorial RM-ANOVA was used to test differences on objective measured physical activity (PA), enjoyment and exertion during the two conditions, considering participants' weight condition as independent factor. Results: During PTPE, participants reported higher light intensity PA, enjoyment and exertion than during SPE. Participants with overweight showed less inactive time and higher light intensity PA during PTPE than during SPE. Conclusions: The peer-tutored programme was beneficial for adolescents with intellectual disability, particularly for those in overweight condition. The higher enjoyment found during PTPE may encourage exercise participation of students with intellectual disability.

Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) is seen as a serious and growing public safety and health problem worldwide. Long-term sequelae may involve permanent damage to physical fitness, body balance, and coordination skills, with a severe motor, functional, and emotional consequences. Objective: To verify the effect of 16 sessions of a multimodal physical exercise program on physical fitness, body balance, and internalized stigma of inpatients for the treatment of Substance use disorder. Methods: Forty-three males with Substance use disorder (aged 33.9 ±12.4 years) were divided into an Intervention Group (IG, n=21) and Control Group (CG, n=22). The IG was submitted to eight weeks of training with physical exercises. Participants were submitted to the evaluation of internalized stigma, body balance, agility, and flexibility, before and after the intervention period. Results: Positive results were observed in physical fitness (agility, p=0.001) and body balance variables (center of pressure path with closed eyes, p=0.050, and ellipse area with closed eyes, p=0.031). The time of substance use correlated with lower performance in agility and body balance tests. Conclusion: The data seem to support the potential benefit of physical exercise as an adjunct in Substance use disorder rehabilitation process, particularly for physical fitness and body balance variables.

Abstract Aims: One of the common sequelae of chronic abuse of alcohol and/or illicit drugs is the impairment of body balance control, caused by long-term neurological damage. This study aimed to investigate the postural control of individuals hospitalized for the treatment of substance use disorder (initial phase) and to compare the results obtained by a control group. Method: For this, One-hundred fourteen individuals hospitalized for the treatment of substance use disorder and eighty-eight healthy controls, all males, were analyzed. Body mass, height, and waist circumference were measured. Were performed a balance test in a static upright position with feet side by side using a plantar pressure platform. Results: Individuals with substance use disorder have shown significantly lower results on body balance compared with controls. Individuals with chemical dependence showed balance results open-eyes, similar/lower than control subjects with close-eyes. Still, those who used only alcohol or alcohol combined with other illicit drugs presented worse results. Finally, impairments in body balance variables showed a significant correlation with age and substance time of use. Conclusion: Even in the early stage of treatment, substance use disorder considerably impairs the balance of the investigated men. The worst results were found in alcohol-dependents (alcohol alone or alcohol combined with other drugs).

Abstract Objectives The Metabolic‐Barriers, Attitudes, Confidence, and Knowledge Questionnaire (M‐BACK) was developed to determine the barriers, attitudes, confidence, and knowledge of mental health practitioners regarding the metabolic health of patients in order to determine the efficacy of targeted training interventions. This study aimed to validate the Italian version of M‐BACK questionnaire (M‐BACK‐IT) and to determine the test–retest reliability. Methods The M‐BACK questionnaire was translated into Italian and back‐translated using an established protocol. In order to determine the test–retest reliability of the instrument, mental health professionals were recruited from a private psychiatric hospital located in northeast Italy and completed the questionnaire on two separate occasions, seven days apart. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for the total score, as well as each of the four M‐BACK domains. Results Thirty mental health professionals (4 psychiatrists, 9 psychologists, 12 nurses, and 5 exercise specialists) completed the M‐BACK‐IT. ICCs ranged from 0.58 to 0.94. Conclusions The test–retest reliability of the M‐BACK‐IT demonstrated comparable results to the English version. The M‐BACK‐IT is a reliable measure to assess key elements of practitioners' perceptions of the barriers, their knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding metabolic monitoring and intervention in people with mental illness.

Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of multicomponent and strength training programs on dynamic balance, functional capacity, and gait ability in older women. Methods. Thirty individuals (67 ± 4.3 years; 30.6 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were trained for 12 weeks (3 times per week), following multicomponent (MG: exercises focusing on agility, balance, muscle strength, and aerobic) and strength programs (SG: lower limbs strength exercise). Results. Peak torque of hip flexors (p=0.020) and extensors (p=0.009) and knee flexors (p=0.001) of SG was greater than that of MG at posttraining. In addition, both groups increased peak torque of knee extensors (p=0.002) and plantar extensors with higher effect size for SG (d = −0.41 and −0.48), whereas MG presented higher effect size for plantar flexors muscles (d = −0.55). Only the SG improved the rate of torque development of knee extensors (29%; p=0.002), and this variable was also greater to SG than MG at posttraining (106%). The SG and MG improved dynamic balance although SG presented higher effect size (d = 0.61). Both groups improved the performance on 30 s sit to stand test (p=0.010) with higher effect size for MG (d = −0.54). Only the MG improved the stride length (4%; p=0.011) and gait speed (10%; p=0.024). In addition, the groups improved toe clearance (p=0.035) and heel contact (p=0.010) with higher effect sizes for MG (d = −0.066 and 1.07). Conclusion. Strength training should be considered to increase muscle function and dynamic balance in older women, whereas multicomponent training should be considered to increase functional capacity and gait ability in this population.

Background: Little is known about lower back complaints in adolescent competitive alpine skiers. This study assessed their prevalence and severity (i.e., intensity and disability) with respect to sex, category, discipline preference, and training attributes. Methods: 188 competitive skiers aged 15 to 18 years volunteered in this study. Data collection included (i) questions on participants’ demographics, sports exposure, discipline preferences, and other sports-related practices; (ii) the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire on lower back complaints; and (iii) the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. Results: As many as 80.3% and 50.0% of all skiers suffered from lower back complaints during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. A total of 50.7% reported their complaints to be attributable to slalom skiing, and 26% to giant slalom. The majority of complaints were classified as low intensity/low disability (Grade I, 57.4%) and high intensity/low disability complaints (Grade II, 21.8%). The Characteristic Pain Intensity was found to be significantly related to the skiers’ years of sports participation, number of competitions/season, and number of skiing days/season. Conclusion: This study further supports the relatively high magnitudes of lower back-related pain in adolescent competitive alpine skiers, with a considerable amount of high intensity (but low disability) complaints, and training attributes being a key driver.

Postural balance control can be altered by land treadmill (LTM) running. This impairment seems to be related to a disturbance of vestibular and visual information. However, no studies are available on aquatic treadmill (ATM) running. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of running at moderate intensity over ATM and LTM on the postural balance control both with opened (OE) and closed (CE) eyes. Center of pressure (CoP) trajectory of 20 healthy subjects was collected on a dynamometric platform before and after a 20-min-long running on ATM and LTM at the same rate of perceived exertion (Borg's scale: 3/10). Heart rate (HR) was recorded every 30 s during running. Stabilogram diffusion analysis (SDA) and sample entropy (SampEn) were calculated to deepen motor control mechanisms. HR values were lower during ATM running with respect to LTM running (p < 0.01). A significant effect of the treadmill factor was detected in the OE condition for the sway path (p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.364; Power: 0.879), the sway area (p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.324; Power: 0.816), and the ML oscillations (p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.390; Power: 0.911) while an effect of the time factor was detected for the ellipse area (p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.213; Power: 0.576). However, the effect size for all the parameters ranged from 0.06 (trivial) to 0.48 (small). In the OE condition, the SDA highlighted a significant effect of the treadmill factor on all the short-term diffusion coefficients which negatively influenced the open loop motor control strategies. In the CE condition, SampEn analysis underlined a significant decrease of the CoP regularity after LTM running. Although slight modifications of the mechanisms involved in the postural balance control occurred, ATM and LTM moderate running did not seriously threaten postural balance performance. Therefore, the usage of ATM should be taken into account in all those situations where the well-known advantages of the aquatic environment are priorities.

BACKGROUND:Accurate assessment of physical activity is essential to determine the magnitude of the health-related benefits of regular physical activity. While physical activity questionnaires are easy to use, their accuracy in comparison to objective measures has been questioned. The purpose of the present study was to examine the utility of two interview-based questionnaires; a recently-developed instrument, the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and the Seven Day-Physical Activity Recall (7DPAR). METHODS:Accelerometer data was collected in 72 university students (50% females). Telephone interviews were conducted to complete the SIMPAQ and the 7DPAR. RESULTS:Significant correlations (p < .001) were found between accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), the amount of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous exercise assessed via the SIMPAQ (rho = .49), and vigorous physical activity assessed via the 7DPAR (rho = .50). Exercise assessed via the SIMPAQ was significantly correlated with the vigorous physical activity score of the 7DPAR (rho = .56, p < .001). While participants needed three minutes less to complete the SIMPAQ (p < .001), participants tended to be more confident about the accuracy of the answers they provided on the 7DPAR (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS:These two questionnaire measures of physical activity performed similarly in a healthy young adult sample. The SIMPAQ can be completed in 15 minutes, which could be an advantage in settings where time for physical activity assessment is limited.

La nozione che lo sport sia uno strumento per la promozione di una società pacifica e sia portatore di valori positivi trasmissibili tramite la pratica stessa è radicata e diffusa. Tuttavia, il diffondersi di pratiche illegali e di episodi antisociali (ad esempio abuso di sostanze, scandali finanziari, bullismo, maltrattamenti, esclusione sociale) legati a molti contesti della pratica sportiva suggerisce come lo sport giochi un ruolo quantomeno ambivalente nella trasmissione di valori. È necessario considerare con cautela il ruolo dello sport come strumento educativo. L’analisi dei principali approcci pedagogici, delle buone pratiche e dei progetti internazionali porta ad evidenziare come lo sport possa promuovere valori positivi solo quando vi è una progettazione consapevole di un percorso allievo-centrico ed un uso attento di strategie di apprendimento attivo per la promozione di life skills. Sulla base di queste considerazioni, un gruppo di Organizzazioni Internazionali in collaborazione con ricercatori dell’Università di Padova ha sviluppato un programma per la promozione dell’educazione attraverso lo sport nella scuola, che ha portato risultati positivi nell’ambito dei comportamenti pro-sociali degli studenti coinvolti.

Although high anxiety is common in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and the anxiolytic effects of exercise have been systematically recognised in clinical and non-clinical populations, research is scant concerning the role played by exercise on anxiety in people with ID. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week exercise programme on anxiety states in a group of adults with ID. Twenty-seven individuals with mild to moderate ID were randomly assigned to an exercise group or a control group. The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale adapted for individuals with ID and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y were used to assess trait and state anxiety. In comparison with the control group, the anxiety scores of people in the exercise group decreased significantly over time. (Contains 2 tables.)