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Background Workplace exercise interventions showed good results, but lack of time was often reported as a barrier to participation. To overcome this problem, several studies attempted to implement short high-intensity interval training (HIT) within the workplace. Objectives The aim of this systematic review is to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of HIT interventions within the workplace setting. Data sources A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and SPORTDiscus to identify articles related to HIT within the workplace. Study eligibility criteria Only interventions that consisted of HIT programmes within the workplace and tested at least one physiological, psychological, or work-related outcome were included. Results Seven studies (317 participants) met the inclusion criteria. HIT interventions lasted 6–12 weeks, with a frequency of 2–4 sessions/week and a duration of 8–30 min per session. Feasibility was qualitatively investigated in four studies, with key positive aspects reported for HIT time-appeal, the sense of competence driven by individual intensity, and improved intention to exercise; five studies reported adherence rates > 80%. Small-to-large effect sizes were reported for improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness. Small-to-medium effect sizes were reported for blood parameters and health-related quality of life. Conclusions HIT interventions in the workplace showed limited effectiveness in improving health-related outcomes, while promising results regarding feasibility were reported, mainly due to the time-efficiency and the positive post-exercise psychosocial responses. However, further high-quality studies involving more participants are still needed to make firm conclusions on HIT effectiveness and feasibility compared to other types of exercise in this context.

Cognitive-motor training could be used to improve open-skill sport performances, increasing cognitive demands to stimulate executive function (EF) development. Nevertheless, a distributed training proposal for the improvement of EFs is increasingly difficult to combine with seasonal sport commitments. This study aimed to investigate whether a massed basketball training program enriched with Fitlight training can improve EFs and motor performance. Forty-nine players (age = 15.0 ± 1.5 yrs) were assigned to the control and Fitlight-trained (FITL) groups, which performed 3 weeks of massed basketball practice, including 25 min per day of shooting sessions or Fitlight training, respectively. All athletes were tested in cognitive tasks (Flanker/Reverse Flanker; Digit Span) and fitness tests (Agility T-test; Yo-Yo IR1). During the intervention, exercise/session perceived effort (eRPE/sRPE) and enjoyment were collected. RM-ANOVA showed significant EFs scores increased in both groups over time, without differences between the groups. Moreover, an increased sRPE and eRPE appeared in the FITL group (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01), with no group differences in activity enjoyment and fitness tests. Three weeks of massed basketball training improved EFs and motor performance in young players. The additional Fitlight training increased the perceived cognitive effort without decreasing enjoyment, even if it seems unable to induce additional improvements in EFs.

Numerous athletes compete at a high level without consuming animal products; although a well-planned vegan diet might be appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, a few elements need to be addressed to build a balanced plant-based diet for an athlete, particularly in bodybuilding, in which muscle growth should be maximised, as athletes are judged on their aesthetics. In this observational study, nutritional intakes were compared in a cohort of natural omnivorous and vegan bodybuilders, during two different phases of preparation. To this end, 18 male and female bodybuilders (8 vegans and 10 omnivores) completed a food diary for 5 days during the bulking and cutting phases of their preparation. A mixed-model analysis was used to compare macro- and micronutrient intakes between the groups in the two phases. Both vegans and omnivores behaved similarly regarding energy, carbohydrate, and fat intakes, but vegans decreased their protein intake during the cutting phase. Our results suggest that vegan bodybuilders may find difficulties in reaching protein needs while undergoing a caloric deficit, and they might benefit from nutritional professionals’ assistance to bridge the gap between the assumed proteins and those needed to maintain muscle mass through better nutrition and supplementation planning.

Selmi, MA, Sassi, RH, Yahmed, MH, Giannini, S, Perroni, F, and Elloumi, M. Normative data and physical determinants of multiple sprint sets in young soccer players aged 11-18 years: Effect of maturity status. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 506-515, 2020-The aims of the study were: (a) to establish normative data for repeated-sprint sets (RSS) test based on the maturity status (age at peak height velocity [PHV]) and (2) to investigate the relationship between anthropometrical variables (stature, sitting height, body mass, and body fat percentage), RSS (2 × 5 × 20 m with 15-second recovery between sprints and 1-minute recovery between sets), and fitness tests {squat jump, countermovement jump, standing long jump, standing triple jump, 5-jump test, and 20-m shuttle run (multistage shuttle run test [MSRT])}. Young male soccer players (n = 262; age: 14.5 ± 2.9 years) were evaluated and classified into 4 groups according to their maturity status: pre-PHV, circum-PHV1, circum-PHV2, post-PHV. An analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc were used to determine maturity group differences (p ≤ 0.05), whereas Pearson's correlation was used between variables. Repeated-sprint sets' indices (sum of sprint times [SST] and best sprint time [BST]) were significantly different between the maturity groups. Significant correlations between SST with body mass (from -0.73 to -0.33) and MSRT (from -0.49 to -0.30) among each maturity group were found. With the different maturity groups, correlations between SST (s), BST (s), and vertical jump (cm) (r = -0.63 to -0.25 and r = -0.68 to -0.23) and horizontal jump (m) (r = -0.70 to -0.38 and r = -0.63 to -0.43) were observed. Repeated-sprint sets' values improve during maturation of young soccer players and the correlations between RSS and fitness tests vary through the maturity groups. This information could be useful for the coach to identify talent and to prescribe specific physical training to improve performance.

In recent years, the necessity to prevent work-related diseases has led to the use of sensor-based systems to measure important features during working activities. This topic achieved great popularity especially in hazardous and demanding activities such as those required of firefighters. Among feasible sensor systems, wearable sensors revealed their advantages in terms of possibility to conduct measures in real conditions and without influencing the movements of workers. In addition, the advent of robotics can be also exploited in order to reduce work-related disorders. The present literature review aims at providing an overview of sensor-based systems used to monitor physiological and physical parameters in firefighters during real activities, as well as to offer ideas for understanding the potentialities of exoskeletons and assistive devices.

Social isolation has adverse effects on mental health, physical exercise, and dietary habits. This longitudinal observational study aimed to investigate the effects of mood states and exercise on nutritional choices, on 176 college students (92 males, 84 females, 23 &plusmn, 4 years old) during the COVID-19 lockdown. During 21 days, nutrition and exercise were daily monitored, and the mood states assessed. A factor analysis was used to reduce the number of nutritional variables collected. The relationships between exercise, mood and nutrition were investigated using a multivariate general linear model and a mediation model. Seven factors were found, reflecting different nutritional choices. Exercise was positively associated with fruit, vegetables and fish consumption (p = 0.004). Depression and quality of life were, directly and inversely, associated with cereals, legumes (p = 0.005, p = 0.004) and low-fat meat intake (p = 0.040, p = 0.004). Exercise mediated the effect of mood states on fruit, vegetables and fish consumption, respectively, accounting for 4.2% and 1.8% of the total variance. Poorer mood states possibly led to unhealthy dietary habits, which can themselves be linked to negative mood levels. Exercise led to healthier nutritional choices, and mediating the effects of mood states, it might represent a key measure in uncommon situations, such as home-confinement.

Background: During the first Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix of 2020, following a serious accident involving the riders J. Zarco and F. Morbidelli, Morbidelli’s riderless bike cartwheeled across turn 3, narrowly missing V. Rossi and M. Viñales by just a few centimeters. As is the case with ordinary traffic accidents, analyzing the dynamics of motorcycle racing accidents can help improve safety; however, to date, the literature lacks studies that analyze the causes and severity of such accidents. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the main causes that led to the accident at the 2020 Austrian MotoGp Grand Prix, to quantify the speeds and distances of the bikes and riders involved, and to hypothesize several alternative scenarios using a low-cost method. Method: Kinovea and Google Earth Pro software were used to identify markers along the racetrack and to measure the distances and calculate the time it took the motorcycles to cover those distances. The analyses were carried out on three 30-fps (frames per second) videos. Results: Zarco’s average speed as he was overtaking Morbidelli on the straightaway before turn 2 was 302 ± 1.8 km/h, higher than that of Rins and Rossi (299.7 ± 1.7 and 296 ± 1.7 km/h, respectively). The speed of Zarco and Rossi’s bikes 44.5 m before the crash was the same (267 ± 7.9 km/h). Immediately after overtaking Morbidelli, Zarco moved 2.92 m towards the center of the racetrack from point A to B, crossing Morbidelli’s trajectory and triggering the accident. Morbidelli’s riderless bike flew across turn 3 at a speed of about 76 km/h, missing V. Rossi by just 20 cm. The consequences could have been catastrophic if Rossi had not braked just 0.42 s before encountering Morbidelli’s bike in turn 3. Conclusion: Through a low-cost quali-quantitative analysis, the present study helps us to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the accident and its main causes. Furthermore, in light of our findings regarding the dynamics and severity of the accident and the particular layout of the Red Bull Ring circuit, racers should be aware that overtaking at the end of turn 2, following the same trajectory as the riders involved in the crash, could be very risky.

Male and female firefighters work side-by-side in the same in strenuous and risky conditions. Anthropometrics, physiological, and reaction time (mean of reaction time -MRT-, and errors made -E) parameters of 12 Female and 13 Male firefighters were compared. Effect of overload (step test with and without equipment) on the MRT and E were analyzed on 3 trials (T1 = 1-1s, T2 = 0.5-1s, T3 = 0.5–0.5s), compared with a pre-test condition (basal). T-test between males and females was applied to assess differences (p

Beach volleyball is an intermittent team sport played under high temperature and humidity. Given that some nutritional supplements can enhance sports performance, this study aimed to evaluate the quantity and the heterogeneity of the nutritional supplementation practices of amateur (n = 69) and professional (n = 19) beach volley athletes competing in the Italian National Championship, an online form was used to collect data about the supplementation habits. The latent class analysis was used to find sub-groups characterised by different habits regarding supplements consumption. The most frequently used supplements (more than once a week) are vitamins B and C (39.2% of athletes), protein (46.8%), and caffeine (36.9%). The latent class analysis revealed three different sub-groups of athletes: the first class (56.7%) included athletes who were used to take very few supplements, the second class (17.0%) was characterised by higher consumption of supplements and the third class (26.2%) was in the middle between the others two. Groups were characterised not only by the quantity but also by the category of supplements used. Our results highlighted a high heterogeneity in supplementation habits. A pragmatic approach to supplements and sports foods is needed in the face of the evidence that some products can usefully contribute to enhancing performance.

Introduction The impact of the 'International Criteria' for ECG interpretation in athletes has further improved the diagnostic accuracy of the 12-lead ECG use for pre-participation screening (PPS) and these criteria have been evaluated in different populations of athletes and settings proving good results. Evidence acquisition We aim to perform a comprehensive review of the use of the 'International Criteria' for ECG interpretation in athletes, stemming from a systematic review to diagnostic meta-analysis, limiting our inclusion only to observational studies to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ECG for detecting cardiac anomalies related to sudden cardiac death in athletes. Evidence synthesis This meta-analysis is expected to include several important studies related to PPS on different populations of athletes comparing different ECG criteria and detail important data on the diagnostic accuracy of ECG in PPS. Furthermore, we intend to highlight the advantage of using ECG in PPS. Conclusions The present diagnostic meta-analysis results will aid sports medicine physicians and cardiologist in adhering to the most accurate criteria for ECG evaluation in athletes and it may help to solve controversies aroused regarding the excess cost of ECG in PPS related to the amount of false positive cases.

Background: Tennis is an intermittent sport, characterized by hundreds of repetitive explosive efforts, including accelerations, and jumps. A single match can last up to 5 hours and players are called to play several matches often separated by less than 48h of recovery. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized tennis match on perceived fatigue and jump and sprint performances on a group of recreational tennis players and to observe if such variables were affected by residual effects of fatigue 24 hours after the match. Methods: Twelve recreational tennis players performed a 120 min match. Before, immediately after and 24h after the match, players completed a set of three countermovement jumps, three 10m sprints, and reported their perception of general fatigue. Results: Significant differences between the three conditions have been found for the perceived fatigue: indeed fatigue was higher both in the immediate post (F(1,10)= 54.422, η2 = 0.845, p(1,10)= 10.947, η2 = 0.523, p=0.08), with respect to the pre-match condition. No significant differences were detected in the other variables. Conclusion: During a tournament, the performance of tennis players may be weakened and the recovery prejudiced. To identify fluctuations of and factors linked to fatigue may help tennis practitioners to apply adequate recovery strategies with athletes, limiting performance decrements within a tournament, and indirectly preventing injuries.

Objective: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been established as a useful method to improve physical fitness in obese individuals. However, the effects of WBV exercise on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) have not been examined in obese subjects yet. Method: MFO was eval­uated during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill in 12 adult obese males (BMI = 34.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) after three different warm-up conditions: static half squat plus WBV (HSV), static half squat without WBV (HSWV), and rest (REST). Cortisol levels were evaluated before and after the warm-up, and 1 min (T1), 10 min (T10), and 30 min (T30) of the recovery phase. Results: MFO was significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.013; 569.4 ± 117.9 mg/min) and HSWV (p = 0.033; 563.8 ± 142.9 mg/min) than REST (445.5 ± 117.9 mg/min). Cortisol concentrations at T1 were significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.023) and HSWV (p = 0.015) than REST. Moreover, cortisol concentrations were significantly lower at T30 than T1 in HSWV (p = 0.04). No differences were found between T30 and T1 in HSV. Conclusions: Active warm-up increases MFO; however, vibration stimulus during half squatting does not increase MFO during a CPET in obese subjects. The lack of significant differences of cortisol concentrations in HSV during the recovery phase might suggest a long-term effect of WBV on the endocrine system.

The study aimed to investigate the correlations among immune, haematological, endocrinological markers and fitness parameters, and assess if the physiological parameters could be a predictor of fitness values. Anthropometric, physical evaluations (countermovement jump&mdash, CMJ, 10 m sprint, VO2max, repeated sprint ability&mdash, RSA total time and index) and determination of blood (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and tumour necrosis factor) and salivary (testosterone and cortisol) samples parameters in 28 young male soccer players (age: 13.0 &plusmn, 0.2 years, body mass index (BMI): 19.5 &plusmn, 2.2 kg/m2) were analysed. To evaluate the dependence of the variables related to athletic performance, multiple linear regression with backward stepwise elimination was considered. A significant regression equation was found in CMJ (F(5,16) = 9.86, p &lt, 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.679) and in the RSA index (F(5,16) = 15.39, p &lt, 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.774) considering only five variables, in a 10 m sprint (F(4,17) = 20.25, p &lt, 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.786) and in the RSA total time (F(4,17) = 15.31, p &lt, 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.732) considering only four variables and in VO2max (F(9,12) = 32.09, p &lt, 0.001, R2 adjusted = 0.930) considering nine variables. Our study suggests the use of regression equations to predict the fitness values of youth soccer players by blood and saliva samples, during different phases of the season, short periods of match congestion or recovery from an injury.

Background: In order to stay safe, and to successfully complete their work, firefighters have to constantly assess and process large numbers of sensory stimuli and adapt to the inherent risks present in the working environment. Objective: The purposes of the present preliminary study were to analyse the speed of Reaction Time responses (RT) of Italian Firefighters and to compare their cognitive responses with non-firefighting subjects. Methods: Anthropometric (weight, height and BMI) and RT (time-to-completion –TTC-, mean of reaction time –MRT-, and errors made -E-) evaluations were administered at 16 volunteers (Age: 40.3 ± 6.7 yrs; BMI: 23.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2) divided in Firefighters (FG) and Control (CG) groups. RT test consisted of 3 trials (T1 = 1s of stimulus duration and 1s interval between stimulus and the other; T2 = 0.5s of stimulus duration and 1s interval between stimulus and the other; T3 = 0.5s of stimulus duration and 0.5s interval between stimulus and the other). Mann Whitney U test between groups was applied to asses differences (p ≤ 0.05) in TTC, MRT, and E while Friedmann test and Dunn-Sidak post hoc were used to evaluate significant differences in the 3 trials in each variable of each group. Results: No significant differences based on anthropometric parameters were observed between groups. Despite no significant differences emerged for TTC and MRT between groups, we observed significant differences in E between groups (CG = 4; FG =12) and in the 3rd condition in each variable of each group. Conclusion: Workout programs that integrate reaction time training with job performance should be created to increase job performance.

Considering that the popularity and professionalism of females soccer has increased markedly, the aims of this study were to evaluate the eventual (1) technical differences between the young male and female soccer players, and (2) relationship among anthropometrics characteristic (weight, height and Body Mass Index), soccer experiences, and soccer performances (juggling, speed dribbling, long and short passing, shooting from dead ball and from a pass; heading) in 16 female and 32 male soccer players (n: 48; age: 16 ± 1 years; BMI 20.8 ± 2.0 kg/m2). Unpaired student t test was applied to assess differences between groups (male vs female) to variables with normal distribution (age, height, weight, BMI, speed dribbling without ball, short pass), while Mann–Whitney U test was applied to the other non-parametric variables. Spearman Rho correlation was used to analyse relationships among variables considering all subjects, male, and female categories. Results showed differences (p

BACKGROUND The evaluation of joints range of motion (ROM) represents a fundamental step in the diagnosis of joint disorders. Assessors usually measure the ROM angle through a universal goniometer (UG). GYKO inertial system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) represent a noninvasive, easy-to-use, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) method for the measurement of the elbow ROM. The aim of this study was to validate the GYKO digital device comparing it with the gold standard UG in the measurement of elbow flexion-extension ROM in healthy subjects. METHODS Thirty healthy subjects (15 females, 15 males; mean age: 34 years, range 25-58 years) were enrolled. The elbow ROM of the dominant arm was measured with two methods, UG and GYKO. Active flexion-extension movement of the elbow was measured by two operators with UG (A1_UG; A2_UG) and with GYKO (A1_GYKO; A2_GYKO; B_GYKO). Intra-rater reliability, inter-rater reliability, and concurrent validity were analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values. Bland-Altman plot was used to compare UG and GYKO. RESULTS Both methods were very reliable (P

It is common practice in combat sports that athletes rapidly lose body weight before a match, by applying different practices&mdash, some safer and others possibly dangerous. The factors behind the choice of practices utilised have not been fully studied. This study aimed to investigate the weight loss strategies used by Italian boxers and to look at the difference between higher and lower risk practice adaptors. A modified version of a validated questionnaire has been sent to 164 amateur (88%) and professional (12%) boxers by email. A heatmap with hierarchical clustering was used to explore the presence of subgroups. Weight loss strategies were used by 88% of the athletes. Two clusters were found, defined by the severity of weight loss behaviours. Professional fighters, high-level athletes and females were more represented in Cluster 2, the one with more severe weight-loss practices. These athletes were characterised by a higher weight loss magnitude and frequency throughout the season and reported being more influenced by physicians and nutritionists, compared with the boxers in Cluster 1. Not all the weight loss practices are used with the same frequency by all boxers. The level of the athlete and the boxing style have an influence on the weight-cutting practices.

Background:Intense physical efforts performed at maximal or near-maximal speeds and the ability to recover among sprint are important characteristics of a soccer player. In the last years, women's soccer has become a rapidly and markedly growing sport (+34% of new players from 2000).Objective:The aim of this case study was to analyse the performance (total time –TT; fatigue index percentage -IF%) and physiological (aerobic and anaerobic) responses to Repeated Sprint Ability test (RSAt) of an elite female player.Methods:To identify the contribution of the 3 energy sources at the beginning, middle, and at the end of the different sprint of RSAt performance in a female player (age: 30 years; BMI: 20.3 kg/m2), which requested 7x30 m sprints (25 s active recovery among sprints) with a change of direction, a portable metabolimeter and software dedicated were used. A repeated measure MANOVA over the 7 sprints time series was applied (p< 0.05).Results:Results showed that TT was 58.71 s (Ideal Time: 56.98 s) with IF% of 3.0%. Energy contributions were given for 80.3% by aerobic, 19.2% by anaerobic lactid, and 0.5% by anaerobic alactid sources. We have found different kinetics in the heart rate (HR) and maximum oxygen uptake with the oxygen uptake that reached the peak when HR was still rising.Conclusion:Considering that the energy consumption during intermittent exercises requires different metabolism as a result of physiological stimuli proposed, the present findings substantiate the need to choose specific and adequate training methods for female soccer players that aim at increasing their RSA performances.

Perroni, F, Pintus, A, Frandino, M, Guidetti, L, and Baldari, C. Relationship among repeated sprint ability, chronological age, and puberty in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 364-371, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyzed the relationship of repeated sprint ability (RSA) with chronological age and puberty in 100 young soccer players (age: 13 ± 3 years-160 ± 33 months-; height: 159 ± 16 cm, mass: 49.7 ± 14.1 kg; body mass index [BMI] 19.2 ± 2.5 kg/m) grouped on "Pulcini" (9-10 years), "Esordienti" (11-12 years), "Giovanissimi" (13-14 years), "Allievi" (15-16 years), and "Juniores" (>17 years) categories. Anthropometric (weight, height, BMI), RSA (7 × 30 m sprint with 25 seconds active rest: total time-TT, the lowest sprinting time, and the fatigue index percentage-%IF), and development (self-administered rating scale for pubertal development PDS; puberty) parameters were measured. ANOVA among categories was applied to asses differences (p ≤ 0.05) in TT and %IF. When a significant effect was found, Bonferroni's post hoc analysis was used. Pearson correlation among all variables was calculated considering all subjects and also within categories. Among categories, statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.001) in TT and a considerable trend toward significance (p = 0.06) in %IF. Significant correlations among variables were found in all subjects and within categories. In particular, TT showed large significant correlation with PDS (r = -0.66) and puberty (r = -0.67) only in "Esordienti." This study provides useful information for the coach to propose an appropriate training and to obtain the optimal training effect and to minimize the risk of injury and overtraining during the different phases of growth and maturation.

Objective:Considering that in Young sport competitions children are divided according to their chronological age, the aim of this study was to examine the correlation among chronological age and Self-Administered Rating Scale for Pubertal Development (PDS), anthropometry (Body Mass Index -BMI-, percent body fat -%BF-, fat free mass -FFM-), and Countermovement jump (CMJ) measures.Methods:112 young soccer players (age: 14±2 yrs; height: 1.68±0.11 m; weight: 60.3±11.6 kg; BMI: 21.3±2.5 kg.m-2) grouped in “Giovanissimi” (12-14 yrs), “Allievi” (15-16 yrs), and “Juniores” (>17 yrs), categories were evaluated. Pearson correlations and stepwise multiple regression analysis among variables were calculated considering all subjects and within categories. The internal consistency of PDS was determined by Cronbach’s α coefficient (Cα). Considering all subjects, PDS showed an excellent Cα (0.89) and significant correlations with sub-category (r=0.66), age (r=0.67), %BF (r=-0.31), FFM (r=0.71), and CMJ (r=0.55). Within “Giovanissimi” category, significant correlations were found between PDS and age (r=0.56), CMJ (r=0.33), FFM (r=0.63), and sub-category (r=0.55). In “Allievi”, PDS showed correlations with CMJ (r=0.46), FFM (r=0.42), and %BF (r=-0.45). In “Juniores” no significant correlations between PDS and other variables were present. The regression model with sub-category, PDS, and %BF as predictors explained 41% of the variance of CMJ in all subjects. In the “Allievi” category the PSD was the only predictor explaining the 18% of the CMJ performance variance.Results:PDS can provide useful information for the coach to create individual conditioning programs taking into account the growth problems of young soccer players and to minimize the risk of an excessive workload.

Considering that musculo-skeletal system and nervous system reciprocally are connected by the presence of proprioceptors and interoceptors, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional stability and posture. We recruited 100 healthy volunteers (age 30.2 ± 9.8 years) who regularly practiced physical activity, and we evaluated posture (vertical line of Barre) and emotional stability (a specific component of the Big Five Questionnaire—BFQ). Chi-square test was used to evaluate the distribution of the postural evaluation by sex. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to evaluate the differences of the BFQ in the groups of Barre (ascending, descending, mixed, and disharmonic). A multiple regression models was set to assess the factors related to gender, age, and posture. P

Primary traumatic patellar dislocation is common, particularly in young active individuals. A consensus on its management is still lacking. The present work provides easily accessible guidelines to be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources. Level of evidence: Ia. Primary traumatic patellar dislocation is common, particularly in young active individuals. A consensus on its management is still lacking. The present work provides easily accessible guidelines to be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources. Level of evidence: Ia.

Introduction The aims of study were: 1) to verify the effectiveness of different stretching methods and training; 2) to compare the effects with only training on the flexibility of joints in basketball players. Methods 30 males basketball players (age: 17±1yrs; BMI: 23.4±3.1), divided into 2 groups (15 experimental group - EG - and 15 control group, CG), participated to study. EG performed 5 different stretching method: passive stretching, active stretching, postural protocol, PNF and dynamic stretching. To assess differences (p

This study has investigated the effect of 8 weeks of preseason training on the repeated sprinting ability (RSA) in semiprofessional soccer players (SPSP). An RSA test, consisting of 7 × 30 m sprint with 25 s active rest, was administered to 12 SPSP (age 23 ± 6 years) pre- and post-8 weeks of preseason soccer training. Preseasonal training consisting of aerobic sessions (high-intensity intermittent training) was provided three times a week on alternate days with the strength training sessions (basic and functional strength training) and sprint training drills. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was conducted to assess differences (p < 0.05) in RSA test and fatigue index with time (i.e., pre−post) as within factor. Multivariate analysis of variance, with the seven repeated sprint tests as dependent variables and time (i.e. pre−post) as within factor, was conducted to test differences in sprint performance over the time. The main effect (p < 0.001) was found before (pre-) and after (post-) the preseasonal training in global RSA performance; conversely, no statistical differences were found between fatigue index values. An overall significant effect was found for the seven sprints performed pre- and post. Univariate analysis shows that each sprint time was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the pre- than in the post-RSA tests. This study provides useful information for the coach to understanding the training process of SPSP and to maximize the best physical condition of the whole team.

The aim of this study was to compare the aerobic power of firefighters evaluated by means of laboratory and field tests. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) of 15 Italian male firefighters (age: 31 ± 6 years; BMI: 24.7 ± 2.1) was compared during a graded incremental treadmill test to exhaustion and an endurance field test (Queen’s College step test) performed with and without wearing the protective clothing and the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) conditions. A 2 (conditions: with vs. without SCBA) × 2 (test setting: laboratory vs. field) ANOVA for repeated measures was used to verify significant differences (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated. Despite differences (p < 0.01) emerged between Queen’s College step test with SCBA values and the other tests, no significant correlations were observed. The evaluation of fitness level is important to avoid the risks of job-related injuries, ensuring that physically capable personnel could perform this crucial public safety occupation. Thus, the present results demonstrate that specific fitness tests should be used for monitoring changes in firefighter’s health status and for guiding their training programme and that a periodic evaluation of firefighters can be performed in easy and accurate manner.

This study aimed to compare specific technical and tactical indicators of the team and centre forward role of Euro League, and Italian Serie A1, Serie A2, and Serie B men's water polo club competitions. A notational analysis was performed on 21 water polo matches to evaluate the occurrence of technical and tactical team and centre forward indicators, highlighting differences among championships according to chi-square analyses. Differences emerged for Counterattack (P0.001) and Power-Play (P0.001) possessions, Even (P0.001; Euro League: 3 ± 1, Serie A1: 3 ± 2, Serie A2: 3 ± 2, Serie B: 6 ± 4) and Power-Play (P = 0.001) goals, and exclusions and penalties (P = 0.008) of the team during Even possessions. Relatively to the role analyses, effects emerged for perimeter players playing events (P = 0.049), as well as for centre forwards' goals (P = 0.007) and exclusions and penalties (P0.001; Euro League: 8 ± 1, Serie A1: 6 ± 2, Serie A2: 6 ± 2, Serie B: 3 ± 2) occurring at the end of Even possessions. Therefore, in Euro League, and Italian Serie A1 and Serie A2, teams perform a high occurrence of Power-Play possessions following up an exclusion, especially achieved by the centre forward during Even possessions, while, in Italian Serie B, goals were mostly scored during Even possessions, with a relevant contribution from the centre forward role.

Considering that anthropometric parameters are important factors in the performance of the soccer players, the aim of this study was to explore the differences in anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of Italian young soccer players. Weight, height, body mass index, and somatotype of 112 young soccer players, grouped in Giovanissimi "A" (14 years), "B" (13 years), and "C" (12 years) as well as Allievi "B" (15 years) and "A" (16 years) and "Juniores" (older than 17 years), were evaluated. Statistical analysis tests were computed at p ≤ 0.05, and an analysis of variance for each somatotype was calculated to analyze the main effects and interactions of the factors: categories, subcategories, and playing position. Bonferroni's post hoc analysis was used to identify differences among mean values. Considering all subjects, we have found significant differences in categories, subcategories, and playing position between anthropometric values and a somatotype value of 2.8-3.8-2.9. Significant differences have found among goalkeepers and the others playing position in endomorphy (p ≤ 0.001) and with defenders and midfielders in ectomorphy (p < 0.01) components, whereas no differences in mesomorphy. Analyzing the interaction between subcategories and playing position factors, a significant effect was found only in the endomorphy component (p = 0.05). The analysis of anthropometric characteristic of Italian young soccer players indicates that players have high muscularity value and low adiposity. This study showed the presence of somatotype differences for playing position within categories also in the youngest categories and subcategories, in particular, in the endomorphy component. Young soccer players should be trained with more appropriate and specific training load to avoid the increased injury risk during adolescence.

During fire emergencies, firefighters wear personal protective devices (PC) and a self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.) to be protected from injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences of aerobic level in 197 firefighters (age: 34±7 yr; BMI: 24.4±2.3 kg.m-2), evaluated by a Queen's College Step field Test (QCST), performed with and without fire protective garments, and to analyze the differences among age groups (40 yr). Variance analysis was applied to assess differences (p < 0.05) between tests and age groups observed in absolute and weight-related values, while a correlation was examined between QCST with and without PC+S.C.B.A. The results have shown that a 13% of firefighters failed to complete the test with PC+S.C.B.A. and significant differences between QCST performed with and without PC+S.C.B.A. in absolute (F(1,169) = 42.6, p < 0.0001) and weight-related (F(1,169) = 339.9, p < 0.0001) terms. A better correlation has been found in L•min-1 (r=0.67) than in ml•kg-1•min-1 (r=0.54). Moreover, we found significant differences among age groups both in absolute and weight-related values. The assessment of maximum oxygen uptake of firefighters in absolute term can be a useful tool to evaluate the firefighters' cardiovascular strain.

Considering that the decrease in strength can be observed with ageing and that muscular endurance and strength are essential factors for firefighting effectiveness in critical situations, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the Upper Body Strength and Lower Limb Power of Professional of Italian Firefighters of 229 Italian male firefighters (age 32 ± 8 years, height 177 ± 6 cm, weight 79 ± 9 kg, BMI 24.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) and to compare the results in relation to the age ( 45-year-old group). Upper body strength (1RM bench press), lower limb power (counter movement jump—CMJ, and sprint ability—20 m) were analysed. Descriptive statistics and an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to anthropometric and physical fitness values to assess significant difference between age groups. When a significant effect was found, Bonferroni’s post hoc analysis was used. Between age groups, anthropometric values showed an age effect (p 45 compared to the other age group categories. Performances values showed differences for 1RM bench press [F (4,223) = 6.17; p

Puberty influences both the performance and the hormonal responses to exercise-related stress. We evaluated the distribution and the correlation between pubertal characteristics and the salivary cortisol (sC) and testosterone (sT) responses to acute physical exercise in young male athletes (13.4 +/- 2.1 yr, n = 110). The mean pre-exercise nmol . L (-1) sC and sT concentrations were 19.08 +/- 4.32 and 0.34 +/- 0.15 and increased to 21.27 +/- 5.51 and 0.41 +/- 0.16 after a 90-min training session (p < 0.01). The sC concentration at rest was positively correlated with chronological age (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with fat % (p < 0.05), whereas significant negative correlations of DeltasC and DeltasC% after exercise with age, pubertal stage and mean testis volume (p < 0.05) were observed. The sT increase after exercise was correlated with chronological age, pubertal stage and pre-exercise sT levels (p < 0.01), whereas the DeltasT and DeltasT% of increase were negatively correlated with chronological age and resting sT levels (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). In the present study, we observed the presence of high inter-individual variability of different biological parameters (anthropometry, pubertal stage, hormones, etc.) within athletes selected by chronological age in the same class and the presence of significant correlations between chronological age, puberty and the steroid hormone responses to physical exercise. Our data suggest the need for different criteria in exercise prescription and selection of young athletes and in the evaluation of stress reactivity at puberty.

Firefighters perform strenuous muscular works in hazardous environments and chaotic conditions, under time pressure and psychological stress. Various studies have shown high values of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations and salivary cortisol and A-Amylase in laboratory test, in real-life and simulated interventions of firefighters. These high values have been attributed to the combined effect of the metabolically active muscle, thermoregulatory strain and fatigue resulting from the protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus in addition to further supplementary overweight (i.e., lifting weights, rescuing victims). In order to protect health and safety of firefighters and victims during emergencies, high levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength in firefighters are strongly recommended. In fact, high levels of physical fitness showed to increase firefighters’ work ability, safety and decreased risk of injury.

Purpose Changes in body size and functional capacities are highly individual during puberty, and the performance of a soccer player is often closely related to their maturity status. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships among explosive power, body fat, fat free mass and pubertal development in young soccer players. Methods Explosive power (countermovement jump— CMJ), body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (%BF), fat free mass (FFM) and a Self-Administered Rating Scale for pubertal development (PDS) values of 11 ‘‘Giovanissimi’’ (age 13 year), 13 ‘‘Allievi’’ (age 15 year) and 10 ‘‘Juniores’’ (age [17 year) male soccer players were compared. The statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of variance among categories with Fisher’s post hoc as appropriate. Furthermore, Pearson correlations among variables were calculated considering all subjects and also within categories. Results Statistical differences emerged among categories in CMJ (F(2,30) = 28.3, p \ 0.01), body fat weight (F(2,31) = 29.2, p \ 0.01) and PDS (F(2,29) = 18.5, p \ 0.01), while %BF values showed statistical differences only for ‘‘Giovanissimi’’ and ‘‘Juniores’’ (F(2,31) = 3.4, p = 0.01). CMJ showed significant correlations with FFM (r = 0.68) and PDS (r = 0.63), PDS with FFM (r = 0.66) and BMI with %BF (r = 0.71) and FFM (r = 0.71). A high correlation was found within categories. Conclusion Since we found differences between categories and no correlation between chronological age and pubertal status, this study highlights the importance of assessing of puberty in youth soccer team.

This study aimed to verify the short-term after effects of a soccer match on senior players' all-out and interlimb coordination performances. Right before (prematch) and after (postmatch) a match, 10 senior (52.3 ± 10.2 years) male soccer players were administered jump (countermovement jump [CMJ]; repeated jump [RJ]), sprint (10 m and 10 m while dribbling the ball [10 mDB]), in-phase (IP) and antiphase (AP) interlimb coordination (synchronized hand and foot flexions and extensions at 80, 120, 180 bpm). Heart rate (HR) responses and subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and rating of muscle pain (RMP) were used to evaluate the intensity of the friendly match. During the match, HR >85% of individual HRmax occurred for 50% of playing time. Subjective ratings at the end of the match were 12.9 ± 2.2 pt and 2.7 ± 2.2 pt for RPE and RMP, respectively. Postmatch CMJ, 10 m, 10 mDB, AP, IP 80 bpm, and IP 120 bpm performances did not show any difference with respect to prematch values, whereas improvements (p < 0.05) in RJ (prematch: 17.4 ± 3.9 cm; postmatch: 19.3 ± 4.8 cm) and IP 180 bpm (prematch: 30.4 ± 15.1 second; postmatch: 50.3 ± 18.9 second) emerged. These findings indicate that senior soccer players are able to cope with the high demands of match play and suggest that an acute bout of intense exercise has an arousing effect that counteracts fatigue effects and facilitates the performance of old trained individuals on complex motor behaviors relying on central executive control. In considering that players consider soccer as highly motivating, with advancing years this sport could help players in preserving high mental and physical functions and maintaining active engagement in life through social interactions.

Firefighters perform many tasks which require a high level of fitness and their personal safety may be compromised by the physiological aging process. The aim of the study was to evaluate strength (bench-press), power (countermovement jump), sprint (20 m) and endurance (with and without Self Contained Breathing Apparatus - S.C.B.A.) of 161 Italian firefighters recruits in relation to age groups (25 yr; 26-30 yr; 31-35 yr; 36-40 yr; 41-42 yr). Descriptive statistics and an ANOVA were calculated to provide the physical fitness profile for each parameter and to assess differences (p 0.05) among age groups. Anthropometric values showed an age-effect for height and BMI, while performances values showed statistical differences for strength, power, sprint tests and endurance test with S.C.B.A. Wearing the S.C.B.A., 14% of all recruits failed to complete the endurance test. We propose that the firefighters should participate in an assessment of work capacity and specific fitness programs aimed to maintain an optimal fitness level for all ages.

Using a randomized crossover design, this study aimed to compare the heart rate (HR) responses and match analysis parameters (i.e., type of action; the number of players involved in an action; the number of passes performed in a collective action; precision of the shots; lost balls; ball interceptions; dribblings; and tackles) of official 5-a-side youth male soccer matches played over 2 pitch surface (i.e., clay vs. artificial turf) conditions. Twenty-two young male soccer players (age 8.3 ± 0.4 years) engaged in 2 consecutive 15-minute periods in each experimental condition. During the match, 53% of HR responses exceeded 85% of the individual HR(peak). No difference emerged between both pitch surfaces and match periods for HR and match analysis indicators. The two 15-minute periods resulted in being appropriate for 8-year-old players, in resembling the intensity of play and the intermittent nature of adult soccer. The similar HR responses and technical-tactical patterns observed on the 2 surfaces indicate that youth match play is not affected by differences in pitch surface. To support the development of individual and team skills of young soccer players, coaches are advised to prioritize game knowledge based on divergent thinking and experience, rather than traditional teaching based on instructions.