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Objectives. The study aimed to test an agile monitoring tool to correlate physical activity levels for the 2 target age groups of school education with energy consumption. Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 42 students, divided into two age-based groups: between 5 and 8 years of 24 and between 13 and 16 years of 18. Both were administered the adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), comprising ten questions, the first of which distinguished active athletes from others participants. The remaining nine questions were divided into sections: “intense activities,” “moderate activities,” and “walking only.” The data on the amount of physical activity undertaken in the past seven days were converted to energy expenditure through the evaluative unit of Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET). Results. For subjects between 5-8 years who were active in sports, the weekly average was 3355.2 METs, with 1577 for intense activities, 1617 for moderate activities, and 159.7 for walking. Among subjects in the 13-16 years age group who were active in sports, the weekly average was 3799.5 METs, with 3376 for intense activities, 577.6 for moderate activities, and 529.9 for walking. For the same age group who were not engaged in sports activity, the weekly average was594.5 METs, with 20 for intense activities, 360 for moderate activities, and 214.5 for walking. Conclusions. The findings show that it is possible to use the physical activity monitoring tool proposed in the study, with the measurement of METs.

Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of sport-specific educational proposals in school-age sports, currently used in planning of sports activities, such as game-based karate training, on social interactions and improving perceptions of one’s motor skills. Materials and methods. The sample consisted of 34 children from the Comprehensive Institute “Matilde Serao” in Ortona, Chieti, attending the third classes of the Primary School, in the school year 2023/2024. The method used was based on the Karate Sport Game protocols in conjunction with the dissemination of the ethical principles inherent to the martial arts. A questionnaire was developed for the purpose of assessing the learners’ levels of satisfaction, as well as the perceptions they had about themselves and in relation to others during this training intervention. Results. In the post-implementation evaluation of the educational proposals’ results, it was shown that 94.1% of participants had a positive experience engaging in the Game-Karate activities, 82.3% reported feeling significantly supported by the Instructors during the project, and 94.1% were very satisfied with the activities. The application of the Chi-Square test revealed two significant relationships with respect to the concept of opportunity for interaction with all peers. The first pertained to the participants’ overall satisfaction with the karate instructional project (p=0.006), while the second concerned the concept of improving teamwork (p=0.006). Conclusion. The findings indicate that Karate Game had a beneficial impact on the participants’ emotional sphere, involvement, perceived improvement in motor skills, and group dynamics. In addition, the significant relationships found underscore the importance of social interaction and collaboration in the context of physical activity. These results suggest that playful and participatory approach to the training process in Karate classes can be a valuable resource for the comprehensive development of children’s personality and motor skills during the developmental age.

Objectives. Jumping and landing constitute two movements that are used with a very high frequency in all sports and are two skills that have received a lot of attention in the literature because of their relationship with injury risk. The aim of this study is to analyze the following aspects: (a) to determine whether fatigue negatively affects landing technique after a jump, and (b) to test whether different metabolic and neuromuscular exercises have an effect on the landing technique. Materials and methods. The sample is composed of young female soccer players Under 14 (n = 29, 13.06 ± 1.27 years, 47.8 ± 2.6 kg; 143.2 ± 3.4 cm). Before and after two training protocols aimed at determining the state of fatigue (functional agility short-term fatigue protocol, and RSA protocol), landing technique was assessed using the Landing ErrorScoring System (LESS). Results. The LESS assessment for the pre-fatigue and post-functional agility short-term fatigue protocol conditions showed a value of 6.78 ± 0.81 and 8.74 ± 0.77 respectively (p > 0.001, ES: 1.39). The LESS assessment for the post-RSA protocol condition was 8.52 ± 0.87; this score was statistically significantly higher than the pre-fatigue condition (p > 0.001, ES: 1.24). Conclusions. Intensive exercise, both neuromuscular and metabolic, appears to have an effect on the landing technique of young female soccer players.

Background and study aim. The warm-up phase in youth soccer can be used to introduce drills that do not find space within the training session. Core district exercises give stability to the trunk and hips, allowing for increased performance and reducing the risk of non-contact injuries. This study aims to test the effects of a warm up integrated with core stability exercises on the motor abilities in young soccer players. Material and methods. Young soccer players (n=32, 12.45±0.52 years, 1.49±0.05 m, 44±2.90 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (EG=17) and control group (CG=15). The EG performed an integrated warm-up with core stability tasks for 6 weeks (12 sessions). The CG followed the usual training schedule based on technical tactical and physical drills. Performance was assessed through broad jump, Hop test, Side Hop test, 10-meter sprint and 10x5-meter shuttle test. Results. Data analysis returns some statistically significant differences in intergroup comparison (T1): for broad jump (p = .008), for left limb Hop test (p = .02), for right limb Hop test (p = .02), for left limb Side Hop (p = .03), for right limb Side Hop (p = .04), for sprint 10-meters (p = .002), for shuttle run 10x5-meters (p = .03). Conclusions. The core stability exercises in the warm up seems to increase some performance correlated with the motor abilities stressed in the soccer. The warm up through appropriate modifications can represent, a useful and integrative moment to elicit more factors of performance and prevention.

Da alcuni anni l’approccio ecologico dinamico ha trovato sempre più spazio per promuovere l’acquisizione di abilità tecniche e competenze motorie trasversali soprattutto nello sport giovanile, ma risulta modesta l’analisi sullo sviluppo delle capacità motorie nei giovani sportivi. La ricerca si prefigge di descrivere gli effetti a breve termine dell’approccio ecologico dinamico su alcuni indicatori di salute in giovani praticanti sport. Il campione è rappresentato da 27 giovani calciatori che sono stati suddivisi random in gruppo di avviamento allo sport mediante approccio ecologico dinamico (GED) e gruppo di avviamento allo sport di tipo tradizionale (GC). Il confronto ha rivelato che il GED ha mostrato valori significativamente più alti (p

IntroductionThe present study aims to assess PE teachers' perception about the use of teaching styles during curricular lessons.MethodsThe sample involved a total of 83 PE teachers (M = 41, F = 42, main age = 43,74 ± 10,76) divided according to years of service (0–4 = 36%, 5–10 = 34%, and over 10 = 30%) and academic training (Higher Institutes of Physical Education = 44% and master's degree = 56%). Teachers complete a digitalized version of a self-produced questionnaire to assess how many times they use each teaching styles during the last month.ResultsResults show that (a) reproduction rather than production teaching styles were often used, while reproduction teachings styles were most frequently used regardless of years of service.DiscussionFuture research should investigate PE teacher's behavior to enhance the quality of physical education in school.

Background: Soccer is a sport that requires very complex movements performed at high speeds: running, jumping, decelerating, changing direction or running direction, and kicking are complex movements that require high control and significant joint stability at all ages. Control of the body and individual body districts becomes important for both performance and injury prevention. Objective: This study aims to verify the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM) values in different categories of players, from the youth leagues to professional soccer players. Methods: A sample of soccer players (n=112) took part in the study. The sample was subdivided according to their category, resulting in the following subgroups: a) professional soccer players (PSP, n=56,), Under 19 - Primavera (U19, n=29), Under 17 (U17, n=27). The FMS protocol was used to assess the seven functional movements and the associated risk of non-contact injury. Results: Statistically significant differences emerged in the total scores between the U17 group and the PSP group (14.8±2.9 vs 19.1±1.4, p

Study purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate jumping performance and lower limbs strength asymmetry in young soccer players by comparing this movement performed on both a conventional surface and a sand surface. Materials and methods. 20 young soccer players under 17 years old randomly performed a standing long jump, a single hop jump in the sagittal plane (Hop Jump Test) and a single side hop jump in the frontal plane (Side Hop Jump Test), first on a conventional surface (natural grass) and then on sand. The jump distance and strength asymmetry was calculated using the formula: (NDL / DL) x 100. Results. The values from the two different jumping conditions showed a statistically significant decrease in the Broad Jump Test (p

Currently, research in youth soccer consists of methodological choices that can raise activity volumes and exercise intensity to promote proper training for youth soccer demands. Therefore, the present cluster randomised trial aims to evaluate the effects of the dynamic–ecological approach on the physical performance parameters compared with a traditional one in a group of sub-elite U13 players. Thirty-five male children (age 12.16 ± 0.55 years; weight 45.59 ± 7.15 kg; height 145.5 ± 4.2 cm; BMI 15.8 ± 2.1 kg·m−2) were recruited for this trial from two teams belonging to sub-elite soccer schools and randomly assigned to a dynamic–ecological approach (DEA) or a traditional training (TTG) group. The training program lasted six weeks and consisted of 18 training sessions of 90 min each (3 sessions per week). The sample was evaluated by the standing long jump (SLJ), hop test (HT), 10 m sprint (10 m), 10 × 5 m shuttle run test (SRT), and leg raise test (LR). The DEA group showed significantly higher results in the SLJ (p < 0.001), HT left leg (p < 0.001), 10 m sprint (p < 0.001), and SRT (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the dynamic–ecological approach provides higher performance adaptations. Therefore, this approach can be considered a suitable method to optimise pre-pubertal player training, mainly when no fitness or strength coach is available.

Questo studio si prefigge di aprire un dibattito sul tema dell’apprendimento motorio e dell’apprendimento trasferibile. L’apprendimento motorio qualitativo sollecita il ricorso a modelli didattici basati sulle evidenze e a buone pratiche generalizzabili. Il modello degli stili di insegnamento nell’ambito dell’educazione motoria e sportiva richiede un’analisi attenta dei quadri teorici all’interno dei quali attuare un efficace processo didattico. L’obiettivo di questo studio è declinare i presupposti metodologici dell’approccio ecologico dinamico all’apprendimento in chiari orientamenti didattici per la strutturazione di ambienti di apprendimento funzionali all’acquisizione di competenze motorie e sportive, flessibili e non rigide, vincolate all’esperienza di apprendimento tout court. Per tali motivi è stata condotta un’analisi della letteratura più recente, evidenziando i contributi più significativi all’interno del dibattito attuale.

The study purpose.The Small-side games (SSG) are high intensity drills very popular in soccer training. The knowledge of the acute effects of the exercises that make up the training session is very relevant especially to reduce youth soccer injury risk. This study aim to assessment the acute effects of SSG on hamstring eccentric strength and to know the lower limb strength asymmetries (LLSA) in young soccer players. Materials and methods. The sample is composed of male young soccer players Under 17 (n = 24, 16.6 ± 0.5 years, 168.8 ± 4.6 cm, 58.2 ± 3.5 kg). Before and after SSG (4vs4, 3×4 min, 3min recovery, no goalkeepers) the hamstring eccentric strength and the lower limb eccentric strength asymmetry were evaluated used a specific dynamometer (N3 Easytech, Italy) and relative software. Every young soccer player performed a single repetition of the Nordic hamstring exercise with dynamometer; after about 2 minutes, instead, they performed 5 repetitions of the same exercise, without interruption. For both assessments, were detected the eccentric strength and the LLSA. Results. The hamstring eccentric strength assessment show substantial and statistically significant differences in the assessment in comparison pre-post values. A significant reduction was observed for eccentric strength peak (p < 0.018 and p < 0.014 for right/left limb), for eccentric average strength (p < 0.017 and p < 0.006 for right/left limb). The eccentric peak strength asymmetry value and the average strength asymmetry value revealed a significant increase (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. The reduction of strength after SSG requires careful consideration of the exercises order in the training session. The practitioners can plan training sessions and apply SSGs more effectively, with more attention to the effects on hamstrings.

Objective. One of the most widely used training methodologies in football is high intensity interval training (HIIT), which aims to improve performance through training sessions characterised by exercises that involve alternating percentage load intensity. In the literature, although there are studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of HIIT in improving quantitative aspects, i.e. different expressions of strength, there are not as many studies that attest to the same effectiveness in improving qualitative components, i.e. elements related to the precision of specific football gestures. The study purpose was to verify whether the application of a specific HIIT protocol for football over a given period of time can be equally effective in simultaneously improving the quantitative and precision components. Materials and methods. The sample analysed consisted of 16 movement players from the ASD Nuova Antoniana sports club, aged between 14 and 15 years. The sample was subjected to a mesocycle of training lasting 8 weeks characterised by the HIIT methodology. Before and after this period, data were collected by means of a battery of tests aimed at assessing rapid, explosive, fast and resistant strength, and passing and shooting skills: the parameters relating to expressions of strength were assessed by means of quantitative tests specific to each parameter; passing and shooting skills were assessed by means of accuracy score tests (from 0 to 4 according to accuracy). Results. The results showed an improvement in all tested parameters (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, the effectiveness of the protocol in improving football performance in terms of quantity and accuracy is confirmed. Conclusions. This study has increased knowledge of the effects of the HIIT protocol on the performance of young football players.

Study purpose. This study aimed to describe, analyze and compare the high intensity in internal and external load deriving from Large-Sided Games (LSG) exercises during the 4vs4 and 5vs5 formats, with goalkeepers. Materials and methods. The study participants were 22 professional soccer players (average age: 23.59±4.87 years, weight: 77.8±7.6 kg; height: 183.5±7.5 cm). The 4vs4 + 2 goalkeepers format was performed on a 60x54 m field (324 m2per player), while the 5vs5 + 2 goalkeepers format was performed on a 65 x 60 m field (325 m2 per player). During the two LSG exercises, the internal load and the external load were analyzed. The LSG exercises were performed in 4 sets of 5 minutes each, with 2 minutes of passive recovery between each set. Results. The data obtained show that the 4vs4 is the LSG exercise that succeeds in ensuring high exercise intensity: the time spent between 90-100% of the Heart Rate (HR) is significantly higher than in the 5vs5 (p

The study purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze and understand the internal and external load in Large Sided Games (LSG) exercises carried out on fields of different sizes, defined as Small – Large Sided Games (SLSG) and Big – Large Sided Games (BLSG), according to the different square meters assigned to each player. Materials and methods. 22 professional soccer players (average age: 23.59 ± 4.87 years, weight: 77.8 ± 7.6 kg, height: 183.5 ± 7.5 cm, age training: 13.1 ± 1.7). The LSG exercises were carried out on a 60 x 54 m field (270 m2/player), defined as "small" (SLSG) and on a 65 x 60 m field (325 m2/player) defined as "big" (BLSG). During the two LSG exercises, the internal load and the external load were analyzed. LSG exercises were performed with 4 sets of 5 minutes each, with 2 minutes of passive recovery between each set. Results. The results of the internal load analysis show how the LSG carried out on a SLSG field provides higher and more significant HR values (p < 0.0005) than those emerged during the exercise carried out on a BLSG field. The RPE value is also higher during the SLSG, although statistically no significant difference appears. The analysis of the external load in relation with the observed parameters shows higher values in the BLSG, except for the number of accelerations. Conclusions. In terms of external and internal load, the results of this study showed how the difference of 55 m2/player can radically change the configuration of the two exercises. These differences allow to use both dimensions within a micro-cycle, but in sessions with different goals. The most appropriate sessions for LSGs are the first post-match session in which the rest day is not gone and the fourth session 3 days before the match.

L’insegnamento delle abilità motorie e sportive può assicurare competenze motorie flessibili e trasferibili se si avvale di un solido impianto metodologico. Gli studi recenti svolti negli ambiti delle neuroscienze e le conseguenti applicazioni didattiche, hanno accelerato lo studio sulla selezione dei contenuti, modalità organizzative e metodologie in educazione fisica e nell’avviamento allo sport, per integrare e modulare fattori inerenti la quantità e la qualità delle proposte pratiche. In questo studio si affronta il tema del Teaching Game for Understanding (TGfU), modello di intervento metodologico che assume il ruolo di facilitatore dell’apprendimento e di promotore di analisi e comprensione dell’attività. L’abilità dell’insegnante nel porre domande e la capacità di sviluppare attività appropriate per rispondere alle domande, sono fondamentali per il successo motorio secondo il modello del TGfU e per avvalersi di un modello pedagogico di insegnamento di qualità. L’interazione degli stili d’insegnamento consentirà all’allievo di scegliere ed eseguire le varianti esecutive più appropriate e di legare precedenti acquisizioni alle proposte motorie in corso di svolgimento per strutturare apprendimenti aperti e non-lineari.

Introduction: The benefits of physical activity are mainly reflected in the identification of successful ageing models that reduce negative evaluations of ageing; the attempt of physicians and exercise experts is to adapt motor proposals to the needs of individuals over 70-years-old in order to help increase their sense of selfefficacy, perception of security and life satisfaction. Purpose:This study aims to (a) verify the effectiveness of physical activity carried out in a recreational form on the motor skills of people over 70 years old and, (b) to ascertain what level of adherence may actually be beneficial. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, observational cohort study using data from the socio-health project "Wellness Waterfront" activated in the city of Bisceglie (Italy) from May 2022 to August 2022. Data were obtained from the project database until August 31, 2023. The project involved the sedentary population over 70 years old residing in the city. A sample (n=107) of women over 75 years old (76.4±3.3 years, 68.8±9.4 kg, 166.4±6.2) participated in the survey. The 8-foot-upand-go, 5-reps sit-to-stand, Single-leg-stance test, Functional Reach test and Falls Efficacy Scale International were presented at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks of recreational physical activity. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in the 33.5%-70% adherence subgroup (baseline vs final values, p<0.05) in the assessments of the 5-reps sit-to-stand, Single-leg-stance test, Functional Reach test and Falls Efficacy Scale International. The subgroup with >70% adherence showed statistically significant differences (baseline vs final values, p<0.01) in the 8-foot-up-and-go, the 5-reps sit-to-stand, the Single-leg-stance test, the Functional Reach test, and the Falls Efficacy Scale International. The subgroup with >70% adherence also showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) when comparing the final values against the 33.3%-70% adherence subgroup in the assessments of the 8-foot-up-and go, the 5-reps sit-to-sand, the Single-leg-stance test, the Functional Reach test, and the Falls Efficacy Scale International. Conclusion: The values obtained in this study from the group with adherence > 70% are in line with what has been shown in the literature even with younger age samples. The results obtained by the group with adherence between 33.3% and 70%, while showing a statistically significant difference from the values recorded in the baseline, are below what has been obtained from multimodal motor activity programs in the literature. This aspect would suggest that recreational-type activities were effective for the group's baseline condition, but the results obtained are far from what could actually be achieved with higher adherence. The potential from recreational physical activities presented free of charge to reach the greatest number of people has significant social and health value. Recreational physical activities represent the first step in bringing individuals over 70years-old closer to active lifestyles. Indeed, they have easily modulated intensity levels and allow presenting motor tasks adapted to the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Youth soccer imposes a series of high-intensity movements that require adequate levels of explosive strength from the earliest categories of competition. The organization of training sessions is a very timely issue in youth soccer because it requires careful analysis of modulating loads and managing the duration of training sessions. For these reasons, the following should be sought: a) effective organizational solutions for training the young player, and b) drills and loads that can meet the time allocated to training sessions. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyse and understand the effects of integrative neuromuscular pitch training on strength values and sprint performances in the young soccer players. Materials and methods.37 young male soccer players (all movement players) from youth national team in the 2020/21 season (14.31 ± 0.64 years, weight: 48.96± 6.72 kg; height: 161.1± 9.2 cm, age training: 8,1 ± 1,2 years) have been randomly divided into Experimental Group, EG (n=17) and Control Group, CG (n=20). The EG completed a total of 16 training sessions directed at neuromuscular training on the pitch: two 30-minute sessions/week over a 8-week period. The CG followed an identical training schedule, but training sessions consisted of soccer-specific drills only. The performances were assessed in the One-Leg Hop test, Side-Hop test, CounterMovement Jump (CMJ),10 metres sprint test and 20 metres sprint test. Results. The data analysis returns the highlights significant intergroup results (T0 vs T1): the One-Leg Hop test left limb (p = .05, d = -2,67), the Side test left (p= .0005, d= -6.40) and right limb (p= .0005, d= 5.32), the CMJ test ((p= .0005, d= -6.96), the 10 metres sprint test (p= .001, d= -2.04) and the 20 metres sprint test (p= .001, d= -2.25). Conclusions. The integrative neuromuscular pitch training seem to respond effectively to two needs of the young soccer player: the lower limb strength values increase and the sprint performance increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]