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INTRODUCTION Recent study displayed significantly lower mean resilience of athletes with a physical disability than those reported in other studies with the general population(1). This study aimed to analyze whether there are differences or/and similarities between wheelchair tennis players (WTP) and able-bodied tennis players (TP) and to investigate about the characteristics of resilience. METHODS 80 participants: 39 WTP and 41 TP. Several tools have been used: a personal data collection form and 6 self-report questionnaires (1: Italian Adaptation of Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, CD-RISC; 2: Trait Sport-Confidence Inventory, TSCI; 3: Italian Adaptation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale, GSE; 4: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, ERQ; 5: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, MSPSS; 6: Inventory of Stressful and Traumatic Life Events, STLE). The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS 16 statistics program. RESULTS The analysis of CD-RISCs showed: 18% of WTP had a level of resilience beneath 30 compared to 46% of TP; 82% of WTP had a good/excellent ability to manage stress compared to 54% of TP. Through the analysis of TSCIs, no significant differences of confidence emerged between WTP and TP. GSEs showed: 78% of WTP had a self-efficacy of more than 30 compared to 64% of able-bodied players. The analysis of ERQs showed that TP controlled emotions slightly better than WTP and that WTP suppressed emotions more than TP. MSPSSs showed that TP perceived social support slightly higher than WTP. Through the analysis of STLEs, it was noted that 15% of WTP had suffered a high level of traumatic events during the life compared to 8% of TP. CONCLUSION The majority of WTP of this study have a higher level of resilience than the majority of TP. The most significant result concerns the self- efficacy which was higher in WTP. Further research is needed to study any correlations between the different aspects of resilience. The strength of this study is its inno

Children and adolescents with haematological malignancies (pedHM) are characterized by a severe loss of exercise ability during cancer treatment, lasting throughout their lives once healed and impacting their social inclusion prospects. The investigation of the effect of a precision-based exercise program on the connections between systems of the body in pedHM patients is the new frontier in clinical exercise physiology. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of 11 weeks (3 times weekly) of combined training (cardiorespiratory, resistance, balance and flexibility) on the exercise intolerance in PedHM patients. Two-hundred twenty-six PedHM patients were recruited (47% F). High or medium frequency participation (HAd and MAd) was considered when a participant joined; > 65% or between 30% and < 64% of training sessions, respectively. The “up and down stairs’’ test (TUDS), “6 min walking” test (6MWT), the “5 Repetition Maximum strength” leg extension and arm lateral raise test (5RM-LE and 5RM-ALR), flexibility (stand and reach), and balance (stabilometry), were performed and evaluated before and after training. The TUDS, the 5RM-LE and 5RM-ALR, and the flexibility exercises showed an increase in HAd and MAd groups (P < 0.05), while the 6MWT and balance tests showed improvement only in HAd group (P < 0.0001). these results support the ever‐growing theory that, in the case of the treatment of PedHM, ‘exercise is medicine’ and it has the potential to increase the patient’s chances of social inclusion.

Introduction Rehabilitation and full sport recovery after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury and reconstructive surgery need perseverance and willpower. The difficulties normally experienced by patients after injury can be overcome with high motivation during the recovery period (1, 2). The aim of this study was to explore which motivational factors were linked to a good compliance of a rehabilitation path, in order to better understand how professionals could support patients in coping with difficulties. Methods Five male football players. (aged 13 to 38 years) ranging from recreational to competitive athletes, previously undergone ACL surgical reconstruction followed by knee rehabilitation were recruited for this qualitative study. We conducted semi-structured interviews, specifically focusing on: 1) relationship with football 2) the injury 3) the recovery process with particular attention to surgery and rehabilitation. The interviews were conducted by a psychologist in the Rehabilitation Centre Isokinetic of Milan, in the winter months of 2014-15. We were interested in understanding their decision to opt for surgery, what information they had, what were their expectations. Moreover, we wanted to know how the rehabilitation period was. We applied a semi projective tool (fill in a graphic line that represents their feeling in the main steps of the path, starting from before the injury and arriving to the present). Results The injury was a different experience for the patients, in some cases it was described as a trauma, in other cases they did not appreciate its severity. They were quite worried about undergoing rehabilitation post- the surgery but their will to return to play football was the main helping factor. Finally, the football players reported this experience (the injury and the care process) as a very formative moment of their life which also helped with their self-esteem. Conclusion The interviews clearly show the importance of understanding the pat

Introduction Several tests are commonly used to evaluate the hamstring and low-back flexibility in health-related physical fitness batteries. They are, in general, referred to the sit-and-reach (SAR) test. The most popular and easy to perform are the V-shape leg position by American College Sport Medicine (1) and that proposed by the Eurofit Battery protocol (2). In this study, the correlation between anthropometric characteristic and the lower back RoM measure was analysed in female university students. Materials and methods A total of 106 female sport science university students (age range 23–19 yr; SD± 1.2 yr) volunteered to the study. The main inclusion criteria were the absence of musculoskeletal injuries and of low back pain. Each participant underwent two different SAR tests performed in two different days of the week. No warm up or specific exercises were performed prior the flexibility performance. Body mass was measured to the nearest 0.5 kg on a beam-balance scale and stature was measured to the nearest 1 cm with a stadiometer. Body Mass Index was calculated and the length between the greater trochanter and the lateral malleolus (with knee in full extension) was measured to define the proportion of lower limbs. The length of the spine (C7-L5) were also measured. All protocol procedures were carried out by the same operator and in the same gym. Results The anthropometric characteristic were for body mass 55.3 ± 5.2 kg and 1.67 ± 0.05 m for height. On average the BMI was 19.8 ± 1.5. The SAR result was 47.2 ± 11.3 cm about V-leg position while the European protocol assessed 11.2 ± 7.6 cm. The coefficient of variation was 0.23 and 0.67, respectively. No significant correlations were found between the anthropometric and ROM. The underweight female performed 50 cm and 14.7 cm for American and European protocol respectively. Discussion These kind of test have a good relation with hamstring flexibility even if do not separate the muscular and joint effects (3); h

Introduction Several tests are commonly used to evaluate the hamstring and low-back flexibility in health-related physical fitness batteries. They are, in general, referred to the sit-and-reach (SAR) test. The most popular and easy to perform are the V-shape leg position by American College Sport Medicine (1) and that proposed by the Eurofit Battery protocol (2). In this study, the correlation between anthropometric characteristic and the lower back RoM measure was analysed in female university students. Materials and methods A total of 106 female sport science university students (age range 23–19 yr; SD± 1.2 yr) volunteered to the study. The main inclusion criteria were the absence of musculoskeletal injuries and of low back pain. Each participant underwent two different SAR tests performed in two different days of the week. No warm up or specific exercises were performed prior the flexibility performance. Body mass was measured to the nearest 0.5 kg on a beam-balance scale and stature was measured to the nearest 1 cm with a stadiometer. Body Mass Index was calculated and the length between the greater trochanter and the lateral malleolus (with knee in full extension) was measured to define the proportion of lower limbs. The length of the spine (C7-L5) were also measured. All protocol procedures were carried out by the same operator and in the same gym. Results The anthropometric characteristic were for body mass 55.3 ± 5.2 kg and 1.67 ± 0.05 m for height. On average the BMI was 19.8 ± 1.5. The SAR result was 47.2 ± 11.3 cm about V-leg position while the European protocol assessed 11.2 ± 7.6 cm. The coefficient of variation was 0.23 and 0.67, respectively. No significant correlations were found between the anthropometric and ROM. The underweight female performed 50 cm and 14.7 cm for American and European protocol respectively. Discussion These kind of test have a good relation with hamstring flexibility even if do not separate the muscular and joint effects (3); h

INTRODUCTION In recent years a new line of research studies confirmed the relationship between the main personality traits and the injury risk, especially among soccer players (Johnson and Ivarsson, 2013). In addict, findings from other studies, including soccer playersas participant, suggest that psychological factors such as competitive stress, anxiety and daily hassles are associate with increase injury risk (Adie, Duda et al., 2010). The aim of this study was to trace an early personological profile of the male soccer players who are prone to injuries. METHOD: The participants of the study were 100 soccer male players (aged 18 to 45 years), 37 defenders, 39 midfielders, 24 strikers. Each player filled in a qualitative questionnaire about his personal characteristics and sport practice (trainings, matches, etc.) and any previous injury. The participants also completed the Big Five Questionnaire (Caprara et al, 1993), that studies the big personality traits (open-mindedness, conscientiousness, energy, agreeableness, neuroticism/emotional stability). RESULTS: The data were tested for correlations between personality traits and number of injuries (divided in specific types). Meniscal injuries were positively correlated with conscientiousness (rho = 0,209, p <0,05); tendinopathies were negative correlated with agreeableness (rho = - 0,223, p <0.05), emotional stability (rho = - 0,280, p <0,05) and open-mindedness (rho = - 0,200, p <0,05). Fractures were also negatively related with agreeableness (rho = - 0,255, p <0,05) and emotional stability (rho = - 0,376, p <0,01). Personality differences between subjects who reported injuries and those that did not were also explored. Players with past meniscal injuries were found to be also more conscientious (Mann- Whitney’s Test, p <0,05); players with past tendinopathies had lower values of agreeableness (T test, p <0.05), emotional stability and open-mindedness (T test, p <0.05); finally players with past microfractures (ti

INTRODUCTION: Current literature demonstrates that injury may have important psychological implications for competitive athletes including disruptions in mood state, a loss of positive social identity and uncertainties regarding the prospects of a return to pre-injury competitive levels. However, there is limited knowledge on the influence of psychological factors on football injuries. The aim of this study was to examine how much an injury-prone personality profile and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can influence the risk of injury in adult football players. A self-administered questionnaire inquired about the anxiety disorders as well as personality traits. METHOD: A population of 100 football players was divided into 3 groups: 52 players aged 18-25 yrs, 32 players aged 26-35 yrs, 16 players aged 36- 45 yrs. Data gathering was based on an epidemiological questionnaire, the Big Five Questionnaire (Caprara, et al, 1993) and the Stai -Trait Anxiety Inventory with subscales Y-1 and Y-2 (Spielberger, et al, 1968). The participants were asked to rate questions using testspecific scales. Factor analysis of the data was performed and the matrixes of correlation were tested with Principal Components (Oblimin Rotation) using SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Factor analysis simplified the variables, and the most significant ones were interpreted. The Big Five broad factors (dimensions) of personality traits are: Extraversion -Agreeableness - Conscientiousness – Neuroticism-Openness to Experience The STAI Form Y measures anxiety and clearly differentiates between the temporary condition of “state anxiety” and the more general and long-standing quality of “trait anxiety”. RESULTS: Our football players were mainly midfielders (39) and defenders (31), with most active for > 10 yrs. Clinical examination revealed that most prevalent injuries were muscle and ankle strains (68%) and most injuried anatomical structures were ligaments followed by tend

Introduction During adolescence (A) individuals experiment a great number of changes in their own body. At the same time, physical activity represents an important element for health and physical efficiency. Unfortunatly, PA practice often ceases at the start of high school. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of 14 y old students during their first week in high school. Data were collected for 7 consecutive years (2005-2011). Material and methods Every year in September the students of an high school (Milano city) performed the 1000m run test. All students followed the same path and were assessed by the same teacher. Over than 500 students (228 M and 280 F) were tested during the first lesson of Physical Education (PE). Thus, every year 72 students (on average) were tested about physical efficacy during the transition from middle to high school. Thus a useful baseline could use to set the educational programs. All students lived in the city (1) since their birth. Results These tests show a different trend between boys and girls. In particular, boys increased the performance during years while girls are fluctuating. Boys students run the test in 293sec ± 34 (data pooled within years) while girls in 338sec ± 32. The best performances were 210 and 251 sec (M and F respectively) while the worst 416 and 445 sec. In 2005, male run the test in 318 sec while during September 2011 the 14y old students took only 285 sec. Indeed boys decrease, every years, the time spent to run the test of about 5,5 sec. Girls were not constant or regular following a decreasing or increasing trend. Their were, always, more slow than their same age mates: from 5 sec (in 2005) to 71 sec (in 2006) of difference. The best years for girls was 2005: mean speed about 3,1 m/sec. Girls shown a minor variability (each years) while boys group obtained variation close to 45 sec. Discussion The use of motor fields tests allows a valuable monitoring about physical skills. The repeti

Introduction Urban environment may effect the physical practice, of the student population. Many sporting facilities are present in a city but sedentary approach is more typical in a city than in a rural environment. Often, in a large city (like Milano) students play sport or engage in physical activity only during physical education classes (1). The purpose of this study was to compare the same physical performance after five years: during the first and last years of high school course. Material and methods During the first month of high school (September 2005) the Physical Education teacher assessed the 1000m run test to their student. After five years (September 2011) 196 students (108 male and 88 female) repeated the test. All phases of the test were carried-out by the same teacher in the same path (outdoor). All students were sedentary and lived in the city since their birth. Results In the first session boys spent 5min (±28s) to cover the path while girls used 42s (±43sec) more than male (340 s). No girls used less than 300 sec while only one boy run 1000m more than 360sec. After 5 years the 70% of boys increase the performance using, on average, 42s less to cover the run distance. The girls showed a poor improvement: only 55% of them decrease the time. Mean speed of the girls was 2,96m/sec. Both boys and girls decrease the mean variation: boys from 37 to 34sec; girls from 43 to 30sec. The best gaps between the two tests were 60sec and 94sec for females and males respectively. No significant correlations were found between time spent and anthropometric characteristics. Also, after five years, the performance did not correlate with weight and height: r=0,006; r=0,21 and r=0,28; r=0,19 within male and female respectively. Discussion The current data show population’s characteristics that seem specific of a city environment. Indeed only the sedentary students who play games and perform physical activity during Physical Education classes showed improved running pe

The aim of this inquiry is to find out the training needs of Physical Education teachers. The objective of this inquiry is to find out: • to what extent the PE teachers feel the need for training • what are the most appealing themes for the training courses • when to carry out the training courses Methodology The inquiry has been carried out via means of a questionnaire. The teachers have expressed their choice by putting a cross on the Likert scale, where 1 means of little importance and 7 of great importance; there were also 2 open questions. Sample examined 181 teachers were interviewed, 86 Male and 95 Female, 57 teaching in secondary schools with students aged 11-14 years, 124 teaching in secondary schools with students aged 14-19. The interviewees were between 26 and 62 years. The questions were subdivided into 3 groups 1. Need for training 2. Most relevant areas for training 3. Favoured instruments for the training Results From our data we can see that: 1. 74.78% of the interviewed felt a strong need for training 2. The interest for training in sport, dance, expressivity and fitness was 75,6%; 54.9% want training in cross-sectional assessment, disability and coping with adolescent problems; 74.39% teachers prefer to have training during the school year, 72,8% want it organized by the state and 73,7% want increased salary after training and near the place of work. 3. 80.66% had attended a training course, 76.8% consulted books or magazines, and 11.51% the internet. Conclusion There is a great deal of interest for specific training; the state and the university should take care of this need. References Gatti R.,(2002) Saper Sapere. La Motivazione come obiettivo educativo. Carocci Roma Migani C.,(2004) Dal disagio scolastico alla promozione del benessere. Carocci Roma Cavalli A., (2000) Gli insegnanti nella scuola che cambia. R. Cortina Milano Cattaneo P., (2004) Guida alla professione docente. La Tecnica della Scuola. Catania

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