Search Results (25)

(1) Background: This study evaluated whether physical activity and sports serve as a protective factor in mitigating COVID-19 pandemic long-term consequences. (2) Methods: A survey of 1702 participants (8–18 years) used the Impact of Event Scale (IES), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). Participants were categorized based on their engagement in sports, cultural activities, or sedentary behaviors. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests, CHAID models, and clustering. (3) Results: In total, 65.5% of participants experienced minimal to mild anxiety, and 34.5% reported moderate to severe anxiety. The main predictor of depression is the sample age, followed by the training experience. Depressive symptoms were identified in 71.3% of participants (75.7% adolescents; 64% children). Adolescents with longer training experience (67.6%) showed lower depression compared to those with shorter experience (77.2%). For post-traumatic stress, 38% of children and 46% of adolescents exceeded cut-off scores for significant symptoms, with age and training level identified as key predictors. Among children, sport experience with low weekly frequency was associated with the lowest depression rates (59.5%). (4) Conclusions: Four years after the pandemic, a high percentage of anxiety and depression disorders is observed in the youth population, particularly among adolescents. Sports appear to slightly alleviate this serious condition. Full article

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess the impact of a 12-week intervention of two 20-min sessions per week, combining aerobic exercise with whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS), on physical and cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: A total of 61 participants (age = 71 ± 5.64 years), healthy or at risk for dementia, were randomly assigned to an experimental training group (ETG, n = 33) and a control group (CON, n = 28). Participants underwent 20-min aerobic training sessions, with intensity increasing from 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve (HRR), with and without continuous WB-EMS stimulation (35 Hz, 350 μs). Results: Significant time/effects for both the ETG and CON were found in the physical performance tests, with significant time*group interactions favoring the ETG for the arm curl test (p < 0.001) and the sit-to-stand test, with significant differences between groups (p = 0.001), as well as for the hand grip test (p < 0.001) and the 6-min walking test (p < 0.001), with significant time*group interactions (p = 0.003). Both groups improved their performance on the soda pop test (p < 0.001). ETG outperformed CON in memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.046; RAVLT immediate recall, p < 0.001) and on selective attention and visuospatial processing (attention matrices, p = 0.014). Some cognitive tests showed no significant improvement, likely due to the short intervention period for cognitive function (MMSE, p = 0.628; TMT, p = 0.698; Stroop error, p = 0.188) or memory performance (PROSA, p = 0.338). Conclusion: The absence of decline suggests a protective effect of physical activity. WB-EMS, combined with aerobic training, enhances the benefits of physical activity and helps counteract cognitive decline in older adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: This case study involved a 24-year-old male with an arteriovenous malformation localized in the long head of the right biceps femoris muscle, with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The aim was to assess the effects of a five-week kinesiological protocol, which included global postural re-education and strengthening exercises focused on knee stabilization. Methods: The effectiveness of the therapeutic intervention was evaluated using Gait Analysis, clinical examination, and the SF-36 questionnaire to assess the patient’s quality of life. Results: The study revealed significant postural improvements, including the restoration of the spine’s physiological curves, with kyphosis angles measuring 44.7° in indifferent orthostasis and 41.7° in self-corrected standing; and lumbar lordosis measuring 32.8° in indifferent orthostasis and 41.9° in self-corrected standing. Additionally, there was a restoration of the correct knee, hip, and ankle angles, along with a shift in the principal axis of the center of pressure from 7.6° pre-intervention to 12.9° post-intervention. The patient’s perception of physical efficiency also improved, increasing from 60% to 75% over the treatment period. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the kinesiological treatment was confirmed by the improvement in gait stability and overall strengthening. The patient’s active involvement in the treatment process enhanced his confidence in its success, ensuring adherence to the protocols. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week visual training protocol, based on the Science Vision Training Academy (SVTA) method, on reaction times and executive functions in high-ranking fencers. Methods: Twenty-seven fencers, aged 17.34 ± 3.63 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental Visual Training Group (VTG = 16) and a Control Group (CG = 11). The VTG, in addition to regular fencing training, underwent SVTA training two times per week using six different visual modules, while the CG followed only their traditional fencing training. Simple and complex reaction times and movement times were assessed before and after the intervention using the Fit-Light System. Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in all four reaction time tests: simple reaction time with and without a weapon and complex reaction time ability (motor inhibition ability) with and without a weapon (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups. A significant Time* Group interaction was found in the short reaction time and movement time (p < 0.001). This trend suggests that, although genetically determined and difficult to significantly improve through training, short reaction time can be stimulated through SVTA protocols. Conclusions: Training in realistic conditions is always preferable to non-ecological protocols; however, the SVTA method may be beneficial to enhance simple reaction time in elite fencers. Full article

Well-being and social interaction are among the primary goals to be achieved for the elderly. Intergenerational physical activity (PA) has gained increasing attention due to its potential to encourage PA and social interaction, providing both social and physical benefits to both younger and older individuals. This review aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the potential roles of PA in facilitating intergenerational interactions and provide practical insights. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review identified specific keywords to search for articles that met the chosen inclusion and exclusion criteria (n. 5 RCT articles, selected between 2009 and 2024), conducted by three independent reviewers. Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science were consulted to identify relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. For the narrative dissertation, articles were identified across three key areas of focus: types of PA, age groups, and intended goals. Results: Few studies have specifically implemented PA protocols in intergenerational relationships, and most have planned remote activities without monitoring outcomes. The main advantages of intergenerational PA are oriented towards the social and relational sphere rather than simple PA involvement. Conclusions: For the elderly, these programs may help mitigate age-related deficits, while children and adolescents, when adapting to their older counterparts, experience greater effectiveness when provided with clear guidance during shared activities. Considering the characteristics and needs of individuals of different ages, different activities must be proposed to obtain different results. The organization of workshops and preparatory sessions will help in facilitating relationships and interactions among participants. Full article

The aim of this study was to assess whether the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents had decreased four years after the initial assessment. This study aimed to determine if children with an active lifestyle and participation in sports activities were protected against this traumatic stress. This study included a total of 284 Italian participants assessed at two different time points: the first assessment was conducted in 2020 when the children were aged 9–12 years, and a second assessment was carried out four years later when the participants were aged 13–16. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale–Revised questionnaire (IES-R), with the IES-8 and IES-15 versions used accordingly based on age group. In the 2020 assessment, 146 (51.4%) reported a score higher than the cut-off for significant traumatic stress, while in 2024, only 49 participants (17.2%). The chi-square analysis indicated that this decrement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). RM-ANOVA showed a significant reduction for both Intrusion Score and Avoidance Score (p < 0.001). A statistical interaction between gender and time was observed. There were weak correlations between the level of children’s sport practice, and no differences between those who engage in individual or team sports. Despite this study showing that young people are overcoming the pandemic crisis and its consequences, identifying potential modifiable risk factors and empowering protective factors remains crucial, especially for those who continue to experience psychological issues. The restrictions particularly impacted active children by disrupting their routine, which may have compromised the universally recognized protective value of sports. Full article

Three years after the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, a chronic post-COVID syndrome “LONG COVID” persists, causing fatigue and shortness of breath, along with distress, anxiety, and depression. Aim: To assess the impact of physical activity on the management and rehabilitation of LONG COVID, as well as to investigate the persistence of LONG COVID symptomatology in individuals over 40 years, beyond the pandemic. Methods: A total of 1004 participants (aged 53.45 ± 11.35) were recruited through an online snowball sampling strategy to complete a web-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE), Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). Results: Significant gender differences were discovered, with women reporting higher symptoms than men (p < 0.001). Significant age differences were also found, with participants under 55 showing higher values than those over 55 (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between aerobic and mixed physical activity (p > 0.05) while significant results emerged between physical activity groups and the no activity group (p < 0.001). The low-frequency group reported higher symptoms than the high-frequency group (all ps < 0.001). Conclusion: Regardless of the type of physical activity performed, our survey identified the frequency of training as a crucial factor to overcome LONG COVID symptoms; the challenge lies in overcoming the difficulties due to the persistent feelings of inefficiency and fatigue typical of those who have contracted the infection. Full article

The composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the cell membrane plays a crucial role in cell signaling and function. Physical activity can induce shifts in PUFA metabolism, potentially altering their membrane composition. Given the multifaceted regulatory and structural roles of PUFA, training-related fluctuations in PUFA concentrations may impact health and athletic performance in both elite and non-elite athletes, highlighting the critical role of these fatty acids’ nutritional intake. The ω-3 index (O3I), a biomarker reflecting the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes, is considered a marker of cardiovascular risk, gaining increasing interest in sports medicine. Dietary interventions aimed at maintaining an optimal O3I may offer several benefits for elite and non-elite athletes, including cardiovascular health performance optimization, recovery, and injury prevention. Here, we discuss emerging evidence on the application of O3I in sports and physical exercise, highlighting its promising role as a biomarker in a wide range of sports practices. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the static stabilometric parameters among elite fencers, were affected by prolonged, asymmetric training regimen. A sample of 26 elite fencers of both genders, aged 19.15 ± 2.24 years, practising one of the three disciplines foil, épée, or sabre, was recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements including thigh and calf circumferences and postural assessment based on the weight distribution on a stabilimeter platform were performed. Postural tone, as indicated by measures such as sway length and sway area ratio was calculated.. No notable anthropometric asymmetries were detected within the examined group The weight distribution patterns on the support quadrants in static stabilometric measurements did not suggest clinically significant issues. There were no significant differences among subgroups based on gender and lower limb dominance for both anthropometric and stabilimeter variables. However, 30.8% of participants showed anomalies in postural tone (hypertonic and hypotonic condition). Five out of eight athletes found with abnormal postural tone were foil fencers, suggesting a potential discipline-specific effect. Individual adjustments were found in foil fencers. These findings provide insights into the potential effects of fencing training on postural parameters among elite athletes. Full article

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

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

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training using a flywheel device applied to upper limbs, compared to traditional isotonic training, on strength and shot precision in tennis. Twenty-seven elite senior tennis players (age: 55.78 ± 2.69) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) using flywheel devices (n = 13) and a control group (CG) performing isotonic training (n = 14). The EG program included forehand, backhand, and one-handed shoulder press movements, while the CG performed seven resistance exercises on isotonic machines. A similar workout intensity was ensured using the Borg’s CR-10 scale. The assessment included a 30s arm curl test, a medicine ball throw test, and forehand/backhand/overhead shot precision tests. A significant time effect was found in the 30s arm curl test for the EG (F_(1,25) = 13.09; p = 0.001), along with a time * group interaction (F_(1,25) = 5.21; p = 0.031). A significant group difference was observed in the forehand shot precision test, where the EG achieved better scores than the CG and significant interaction time * group (F_(1,25) = 8.35; p = 0.008). In the shot backhand precision test, a significant effect of time (F_(1,25) = 5.01; p = 0.034) and significant time * group interaction were found (F_(1,25) = 4.50; p = 0.044), but there was no significant difference between groups. Resistance training with flywheel devices has shown potential in improving tennis performance. Applying overload to specific athletic movements during both concentric and eccentric phases in the EG has shown enhanced strength and neuromuscular coordination in relation to shot precision, thereby enabling simultaneous improvements in both conditioning and the technical aspects of fundamental tennis shots. Full article

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

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

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