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Background The aim of this study was to investigate if the supplementation with Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) juice may affect plasma redox balance and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters following a maximal effort test, in young physically active women. Methods A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and crossover study comprising eight women (23.25 ± 2.95 years, 54.13 ± 9.05 kg, 157.75 ± 0.66 cm and BMI of 21.69 ± 0.66 kg/m2) was carried out. A juice containing OFI diluted in water and a Placebo solution were supplied (170 ml; OFI = 50 ml of OFI juice + 120 ml of water; Placebo = 170 ml beverage without Vitamin C and indicaxanthin). Participants consumed the OFI juice or Placebo beverage every day for 3 days, before performing a maximal cycle ergometer test, and for 2 consecutive days after the test. Plasma hydroperoxides and total antioxidant capacity (PAT), Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) and HRV variables (LF, HF, LF/HF and rMSSD) were recorded at different time points. Results The OFI group showed significantly lower levels of hydroperoxides compared to the Placebo group in pre-test, post-test and 48-h post-test. PAT values of the OFI group significantly increased compared to those of the Placebo group in pre-test and 48-h post-test. SCS did not differ between groups. LF was significantly lower in the OFI group 24-h after the end of the test, whereas rMSSD was significantly higher in the OFI group 48-h post-test. Conclusion OFI supplementation decreased the oxidative stress induced by intense exercise and improved autonomic balance in physically active women.
Marianna Bellafiore; Anna Maria Pintaudi; Ewan Thomas; Luisa Tesoriere; Antonino Bianco; Angelo Cataldo; Dario Cerasola; Marcello Traina; Maria Antonia Livrea; Antonio Palma. Redox and autonomic responses to acute exercise-post recovery following Opuntia ficus-indica juice intake in physically active women. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2021, 18, 1 -10.
AMA StyleMarianna Bellafiore, Anna Maria Pintaudi, Ewan Thomas, Luisa Tesoriere, Antonino Bianco, Angelo Cataldo, Dario Cerasola, Marcello Traina, Maria Antonia Livrea, Antonio Palma. Redox and autonomic responses to acute exercise-post recovery following Opuntia ficus-indica juice intake in physically active women. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021; 18 (1):1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Bellafiore; Anna Maria Pintaudi; Ewan Thomas; Luisa Tesoriere; Antonino Bianco; Angelo Cataldo; Dario Cerasola; Marcello Traina; Maria Antonia Livrea; Antonio Palma. 2021. "Redox and autonomic responses to acute exercise-post recovery following Opuntia ficus-indica juice intake in physically active women." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 18, no. 1: 1-10.
Background: The relationship between mothers and their children’s lifestyle is still unclear, especially in disadvantaged areas. Consequently, the study aims to identify a path explaining the extent to which maternal eating habits and physical activity (PA) level predict food-related aspects, PA practice and Quotient of Gross Motor Development (QGMD) in preschoolers from disadvantaged urban areas. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 79 dyads of mothers and children were recruited from kindergartens. Information related to family socio-demographic aspects, mothers’ and children’s dietary intake frequencies and PA/sedentariness, mothers’ weight and height, mothers’ perception on children’s food intake, and children’s food literacy (FL) was collected with a questionnaire and the Food Literacy Assessment Tool (preschool-FLAT), while gross-motor skills were measured with the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD); weight and height of children were directly collected. Results: Associations were found between mothers’ and children’s food habits; mothers’ and children’s fruit/vegetables consumption, and intake of the other items; mothers’ education or PA level and children’s FL; mothers’ PA or sedentariness and children’s QGMD; mothers’ BMI and food habits and children’s BMI; education and food habits. Conclusions: These findings can be useful to plan effective interventions targeted both to preschoolers and their mothers of disadvantaged urban areas for promoting healthy lifestyles, which have become increasingly difficult to achieve during COVID-19 pandemic.
Garden Tabacchi; Luca Petrigna; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giovanni Navarra; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. An Interaction Path of Mothers’ and Preschoolers’ Food- and Physical Activity-Related Aspects in Disadvantaged Sicilian Urban Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 2875 .
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Luca Petrigna, Giuseppe Battaglia, Giovanni Navarra, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. An Interaction Path of Mothers’ and Preschoolers’ Food- and Physical Activity-Related Aspects in Disadvantaged Sicilian Urban Areas. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (6):2875.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Luca Petrigna; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giovanni Navarra; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2021. "An Interaction Path of Mothers’ and Preschoolers’ Food- and Physical Activity-Related Aspects in Disadvantaged Sicilian Urban Areas." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 6: 2875.
Stretching is commonly used to increase range of motion and flexibility. Therefore, investigations are usually oriented towards the muscle-tendon unit. Limited evidence exists regarding potential effects of stretching on peripheral nerves which lie within muscles. The objective of this investigation will be to elucidate the responses of peripheral nerves to stretching. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching protocols on responses of peripheral nerves were retrieved for investigation. The NHLBI tool was used for quality assessment. Outcomes included nerve stiffness, nerve displacement, pain pressure thresholds and resistive torque. A total of 10 studies were considered eligible and were included in this investigation. The quality assessment of the studies revealed an overall “fair to good” methodological quality across the included studies. All studies except for one involved healthy participants. High heterogeneity of stretching protocols was retrieved. As a consequence of stretching, nerve stiffness (-15.6%) and pain pressure thresholds (-1.9kg) decreased. Nerve displacements on each movement plane for all the considered nerves and nerve deformation were also frequently observed. Peripheral nerve responses to muscle stretching include decreased nerve stiffness and decreased pain pressure thresholds. Nerve displacement also frequently occurs. It is still unclear if reduced nerve displacement may lead to clinical outcomes. There is a lack of longitudinal studies regarding peripheral nerve adaptations to stretching.
Ewan Thomas; Marianna Bellafiore; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 2021, 20, 258 -267.
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Marianna Bellafiore, Luca Petrigna, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco. Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2021; 20 (2):258-267.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Marianna Bellafiore; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. 2021. "Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review." Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 20, no. 2: 258-267.
Many studies reported various relationships between 2000-m rowing performance and anthropometric as well as metabolic variables, however, little is known about 60-s mean power in elite youth athletes. The aim of this study was to develop different regression models to predict 2000-m rowing indoor performance time (t2000) using anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and mean power established during a 60-s all-out test (W60) in national elite youth rowers. Fifteen youth male Italian rowers (age: 15.7 ± 2.0 years; body height: 176.0 ± 8.0 cm; body mass: 71.2 ± 10.0 kg) performed an incremental maximal test, a 60-s all-out test and a 2000-m race simulation using a Concept2 rowing ergometer to assess VO2max, W60 and t2000, respectively. The relationships of all variables with t2000 were investigated through Pearson’s correlation. Multiple regression analyses were used to verify the best prediction model of 2000-m indoor rowing performance. The reliability of these models was expressed by R2 and the standard error of estimate. The results showed that t2000 was significantly correlated with all the examined variables, except for VO2max/body mass and age, and exhibited the significantly highest relationship with W60 (r = -0.943). The combination of anthropometric, VO2max and W60 variables was found to be the most reliable equation to predict t2000 (R2 = 0.94, SEE = 6.4). W60 measure should be considered when monitoring the rower’s capability to perform high-intensity phases, important during the race’s fast start and end. Not requiring expensive equipment and long duration, a 60-s all-out test could be considered a valuable tool for predicting 2000-m performance of elite youth rowers.
Dario Cerasola; Marianna Bellafiore; Angelo Cataldo; Daniele Zangla; Antonino Bianco; Patrizia Proia; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma; Laura Capranica. Predicting the 2000‐m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60‐s Mean Power Variables in National Level Young Rowers. 2020, 75, 77 -83.
AMA StyleDario Cerasola, Marianna Bellafiore, Angelo Cataldo, Daniele Zangla, Antonino Bianco, Patrizia Proia, Marcello Traina, Antonio Palma, Laura Capranica. Predicting the 2000‐m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60‐s Mean Power Variables in National Level Young Rowers. . 2020; 75 ():77-83.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDario Cerasola; Marianna Bellafiore; Angelo Cataldo; Daniele Zangla; Antonino Bianco; Patrizia Proia; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma; Laura Capranica. 2020. "Predicting the 2000‐m Rowing Ergometer Performance from Anthropometric, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and 60‐s Mean Power Variables in National Level Young Rowers." 75, no. : 77-83.
Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an endocrine disease with a precocious significant impairment of growth and neuromotor development. Thyroid hormones are essential for central nervous system development, maturation, and myelination. Furthermore, thyroid hormone deficiency affects the function of several systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The disease has a significant incidence in the general population (1:3000–1:2000 newborns in Italy). The aim of the present study was to evaluate any differences in upper and lower limb strength, body sway, and plantar loading distribution in children with CH compared to healthy children. Methods: In this study, the case group was composed of children with CH (CHG), while the control group included healthy children (CG). Both groups comprised 19 children (CHG: female = 12; CG: female = 9). The maximum isometric handgrip strength and explosive-elastic lower limb strength were assessed with the handgrip test and the Sargent test, respectively. The stabilometric and baropodometric analyses were used to measure the Center of Pressure displacements and the plantar loading distribution between feet, respectively. The differences between groups were analyzed by a univariate analysis of covariance using as covariates weight and height with the significant level set at < 0.05. Results: We found that CHG children were shorter and thinner than CG ones (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the upper and lower limb strength was found between groups. CHG exhibited a significant greater Sway Path Length (p < 0.01) and Ellipse Surface (p < 0.05) than CG. Moreover, CHG displayed an asymmetric plantar loading distribution with a significant lower percentage in the right than in the left foot (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant lower plantar loading percentage in the right foot of CHG than in the right foot of CG was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings seem to suggest that CH does not affect muscle strength in early treated children. However, these patients show poor postural control ability and asymmetric plantar loading distribution. Increasing the physical activity in these children could improve their body posture.
Jessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Marianna Bellafiore. Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4830 .
AMA StyleJessica Brusa, Maria Cristina Maggio, Valerio Giustino, Ewan Thomas, Daniele Zangla, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma, Giovanni Corsello, Giuseppe Messina, Marianna Bellafiore. Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (13):4830.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 13: 4830.
Previous research has reported that children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) showed functional and cognitive impairments. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and body posture between children with ISS treated with growth hormone (GH) and healthy peers (healthy children, HC), and to analyze whether these parameters were affected by physical exercise. Eighteen children for the ISS group (mean age: 10.96 ± 1.68 years) and 26 children for the HC group (mean age: 10.19 ± 1.06 years) were recruited for the study. All participants performed the following assessments: handgrip and Sargent test for the muscle strength evaluation; baropodometric and stabilometric test for the posturographic measures. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using height and weight as covariate. Groups were then stratified into active and inactive and independent t-tests were used to determine differences between variables. Significance level was set to p < 0.05. Our results showed a significantly lower performance for both hands (p < 0.01) and a greater difference of plantar loading distribution between feet in the ISS compared to the HC groups (p < 0.01). In relation to physical exercise, the HC active group showed the highest handgrip strength values for both hands among the analyzed groups and, moreover, handgrip strength of both ISS active and inactive groups was significantly lower than corresponding CH peers for both hands. Although ISS and HC inactive groups reported an unequal plantar loading distribution between feet (p < 0.05), this asymmetry was not present in both ISS and HC active groups. We assume that GH therapy integrated with physical exercise in young patients with ISS could be suggested to increase muscle strength and body posture improving their quality of life.
Jessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Daniele Zangla; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Romilda Palma; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Marianna Bellafiore. Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3639 .
AMA StyleJessica Brusa, Maria Cristina Maggio, Daniele Zangla, Valerio Giustino, Ewan Thomas, Romilda Palma, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Palma, Giovanni Corsello, Marianna Bellafiore. Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (9):3639.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Daniele Zangla; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Romilda Palma; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise." Sustainability 12, no. 9: 3639.
Background: The importance of assessing “food literacy” since youth has been highlighted and, to this purpose, valid and consistent instruments are needed. This study aimed to assess the validity and internal consistency of the preschool-FLAT (Food Literacy Assessment Tool). Methods. 505 children from 21 kindergartens, recruited within the Training-to-Health Project in Palermo (Italy), underwent oral sessions and activities on food-related aspects. Their knowledge/skills were recorded in the preschool-FLAT. The following scale measures were assessed: Content validity; internal consistency (Chronbach’s alpha coefficients); construct validity (Structural Equation Modeling—SEM); discriminant validity (intervention subgroup of 100 children vs. control group of 27 children). Results. Acceptable content validity of a 16-items scale and overall adequate internal consistency were revealed: Content validity index (CVI) 0.94, content validity ratio (CVR) 0.88, Chronbach’s alpha 0.76. The SEM revealed a 4-factor model fitting the data well (comparative fit index 0.939, root mean square error of approximation 0.033). Discriminant validity was good (intervention group scoring higher than control, p < 0.001, unpaired Student’s t-test). Conclusion. The preschool-FLAT revealed good psychometric properties, adequate validity and internal consistency. This is the only instrument in the literature specifically targeted to 3–6 years old children that could be effectively used to assess food literacy.
Garden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2759 .
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (8):2759.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 8: 2759.
PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine systemic responses of oxidant/antioxidant status following 2 training sessions of different intensity in amateur rhythmic gymnasts.MethodsBefore the experimental training, 10 female gymnasts performed a gradually increased exercise test to assess maximal heart rate, maximal oxygen consumption, and anaerobic threshold. They executed 2 intermittent training sessions separated by 48 h of recovery (48 h-post R): the first was performed at low-moderate intensity (LMI) and the second at high-intensity (HI). Blood samples were collected immediately pre- and post-training and 48 h-post R. Hydroperoxide level (OxL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were photometrically measured.ResultsOxL was significantly higher in post-training and 48 h-post R following HI than the same conditions after an LMI session ((HI vs. LMI post-training: 381.10 ± 46.17 vs. 344.18 ± 27.94 U.Carratelli (CARR) 48 h-post R: 412.21 ± 26.61 vs. 373.80 ± 36.08 U.CARR)). There was no change in TAC between the 2 training sessions investigated. In LMI training, OxL significantly decreased in post-training and increased to reach the baseline at 48 h-post R, whereas TAC increased only at 48 h-post R. In HI training, OxL significantly increased to reach a high oxidative stress 48 h-post R, whereas TAC was lower in post-training than pretraining.ConclusionThe pattern of OxL and TAC levels implies different regulation mechanisms by HI and LMI training sessions. High oxidative stress induced by an HI protocol might be associated with both insufficient TAC and recovery time at 48 h necessary to restore redox balance
Marianna Bellafiore; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Battaglia; Maria Silvia Naccari; Giovanni Caramazza; Johnny Padulo; Karim Chamari; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma. Training session intensity affects plasma redox status in amateur rhythmic gymnasts. Journal of Sport and Health Science 2019, 8, 561 -566.
AMA StyleMarianna Bellafiore, Antonino Bianco, Giuseppe Battaglia, Maria Silvia Naccari, Giovanni Caramazza, Johnny Padulo, Karim Chamari, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma. Training session intensity affects plasma redox status in amateur rhythmic gymnasts. Journal of Sport and Health Science. 2019; 8 (6):561-566.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Bellafiore; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Battaglia; Maria Silvia Naccari; Giovanni Caramazza; Johnny Padulo; Karim Chamari; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma. 2019. "Training session intensity affects plasma redox status in amateur rhythmic gymnasts." Journal of Sport and Health Science 8, no. 6: 561-566.
Objective:Food literacy (FL) is a crucial need encompassing basic literacy and fundamental movement skills. The present study aimed to investigate the FL level in pre-schoolers and to evaluate the effect of potential predictors and the associations with gross motor and emergent literacy skills.Design:Cross-sectional study conducted within the Training-to-Health Project.Setting:Kindergartens (n 21) in the Palermo City Council, Italy.Participants:Pre-school children aged 3–6 years (n 921) followed education sessions on nutritional topics, practical activities and compiled prearranged sheets. FL was assessed by the five-domain toolkit ‘preschool-FLAT’; gross motor and emergent literacy skills were assessed by the Italian version of the gross motor development test and the PRCR-2/2009, respectively. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to assess relationships between FL scores and gender, age, weight, height, BMI, gross motor and emergent literacy skills.Results:Independent predictors (β, se) of higher FL were female gender (1·06, 0·315, P < 0·01), older age (0·08, 0·019, P < 0·001) and greater height (0·13, 0·03, P < 0·001). The adjusted coefficients were significant for quotient of gross motor development and in particular for the locomotor component (0·03, 0·01, P < 0·01 and 0·16, 0·046, P < 0·001, respectively). Almost all associations with the emergent literacy skills were significant (β = −0·02 to 0·47).Conclusions:The study suggests that children raised in an environment where both cognitive and motor skills are enhanced can have better chances of increasing FL and success at school. Thus, the need for monitoring FL and its predictors since early age is highlighted.
Garden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. Food literacy predictors and associations with physical and emergent literacy in pre-schoolers: results from the Training-to-Health Project. Public Health Nutrition 2019, 23, 356 -365.
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Marianna Alesi, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. Food literacy predictors and associations with physical and emergent literacy in pre-schoolers: results from the Training-to-Health Project. Public Health Nutrition. 2019; 23 (2):356-365.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2019. "Food literacy predictors and associations with physical and emergent literacy in pre-schoolers: results from the Training-to-Health Project." Public Health Nutrition 23, no. 2: 356-365.
Due to demographic changes the world's population is progressively ageing. The physiological decay of the elderly adult may lead to a reduction in the ability to balance and an increased risk of falls becoming an important issue among the elderly. In order to counteract the decay in the ability to balance, physical activity has been proven to be effective. The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific literature in order to identify physical activity programs able to increase balance in the elderly. This review is based on the data from Medline-NLM, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscuss and includes randomized control trials that have analyzed balance and physical activity in healthy elderly over 65 years of age during the last decade. A final number of 8 manuscripts were included in the qualitative synthesis, which comprised 200 elderly with a mean age of 75.1 ± 4.4 years. The sample size of the studies varied from 9 to 61 and the intervention periods from 8 to 32 weeks. Eight articles were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. The articles investigated the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise, balance training, T-bow© and wobble board training, aerobic step and stability ball training, adapted physical activity and Wii Fit training on balance outcomes. Balance measures of the studies showed improvements between 16% and 42% compared to baseline assessments. Balance is a multifactorial quality that can be effectively increased by different exercise training means. It is fundamental to promote physical activity in the aging adult, being that a negative effect on balance performance has been seen in the no-intervention control groups.
Ewan Thomas; Giuseppe Battaglia; Antonino Patti; Jessica Brusa; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly. Medicine 2019, 98, e16218 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Giuseppe Battaglia, Antonino Patti, Jessica Brusa, Vincenza Leonardi, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly. Medicine. 2019; 98 (27):e16218.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Giuseppe Battaglia; Antonino Patti; Jessica Brusa; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2019. "Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly." Medicine 98, no. 27: e16218.
Recently, many studies showing the regeneration potential of both cardiac and hematopoietic stem cells in adult heart following injury were definitively retracted by the literature. Therefore, stimulating myocardial angiogenesis becomes to be important for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Regular endurance exercise has been reported to induce capillary growth in healthy and diseased myocardium resulting in cardioprotective phenotype. Previously, we demonstrated a significantly increased capillary proliferation in mouse hearts following 30 and 45 days of endurance training. In the present study, we examined the localization and expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and VEGFR-2/Flk-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in heart neocapillarization in response to a mild, moderate, and high intensity of endurance training. Sixty-three Swiss male mice were divided into four untrained control groups and three groups trained for 15 (T15), 30 (T30), and 45 (T45) days with a gradually increasing intensity on a treadmill. We observed the localization of studied proteins with immunostaining and their expression level with Western blot analyses. We found that VEGFR-2/Flk-1 expression progressively increased in trained groups compared with controls, while VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and HIF-1α were higher in T15 than in controls, T30, and T45 animals. Differently, iNOS levels enhanced after 15 and 30 days of exercise. The localization of these factors was not altered by exercise. The results showed that the expression of VEGFR-1/Flt-1, VEGFR-2/Flk-1, HIF-1α, and iNOS is differently regulated in cardiac angiogenesis according to the exercise intensity. VEGFR-1/Flt-1 and HIF-1α are upregulated by a mild intensity exercise, while VEGFR-2/Flk-1 progressively enhances with increasing workload. Differently, iNOS protein is modulated by a moderate intensity exercise. VEGF pathway appears to be involved in exercise-related angiogenesis in heart and VEGF might act in a paracrine and endocrine manner. Understanding this relationship is important for developing exercise strategies to protect the heart by insults.
Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. Expression Pattern of Angiogenic Factors in Healthy Heart in Response to Physical Exercise Intensity. Frontiers in Physiology 2019, 10, 238 .
AMA StyleMarianna Bellafiore, Giuseppe Battaglia, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma. Expression Pattern of Angiogenic Factors in Healthy Heart in Response to Physical Exercise Intensity. Frontiers in Physiology. 2019; 10 ():238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. 2019. "Expression Pattern of Angiogenic Factors in Healthy Heart in Response to Physical Exercise Intensity." Frontiers in Physiology 10, no. : 238.
It is known in the literature that fundamental motor skill acquisition is strongly associated with the development of neuromotor, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects in childhood. Unfortunately, in Italy, the physical education teacher is not included in the school’s core personnel, and it is very hard to find a specific physical education program (PEP) that could improve preschool children’s motor and cognitive status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the quotient of gross motor development (QGMD) and pre-literacy skills concerning visual analysis and spatial orientation abilities changed after 16 weeks of PEP (2 h/week) in preschool children. We conducted a school-based non-randomized pilot trial. It involved 119 preschool children, clustered in a control group [CG, n = 29, body mass index (BMI): 16.90 ± 3.16 Kg/m2] and an intervention group (IG, n = 90, BMI: 16.00 ± 1.75 kg/m2). Participants were assessed for literacy readiness, locomotor and object control skills before and after the experimental period. IG increased the locomotor, object-control skills and QGMD in response to PEP. As concerns the pre-literacy domain, no significant difference was found in visual analysis and spatial orientation skills between IG and CG groups. However, we detected improvements from baseline to post-test in IG children. In conclusion, this study contributes additional evidence suggesting how a PEP could affect not only motor skills, but also cognitive ones. Consistently with the growing research, interventions based on structured ludic-motor activities ensure health benefits for preschool children. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01274117.
Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Alesi; Garden Tabacchi; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. The Development of Motor and Pre-literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial. Frontiers in Psychology 2019, 9, 1 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Battaglia, Marianna Alesi, Garden Tabacchi, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. The Development of Motor and Pre-literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial. Frontiers in Psychology. 2019; 9 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Alesi; Garden Tabacchi; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2019. "The Development of Motor and Pre-literacy Skills by a Physical Education Program in Preschool Children: A Non-randomized Pilot Trial." Frontiers in Psychology 9, no. : 1.
A burden of respiratory and allergic symptoms up to almost 60% has been observed in young and adult athletes, influencing physical performances1 . The Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA©) is a validated screening tool for the prediction of the atopic status in adult athletes2 ; it was recently tested in Belgian young elite athletes (12-14 years old)3 , but its actual feasibility and suitability for children and adolescent was not evaluated. Indeed, there is evidence that children are prone to employ "satisficing" response strategies, answering every question positively/negatively, or simply not answering4 . Therefore, the present cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess feasibility of a linguistically simplified version of AQUA© in children and adolescents, stratifying by sport practice and focusing on the core items (12 questions, 5 to 14 and 16 to 17) related to allergy. The study was approved by the local Institutional Ethics Committee (Palermo 1, Italy, Approval Number: 07/2017), and registered on the central registration system ClinicalTrials. gov (ID: NCT03286894). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Salvatore Fasola; Marianna Bellafiore; Ilaria Baiardini; Matteo Bonini; Stefano Del Giacco; Giuliana Ferrante; Stefania La Grutta. Feasibility of the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA © ) in pediatric age. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleSalvatore Fasola, Marianna Bellafiore, Ilaria Baiardini, Matteo Bonini, Stefano Del Giacco, Giuliana Ferrante, Stefania La Grutta. Feasibility of the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA © ) in pediatric age. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSalvatore Fasola; Marianna Bellafiore; Ilaria Baiardini; Matteo Bonini; Stefano Del Giacco; Giuliana Ferrante; Stefania La Grutta. 2018. "Feasibility of the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA © ) in pediatric age." Pediatric Allergy and Immunology , no. : 1.
Strength, power and muscular endurance tests have been developed as means of assessing people’s physical abilities. However, testing may be expensive or time consuming. A method to reduce the time of physical assessment could be to use predictive algorithms for indirect assessment. The aim of this study will be to determine a relationship between strength, power and muscular endurance in order to identify predictors for an easier and faster assessment. 33 male strength-trained participants (22.8 ± 4.6 years, 172.5 ± 6.7 cm, 68.0 ± 10.6 kg) performed a single pull-up (SPU) and a single push-up (SPH) and a set of pull-ups (EPU) and push-ups (EPH) to exhaustion. The participants were divided into three sub-groups according to their training experience. Force(F), Power(P), Velocity(V) and relative power(R-P), extracted from an accelerometer (500 Hz), were compared between groups (ANOVA) and a subsequent linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the performance measures. The regression models were able to explain 61% of the variance with the EPU as dependent variable and the V of the SPU as independent variable and 68% of the variance with the EPH as dependent variable and EPU as independent variable. In addition, increased performance measures were found according to training experience, in particular regarding muscular endurance of both the EPU and EPH (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). A significant effect of training experience was also present for the V of the SPU (p < 0.001). The results indicate that a relation between muscular endurance and velocity is present. The generated equations allow to estimate both the number of EPH and EPU from a SPU. The equations may be helpful to reduce the time of assessment for upper body physical evaluation.
E. Thomas; Antonino Bianco; T. Raia; G. Messina; G. Tabacchi; Marianna Bellafiore; A. Paoli; A. Palma. Relationship between velocity and muscular endurance of the upper body. Human Movement Science 2018, 60, 175 -182.
AMA StyleE. Thomas, Antonino Bianco, T. Raia, G. Messina, G. Tabacchi, Marianna Bellafiore, A. Paoli, A. Palma. Relationship between velocity and muscular endurance of the upper body. Human Movement Science. 2018; 60 ():175-182.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Thomas; Antonino Bianco; T. Raia; G. Messina; G. Tabacchi; Marianna Bellafiore; A. Paoli; A. Palma. 2018. "Relationship between velocity and muscular endurance of the upper body." Human Movement Science 60, no. : 175-182.
Cerasola, D, Cataldo, A, Bellafiore, M, Traina, M, Palma, A, Bianco, A, and Capranica, L. Race profiles of rowers during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2055–2060, 2018—Among the different factors affecting the outcome of elite rowing competitions, pacing strategy plays a relevant role. The purpose of this study was to analyze the race profiles of youth athletes competing at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games over a distance of 1,000 m. According to the competition outcome of sculling and sweep events, 96 youth (17–18 years) rowers (48 male and 48 female) were divided into winner (W), not winner (NW), qualified (Q), and not-qualified (NQ) athletes. The time during the 1,000-m race distance was considered at 0–500 m (T1) and 500–1000 m (T2). The average speed of T1 and T2 were normalized in relation to the average speed of the whole race. In both sexes, W rowers showed higher (p > 0.05) T2 values (100.8 ± 0.9%) with respect to T1 (99.2 ± 0.9%) ones. Female athletes showed a higher (p ≤ 0.05) T1 with respect to T2 in NW, Q, and NQ, whereas male athletes exhibited a higher T1 (p ≤ 0.05) than T2 speed only in NQ. While to be admitted to the final phase of the competition, the rowers tended to favor a positive race strategy (88%); during the final phase, a difference (p = 0.43) emerged for outcome, with the majority of medalists (67%) adopting a negative race strategy. These results suggest that winners have applied a different race strategy compared with the other groups in consequence to a higher efficiency of anaerobic metabolism.
Dario Cerasola; Angelo Cataldo; Marianna Bellafiore; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco; Laura Capranica. Race Profiles of Rowers During the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2018, 32, 2055 -2060.
AMA StyleDario Cerasola, Angelo Cataldo, Marianna Bellafiore, Marcello Traina, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco, Laura Capranica. Race Profiles of Rowers During the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2018; 32 (7):2055-2060.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDario Cerasola; Angelo Cataldo; Marianna Bellafiore; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco; Laura Capranica. 2018. "Race Profiles of Rowers During the 2014 Youth Olympic Games." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 32, no. 7: 2055-2060.
In table tennis, motor skills are crucial for discriminating player level. However, there is a dearth of studies exploring the impact of a vibrational stimulus on performance. Thirty-four male players (age 25±2 years; body mass index, BMI 23.4±1.2 kg·m-2) participated in the study....
Luca Paolo Ardigò; Antonio Dello Iacono; Alessandro Zagatto; Nicola L. Bragazzi; Goran Kuvacic; Marianna Bellafiore; Johnny Padulo. Vibration effect on ball score test in international vs. national level table tennis. Biology of Sport 2018, 35, 329 -334.
AMA StyleLuca Paolo Ardigò, Antonio Dello Iacono, Alessandro Zagatto, Nicola L. Bragazzi, Goran Kuvacic, Marianna Bellafiore, Johnny Padulo. Vibration effect on ball score test in international vs. national level table tennis. Biology of Sport. 2018; 35 (4):329-334.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca Paolo Ardigò; Antonio Dello Iacono; Alessandro Zagatto; Nicola L. Bragazzi; Goran Kuvacic; Marianna Bellafiore; Johnny Padulo. 2018. "Vibration effect on ball score test in international vs. national level table tennis." Biology of Sport 35, no. 4: 329-334.
Research supports a link between exercise and falls prevention in the older population. Our aims were to evaluate pain perception and balance skills in a group of elderly subjects and to examine the consequences of a standardized equipment-free exercise program intervention on these variables. The study utilized a randomized controlled trial method. 92 subjects were recruited from a rural Sicilian village (Resuttano, Sicily, Italy). Subjects were randomly split into two groups, an experimental group (EG; n = 49) and a control group (CG; n = 43). Qualified fitness instructors delivered the standardized physical exercise program for the EG whilst the CG did not receive this exercise intervention. The Berg Balance Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index were administered in both groups before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). At T1, the EG group significantly improvement in balance (p < 0.0001) and pain perception (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found within the CG both in BBS and ODI, respectively. Our findings suggest that a 13-weeks standardized exercise equipment-free program is effective in improving balance and perception of pain in the elderly. This type of intervention can consequently provide a low cost strategy to counteract the rate of disability in elderly.
Antonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Bettina Karsten; Maria Alessandra Montalto; Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Bellafiore; Daniela Cassata; Fabio Scoppa; Antonio Paoli; Angelo Iovane; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma. The effects of physical training without equipment on pain perception and balance in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial. Work 2017, 57, 23 -30.
AMA StyleAntonino Patti, Antonino Bianco, Bettina Karsten, Maria Alessandra Montalto, Giuseppe Battaglia, Marianna Bellafiore, Daniela Cassata, Fabio Scoppa, Antonio Paoli, Angelo Iovane, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Palma. The effects of physical training without equipment on pain perception and balance in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial. Work. 2017; 57 (1):23-30.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Bettina Karsten; Maria Alessandra Montalto; Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Bellafiore; Daniela Cassata; Fabio Scoppa; Antonio Paoli; Angelo Iovane; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma. 2017. "The effects of physical training without equipment on pain perception and balance in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial." Work 57, no. 1: 23-30.
Effects of an adapted physical activity program on psychophysical health in elderly women Giuseppe Battaglia,1,2 Marianna Bellafiore,1,2 Marianna Alesi,1,2 Antonio Paoli,3 Antonino Bianco,1,2 Antonio Palma1,2 1Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, 2Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, University of Palermo, Palermo, 3Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy Background: Several studies have shown the positive effects of adapted physical activity (APA) on physical and mental health (MH) during the lifetime. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a specific APA intervention program in the improvement of the health-related quality of life (QOL) and functional condition of spine in elderly women. Methods: Thirty women were recruited from a senior center and randomly assigned to two groups: control group (CG; age: 69.69±7.94 years, height: 1.57±0.06 m, weight: 68.42±8.18 kg, body mass index [BMI]: 27.88±2.81) and trained group (TG; age: 68.35±6.04 years, height: 1.55±0.05 m, weight: 64.78±10.16 kg, BMI: 26.98±3.07). The APA program was conducted for 8 weeks, with two training sessions/week. CG did not perform any physical activity during the study. Spinal angles were evaluated by SpinalMouse® (Idiag, Volkerswill, Switzerland); health-related QOL was evaluated by SF-36 Health Survey, which assesses physical component summary (PCS-36), mental component summary (MCS-36), and eight subscales: physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health perception, role-emotional, social functioning, vitality, and MH. All measures were recorded before and after the experimental period. Results: In TG, compared to CG, the two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures with Bonferroni post hoc test showed a relevant improvement in lumbar spinal angle (°) and in SF-36 outcomes after the intervention period. We showed a significant increase in physical functioning, bodily pain, and MH subscales and in PCS-36 and MCS-36 scores in TG compared to CG. In particular, from baseline to posttest, we found that in TG, the PCS-36 and MCS-36 scores increased by 13.20% and 11.64%, respectively. Conclusion: We believe that an 8-week APA intervention program is able to improve psychophysical heath in elderly people. During the aging process, a dynamic lifestyle, including regular physical activity, is a crucial factor for public and health care systems to improve QOL and physical fitness in aging people. Keywords: quality of life, aging, stretching, spine, health, elderly people, exercise
Giuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Bellafiore; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Paoli; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. Effects of an adapted physical activity program on psychophysical health in elderly women. Clinical Interventions in Aging 2016, ume 11, 1009 -1015.
AMA StyleGiuseppe Battaglia, Marianna Bellafiore, Marianna Alesi, Antonio Paoli, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma. Effects of an adapted physical activity program on psychophysical health in elderly women. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2016; ume 11 ():1009-1015.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Battaglia; Marianna Bellafiore; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Paoli; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. 2016. "Effects of an adapted physical activity program on psychophysical health in elderly women." Clinical Interventions in Aging ume 11, no. : 1009-1015.
Various exercise interventions, such as Pilates exercises and traditional physical therapy methods, are employed to decrease low back pain (LBP). Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is distinct from LBP, however, as the distribution of pain is restricted to the region between the costal margin and the inferior gluteal. The aim of our randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of a program of Pilates exercises on pain perception and stabilometric parameters in patients with NSLBP. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated, using a 1:1 scheme, to either the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG completed a 14-week program of Pilates exercises, performed thrice per week under the supervision of an exercise specialist, while the CG was managed with a social program only. Measures of posturography and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for pain perception were obtained at baseline (T0) and after the 14 weeks of intervention (T1). Posturography measures improved for patients in the EG, with both eyes open and eyes closed (P The Pilates exercise program yielded improvements in pain and posturography outcomes. Our study also confirms the applicability of posturography in evaluating postural instability in patients with NSLBP. Due to our relatively small study group, future studies would be necessary to confirm our findings.
Antonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Paoli; Giuseppe Messina; Maria Alessandra Montalto; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. Pain Perception and Stabilometric Parameters in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After a Pilates Exercise Program. Medicine 2016, 95, e2414 -e2414.
AMA StyleAntonino Patti, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Paoli, Giuseppe Messina, Maria Alessandra Montalto, Marianna Bellafiore, Giuseppe Battaglia, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma. Pain Perception and Stabilometric Parameters in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After a Pilates Exercise Program. Medicine. 2016; 95 (2):e2414-e2414.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Paoli; Giuseppe Messina; Maria Alessandra Montalto; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. 2016. "Pain Perception and Stabilometric Parameters in People With Chronic Low Back Pain After a Pilates Exercise Program." Medicine 95, no. 2: e2414-e2414.
[Purpose] Recent findings suggest there is an interesting interaction between the stomatognathic system and the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the influence of the temporomandibular joint on the explosive strength of the lower limbs. [Subjects and Methods] An observational study was carried out. The subjects were 60 male football players who voluntarily participated in the investigation. After a warm-up phase of 10 minutes, each participant performed three Squat Jumps (SJ) with different mandible positions: mouth closed and mouth open. SJ heights were recorded using a Sensor Medica force platform and the FreeMed system. [Results] Sixty participants were enrolled in this study (age: 24 ± 7 yrs; height: 174 ± 4.6 cm; weight 63.7 ± 7.6 kg). The SJ heights with the mouth closed, 38.50 ± 4.0 cm, were shorter than those with the mouth open, 40.4 ± 4.1 cm. Statistical analysis showed there was a statistically significant difference between the performances. [Conclusion] This pilot study highlighted that occlusal factors can influence physical performance and this could have practical applications in sports and exercise science. However, our results have to be confirmed in studies with larger numbers of participants and supported by other investigations.
Antonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Angelo Iovane; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma. The influence of the stomatognathic system on explosive strength: a pilot study. Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2016, 28, 72 -75.
AMA StyleAntonino Patti, Antonino Bianco, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Paoli, Marianna Bellafiore, Giuseppe Battaglia, Angelo Iovane, Marcello Traina, Antonio Palma. The influence of the stomatognathic system on explosive strength: a pilot study. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2016; 28 (1):72-75.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Angelo Iovane; Marcello Traina; Antonio Palma. 2016. "The influence of the stomatognathic system on explosive strength: a pilot study." Journal of Physical Therapy Science 28, no. 1: 72-75.