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Background Adolescence is a sensitive period of life in which everyone faces physical and psychological changes. No longitudinal studies considering changes in body image perception and body composition in Italian adolescents have been carried out. The aims of this study were to evaluate the longitudinal change in body composition and weight status in a sample of Italian students of both sexes over the 3 years of middle school and to analyse the influence of these parameters on the perception and satisfaction of one’s own body image. Methods Sixty-four males and seventy females were followed longitudinally from 11 to 14. Age at first measurement was 11.8 ± 0.3 yrs. in males and 11.9 ± 0.3 yrs. in females, then the students were measured again after 1 year and 2 years. Anthropometric measurements were collected and body composition was assessed by skinfolds. Maturity status was detected by age at menarche in females and by estimated age at peak height velocity in males; sports practice was assessed by a questionnaire. Body Silhouette Charts were used to assess body image perception. The degree of body image dissatisfaction and improper perception of weight status were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Results Height, sitting height, leg length, and weight increments were higher in males than in females, and in both sexes the sitting height increment was higher than that of leg length. Skinfold thicknesses and percentage of body fat, showed a decrease in males and an increase in females over the 3 years. About 90% of the sample practiced sport during the 3 years. No significant variations in body image perception were observed among repeated measures but significantly differences were observed between sexes. Although the girls showed a lower incidence of overweight and obesity than boys, girls had a higher dissatisfaction than males. Males were less accurate in one’s perception of one’s own weight status. Conclusions The changes in body composition observed in the sample of the present study were in accordance with their maturity stage. An increase in parameters connected with adiposity is observed in females and a decrease in males. Body image perception did not seem to change with growth, but associations were found between body image perception and BMI and sex. Monitoring body image perception in young adolescents, especially in females and in overweight/obese subjects, is a priority to prevent nutritional disorders.
Stefania Toselli; Alessia Grigoletto; Luciana Zaccagni; Natascia Rinaldo; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Robert Grosz; Francesco Campa. Body image perception and body composition in early adolescents: a longitudinal study of an Italian cohort. BMC Public Health 2021, 21, 1 -13.
AMA StyleStefania Toselli, Alessia Grigoletto, Luciana Zaccagni, Natascia Rinaldo, Georgian Badicu, Wilhelm Robert Grosz, Francesco Campa. Body image perception and body composition in early adolescents: a longitudinal study of an Italian cohort. BMC Public Health. 2021; 21 (1):1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Toselli; Alessia Grigoletto; Luciana Zaccagni; Natascia Rinaldo; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Robert Grosz; Francesco Campa. 2021. "Body image perception and body composition in early adolescents: a longitudinal study of an Italian cohort." BMC Public Health 21, no. 1: 1-13.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of physical guidance (PG) frequency on learning a tracking task in children with hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy (CP). For this purpose, 25 children, aged 7–15 years with CP affecting the left side of the body, who were classified in levels II–III of Manual Abilities Classification System (MACS) and levels III–IV of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), were recruited from 10 clinical centers. A pre-test including two blocks of 12 trials of the tracking task without any PG was performed by all participants, after that they were assigned into five homogenous groups (with 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% of PG) through blocked randomization according to their age. All participants involved in an intervention consisted of eight sessions (four blocks of 12 trials in each session) practicing a tracking task. The 0% PG group received no PG, the 25% PG group received PG for three trials, the 50% PG group received PG for six trials, the 75% PG group received PG for nine trials, and the 100% PG group received PG for all twelve trials. PG consisted of placing the experimenter’s hand around the child’s less-involved hand guiding to stay on the track and complete the task. Learning was inferred by acquisition and delayed retention tests. The results showed that the higher frequency of PG led to more accurate performance during practice phase. However, the group that received 75% PG had significantly better performance compared to the other groups in the retention phase. It is concluded that optimum level of PG, about 75% of trials, can be helpful for learning a tracking task in children with spastic hemiplegic CP, supporting the challenge point framework.
Hadi Nobari; Elham Azimzadeh; Hamidollah Hassanlouei; Georgian Badicu; Jorge Pérez-Gómez; Luca Ardigò. Effect of Physical Guidance on Learning a Tracking Task in Children with Cerebral Palsy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 7136 .
AMA StyleHadi Nobari, Elham Azimzadeh, Hamidollah Hassanlouei, Georgian Badicu, Jorge Pérez-Gómez, Luca Ardigò. Effect of Physical Guidance on Learning a Tracking Task in Children with Cerebral Palsy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (13):7136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHadi Nobari; Elham Azimzadeh; Hamidollah Hassanlouei; Georgian Badicu; Jorge Pérez-Gómez; Luca Ardigò. 2021. "Effect of Physical Guidance on Learning a Tracking Task in Children with Cerebral Palsy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 13: 7136.
Background and Objectives: Acquiring knowledge about the magnitude and direction of induced joint forces during modifying gait strategies is critical for proper exercise prescription. The present study aimed to evaluate whether a heel-first strike pattern during gait can affect the biomechanical characteristics of ankle and knee joints among asymptomatic people. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study performed in the biomechanics laboratory, 13 professional healthy male athletes walked on an instrumented walkway under two walking conditions. For the normal condition, subjects were instructed to walk as they normally would. For the heel-first strike condition, subjects were instructed to walk with heel-first strike pattern and increase heel contact duration as much as possible. Then, knee and ankle joint range of motions and moments, as well as vertical ground reaction force was measured by the Kistler force plate and Vicon motion analysis system. Results: Knee flexion angle at the initial contact and during stance phase was significantly lower when increasing the heel strike pattern. In addition, the mean values of the knee external rotation and adductor moments during heel strike condition were lower than those in normal walking. Further, the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) during mid-stance increased significantly during heel-first strike pattern compared to the value in normal gait pattern. Conclusions: The modification of gait pattern including heel-first strike pattern can reduce the mechanical load applied to the knee, while improving the extensibility of gastro-soleus muscle complex.
Shirin Aali; Farhad Rezazadeh; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Grosz. Effect of Heel-First Strike Gait on Knee and Ankle Mechanics. Medicina 2021, 57, 657 .
AMA StyleShirin Aali, Farhad Rezazadeh, Georgian Badicu, Wilhelm Grosz. Effect of Heel-First Strike Gait on Knee and Ankle Mechanics. Medicina. 2021; 57 (7):657.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShirin Aali; Farhad Rezazadeh; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Grosz. 2021. "Effect of Heel-First Strike Gait on Knee and Ankle Mechanics." Medicina 57, no. 7: 657.
Exercise indexes have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its related restrictions among athletes. In the present study, we investigated the exercise frequency and intensity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also current exercise dependency and mood state among non-contact individual, contact individual, and team sports athletes. A total of 1353 athletes from non-contact individual sports athletes (NCISA), contact individual sports athletes (CISA) and team sport athletes (TSA) participated; 45.4% of them were females that completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, former and current exercise patterns, exercise dependency and mood states. NCISA had less exercise frequency than CISA, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and NCISA had less exercise frequency than TSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding exercise intensity, CISA had higher scores than NCISA and TSA before the COVID-19 pandemic, and CISA had more exercise intensity than TSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequency and intensity were reduced from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic in the three groups, except for TSA intensity. In addition, positive and negative mood states were correlated with exercise dependency. CISA were more discouraged and vigorous than NCISA and TSA, respectively. For NCISA, CISA, and TSA, ordinal regressions separately showed that adherence to quarantine and exercise dependency were better predictors of exercise indexes. Finally, exercise dependency subscales were different among sports, but it was not in exercise dependency itself. Although the decrease in exercise indexes was noticeable, there was no consistent pattern of change in exercise behavior in all sports. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, negative moods were predominant among all athletes. The results discussed are based on exercise nonparticipating, sport type, and affect regulation hypothesis.
Alireza Aghababa; Georgian Badicu; Zahra Fathirezaie; Hadi Rohani; Maghsoud Nabilpour; Seyed Zamani Sani; Elham Khodadadeh. Different Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exercise Indexes and Mood States Based on Sport Types, Exercise Dependency and Individual Characteristics. Children 2021, 8, 438 .
AMA StyleAlireza Aghababa, Georgian Badicu, Zahra Fathirezaie, Hadi Rohani, Maghsoud Nabilpour, Seyed Zamani Sani, Elham Khodadadeh. Different Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exercise Indexes and Mood States Based on Sport Types, Exercise Dependency and Individual Characteristics. Children. 2021; 8 (6):438.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlireza Aghababa; Georgian Badicu; Zahra Fathirezaie; Hadi Rohani; Maghsoud Nabilpour; Seyed Zamani Sani; Elham Khodadadeh. 2021. "Different Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Exercise Indexes and Mood States Based on Sport Types, Exercise Dependency and Individual Characteristics." Children 8, no. 6: 438.
Physical environmental factors affect the developmental process of children. Thus, the main purpose of the present study was to investigate the two intervention models of affordances on the motor proficiency and social maturity of children. A semi-experimental research design with a pretest–posttest design and two groups were used, adopting the convenience method. Two groups of 15 children (aged 5.5–6.5 years) engaged in 12 weeks of nature school or kindergarten. The Bruininks–Oseretsky test of motor proficiency and the Vineland social maturity scale were used. The results of a mixed ANOVA showed that natural outdoor activity has a greater positive effect on motor proficiency and social maturity than kindergarten activities. Intra-group analysis also showed that both groups had progressed, but the nature school group made more progress. These results were discussed and interpreted based on the types of environmental affordances, Gibson’s theory, Bronfenbrenner theory, and child-friendly environment. It was suggested that natural environmental stimulations play a critical role in optimal child motor and social development during the early stages of life.
Zahra Fathirezaie; Kosar Abbaspour; Georgian Badicu; Seyed Zamani Sani; Hadi Nobari. The Effect of Environmental Contexts on Motor Proficiency and Social Maturity of Children: An Ecological Perspective. Children 2021, 8, 157 .
AMA StyleZahra Fathirezaie, Kosar Abbaspour, Georgian Badicu, Seyed Zamani Sani, Hadi Nobari. The Effect of Environmental Contexts on Motor Proficiency and Social Maturity of Children: An Ecological Perspective. Children. 2021; 8 (2):157.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZahra Fathirezaie; Kosar Abbaspour; Georgian Badicu; Seyed Zamani Sani; Hadi Nobari. 2021. "The Effect of Environmental Contexts on Motor Proficiency and Social Maturity of Children: An Ecological Perspective." Children 8, no. 2: 157.
Background: Adolescence is a period of life in which students face physical and psychological changes that can destabilise them, and that is characterised by specific health and developmental needs and rights. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal association between anthropometric, weight status, body composition changes, and body image perception, keeping into account sex and maturity differences in adolescents. Methods: A sample of 134 children (64 males and 70 females) attending secondary school in the Emilia Romagna region (northern Italy) have been followed longitudinally for three consecutive years. Sports practice was assessed by questionnaire, and maturity status was detected. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, and body image perception were carried out. The discrepancy between the actual figure and the ideal figure was used to determine the degree of body image dissatisfaction, while improper perception of weight status was evaluated by means of Feel weight status minus Actual weight status Inconsistency (FAI).Results: A high percentage of the sample (about 90% in both sexes) practiced sport during the three years. In males, since they were approaching the PHV, leg length growth was prevalent. In females, height increment was lower than the one observed in males, such as the sitting height increment was higher than that of leg length. Connected with sexual dimorphism is also the trend of skinfold thicknesses, which generally showed a decrease in males and increase in females during the three years. Percentage of body fat followed the same trend. In both sex, body image perception did not show significant variations with age, and FAI score indicated no inconsistency in weight status perception. A difference in the perception of body image was observed in subjects of different weight status categories in each class. Conclusions: As demonstrated by the present study, the body image perception did not seem to change with age, but associations were found between body image perception and weight status. Monitoring perception in young adolescents, as well as taking into account their maturity and weight status is a priority to prevent nutritional disorders.
Stefania Toselli; Alessia Grigoletto; Luciana Zaccagni; Natascia Rinaldo; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Robert Grosz; Francesco Campa. Body Image Perception and Body Composition in Early Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study of an Italian Cohort. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleStefania Toselli, Alessia Grigoletto, Luciana Zaccagni, Natascia Rinaldo, Georgian Badicu, Wilhelm Robert Grosz, Francesco Campa. Body Image Perception and Body Composition in Early Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study of an Italian Cohort. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Toselli; Alessia Grigoletto; Luciana Zaccagni; Natascia Rinaldo; Georgian Badicu; Wilhelm Robert Grosz; Francesco Campa. 2020. "Body Image Perception and Body Composition in Early Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study of an Italian Cohort." , no. : 1.
Background: The aim of the present study was to describe the resilience levels in a Spanish population during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to analyze the existing associations between high resilience and socio-demographic, work, and academic parameters. Method: 1176 individuals aged 18–67 years participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. The participants were administered the 10-item resilience scale developed by Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-10) and an ad-hoc questionnaire that collected information on socio-demographic, work, and academic variables. Basic descriptive data were used to statistically analyze the data, and a binary logistic regression model was developed incorporating the professional occupation, academic level, whether the respondent worked in emergency services, and whether the respondent had dependents. Results: Slightly more than a quarter of the participants showed low resilience, almost half reported moderate resilience, and slightly more than a quarter had high resilience. Those who were employed were 2.16-times more likely to have high resilience, whilst those with higher education were 1.57-times more likely. Those working in emergency services were 1.66-times more likely, and those with dependents were 1.58-times more likely to have high resilience. Conclusion: In addition to the relationships found, a need to improve the resilience levels in the population was found.
Silvia San Román-Mata; Félix Zurita-Ortega; Pilar Puertas-Molero; Georgian Badicu; Gabriel González-Valero. A Predictive Study of Resilience and Its Relationship with Academic and Work Dimensions during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9, 3258 .
AMA StyleSilvia San Román-Mata, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Pilar Puertas-Molero, Georgian Badicu, Gabriel González-Valero. A Predictive Study of Resilience and Its Relationship with Academic and Work Dimensions during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020; 9 (10):3258.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSilvia San Román-Mata; Félix Zurita-Ortega; Pilar Puertas-Molero; Georgian Badicu; Gabriel González-Valero. 2020. "A Predictive Study of Resilience and Its Relationship with Academic and Work Dimensions during the COVID-19 Pandemic." Journal of Clinical Medicine 9, no. 10: 3258.
An appeal has been issued to the scientific community to investigate physical, mental and emotional states, and pro-social behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study aims to investigate adolescents’ self-concept before and during a lockdown period in relation to gender and type/amount of physical activity or sports. The pre-lockdown sample of 366 adolescents were aged 13–17 years (M = 15.51 ± 0.65), of whom 192 (52.5%) were females and 174 (47.5%) were males. During the lockdown, the age range of the sample was 13–17 years (M = 14.57 ± 1.47), of whom 82 (60.3%) were females, and 54 (39.7%) were males. The Form-5 Self-concept Questionnaire (AF-5) was used to measure adolescents’ self-concept. There was a reduction in adolescents’ overall self-concept during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was positively associated with emotional well-being, with family and peers being essential factors in the development of an appropriate self-concept. Furthermore, girls’ self-concept, especially academic self-concept, was higher than that of boys during the lockdown. However, both physical and emotional self-concept were higher for boys than girls before the COVID-19 lockdown, although no differences were found during the lockdown. The findings reveal that physical activity was positively correlated to self-concept before and during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Gabriel González-Valero; Félix Zurita-Ortega; David Lindell-Postigo; Javier Conde-Pipó; Wilhelm Grosz; Georgian Badicu. Analysis of Self-Concept in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Lockdown: Differences by Gender and Sports Activity. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7792 .
AMA StyleGabriel González-Valero, Félix Zurita-Ortega, David Lindell-Postigo, Javier Conde-Pipó, Wilhelm Grosz, Georgian Badicu. Analysis of Self-Concept in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Lockdown: Differences by Gender and Sports Activity. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (18):7792.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriel González-Valero; Félix Zurita-Ortega; David Lindell-Postigo; Javier Conde-Pipó; Wilhelm Grosz; Georgian Badicu. 2020. "Analysis of Self-Concept in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Lockdown: Differences by Gender and Sports Activity." Sustainability 12, no. 18: 7792.
Background: Iran has serious problems with traffic-related injuries and death. A major reason for traffic accidents is cognitive failure due to deficits in attention. In this study, we investigated the associations between traffic violations, traffic accidents, symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), age, and on an attentional network task in a sample of Iranian adults. Methods: A total of 274 participants (mean age: 31.37 years; 80.7% males) completed questionnaires covering demographic information, driving violations, traffic accidents, and symptoms of ADHD. In addition, they underwent an objective attentional network task (ANT), based on Posner’s concept of attentional networks. Results: More frequent traffic violations, correlated with lower age and poorer performance on the attentional network tasks. Higher symptoms of ADHD were associated with more accidents and more traffic violations, but not with the performance of the attentional tasks. Higher ADHD scores, a poorer performance on attentional network tasks, and younger age predicted traffic violations. Only higher symptoms of ADHD predicted more traffic accidents. Conclusions: In a sample of Iranian drivers, self-rated symptoms of ADHD appeared to be associated with traffic violations and accidents, while symptoms of ADHD were unrelated to objectively assessed performance on an attentional network task. Poor attentional network performance was a significant predictor of traffic violations but not of accidents. To increase traffic safety, both symptoms of ADHD and attentional network performance appear to merit particular attention.
Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani; Zahra Fathirezaie; Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani; Georgian Badicu; Safyeh Ebrahimi; Robert Wilhelm Grosz; Dena Sadeghi Bahmani; Serge Brand. Driving Accidents, Driving Violations, Symptoms of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADHD) and Attentional Network Tasks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5238 .
AMA StyleSeyed Hojjat Zamani Sani, Zahra Fathirezaie, Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani, Georgian Badicu, Safyeh Ebrahimi, Robert Wilhelm Grosz, Dena Sadeghi Bahmani, Serge Brand. Driving Accidents, Driving Violations, Symptoms of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADHD) and Attentional Network Tasks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):5238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSeyed Hojjat Zamani Sani; Zahra Fathirezaie; Homayoun Sadeghi-Bazargani; Georgian Badicu; Safyeh Ebrahimi; Robert Wilhelm Grosz; Dena Sadeghi Bahmani; Serge Brand. 2020. "Driving Accidents, Driving Violations, Symptoms of Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity (ADHD) and Attentional Network Tasks." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 5238.
Background: This study aims to assess the relationships between alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity (PA) and demographic characteristics in Romanian students. Methods: There were 253 participants in this study (112 male and 141 female, age 19.2 ± 0.70 yrs; BMI 22.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2), students of Transilvania University of Brasov. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were employed for the data collection. Results: Results showed that moderate consumption of tobacco and harmful consumption of alcohol had high prevalence among age, gender, year of study and PA level categories. Although the correlation coefficient showed no significant relationship between tobacco and alcohol use, it was shown that a negative correlation between tobacco and PA level existed. Further, age, year of study and PA level had a negative significant relationship with alcohol use among students. In the end, the tobacco and alcohol consumption prediction model showed heterogeneous coefficients. Conclusion: Full models of tobacco and alcohol use were differently predicted by variables, so PAL (Physical Activity Level) could predict tobacco consumption but not alcohol.
Georgian Badicu; Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani; Zahra Fathirezaie. Predicting Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Based on Physical Activity Level and Demographic Characteristics in Romanian Students. Children 2020, 7, 71 .
AMA StyleGeorgian Badicu, Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani, Zahra Fathirezaie. Predicting Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Based on Physical Activity Level and Demographic Characteristics in Romanian Students. Children. 2020; 7 (7):71.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgian Badicu; Seyed Hojjat Zamani Sani; Zahra Fathirezaie. 2020. "Predicting Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Based on Physical Activity Level and Demographic Characteristics in Romanian Students." Children 7, no. 7: 71.
Soccer referees are a specific group in the sports population that are receiving increasing attention from sports scientists. A lower fat mass percentage (FM%) is a useful parameter to monitor fitness status and aerobic performance, while being able to evaluate it with a simple and quick field-based method can allow a regular assessment. The aim of this study was to provide a specific profile for referees based on morphological and body composition features while comparing the accuracy of different skinfold-based equations in estimating FM% in a cohort of soccer referees. Forty-three elite international soccer referees (age 38.8 ± 3.6 years), who participated in the 2018 Russian World Cup, underwent body composition assessments with skinfold thickness and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Six equations used to derive FM% from skinfold thickness were compared with DXA measurements. The percentage of body fat estimated using DXA was 18.2 ± 4.1%, whereas skinfold-based FM% assessed from the six formulas ranged between 11.0% ± 1.7% to 15.6% ± 2.4%. Among the six equations considered, the Faulkner’s formula showed the highest correlation with FM% estimated by DXA (r = 0.77; R2 = 0.59 p < 0.001). Additionally, a new skinfold-based equation was developed: FM% = 8.386 + (0.478 × iliac crest skinfold) + (0.395 × abdominal skinfold, r = 0.78; R2 = 0.61; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 2.62 %; p < 0.001). Due to these findings, national and international federations will now be able to perform regular body composition assessments using skinfold measurements.
Cristian Petri; Francesco Campa; Vitor Hugo Teixeira; Pascal Izzicupo; Giorgio Galanti; Angelo Pizzi; Georgian Badicu; Gabriele Mascherini. Body Fat Assessment in International Elite Soccer Referees. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2020, 5, 38 .
AMA StyleCristian Petri, Francesco Campa, Vitor Hugo Teixeira, Pascal Izzicupo, Giorgio Galanti, Angelo Pizzi, Georgian Badicu, Gabriele Mascherini. Body Fat Assessment in International Elite Soccer Referees. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2020; 5 (2):38.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristian Petri; Francesco Campa; Vitor Hugo Teixeira; Pascal Izzicupo; Giorgio Galanti; Angelo Pizzi; Georgian Badicu; Gabriele Mascherini. 2020. "Body Fat Assessment in International Elite Soccer Referees." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 5, no. 2: 38.
Muscle contractile properties in clinical practice are often measured using either subjective scales or high-cost, inaccessible equipment. In this randomised cross-over study, we aimed to explore the use of tensiomyography (TMG) to assess changes in muscle contractile properties after cold- and warm-water immersion. The muscle contractile properties of the biceps femoris (BF) were assessed using TMG in 12 healthy active men (mean age 23 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index 22.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2) before and after a 20-min warm- or cold-water immersion over a period of 40 min. Muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) were registered as the main variables of the study. There was a significant condition by time interaction for Dm (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed that, compared to the baseline, there was an increase in Dm 40 min after warm-water immersion (p < 0.01) and a decrease at 10 min after cold-water immersion (p < 0.01). No significant effect was found for Tc. Our results indicate that muscle contractile properties are affected by water temperature and time after the immersion; therefore, these factors should be taken into account when water-immersion is used as a recovery strategy.
Esther Mur Gimeno; Francesco Campa; Georgian Badicu; Jorge Castizo-Olier; Elisabet Palomera-Fanegas; Raquel Sebio-Garcia. Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial. Sensors 2020, 20, 3193 .
AMA StyleEsther Mur Gimeno, Francesco Campa, Georgian Badicu, Jorge Castizo-Olier, Elisabet Palomera-Fanegas, Raquel Sebio-Garcia. Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial. Sensors. 2020; 20 (11):3193.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEsther Mur Gimeno; Francesco Campa; Georgian Badicu; Jorge Castizo-Olier; Elisabet Palomera-Fanegas; Raquel Sebio-Garcia. 2020. "Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial." Sensors 20, no. 11: 3193.
Background: Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a body composition assessment method based on the interpretation of the raw bioimpedance parameters. While it was initially proposed in clinical settings, its use in the sports field has grown considerably. The aim of this study was: (i) to explore the role of somatotype on BIVA patterns and (ii) to propose a new target zone to improve BIVA analysis in ball games athletes. Methods: One hundred and sixty-four male volleyball, soccer, and rugby players (age 26.2 ± 4.4 yrs; body mass index (BMI) 25.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) were included in this study. Somatotype and BIVA were measured from anthropometric and bioelectrical data, respectively. Results: Forty-six athletes were classified with an endomorphic mesomorphic somatotype, 26 showed a balanced mesomorphy, 55 were ectomorphic mesomorph, 10 resulted as mesomorph ectomorphs, 13 with a mesomorphic ectomorph somatotype, and in 14 athletes a balanced ectomorphy was assessed. The results of the Hotelling’s T2 test showed significant differences in BIVA patterns for the endomorphic mesomorph group (p < 0.001) in comparison with all the other groups, while mesomorphic balanced athletes presented a more inclined vector compared to the athletes with a balanced ectomorphy (p < 0.003). In addition, the endomorphic mesomorph group showed a greater BMI (p < 0.001) with respect to the athletes grouped in the other somatotype categories. Discriminant analysis revealed two significant functions (p < 0.001). The first discriminant function primarily represented differences based on the bioelectrical standardized resistance parameter (R/H) measure, while the second function reflected differences based on the bioelectrical standardized reactance parameter (Xc/H). Conclusions: Athletes presenting a higher endomorphic component have a lower vector, whereas those with a larger mesomorphic component display higher vector inclinations on the R-Xc graph. We propose a new target zone to improve the interpretation of BIVA analysis in athletes engaged in team sports.
Francesco Campa; Analiza M. Silva; Jacopo Talluri; Catarina N. Matias; Georgian Badicu; Stefania Toselli. Somatotype and Bioimpedance Vector Analysis: A New Target Zone for Male Athletes. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4365 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Campa, Analiza M. Silva, Jacopo Talluri, Catarina N. Matias, Georgian Badicu, Stefania Toselli. Somatotype and Bioimpedance Vector Analysis: A New Target Zone for Male Athletes. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (11):4365.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Campa; Analiza M. Silva; Jacopo Talluri; Catarina N. Matias; Georgian Badicu; Stefania Toselli. 2020. "Somatotype and Bioimpedance Vector Analysis: A New Target Zone for Male Athletes." Sustainability 12, no. 11: 4365.
Background and objectives: Performing physical exercise after a colorectal cancer diagnosis is associated with lower mortality related to the tumor itself. In order to improve physical recovery after elective surgery, there are no specific exercise protocols after discharge from the hospital. The purpose of this study is to show the preliminary results of an exercise program after colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: Six patients with non-metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma addressed to respective laparoscopic were randomly assigned to a mixed supervised/home-based exercise program for six months and compared to a control group without exercise. To assess the effectiveness of the program, functional and body composition parameters were evaluated. Results: Three months after surgery, the exercise group increased flexibility (p
Gabriele Mascherini; Maria Novella Ringressi; Jorge Castizo-Olier; Georgian Badicu; Alfredo Irurtia; Laura Stefani; Giorgio Galanti; Antonio Taddei. Preliminary Results of an Exercise Program After Laparoscopic Resective Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Non-Metastatic Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Control Trial. Medicina 2020, 56, 78 .
AMA StyleGabriele Mascherini, Maria Novella Ringressi, Jorge Castizo-Olier, Georgian Badicu, Alfredo Irurtia, Laura Stefani, Giorgio Galanti, Antonio Taddei. Preliminary Results of an Exercise Program After Laparoscopic Resective Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Non-Metastatic Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Control Trial. Medicina. 2020; 56 (2):78.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Mascherini; Maria Novella Ringressi; Jorge Castizo-Olier; Georgian Badicu; Alfredo Irurtia; Laura Stefani; Giorgio Galanti; Antonio Taddei. 2020. "Preliminary Results of an Exercise Program After Laparoscopic Resective Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Non-Metastatic Adenocarcinoma: A Pilot Study of a Randomized Control Trial." Medicina 56, no. 2: 78.
Phase angle (PA) is a strong predictor of sarcopenia, fragility, and risk of mortality in obese people, while an optimal muscular function and handgrip strength (HS) are required to perform different daily activities. Although there is a general agreement that resistance training improves health status in obese people, the optimal weekly training frequency for PA and physical performance parameters is not clear. This study aimed to compare the effects of different weekly resistance training frequencies performed over a 24 week exercise program on PA and HS in obese people. Forty-two women (56.2 ± 9.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 37.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: a group with a high weekly training frequency of three times a week (HIGH, n = 21) and a group that performed only one weekly session (LOW, n = 21). The groups trained with an identical exercise intensity and volume per session for 6 months. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were assessed for anthropometric measures, bioimpedance analysis, and HS. There was a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.05) for waist circumference, bioimpedance reactance divided by body height (Xc/H), PA, and HS measures. In addition, only the HIGH group increased Xc/H, PA, and HS after the intervention period (p < 0.05), even after adjusting for weight loss and menopausal status. Physical exercise performed three times a week promotes better adaptations in PA and HS when compared with the same program performed once a week in obese women.
Stefania Toselli; Georgian Badicu; Laura Bragonzoni; Federico Spiga; Paolo Mazzuca; Francesco Campa. Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1163 .
AMA StyleStefania Toselli, Georgian Badicu, Laura Bragonzoni, Federico Spiga, Paolo Mazzuca, Francesco Campa. Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (4):1163.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Toselli; Georgian Badicu; Laura Bragonzoni; Federico Spiga; Paolo Mazzuca; Francesco Campa. 2020. "Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 4: 1163.
Background: The physical education of students who have a deviation in their state of health requires a joint effort from teachers and doctors. Aim: The aim of the study was to substantiate the necessity of swimming classes as an effective means of physical rehabilitation in students with health disorders within the physical education curriculum classes. Methods: Students with low-level somatic health (54 students) were grouped into the Basic Group (BG, 27 students) and the Control Group (CG, 27 students). The Basic Group students were offered special swimming classes aimed at their physical rehabilitation. At the beginning of the study and after 24 training classes the authors assessed the somatic health, physical and mental endurance, and adaptation abilities of the autonomic nervous system. Results: Implementation of the method into the curriculum of the BG students resulted in a significant improvement (by 48.1%) of their somatic health. A reliable re-distribution of the students with “poor” and “lower than average” somatic health to the “average” and “higher than average” health group was noted (p < 0.05). The students’ physical characteristics improved by 36.4%. Conclusion: The conducted research proved the necessity of using sectional swimming activities as a means of physical rehabilitation of students with low health.
Olena Dorofieieva; Kseniya Yarymbash; Iryna Skrypchenko; Ratko Pavlović; Georgian Badicu. The Effect of Recreational Swimming on the Health of Students with Poor Somatic Health in Physical Education Classes at University. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2019, 4, 59 .
AMA StyleOlena Dorofieieva, Kseniya Yarymbash, Iryna Skrypchenko, Ratko Pavlović, Georgian Badicu. The Effect of Recreational Swimming on the Health of Students with Poor Somatic Health in Physical Education Classes at University. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2019; 4 (3):59.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlena Dorofieieva; Kseniya Yarymbash; Iryna Skrypchenko; Ratko Pavlović; Georgian Badicu. 2019. "The Effect of Recreational Swimming on the Health of Students with Poor Somatic Health in Physical Education Classes at University." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 4, no. 3: 59.
Motivational climate in sport is a psychosocial construct which is related with several factors, such as healthy habits and well-being, and is influenced by teachers, trainers, and parents. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between motivational climate, family functionality, and physical activity within a population of students from Spain and Romania. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of university students specialization: physical education (n = 605; 20.71 ± 2.42 years old), using the perceived motivational climate in sport questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), the physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A), and the family functionality scale (APGAR) as the main instruments. IBM SPSS Amos was used for data analysis in the structural equation model that was developed. We observed positive relationships between task-oriented climate, family functionality, and the level of physical activity, showing higher regression weights for Spanish university students. Ego-oriented climate was negatively related to family functionality in Spanish university students, while this association was positive in Romanian students. Moreover, the relationship between physical activity and functional family was stronger in respondents from Spain. It can be pointed out that a better family functionality can promote higher levels of physical activity and self-determined motivations in sports shown by task-oriented motivational climates. Thus, it is essential to take into account the influence of family in the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Félix Zurita-Ortega; Georgian Badicu; Ramón Chacón-Cuberos; Manuel Castro-Sánchez. Motivational Climate and Physical Activity: A Multigroup Analysis in Romanian and Spanish University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2019, 16, 2013 .
AMA StyleFélix Zurita-Ortega, Georgian Badicu, Ramón Chacón-Cuberos, Manuel Castro-Sánchez. Motivational Climate and Physical Activity: A Multigroup Analysis in Romanian and Spanish University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16 (11):2013.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFélix Zurita-Ortega; Georgian Badicu; Ramón Chacón-Cuberos; Manuel Castro-Sánchez. 2019. "Motivational Climate and Physical Activity: A Multigroup Analysis in Romanian and Spanish University Students." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 11: 2013.
Purpose: The main purpose of this research was to show if there are differences between the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in students from Romania and Spain. Material: The study was carried out on a sample of 567 participants, 149 of which (24.69%) are from Romania (Transilvania University of Braşov) and 427 (75.31%) are students from Spain (University of Granada ). To evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet we used The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), and for the assessment of the level of physical activity, we used the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). The reliability of the KIDMED was good (Cronbach’s α = 0.83) and for PAQ-A is 0.874. Statistical analyses were done through program IBM SPSS Statistics 22. The statistical indicators used in this study, were the following: standard deviation (SD), arithmetic average (X), chi-square test, Student’s T-test (t), percent%, Levene’s test, ANOVA One-Way. Results: The results of the variance analysis showed that there is no statistically significant relationship between the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity in Romanian students (F=0.517; p=0.598), or in Spanish students (F=0.255; p=0.775). Also, the results regarding adherence to the MD and PA was: poor adherence , n=31, (mean=29.06; standard deviation=3.723), average adherence , n=275, (mean=28.62; standard deviation=3.386), and high adherence, n=261 (mean=28.50; standard deviation=3.779). Conclusions: This study highlighted the fact that there are no significant differences regarding the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the level of physical activity between the two countries (Romania and Spain). Unlike Spanish students, we found that Romanian students have a poor adherence to the MD.
G. Badicu; C.R. Chacón; F. Zurita-Ortega; M. Castro-Sanchez; L. Balint. Mediterranean Diet and physical activity in Romanian and Spanish university students - a comparative study. Physical education of students 2018, 23, 172 -178.
AMA StyleG. Badicu, C.R. Chacón, F. Zurita-Ortega, M. Castro-Sanchez, L. Balint. Mediterranean Diet and physical activity in Romanian and Spanish university students - a comparative study. Physical education of students. 2018; 23 (4):172-178.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Badicu; C.R. Chacón; F. Zurita-Ortega; M. Castro-Sanchez; L. Balint. 2018. "Mediterranean Diet and physical activity in Romanian and Spanish university students - a comparative study." Physical education of students 23, no. 4: 172-178.
Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is one of the healthiest dietary models worldwide, being an essential mean of preventing pathologies along with the practice of physical activity. Through a comparative study carried out across different countries, it has been demonstrated how this type of habits vary depending on the geographical context. The aim of this research was to evaluate the adherence to MD and its relationships with motivational climate in sport on a sample of university students from Spain and Romania; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of university students [specialization: Physical Education (n = 605; 20.71 ± 2.42 years old)], using as main instruments the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) for students and adolescents and the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2); Results: It was shown that students from Spain had a high adherence to the MD (6.65 ± 2.63 vs. 5.06 ± 1.31). Spanish university students got higher scores in task-oriented motivational climate (4.03 ± 0.62 vs. 3.11 ± 0.55) while ego-oriented climate was higher in university students from Romania (3.24 ± 0.54 vs. 2.07 ± 0.75). Finally, it was observed that the task-oriented motivational climate was related to a lower adherence to MD in Spanish students (4.49 ± 0.37 vs. 3.98 ± 0.62). In contrast, in Romanian youth, a medium adherence to the MD was associated with higher scores for the ego-oriented motivational climate (3.27 ± 0.53 vs. 3.00 ± 0.54); Conclusions: As main conclusions, it was shown that the students from Spain had a high adherence to the MD. In addition, it has been demonstrated that ego-oriented climates are linked to a better adherence to MD, especially due to the importance of following a proper diet in sport contexts, as demonstrated by young Romanians.
Ramón Chacón-Cuberos; Georgian Badicu; Félix Zurita-Ortega; Manuel Castro-Sánchez. Mediterranean Diet and Motivation in Sport: A Comparative Study Between University Students from Spain and Romania. Nutrients 2018, 11, 30 .
AMA StyleRamón Chacón-Cuberos, Georgian Badicu, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Manuel Castro-Sánchez. Mediterranean Diet and Motivation in Sport: A Comparative Study Between University Students from Spain and Romania. Nutrients. 2018; 11 (1):30.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRamón Chacón-Cuberos; Georgian Badicu; Félix Zurita-Ortega; Manuel Castro-Sánchez. 2018. "Mediterranean Diet and Motivation in Sport: A Comparative Study Between University Students from Spain and Romania." Nutrients 11, no. 1: 30.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether motivational weekly phone calls are able to promote overall and/or leisure physical activity levels and fitness in an urban population of Romania. Material: Sixty-five adult subjects (30 males and 35 females) were randomly selected and followed over the 8-month study period. Total physical activity and changes in body mass and body mass index (kg/m2) were recorded on a monthly basis. Fitness level was assessed by the participants themselves using three standardized motor tests: push-up test, 1-minute sit-up test and 3-minute step test. Results: The intervention resulted in an increase of physical activity level by approximately 70% in males and females aged 25-39 years. In those aged 40-49 years physical activity levels were enhanced by 77% in males and 18% in females. These changes were associated with improvements (25-31%; p < 0.01) in fitness levels. Changes in physical activity over the 8-month intervention period were negatively correlated with body mass index (r = - 0.721, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that motivation by regular phone calls was highly effective in increasing leisure sports activities and improving fitness levels in young and middle-aged adults of both sexes.
G. Badicu; H. Gatterer; L. Balint; M. Burtscher. The effects of weekly motivational phone calls on the amount of leisure sports activities and changes in physical fitness. Pedagogics, psychology, medical-biological problems of physical training and sports 2018, 22, 226 -230.
AMA StyleG. Badicu, H. Gatterer, L. Balint, M. Burtscher. The effects of weekly motivational phone calls on the amount of leisure sports activities and changes in physical fitness. Pedagogics, psychology, medical-biological problems of physical training and sports. 2018; 22 (5):226-230.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Badicu; H. Gatterer; L. Balint; M. Burtscher. 2018. "The effects of weekly motivational phone calls on the amount of leisure sports activities and changes in physical fitness." Pedagogics, psychology, medical-biological problems of physical training and sports 22, no. 5: 226-230.