Physical fitness (PF) has been identified as a critical health marker in youth and is significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as the specificity of training involved in different sports. This study investigated PF differences among young athletes who participated in water polo and volleyball to understand how different training programs and environments impact physical development. A sample of 98 youth athletes, including 46 water polo players (46% female; mean age: 13.07 ± 2.27 years) and 52 volleyball players (100% female; mean age: 13.80 ± 1.86 years) was assessed using Handgrip (HG), Standing Long Jump (SLJ), and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) tests. Results were normalized against European percentile reference values and analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. The PACER test revealed a significant difference (U = 639, p < 0.001, r = −0.466), with water polo athletes exhibiting superior cardiorespiratory fitness compared to volleyball players. The HG test also showed significant differences (U = 1571, p = 0.007, r = 0.314), indicating greater grip strength in volleyball players. No significant difference was observed in the SLJ test. These findings underscore the importance of sport-specific training in youth athletes, but also the importance of well-rounded physical development training for all youth sports. Results suggest that practicing different sports that involve different training and environments is significantly associated with certain aspects of PF components. This awareness can guide grassroots coaches and trainers towards effective and balanced training strategies to promote performance and long-term health.

This paper deals with the role of the widespread neuro-immuno-endocrine-endothelial system in sport traumatology. The aim of this work is to see if sport or regular physical activity is able to reprogram the endothelium, to advance the new concept of neuro-immuno-endocrine-endothelial diffused system, and to introduce in the practice of sport medicine a new test in the fields of “Athlete functional evaluation” and “Sports fitness”. The first object of this paper is to see whether sport or regular physical activity can change the functional structure of the endothelium. The second goal is to frame under a general view the knowledge and individual lines of research on endothelium, to highlight what we believe is, in the organization of homeostasis, the location of this ‘organ’, namely in the neuro-immune-endocrine system spread.

Background. Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns and are among the most common clinical challenges faced today. An innovative device that employs nanotechnology to deliver beneficial effects on the human body is the **Taopatch®** (Tao Technologies, Italy). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of such nanotechnology-based devices in improving sleep quality. Methods. This study included only female participants, as a review of the literature indicated that sleep disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. A total of 30 subjects (mean age 44.8 ± 3.44 years) were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Sleep quality was evaluated three times throughout the study for each participant using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Taopatch® devices were applied using a specialized pillow. Results. The experimental group showed significant improvement (p < .001) across various key dimensions of sleep quality, compared to the control group. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the application of Taopatch® has a positive impact on sleep quality by optimizing posture, aligning the cervical spine, and promoting muscle relaxation. This device uses advanced nanotechnology to enhance various physiological functions, contributing to better overall well-being.

Background. Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns and are among the most common clinical challenges faced today. An innovative device that employs nanotechnology to deliver beneficial effects on the human body is the Taopatch^® (Tao Technologies, Vedelago, Italy). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of such nanotechnology-based devices in improving sleep quality. Methods. This study included only female participants, as a review of the literature indicated that sleep disorders are more prevalent in women than in men. A total of 30 subjects (with a mean age of 44.8 ± 3.44 years) were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Sleep quality was evaluated three times throughout the study for each participant using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The Taopatch^® devices were applied using a specialized pillow. Results. The experimental group showed significantly better sleep quality (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that the application of the Taopatch^® has a positive impact on sleep quality by optimizing posture, aligning the cervical spine, and promoting muscle relaxation. This device uses advanced nanotechnology to enhance various physiological functions, contributing to better overall well-being.

Background: To investigate the association between symptomatic flexible flatfoot, pronated foot, and genu valgum and global postural alignment in children and adolescents, with particular focus on pelvic and spinal parameters and patterns of pain localization. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a cohort of 2,130 individuals evaluated for postural dysfunction. A paediatric subgroup (=126) between the ages of 6 and 10 years (Mage = 8.50, SD = 1.78), presenting with symptomatic lower-limb deformities was selected. Participants were classified into three groups: symptomatic flexible flatfoot (n = 64), pronated foot (n = 38), and genu valgum (n = 24), based on clinical and radiographic criteria including Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), Staheli Arch Index, Meary’s angle, talo-calcaneal angle, and femoro-tibial angle. Global postural alignment was assessed using optoelectronic analysis and weight-bearing radiographs. Results: Neutral postural alignment was infrequently observed. Recurrent patterns included pelvic anteversion and mild variations in sagittal spinal curves, generally within paediatric reference ranges. Frontal-plane deviations were common but predominantly mild. Differences between groups were mainly related to distribution rather than magnitude of postural variations. Pain was described according to anatomical location. Conclusions: Lower-limb deformities in children appear to be associated with specific patterns of postural adaptation rather than isolated segmental alterations. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the absence of a control group and the cross-sectional design. Further studies are required to determine clinical relevance.