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Background: The restrictions taken to control the rapid spread of COVID-19 resulted in a sudden, unprecedented change in people’s lifestyle, leading to negative consequences on general health. This study aimed to estimate the impact of such changes on migraine severity during 2020 March–May lockdown. Methods: Patients affected by migraine with or without aura, diagnosed by expert physicians, completed a detailed interview comprehensive of: assessment of migraine characteristics; measure of physical activity (PA) levels; measure of the intake frequency of main Italian foods; the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaire investigating sleep disorders. Results: We included 261 patients with a mean age of 44.5 ± 12.3 years. During social distancing, 72 patients (28%) reported a headache worsening, 86 (33%) an improvement, and 103 (39%) a stable headache frequency. A significant decrease of the PA levels during COVID-19 quarantine in the whole study sample was observed (median total metabolic equivalent task (METs) decreased from 1170 to 510; p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was reported on median ISI scores (from 7 to 8; p < 0.001), which were increased in patients who presented a stable or worsening headache. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that the restrictions taken during the pandemic have affected the practice of PA levels and sleep quality in migraine. Hence, PA and sleep quality should be assessed to find strategies for an improvement in quality of life.
Vincenzo Di Stefano; Raffaele Ornello; Andrea Gagliardo; Angelo Torrente; Elisa Illuminato; Valeria Caponnetto; Ilaria Frattale; Raffaella Golini; Chiara Di Felice; Fabiola Graziano; Maria Caccamo; Davide Ventimiglia; Salvatore Iacono; Gabriella Matarazzo; Francesco Armetta; Giuseppe Battaglia; Alberto Firenze; Simona Sacco; Filippo Brighina. Social Distancing in Chronic Migraine during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Multicenter Observational Study. Nutrients 2021, 13, 1361 .
AMA StyleVincenzo Di Stefano, Raffaele Ornello, Andrea Gagliardo, Angelo Torrente, Elisa Illuminato, Valeria Caponnetto, Ilaria Frattale, Raffaella Golini, Chiara Di Felice, Fabiola Graziano, Maria Caccamo, Davide Ventimiglia, Salvatore Iacono, Gabriella Matarazzo, Francesco Armetta, Giuseppe Battaglia, Alberto Firenze, Simona Sacco, Filippo Brighina. Social Distancing in Chronic Migraine during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Multicenter Observational Study. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (4):1361.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVincenzo Di Stefano; Raffaele Ornello; Andrea Gagliardo; Angelo Torrente; Elisa Illuminato; Valeria Caponnetto; Ilaria Frattale; Raffaella Golini; Chiara Di Felice; Fabiola Graziano; Maria Caccamo; Davide Ventimiglia; Salvatore Iacono; Gabriella Matarazzo; Francesco Armetta; Giuseppe Battaglia; Alberto Firenze; Simona Sacco; Filippo Brighina. 2021. "Social Distancing in Chronic Migraine during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Multicenter Observational Study." Nutrients 13, no. 4: 1361.
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.
To abate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, different restriction measures were imperative, limiting the possibility to be engaged in physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity (PA) levels expressed as energy expenditure (MET-min/week) and sedentary behaviour in Kosovo. The possible association between PA levels and other factors was analyzed. 1633 participants (age range: 13 to 63 years; mean: 24.70 ± 9.33 years; body height: 172 ± 10.57 cm; body mass: 69.10 ± 13.80 kg; BMI: 23.09 ± 3.63 kg/m2) participated in the study, categorized by age, gender, BMI, and living area. An online survey, including an adapted version of the IPAQ-SF, was administered once during lockdown to assess PA levels and sedentary behaviour both before and during COVID-19 lockdown. The Wilcoxon signed-rank, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis rank of sum tests were used for statistical analysis. COVID-19 restrictions had a negative impact on the types of and overall PA levels MET-min/week (p < 0.001). Sedentary behaviour significantly increased during COVID-19 restrictions (p < 0.001). Higher decreases in MET-min/week during lockdown were observed among males, young and young adults, overweight, and urban-living participants. Finally, COVID-19 restrictions decreased the PA levels and MET-min/week, and increased sedentary behaviour also in a relatively young cohort. Such differences were dependent on several factors.
Masar Gjaka; Kaltrina Feka; Antonino Bianco; Faton Tishukaj; Valerio Giustino; Anna Parroco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behaviour in a Relatively Young Population Living in Kosovo. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2021, 10, 763 .
AMA StyleMasar Gjaka, Kaltrina Feka, Antonino Bianco, Faton Tishukaj, Valerio Giustino, Anna Parroco, Antonio Palma, Giuseppe Battaglia. The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behaviour in a Relatively Young Population Living in Kosovo. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021; 10 (4):763.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMasar Gjaka; Kaltrina Feka; Antonino Bianco; Faton Tishukaj; Valerio Giustino; Anna Parroco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. 2021. "The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behaviour in a Relatively Young Population Living in Kosovo." Journal of Clinical Medicine 10, no. 4: 763.
Objective In this study, we explored the relationship between migraine and sport in a physically active population of students, analyzing the risk of migraine among sporty students. Background The relationship between sport and migraine is controversial; moreover, several studies report on sport as a migraine trigger, but there is evidence that physical activity could have a relevant role in migraine prevention. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using the validated ID‐migraine questionnaire including specific demo‐anthropometric (gender, age, weight, height) and sports variables on a potentially active student population of the University of Palermo. Evaluation in putative migraine subjects of clinical features and disability was explored through the administration of the Italian version of the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results Three hundred and ninety‐three out of 520 students (210 F, mean age: 23.5 ± 0.7 years; 183 M; mean age: 20.5 ± 0.7 years) participated in this study. Migraine screened positive in 102 subjects (26.0%) and its prevalence was significantly higher among females (P < .001). An increased risk of migraine was found in females, and a protective effect of sport on the risk of migraine among females, but not among males. Conclusions The role of exercise in migraine is still unclear. This study supports a protective role of sport in migraine reporting a protective effect in females. Further studies are needed to deepen the association between sport and migraine.
Laura Pilati; Giuseppe Battaglia; Vincenzo Di Stefano; Salvatore Di Marco; Angelo Torrente; Vincenzo Raieli; Alberto Firenze; Giuseppe Salemi; Filippo Brighina. Migraine and Sport in a Physically Active Population of Students: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 2020, 60, 2330 -2339.
AMA StyleLaura Pilati, Giuseppe Battaglia, Vincenzo Di Stefano, Salvatore Di Marco, Angelo Torrente, Vincenzo Raieli, Alberto Firenze, Giuseppe Salemi, Filippo Brighina. Migraine and Sport in a Physically Active Population of Students: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2020; 60 (10):2330-2339.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Pilati; Giuseppe Battaglia; Vincenzo Di Stefano; Salvatore Di Marco; Angelo Torrente; Vincenzo Raieli; Alberto Firenze; Giuseppe Salemi; Filippo Brighina. 2020. "Migraine and Sport in a Physically Active Population of Students: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study." Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 60, no. 10: 2330-2339.
Background Goalball is a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes. Although it is widely practiced, a great variety of tests are adopted to evaluate athletes' physical fitness. Therefore, the objective was to identify the physical fitness tests adopted in this sport to find the common aspects between them and, eventually, to propose a standard operating procedure. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were adopted. The studies were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A selection process by title, abstract, and full-text, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, was performed. The results were discussed with narrative synthesis. Results A total of 7 papers and 222 participants were included. A wide variety of tests were adopted and the Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT) was the only battery included to evaluate general athletes' well-being. Conclusions Although few literature exists on Goalball, the BPFT could be the battery for evaluating Goalball athletes though the test battery should be standardized to the characteristics of this sport.
Luca Petrigna; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Samantha Aurea; Romilda Palma; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. Physical fitness assessment in Goalball: A scoping review of the literature. Heliyon 2020, 6, e04407 .
AMA StyleLuca Petrigna, Valerio Giustino, Daniele Zangla, Samantha Aurea, Romilda Palma, Antonio Palma, Giuseppe Battaglia. Physical fitness assessment in Goalball: A scoping review of the literature. Heliyon. 2020; 6 (7):e04407.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca Petrigna; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Samantha Aurea; Romilda Palma; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. 2020. "Physical fitness assessment in Goalball: A scoping review of the literature." Heliyon 6, no. 7: e04407.
The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has upset the normality of Italian daily life, forcing population to social distancing and self-isolation. Since the containment precautions also concern sport-related activities, home workout remained the only possibility to play sports and stay active during the pandemic. The present study aimed to examine changes in the physical activity levels during self-quarantine in Italy, and the impact of exercise on psychological health. A total of 2974 Italian subjects has completed an online survey, but only 2524 subjects resulted eligible for this study. The questionnaire measured the total weekly physical activity energy expenditure before and during quarantine (i.e. the sum of walking, moderate-intensity physical activities, and vigorous-intensity physical activities) in Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week (MET–min/wk) using an adapted version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and their psychological well-being using the Psychological General Well Being Index. Of the 2524 Italian subjects included in the study, 1426 were females (56.4%) and 1098 males (43.6%). Total physical activity significantly decreased between before and during COVID-19 pandemic (Mean: 2429 vs. 1577 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001), in all age groups and especially in men (Female, mean: 1994 vs. 1443 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001; Male, mean: 2998 vs. 1754 MET–min/wk, ∗∗∗∗p < 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the variation of physical activity and mental well-being (r = 0.07541, ∗∗∗p = 0.0002), suggesting that the reduction of total physical activity had a profoundly negative impact on psychological health and well-being of population. Based on this scientific evidence, maintaining a regular exercise routine is a key strategy for physical and mental health during a forced rest period like the current coronavirus emergency.
Grazia Maugeri; Paola Castrogiovanni; Giuseppe Battaglia; Roberto Pippi; Velia D'Agata; Antonio Palma; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. The impact of physical activity on psychological health during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. Heliyon 2020, 6, e04315 -e04315.
AMA StyleGrazia Maugeri, Paola Castrogiovanni, Giuseppe Battaglia, Roberto Pippi, Velia D'Agata, Antonio Palma, Michelino Di Rosa, Giuseppe Musumeci. The impact of physical activity on psychological health during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy. Heliyon. 2020; 6 (6):e04315-e04315.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGrazia Maugeri; Paola Castrogiovanni; Giuseppe Battaglia; Roberto Pippi; Velia D'Agata; Antonio Palma; Michelino Di Rosa; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2020. "The impact of physical activity on psychological health during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy." Heliyon 6, no. 6: e04315-e04315.
Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Italian government has adopted containment measures to control the virus’s spread, including limitations to the practice of physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of PA, expressed as energy expenditure (MET–minute/week), among the physically active Sicilian population before and during the last seven days of the COVID-19 quarantine. Furthermore, the relation between this parameter and specific demographic and anthropometric variables was analyzed. Methods: 802 Sicilian physically active participants (mean age: 32.27 ± 12.81 years; BMI: 23.44 ± 3.33 kg/m2) were included in the study and grouped based on gender, age and BMI. An adapted version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—short form (IPAQ-SF) was administered to the participants through an online survey. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test were used for statistical analyses. Results: As expected, we observed a significant decrease of the total weekly energy expenditure during the COVID-19 quarantine (p < 0.001). A significant variation in the MET–min/wk in the before quarantine condition (p = 0.046) and in the difference between before and during quarantine (p = 0.009) was found for males and females. The male group decreased the PA level more than the female one. Moreover, a significant difference in the MET–min/wk was found among groups distributions of BMI (p < 0.001, during quarantine) and of age (p < 0.001, both before and during quarantine). In particular, the highest and the lowest levels of PA were reported by the young and the elderly, respectively, both before and during quarantine. Finally, the overweight group showed the lowest level of PA during quarantine. Conclusion: Based on our outcomes, we can determine that the current quarantine has negatively affected the practice of PA, with greater impacts among males and overweight subjects. In regards to different age groups, the young, young adults and adults were more affected than senior adults and the elderly.
Valerio Giustino; Anna Maria Parroco; Antonio Gennaro; Giuseppe Musumeci; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. Physical Activity Levels and Related Energy Expenditure during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Sicilian Active Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4356 .
AMA StyleValerio Giustino, Anna Maria Parroco, Antonio Gennaro, Giuseppe Musumeci, Antonio Palma, Giuseppe Battaglia. Physical Activity Levels and Related Energy Expenditure during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Sicilian Active Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (11):4356.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValerio Giustino; Anna Maria Parroco; Antonio Gennaro; Giuseppe Musumeci; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Battaglia. 2020. "Physical Activity Levels and Related Energy Expenditure during COVID-19 Quarantine among the Sicilian Active Population: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study." Sustainability 12, no. 11: 4356.
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.
Background: The Geriatric Unit of the University of Palermo developed the “Passiata Day” model, a green exercise intervention consisting of a one-hour walk, once/week, in a city park. The purpose of this study was to assess body balance in older people who walked regularly compared to sedentary people. Methods: 106 older people (75 women and 31 men; mean age: 72.3 ± 8.2 years) without fall history were invited to participate voluntarily in this natural environment walking program. After six months, both the participants who had taken part regularly in the walk (i.e., the physical activity group (PAG; n = 72; 54 women and 18 men; mean age: 70.7 ± 7.2 years)), and who had not accepted to be included in the outdoor walking program (i.e., the sedentary group (SG; n = 34; 21 women and 13 men; mean age: 75.5 ± 9.4 years)), performed a stabilometric test with open eyes (OE) and with closed eyes (CE). Results: Our preliminary results showed significant differences between groups on the ellipse sway area both in the OE (p < 0.05) and in CE condition (p < 0.01). Moreover, we found a significant difference on sway along the frontal plane both in the OE (p < 0.05) and in the CE condition (p < 0.01), and on sway along the sagittal plane for the test with CE (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Based on our preliminary findings, we suggest that walking regularly in an outdoor setting could lead to a greater body balance in older people and could be recommended by geriatricians for preventing the risk of falls. The next step will be to investigate the effect of an experimental outdoor walking program structured in terms of intensity, frequency and volume.
Giuseppe Battaglia; Valerio Giustino; Giuseppe Messina; Mariangela Faraone; Jessica Brusa; Anna Bordonali; Mario Barbagallo; Antonio Palma; Ligia-Juliana Dominguez. Walking in Natural Environments as Geriatrician’s Recommendation for Fall Prevention: Preliminary Outcomes from the “Passiata Day” Model. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2684 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Battaglia, Valerio Giustino, Giuseppe Messina, Mariangela Faraone, Jessica Brusa, Anna Bordonali, Mario Barbagallo, Antonio Palma, Ligia-Juliana Dominguez. Walking in Natural Environments as Geriatrician’s Recommendation for Fall Prevention: Preliminary Outcomes from the “Passiata Day” Model. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (7):2684.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Battaglia; Valerio Giustino; Giuseppe Messina; Mariangela Faraone; Jessica Brusa; Anna Bordonali; Mario Barbagallo; Antonio Palma; Ligia-Juliana Dominguez. 2020. "Walking in Natural Environments as Geriatrician’s Recommendation for Fall Prevention: Preliminary Outcomes from the “Passiata Day” Model." Sustainability 12, no. 7: 2684.
Prismatic Adaptation (PA) is a visuomotor procedure inducing a shift of the visual field that has been shown to modulate activation of a number of brain areas, in posterior (i.e. parietal cortex) and anterior regions (i.e. frontal cortex). This neuromodulation could be useful to study neural mechanisms associated with either postural measures such as the distribution of plantar pressure or to the generation of muscle strength. Indeed, plantar pressure distribution is associated to activation of high-level cognitive mechanisms taking place within the posterior regions of the brain dorsal stream, especially of the right hemisphere. Conversely, hand force mostly rely on sensorimotor mechanisms, fulfilled by anterior regions of the brain and involving both hemispheres. Since PA effects have been reported to affect both sensorimotor and higher level cognitive processes, is it possible to hypothesize a modulation of both hands strenght and plantar pressure after PA? Forty-six healthy subjects (male = 23; mean age = 25 ± 3 years) were randomly divided into two groups: a leftward prismatic adaptation group (l-PA) and a rightward prismatic adaptation group (r-PA). Hand strength and plantar pressure were assessed, immediately before and after PA, using the handgrip task and baropodometric measurement, respectively. Both l-PA and r-PA induced a significant decrease of strength in the hand contralateral to the lenses deviation side. Only r-PA was associated with an increase of the forefoot plantar pressure in both feet. Modulation of interhemispheric inhibitory processes at sensorimotor and higher cognitive level may account for the present results. PA exerts effects on body posture and hand strength relying on different mechanisms. The PA effects on hand strength are probably related to the modulation of interhemispheric inhibition of sensorimotor processes, involving both hemispheres. The PA effects on body posture are probably related to modulation of body representation, involving mainly the right hemisphere.
Rosario Emanuele Bonaventura; Valerio Giustino; Gabriele Chiaramonte; Andreina Giustiniani; Daniela Smirni; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Massimiliano Oliveri. Investigating prismatic adaptation effects in handgrip strength and in plantar pressure in healthy subjects. Gait & Posture 2019, 76, 264 -269.
AMA StyleRosario Emanuele Bonaventura, Valerio Giustino, Gabriele Chiaramonte, Andreina Giustiniani, Daniela Smirni, Giuseppe Battaglia, Giuseppe Messina, Massimiliano Oliveri. Investigating prismatic adaptation effects in handgrip strength and in plantar pressure in healthy subjects. Gait & Posture. 2019; 76 ():264-269.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosario Emanuele Bonaventura; Valerio Giustino; Gabriele Chiaramonte; Andreina Giustiniani; Daniela Smirni; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Massimiliano Oliveri. 2019. "Investigating prismatic adaptation effects in handgrip strength and in plantar pressure in healthy subjects." Gait & Posture 76, no. : 264-269.
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.
Swimming pool activities revealed to be efficacious to train psychomotor skills and increase adaptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a specific multi-systemic aquatic therapy (CI-MAT) on gross motor and social skills in three adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Methods: three adolescents with ASD of which two boys (M1 with a chronological age of 10.3 years and a mental age of 4.7 years; M2 with a chronological age of 14.6 and a mental age inferior to 4 years) and one girl (chronological age of 14.0 and a mental age inferior to 4 years). The study was divided into three phases: baseline, 12-week CI-MAT program and Post-Test. Participants were administered a battery of tests incorporating anthropometric measurements, gross motor development test and a social skills questionnaire before and after a 12-week MAT-CI program. Results: Subjects improved locomotors and object control skills following the CI-MAT program in a different way. Concerning social behaviors, the higher proportion of gains was observed in the sensitivity of other’s presence and eye contact, for the contact domain, and in the comply turn for the relationship domain. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the CI-MAT program was effective for the development of gross-motor skills and social behaviors in subjects with ASD. Moreover there is an urge to carry out a whole psychological assessment targeting both motor and adaptive development suitable to provide educational and vocational plans of exercises for people with ASD.
Giuseppe Battaglia; Gianna Agrò; Pietro Cataldo; Antonio Palma; Marianna Alesi. Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Three Case Reports. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2019, 4, 27 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Battaglia, Gianna Agrò, Pietro Cataldo, Antonio Palma, Marianna Alesi. Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Three Case Reports. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2019; 4 (2):27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Battaglia; Gianna Agrò; Pietro Cataldo; Antonio Palma; Marianna Alesi. 2019. "Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Three Case Reports." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 4, no. 2: 27.
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.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex disorder where widespread musculoskeletal pain is associated with many heterogenous symptoms ranging from affective disturbances to cognitive dysfunction and central fatigue. FMS is currently underdiagnosed and often very poorly responsive to pharmacological treatment. Pathophysiology of the disease remains still obscure even if in the last years fine structural and functional cerebral abnormalities have been identified, principally by neurophysiological and imaging studies delineating disfunctions in pain perception, processing and control systems. On such basis, recently, neurostimulation of brain areas involved in mechanism of pain processing and control (primary motor cortex: M1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: DLPFC) has been explored by means of different approaches and particularly through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (transcranial magnetic and electric stimulation: TMS and tES). Here we summarize studies on tES application in FMS. The great majority of reports, based on direct currents (transcranial direct currents stimulation: tDCS) and targeting M1, showed efficacy on pain measures and less on cognitive and affective symptoms, even if several aspects as maintenance of therapeutical effects and optimal stimulation parameters remain to be established. Differently, stimulation of DLPFC, explored in a few studies, was ineffective on pain and showed limited effects on cognitive and affective symptoms. Very recently new tES techniques as high-density tDCS (HD-tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and tDCS devices for home-based treatment have been explored in FMS with interesting even if very preliminary results opening interesting perspectives for more effective, well tolerated, cheap and easy therapeutic approaches.
Filippo Brighina; Massimiliano Curatolo; Giuseppe Cosentino; Marina De Tommaso; Giuseppe Battaglia; Pier Carlo Sarzi-Puttini; Giuliana Guggino; Brigida Fierro. Brain Modulation by Electric Currents in Fibromyalgia: A Structured Review on Non-invasive Approach With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2019, 13, 40 .
AMA StyleFilippo Brighina, Massimiliano Curatolo, Giuseppe Cosentino, Marina De Tommaso, Giuseppe Battaglia, Pier Carlo Sarzi-Puttini, Giuliana Guggino, Brigida Fierro. Brain Modulation by Electric Currents in Fibromyalgia: A Structured Review on Non-invasive Approach With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 2019; 13 ():40.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo Brighina; Massimiliano Curatolo; Giuseppe Cosentino; Marina De Tommaso; Giuseppe Battaglia; Pier Carlo Sarzi-Puttini; Giuliana Guggino; Brigida Fierro. 2019. "Brain Modulation by Electric Currents in Fibromyalgia: A Structured Review on Non-invasive Approach With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 13, no. : 40.
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.
Marianna Alesi; Giuseppe Battaglia. Motor development and Down syndrome. International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities 2019, 169 -211.
AMA StyleMarianna Alesi, Giuseppe Battaglia. Motor development and Down syndrome. International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities. 2019; ():169-211.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Alesi; Giuseppe Battaglia. 2019. "Motor development and Down syndrome." International Review of Research in Developmental Disabilities , no. : 169-211.
Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Matteo Barcellona; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. Influence of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on Peak Force During Handgrip Tests in Athletes. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine 2018, In Press, 1 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Battaglia, Giuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Daniele Zangla, Matteo Barcellona, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma. Influence of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on Peak Force During Handgrip Tests in Athletes. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. 2018; In Press (In Press):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Matteo Barcellona; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. 2018. "Influence of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion on Peak Force During Handgrip Tests in Athletes." Asian Journal of Sports Medicine In Press, no. In Press: 1.
This cross-sectional study examines differences in gross motor proficiency as a function of different intellectual functioning profiles. Two motor areas have been investigated as being equally essential to gross motor functions in every-day life: locomotion and object control. It aims to compare gross motor skills endorsed by children with Down syndrome (DS), children with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF), and typically developing children (TDC). Group 1 was composed of 18 children with DS (chronological age = 8.22), group 2 was composed of 18 children with BIF (chronological age = 9.32), and group 3 was composed of 18 children with typical development (TD) (chronological age = 9.28). Gross motor skills were measured through the test of gross motor development (TGMD-Test) composed of locomotion and object control tasks. Children with DS showed worse gross motor skills compared with children with BIF and typically developing children by underscoring both on all locomotion (e.g., walking, running, hopping, galloping, jumping, sliding, and leaping) and all object control tasks (e.g., throwing, catching, striking, bouncing, kicking, pulling, and pushing). In DS group strengths were found on run and slide skills, in BIF group strengths were on run, long jump and slide skills and in TDC group strengths were on run and slide skills. For all of the 3 groups the locomotor worst performed task was jump forward with arm swing. Findings suggest implications for further practice to develop evidence-based exercise programs aimed to rehabilitate gross motor skills through the regular participation in structured exercise activities.
Marianna Alesi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Annamaria Pepi; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. Gross motor proficiency and intellectual functioning. Medicine 2018, 97, e12737 .
AMA StyleMarianna Alesi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Annamaria Pepi, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma. Gross motor proficiency and intellectual functioning. Medicine. 2018; 97 (41):e12737.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Alesi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Annamaria Pepi; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. 2018. "Gross motor proficiency and intellectual functioning." Medicine 97, no. 41: e12737.