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Background: Ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional approach that restricts daily carbohydrates, replacing most of the reduced energy with fat, while maintaining an adequate quantity of protein. Despite the widespread use of KD in weight loss in athletes, there are still many concerns about its use in sports requiring muscle mass accrual. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the influence of a KD in competitive natural body builders. Methods: Nineteen volunteers (27.4 ± 10.5 years) were randomly assigned to ketogenic diet (KD) or to a western diet (WD). Body composition, muscle strength and basal metabolic rate were measured before and after two months of intervention. Standard blood biochemistry, testosterone, IGF-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL1β, TNFα) were also measured. Results: Body fat significantly decreased in KD (p = 0.030); whilst lean mass increased significantly only in WD (p < 0.001). Maximal strength increased similarly in both groups. KD showed a significant decrease of blood triglycerides (p < 0.001), glucose (p = 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001) and inflammatory cytokines compared to WD whilst BDNF increased in both groups with significant greater changes in KD (p < 0.001). Conclusions: KD may be used during body building preparation for health and leaning purposes but with the caution that hypertrophic muscle response could be blunted.
Antonio Paoli; Lorenzo Cenci; Pierluigi Pompei; Nese Sahin; Antonino Bianco; Marco Neri; Massimiliano Caprio; Tatiana Moro. Effects of Two Months of Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscle Area, and Blood Parameters in Competitive Natural Body Builders. Nutrients 2021, 13, 374 .
AMA StyleAntonio Paoli, Lorenzo Cenci, Pierluigi Pompei, Nese Sahin, Antonino Bianco, Marco Neri, Massimiliano Caprio, Tatiana Moro. Effects of Two Months of Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscle Area, and Blood Parameters in Competitive Natural Body Builders. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (2):374.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Paoli; Lorenzo Cenci; Pierluigi Pompei; Nese Sahin; Antonino Bianco; Marco Neri; Massimiliano Caprio; Tatiana Moro. 2021. "Effects of Two Months of Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscle Area, and Blood Parameters in Competitive Natural Body Builders." Nutrients 13, no. 2: 374.
The aim of this investigation was to identify possible related factors associated to the performance of the crunning test in European children and adolescents. A total number of 559 children and adolescents (age range 6–14 years) of which 308 boys (55.1%) and 251 girls (44.9%), from seven European countries, were screened. A questionnaire concerning demographic and personal life-related factors and a cognitive assessment were performed. A regression analysis was conducted with the performance measures of the crunning movement. T-tests and ANCOVA were used to analyze sub-group differences. Boys have greater crunning performance values compared to girls (5.55 s vs. 7.06 s, p < 0.001) and older children perform better than younger ones (R2 −0.23; p < 0.001). Children with healthy and active habits (exercising or spending time with family members vs. reading or surfing the internet) performed better in the test. Children engaged in team sports had better crunning performances compared to those engaged in individual sports (6.01 s vs. 6.66 s, p = 0.0166). No significant association was found regarding cognitive-related aspects in either children engaged in team or individual sports and the crunning performance. Older and male children performed better in the crunning test than younger and female children. Physical activity-related aspects of children’s life are associated with crunning movement performance. No association was found between higher cognitive performance and the crunning test results.
Ewan Thomas; Marianna Alesi; Garden Tabacchi; Carlos Silva; David Sturm; Fatma Şahin; Özkan Güler; Manuel Gómez-López; Simona Pajaujiene; Michele Basile; Ante Rada; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. Cognitive and Physical Activity-Related Aspects of Children Associated to the Performance of the Crunning Movement. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2021, 6, 9 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Marianna Alesi, Garden Tabacchi, Carlos Silva, David Sturm, Fatma Şahin, Özkan Güler, Manuel Gómez-López, Simona Pajaujiene, Michele Basile, Ante Rada, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco. Cognitive and Physical Activity-Related Aspects of Children Associated to the Performance of the Crunning Movement. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2021; 6 (1):9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Marianna Alesi; Garden Tabacchi; Carlos Silva; David Sturm; Fatma Şahin; Özkan Güler; Manuel Gómez-López; Simona Pajaujiene; Michele Basile; Ante Rada; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. 2021. "Cognitive and Physical Activity-Related Aspects of Children Associated to the Performance of the Crunning Movement." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 6, no. 1: 9.
Sixteen female soccer players (age = 20.19 ± 1.52 years; body mass = 56.52 ± 4.95 kg; body height = 164.81 ± 4.21 cm) with no history of lower extremity injury participated in the study. The Biodex SD Balance system was used to determine the non-dominant single-leg stability. In anaerobic exercise, each subject performed four maximal cycling efforts against a resistance equivalent to 0.075 kg/body mass for 30 s with three-minute rest intervals. In aerobic exercise, subjects performed the Bruce protocol on a motorized treadmill. After each exercise, subjects subsequently performed a single-leg stability test and then repeated the same test for four times with five-minute passive rest periods. In accordance with the results, it was found that the impairment observed right after the aerobic loading was higher (p < 0.001) compared to the anaerobic one. However, the time-related deterioration in both aerobic and anaerobic loadings was similar. The B-pre value was lower than Bpost and B5 (p < 0.01) and B10 (p < 0.05) in both conditions. Subjects could reach the initial balance level at B15 after aerobic and anaerobic loadings. The lactate level did not reach resting value even after 20 min of both fatigue protocols. Although the fatigue after aerobic and aerobic exercise negatively affects a single-leg dynamic balance level, single leg balance ability returns to the baseline status after 10 min of passive recovery duration.
Özkan Güler; Dicle Aras; Fırat Akça; Antonino Bianco; Gioacchino Lavanco; Antonio Paoli; Fatma Neşe Şahin. Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fatigue Exercises on Postural Control and Recovery Time in Female Soccer Players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6273 .
AMA StyleÖzkan Güler, Dicle Aras, Fırat Akça, Antonino Bianco, Gioacchino Lavanco, Antonio Paoli, Fatma Neşe Şahin. Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fatigue Exercises on Postural Control and Recovery Time in Female Soccer Players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6273.
Chicago/Turabian StyleÖzkan Güler; Dicle Aras; Fırat Akça; Antonino Bianco; Gioacchino Lavanco; Antonio Paoli; Fatma Neşe Şahin. 2020. "Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fatigue Exercises on Postural Control and Recovery Time in Female Soccer Players." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6273.
The standing broad jump (SBJ) is a valid, reliable and feasible field-based test, which can evaluate explosive strength of the lower limbs and physical fitness. This study aimed to provide normative data for the SBJ for male and female children and adolescents and describe differences in performance between age groups and genders. A total number of 2140 children and adolescents, sampled in seven European nations have been included for analysis. The SBJ was performed to derive percentile values for gender and each age group. In general, males have greater jumping performance compared to females. Data demonstrate a linear increase in the jumping distance for both males and females until adolescence. However, such increase is evident in males up to 16-17 years old, whereas in females a plateau value is met at 12-13 years old, with a subsequent decrease in the jumping performance. No differences were present in jumping performance between male and female children, however differences between male and female adolescents were evinced. The study has provided percentile values useful to monitor the physical fitness status of children and adolescents.
Ewan Thomas; Luca Petrigna; Garden Tabacchi; Eduardo Teixeira; Simona Pajaujiene; David J. Sturm; Fatma Nese Sahin; Manuel Gómez-López; Jelena Pausic; Antonio Paoli; Marianna Alesi; Antonino Bianco. Percentile values of the standing broad jump in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old. 2020, 30, 9050 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Luca Petrigna, Garden Tabacchi, Eduardo Teixeira, Simona Pajaujiene, David J. Sturm, Fatma Nese Sahin, Manuel Gómez-López, Jelena Pausic, Antonio Paoli, Marianna Alesi, Antonino Bianco. Percentile values of the standing broad jump in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old. . 2020; 30 (2):9050.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Luca Petrigna; Garden Tabacchi; Eduardo Teixeira; Simona Pajaujiene; David J. Sturm; Fatma Nese Sahin; Manuel Gómez-López; Jelena Pausic; Antonio Paoli; Marianna Alesi; Antonino Bianco. 2020. "Percentile values of the standing broad jump in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old." 30, no. 2: 9050.
Background: Physical fitness in youth is a predictor of health in adulthood. The main objective of the present study was to understand if an enriched sport activity program could increase physical fitness in a population of schoolchildren. Methods: In a sample of 672 children aged 10.0 ± 1.90 years, different motor skills were tested by the 1 kg and 3 kg ball throw (BT), the standing broad jump (SBJ), the 30 m sprint (30mS), the leger shuttle run (LSR), the illinois agility test (IGT), and the quadruped test (QT). Within the controlled-trial, the intervention group (ESA) underwent an additional warm-up protocol, which included cognitive enhancing elements, for 14 weeks while the control group continued with ordinary exercise activity. Results: A significant increase was present regarding the 1 kg and 3 kg BT, the SBJ, the 30mS, and the IGT, while no significant difference was shown regarding the QT and the LSR in the ESA group between pre and post intervention. In the control group, no differences were present for any test except for the QT and the LSR post-test. Conclusion: A 14-week structured physical intervention had moderate effects regarding throwing, jumping, sprinting, and agility in a sample of schoolchildren.
Ewan Thomas; Antonino Bianco; Garden Tabacchi; Carlos Marques Da Silva; Nuno Loureiro; Michele Basile; Marcello Giaccone; David J. Sturm; Fatma Neşe Şahin; Özkan Güler; Manuel Gómez-López; Guillermo F. López Sánchez; Simona Pajaujiene; Ilona Judita Zuoziene; Ante Rada; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Palma. Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1723 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Antonino Bianco, Garden Tabacchi, Carlos Marques Da Silva, Nuno Loureiro, Michele Basile, Marcello Giaccone, David J. Sturm, Fatma Neşe Şahin, Özkan Güler, Manuel Gómez-López, Guillermo F. López Sánchez, Simona Pajaujiene, Ilona Judita Zuoziene, Ante Rada, Marianna Alesi, Antonio Palma. Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (5):1723.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Antonino Bianco; Garden Tabacchi; Carlos Marques Da Silva; Nuno Loureiro; Michele Basile; Marcello Giaccone; David J. Sturm; Fatma Neşe Şahin; Özkan Güler; Manuel Gómez-López; Guillermo F. López Sánchez; Simona Pajaujiene; Ilona Judita Zuoziene; Ante Rada; Marianna Alesi; Antonio Palma. 2020. "Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Physical Fitness of schoolchildren: The Enriched Sport Activity Program." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 5: 1723.
With the significant decrease in physical activity rates, the importance of intervention programs in the schools, where children spend a significant part of the day, has become indisputable. The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the possibility of school-based interventions on promoting physical activity and physical fitness as well as preventing obesity. A systematic approach adopting PRISMA statement was implemented in this study. Three different databases (2010–2019) were screened and primary and secondary school-based intervention programs measuring at least one variable of obesity, physical activity, or physical fitness were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the validated quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Among 395 potentially related studies, 19 studies were found to meet the eligibility criteria. A general look at the studies examined reveals that among the outcomes, of which most (18/19) were examined, a significant improvement was provided in at least one of them. When the program details are examined, it can be said that the success rate of the physical activity-oriented programs is higher in all variables. School-based interventions can have important potential for obesity prevention and promotion of physical activity and fitness if they focus more on the content, quality, duration and priority of the physical activity.
Hidayet Suha Yuksel; Fatma Neşe Şahin; Nebojsa Maksimovic; Patrik Drid; Antonino Bianco. School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 347 .
AMA StyleHidayet Suha Yuksel, Fatma Neşe Şahin, Nebojsa Maksimovic, Patrik Drid, Antonino Bianco. School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (1):347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHidayet Suha Yuksel; Fatma Neşe Şahin; Nebojsa Maksimovic; Patrik Drid; Antonino Bianco. 2020. "School-Based Intervention Programs for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 1: 347.
High levels of physical fitness (PF) can positively affect both health and cognitive function, thus monitoring its levels in youth can help increase health and quality of life in adult populations later on. This systematic review aims to identify PF field-based tests used in young European populations practicing sport to find tools that are adequate for the considered target involving a new battery within the Enriched Sport Activities (ESA) project. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. In the 83 identified articles, the main tests used were: vertical/horizontal jumps (for muscular strength/power); push-ups, running at maximum effort, sit-ups (for muscular strength/endurance); multistage non-intermittent and intermittent tests (for aerobic endurance); sit and reach (for flexibility); sprinting and agility T-tests (for speed and agility, respectively); 10 × 5 m shuttle run (SR) (for both speed and agility). Few studies assessed coordination, reaction time, power, and balance. Although the selected tests are widely used and validated, they do not determine all PF aspects and do not reflect sport-specific features. A final decision was made for the inclusion of the following tests: standing broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, 20 m SR test, 30 m sprint, Illinois test, and a new test, i.e., the crunning test, to assess different skill-related components at once. The use of this combination of tests allows for the assessment of all PF components and can help planning effective training programs and cultivate sporting talent.
Garden Tabacchi; Guillermo F. Lopez Sanchez; Fatma Nese Sahin; Meltem Kizilyalli; Rosario Genchi; Michele Basile; Musa Kirkar; Carlos Silva; Nuno Loureiro; Eduardo Teixeira; Yolanda Demetriou; David Joseph Sturm; Simona Pajaujene; Ilona J. Zuoziene; Manuel Gómez-López; Ante Rada; Jelena Pausic; Nemanja Lakicevic; Luca Petrigna; Kaltrina Feka; Ana Ribeiro; Marianna Alesi; Antonino Bianco. Field-Based Tests for the Assessment of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents Practicing Sport: A Systematic Review within the ESA Program. Sustainability 2019, 11, 7187 .
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Guillermo F. Lopez Sanchez, Fatma Nese Sahin, Meltem Kizilyalli, Rosario Genchi, Michele Basile, Musa Kirkar, Carlos Silva, Nuno Loureiro, Eduardo Teixeira, Yolanda Demetriou, David Joseph Sturm, Simona Pajaujene, Ilona J. Zuoziene, Manuel Gómez-López, Ante Rada, Jelena Pausic, Nemanja Lakicevic, Luca Petrigna, Kaltrina Feka, Ana Ribeiro, Marianna Alesi, Antonino Bianco. Field-Based Tests for the Assessment of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents Practicing Sport: A Systematic Review within the ESA Program. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (24):7187.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Guillermo F. Lopez Sanchez; Fatma Nese Sahin; Meltem Kizilyalli; Rosario Genchi; Michele Basile; Musa Kirkar; Carlos Silva; Nuno Loureiro; Eduardo Teixeira; Yolanda Demetriou; David Joseph Sturm; Simona Pajaujene; Ilona J. Zuoziene; Manuel Gómez-López; Ante Rada; Jelena Pausic; Nemanja Lakicevic; Luca Petrigna; Kaltrina Feka; Ana Ribeiro; Marianna Alesi; Antonino Bianco. 2019. "Field-Based Tests for the Assessment of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents Practicing Sport: A Systematic Review within the ESA Program." Sustainability 11, no. 24: 7187.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01508.].
Ewan Thomas; Bettina Karsten; Fatma Nese Sahin; Goktug Ertetik; Francesco Martines; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Paoli; Paulo Gentil; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. Erratum to “Protein supplement consumption is linked to time spent exercising and high-protein content foods: A multicentric observational study” [Heliyon 5 (4) (April 2019) e01508]. Heliyon 2019, 5, e01626 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Bettina Karsten, Fatma Nese Sahin, Goktug Ertetik, Francesco Martines, Vincenza Leonardi, Antonio Paoli, Paulo Gentil, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco. Erratum to “Protein supplement consumption is linked to time spent exercising and high-protein content foods: A multicentric observational study” [Heliyon 5 (4) (April 2019) e01508]. Heliyon. 2019; 5 (5):e01626.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Bettina Karsten; Fatma Nese Sahin; Goktug Ertetik; Francesco Martines; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Paoli; Paulo Gentil; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. 2019. "Erratum to “Protein supplement consumption is linked to time spent exercising and high-protein content foods: A multicentric observational study” [Heliyon 5 (4) (April 2019) e01508]." Heliyon 5, no. 5: e01626.
Enriched Sport Activities (ESA) Program is an Evidence-based Practice Exercise Program cofounded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union (Key action: Sport-579661-EPP-1-2016-2-IT-SPO-SCP)
Marianna Alesi; Carlos Silva; Carla Borrego; Diogo Monteiro; Rosario Genchi; Valentina Polizzi; Musa Kirkar; Yolanda Demetriou; Judith Brame; Fatma Nese Sahin; Meltem Kizilyalli; Manuel Gómez-López; Guillermo López Sánchez; Simona Pajaujiene; Vinga Indriuniene; Ante Rađa; Antonino Bianco. Cognitive and Motivational Monitoring during Enriched Sport Activities in a Sample of Children Living in Europe. The Esa Program. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2017, 2, 46 -3.
AMA StyleMarianna Alesi, Carlos Silva, Carla Borrego, Diogo Monteiro, Rosario Genchi, Valentina Polizzi, Musa Kirkar, Yolanda Demetriou, Judith Brame, Fatma Nese Sahin, Meltem Kizilyalli, Manuel Gómez-López, Guillermo López Sánchez, Simona Pajaujiene, Vinga Indriuniene, Ante Rađa, Antonino Bianco. Cognitive and Motivational Monitoring during Enriched Sport Activities in a Sample of Children Living in Europe. The Esa Program. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. 2017; 2 (4):46-3.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarianna Alesi; Carlos Silva; Carla Borrego; Diogo Monteiro; Rosario Genchi; Valentina Polizzi; Musa Kirkar; Yolanda Demetriou; Judith Brame; Fatma Nese Sahin; Meltem Kizilyalli; Manuel Gómez-López; Guillermo López Sánchez; Simona Pajaujiene; Vinga Indriuniene; Ante Rađa; Antonino Bianco. 2017. "Cognitive and Motivational Monitoring during Enriched Sport Activities in a Sample of Children Living in Europe. The Esa Program." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2, no. 4: 46-3.
The effects of synthetic surfaces on the risk of injuries is still debated in literature and the majority of published data seems to be contradictory. For such reasons the understanding of injury incidence on such surfaces, especially in youth sport, is fundamental for injury prevention. The aim of this study was to prospectively report the epidemiology of injuries in young football players, playing on artificial turfs, during a one sports season. 80 young male football players (age 16.1 ± 3.7 years; height 174 ± 6.6 cm; weight 64.2 ± 6.3 kg) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The participants were then divided in two groups; the first included players age ranging from 17 to 19 (OP) whereas the second included players age ranging from 13 to 16 (YP). Injury incidence was recorded prospectively, according to the consensus statement for soccer. A total of 107 injuries (35 from the OP and 72 from the YP) were recorded during an exposure time of 83.760 hours (incidence 1.28/1000 per player hours); 22 during matches (incidence 2.84/1000 per player hours, 20.5%) and 85 during training (incidence 1.15/1000 per player hours, 79.5%). Thigh and groin were the most common injury locations (33.6% and 21.5%, respectively) while muscle injuries such as contractures and strains were the most common injury typologies (68.23%). No statistical differences between groups were displayed, except for the rate of severe injuries during matches, with the OP displaying slightly higher rates compared to the YP. Severe injuries accounted for 10.28% of the total injuries reported. The average time lost due to injuries was 14 days. Re-injuries accounted for 4.67% of all injuries sustained during the season. In professional youth soccer injury rates are reasonably low. Muscle injuries are the most common type of injuries while groin and thigh the most common locations. Artificial turf pitches don’t seem to contribute to injury incidence in young football players.
Antonino Bianco; Mirco Spedicato; Marco Petrucci; Giuseppe Messina; Ewan Thomas; Fatma Nese Sahin; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma. A Prospective Analysis of the Injury Incidence of Young Male Professional Football Players on Artificial Turf. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine 2016, 7, 1 .
AMA StyleAntonino Bianco, Mirco Spedicato, Marco Petrucci, Giuseppe Messina, Ewan Thomas, Fatma Nese Sahin, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma. A Prospective Analysis of the Injury Incidence of Young Male Professional Football Players on Artificial Turf. Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016; 7 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Bianco; Mirco Spedicato; Marco Petrucci; Giuseppe Messina; Ewan Thomas; Fatma Nese Sahin; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma. 2016. "A Prospective Analysis of the Injury Incidence of Young Male Professional Football Players on Artificial Turf." Asian Journal of Sports Medicine 7, no. 1: 1.
M Karakollukçu; Cem Sinan Aslan; Antonio Paoli; A Bianco; Fatma Nese Sahin. Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 2014, 55, 1 .
AMA StyleM Karakollukçu, Cem Sinan Aslan, Antonio Paoli, A Bianco, Fatma Nese Sahin. Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 2014; 55 (7):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM Karakollukçu; Cem Sinan Aslan; Antonio Paoli; A Bianco; Fatma Nese Sahin. 2014. "Effects of mini trampoline exercise on male gymnasts' physiological parameters: a pilot study." The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 55, no. 7: 1.
The aim of this study was to examine the opportunity to adopt, for the elderly, already validated function ability tests to better understand how to prevent falls and injuries and to better plan group fitness activities like ballroom dance classes (e.g., Valzer, Polka, Mazurka). A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Barthel Index (BI) were administered and the occurrence of falls during the previous 2 years was evaluated by anamnesis. One hundred and twenty-two elderly subjects living in Palermo city participated to the study. According to the anamnesis, subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The EG consisted of 75 subjects attending classes of ballroom dancing (73.0 ± 5.6 years 26.1 ± 3.9 BMI), while the CG included 47 volunteers (74.3 ± 5.4 years, 26.8 ± 4.4 BMI). A threshold of 70 % for both scales (BBS-70 and BI-70 %) was set, according to the aims of the study. STATISTICA software was adopted to perform an unpaired t test. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered to be statistically relevant. The BI and BBS of CG were 76.7 ± 33.08 and 30.9 ± 14.9, respectively, while the BI and BBS of EG were 98.1 ± 6.9 and 50.5 ± 54. In EG the BBS-70 % showed 96.0 % of cases compared to 27.6 % of the CG. The BI showed a similar trend to BBS. In EG the BI-70 % showed 98.6 % of cases, while the BI-70 % of CG showed 70.2 % of cases. Moreover, only 36.0 % of EG reported falls previously, while CG reported 53.2 % of falls during the same period of time. The BBS seems to be a valid and reliable tool able to be adopted also by professionals of the ballroom dancing sector (e.g., Valzer, Polka and Mazurka classes). Instructors may evaluate the functional ability of their attendees through BBS to easily obtain more information and better plan ballroom dance classes. Moreover, we highlight that these conclusions need to be supported by other studies with different cohorts and a larger population scale.
Antonino Bianco; Antonino Patti; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Fatma Nese Sahin; Antonio Paoli; Maria Concetta Cataldo; Caterina Mammina; Antonio Palma. Group fitness activities for the elderly: an innovative approach to reduce falls and injuries. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 2013, 26, 147 -152.
AMA StyleAntonino Bianco, Antonino Patti, Marianna Bellafiore, Giuseppe Battaglia, Fatma Nese Sahin, Antonio Paoli, Maria Concetta Cataldo, Caterina Mammina, Antonio Palma. Group fitness activities for the elderly: an innovative approach to reduce falls and injuries. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 2013; 26 (2):147-152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Bianco; Antonino Patti; Marianna Bellafiore; Giuseppe Battaglia; Fatma Nese Sahin; Antonio Paoli; Maria Concetta Cataldo; Caterina Mammina; Antonio Palma. 2013. "Group fitness activities for the elderly: an innovative approach to reduce falls and injuries." Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 26, no. 2: 147-152.