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Gymnastics athletes are exposed to a high risk of injury, but also of developing musculoskeletal pain. These data are still little investigated in the available scientific literature. An online survey was distributed to 79 professional athletes who practiced artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. The survey collected demographic and anthropometric data, information about the sport practice, the training sessions, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain gymnastics-related, and lifestyle habits. Musculoskeletal pain had a high prevalence, involving 65 of 79 athletes (82.3%). A significant correlation was found between musculoskeletal pain and the duration of sports practice, both for general pain (p = 0.041) and for specific districts: right wrist pain (p = 0.031), left wrist pain (p = 0.028), right shoulder (p = 0.039), left hip (p = 0.031), right thigh (p = 0.031), and left knee (p = 0.005). Another statistical association was found between right wrist pain and BMI (p = 0.001), and hip pain and BMI (p = 0.030). Hours spent in a sitting position were also correlated with the incidence of pain (p = 0.045). Wrist pain and right shoulder pain had a statistically significant association with the age of the athletes (right wrist pain: p = 0.038; left wrist pain: p = 0.004; right shoulder pain: p = 0.035). The more the gymnasts practice this sport, the more likely they are to develop musculoskeletal pain. Increased age and a higher BMI, as well as daily prolonged sitting position, seem to be potential risk factors for the onset of musculoskeletal pain. Future studies could plan training strategies aimed at preventing musculoskeletal pain associated with gymnastics, in order to promote its further spread.
Giacomo Farì; Francesco Fischetti; Alessandra Zonno; Francesco Marra; Alessia Maglie; Francesco Bianchi; Giuseppe Messina; Maurizio Ranieri; Marisa Megna. Musculoskeletal Pain in Gymnasts: A Retrospective Analysis on a Cohort of Professional Athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 5460 .
AMA StyleGiacomo Farì, Francesco Fischetti, Alessandra Zonno, Francesco Marra, Alessia Maglie, Francesco Bianchi, Giuseppe Messina, Maurizio Ranieri, Marisa Megna. Musculoskeletal Pain in Gymnasts: A Retrospective Analysis on a Cohort of Professional Athletes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (10):5460.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiacomo Farì; Francesco Fischetti; Alessandra Zonno; Francesco Marra; Alessia Maglie; Francesco Bianchi; Giuseppe Messina; Maurizio Ranieri; Marisa Megna. 2021. "Musculoskeletal Pain in Gymnasts: A Retrospective Analysis on a Cohort of Professional Athletes." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 10: 5460.
Vertigo is not itself a disease, but rather a symptom of various syndromes and disorders that jeopardize balance function, which is essential for daily activities. It is an abnormal sensation of motion that usually occurs in the absence of motion, or when a motion is sensed inaccurately. Due to the complexity of the etiopathogenesis of vertigo, many pharmacological treatments have been tested for efficacy on vertigo. Among these drugs, cinnarizine, usually given together with dimenhydrinate, appears to be the first-line pharmacotherapy for the management of vertigo and inner ear disorders. Based on these considerations, the present non-interventional study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of cinnarizine (20 mg) and dimenhydrinate (40 mg) in patients suffering from vertigo-related symptoms. To this end, we enrolled 120 adults—70 males, and 50 females—with an average age of 64 years. Before beginning pharmacological treatment, all patients were screened for the intensity of vertigo, dizziness, and concomitant symptoms through the Visual Scale of Dizziness Disorders and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scales. At the end of the anamnestic evaluation, patients received the fixed-dose combination of cinnarizine (20 mg) plus dimenhydrinate (40 mg) 3 times daily, for 60 days. The results of this study provide further insight regarding the efficacy of the fixed combination when used to reduce symptoms of vestibular vertigo of central and/or peripheral origin, after both the 15- and 60-day therapies. Independent of the type of vertigo, the fixed combination was able to reduce dizziness- and vertigo-associated symptoms in more than 75% of all patients treated, starting from 15 days of therapy, and improving 60 days after starting the therapy. Interestingly, we also found differences between male and female patients in the framework of the pharmacological effects of therapy. This study provides further details concerning the therapeutic efficacy of the fixed combination of cinnarizine and dimenhydrinate, and also focuses attention on the possibility that these drugs could act in a gender-specific manner, paving the way for further research.
Fulvio Plescia; Pietro Salvago; Francesco Dispenza; Giuseppe Messina; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Francesco Martines. Efficacy and Pharmacological Appropriateness of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate in the Treatment of Vertigo and Related Symptoms. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4787 .
AMA StyleFulvio Plescia, Pietro Salvago, Francesco Dispenza, Giuseppe Messina, Emanuele Cannizzaro, Francesco Martines. Efficacy and Pharmacological Appropriateness of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate in the Treatment of Vertigo and Related Symptoms. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4787.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFulvio Plescia; Pietro Salvago; Francesco Dispenza; Giuseppe Messina; Emanuele Cannizzaro; Francesco Martines. 2021. "Efficacy and Pharmacological Appropriateness of Cinnarizine and Dimenhydrinate in the Treatment of Vertigo and Related Symptoms." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4787.
High-level young athletes need to face a wide spectrum of stressors on their journey to élite categories. The aims of the present study are (i) to evaluate session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) at different training impulse (TRIMP) categories and the correlations between these two variables and, (ii) evaluate the correlations between sRPE, fluid loss, and carbohydrate consumption during exercise. Data on Edward’s TRIMP, sRPE, body mass loss pre- and post- exercise (∆), and carbohydrate consumption (CHO/h) during exercise have been acquired from eight male junior cyclists during a competitive season. One-way ANOVA and correlation analysis with linear regression have been performed on acquired data. sRPE resulted in a significant difference in the three TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). sRPE resulted in being very largely positively associated with TRIMP values (p < 0.001; R = 0.71). ∆ as well as CHO/h was largely negatively related with sRPE in all TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). The results confirmed the role of fluid balance and carbohydrate consumption on the perception of fatigue and fatigue accumulation dynamics independently from the training load. Young athletes’ training load monitoring and nutritional-hydration support represent important aspects in athlete’s exercise-induced fatigue management.
Leonardo Cesanelli; Berta Ylaitė; Giuseppe Messina; Daniele Zangla; Stefania Cataldi; Antonio Palma; Angelo Iovane. The Impact of Fluid Loss and Carbohydrate Consumption during Exercise, on Young Cyclists’ Fatigue Perception in Relation to Training Load Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3282 .
AMA StyleLeonardo Cesanelli, Berta Ylaitė, Giuseppe Messina, Daniele Zangla, Stefania Cataldi, Antonio Palma, Angelo Iovane. The Impact of Fluid Loss and Carbohydrate Consumption during Exercise, on Young Cyclists’ Fatigue Perception in Relation to Training Load Level. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (6):3282.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeonardo Cesanelli; Berta Ylaitė; Giuseppe Messina; Daniele Zangla; Stefania Cataldi; Antonio Palma; Angelo Iovane. 2021. "The Impact of Fluid Loss and Carbohydrate Consumption during Exercise, on Young Cyclists’ Fatigue Perception in Relation to Training Load Level." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 6: 3282.
The aims of this paper was to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMFR) on postural stability and to analyze if it can influence migraine condition. Twenty-five subjects (age 49.7± 12.5) affected by migraine were enrolled. Assessments included a stabilometric analysis in order to evaluate balance and plantar support, with eyes open (OE) and closed (CE); cervical ROM measurement; evaluation of upper limb strength through handgrip. All the analysis were carried out before and after the administration of a single SMFR protocol, using medium density small balls laid in the three most painful trigger points in migraine patients: trapezius, sternocleidomastoids and suboccipital muscles. Performing a T test for paired samples, there was a significant increase in two ranges of the stabilometric analysis: ellipse surface, both with open and closed eyes (p value EO = 0.05; p value EC = 0.04) and length of the sway path, but just with closed eyes (p value = 0.05). SMFR might have a positive impact on postural stability in subjects with migraine. Further investigation should be conducted to confirm the hypothesis.
Alessandra Amato; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Patrizia Proia. A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release. European Journal of Translational Myology 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleAlessandra Amato, Giuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Jessica Brusa, Filippo Brighina, Patrizia Proia. A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Amato; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Patrizia Proia. 2021. "A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release." European Journal of Translational Myology , no. : 1.
The aims of this paper was to determine the effect of self-myofascial release (SMFR) on postural stability and to analyze if it can influence migraine condition. Twenty-five subjects (age 49.7± 12.5) affected by migraine were enrolled. Assessments included a stabilometric analysis in order to evaluate balance and plantar support, with eyes open (OE) and closed (CE); cervical ROM measurement; evaluation of upper limb strength through handgrip. All the analysis were carried out before and after the administration of a single SMFR protocol, using medium density small balls laid in the three most painful trigger points in migraine patients: trapezius, sternocleidomastoids and suboccipital muscles. Performing a T test for paired samples, there was a significant increase in two ranges of the stabilometric analysis: ellipse surface, both with open and closed eyes (p value EO = 0.05; p value EC = 0.04) and length of the sway path, but just with closed eyes (p value = 0.05). SMFR might have a positive impact on postural stability in subjects with migraine. Further investigation should be conducted to confirm the hypothesis.
Alessandra Amato; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Patrizia Proia. A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release. European Journal of Translational Myology 2021, 31, 1 .
AMA StyleAlessandra Amato, Giuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Jessica Brusa, Filippo Brighina, Patrizia Proia. A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2021; 31 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Amato; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Patrizia Proia. 2021. "A pilot study on non-invasive treatment of migraine: The self-myofascial release." European Journal of Translational Myology 31, no. 1: 1.
Tumorigenesis is a multiphasic process in which genetic alterations guide the progressive transformation in cancer cells1. In order to evaluate the possible correlation between some gene variants and the risk of the toxicity development onset, two of the polymorphisms of the thymidylate synthase (TYMS), rs34743033 (2R/3R) and rs16430 (DEL/INS) were investigated. We enrolled in our study 47 patients from the Hospital of Sicily. Our preliminary findings suggest that there could be a linkage between the genotypes discussed and the development of the toxicity following the chemotherapy treatment. These results need to be confirmed by further studies, however this short paper offers some initial insight into the relationships between genetic background and the better outcome for patients.
Stefano Vitello; Italia Di Liegro; Maria Rita Ricciardi; Chiara Verga; Alessandra Amato; Gabriella Schiera; Carlo Di Liegro; Giuseppe Messina; Patrizia Proia. Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine. European Journal of Translational Myology 2020, 30, 8970 .
AMA StyleStefano Vitello, Italia Di Liegro, Maria Rita Ricciardi, Chiara Verga, Alessandra Amato, Gabriella Schiera, Carlo Di Liegro, Giuseppe Messina, Patrizia Proia. Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2020; 30 (3):8970.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Vitello; Italia Di Liegro; Maria Rita Ricciardi; Chiara Verga; Alessandra Amato; Gabriella Schiera; Carlo Di Liegro; Giuseppe Messina; Patrizia Proia. 2020. "Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine." European Journal of Translational Myology 30, no. 3: 8970.
Tumorigenesis is a multiphasic process in which genetic alterations guide the progressive transformation in cancer cells1. In order to evaluate the possible correlation between some gene variants and the risk of the toxicity development onset, two of the polymorphisms of the thymidylate synthase (TYMS), rs34743033 (2R/3R) and rs16430 (DEL/INS) were investigated. We enrolled in our study 47 patients from the Hospital of Sicily. Our preliminary findings suggest that there could be a linkage between the genotypes discussed and the development of the toxicity following the chemotherapy treatment. These results need to be confirmed by further studies, however this short paper offers some initial insight into the relationships between genetic background and the better outcome for patients.
Stefano Vitello; Italia Di Liegro; Maria Rita Ricciardi; Chiara Verga; Alessandra Amato; Gabriella Schiera; Carlo Di Liegro; Giuseppe Messina; Patrizia Proia. Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine. European Journal of Translational Myology 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleStefano Vitello, Italia Di Liegro, Maria Rita Ricciardi, Chiara Verga, Alessandra Amato, Gabriella Schiera, Carlo Di Liegro, Giuseppe Messina, Patrizia Proia. Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Vitello; Italia Di Liegro; Maria Rita Ricciardi; Chiara Verga; Alessandra Amato; Gabriella Schiera; Carlo Di Liegro; Giuseppe Messina; Patrizia Proia. 2020. "Correlation between polymorphism of TYMS gene and toxicity response to treatment with 5-fluoruracil and capecitabine." European Journal of Translational Myology , no. : 1.
Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an endocrine disease with a precocious significant impairment of growth and neuromotor development. Thyroid hormones are essential for central nervous system development, maturation, and myelination. Furthermore, thyroid hormone deficiency affects the function of several systems, including the musculoskeletal system. The disease has a significant incidence in the general population (1:3000–1:2000 newborns in Italy). The aim of the present study was to evaluate any differences in upper and lower limb strength, body sway, and plantar loading distribution in children with CH compared to healthy children. Methods: In this study, the case group was composed of children with CH (CHG), while the control group included healthy children (CG). Both groups comprised 19 children (CHG: female = 12; CG: female = 9). The maximum isometric handgrip strength and explosive-elastic lower limb strength were assessed with the handgrip test and the Sargent test, respectively. The stabilometric and baropodometric analyses were used to measure the Center of Pressure displacements and the plantar loading distribution between feet, respectively. The differences between groups were analyzed by a univariate analysis of covariance using as covariates weight and height with the significant level set at < 0.05. Results: We found that CHG children were shorter and thinner than CG ones (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the upper and lower limb strength was found between groups. CHG exhibited a significant greater Sway Path Length (p < 0.01) and Ellipse Surface (p < 0.05) than CG. Moreover, CHG displayed an asymmetric plantar loading distribution with a significant lower percentage in the right than in the left foot (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant lower plantar loading percentage in the right foot of CHG than in the right foot of CG was observed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings seem to suggest that CH does not affect muscle strength in early treated children. However, these patients show poor postural control ability and asymmetric plantar loading distribution. Increasing the physical activity in these children could improve their body posture.
Jessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Marianna Bellafiore. Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4830 .
AMA StyleJessica Brusa, Maria Cristina Maggio, Valerio Giustino, Ewan Thomas, Daniele Zangla, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma, Giovanni Corsello, Giuseppe Messina, Marianna Bellafiore. Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (13):4830.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Upper and Lower Limb Strength and Body Posture in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Observational Case-Control Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 13: 4830.
Previous research has reported that children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) showed functional and cognitive impairments. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle strength and body posture between children with ISS treated with growth hormone (GH) and healthy peers (healthy children, HC), and to analyze whether these parameters were affected by physical exercise. Eighteen children for the ISS group (mean age: 10.96 ± 1.68 years) and 26 children for the HC group (mean age: 10.19 ± 1.06 years) were recruited for the study. All participants performed the following assessments: handgrip and Sargent test for the muscle strength evaluation; baropodometric and stabilometric test for the posturographic measures. Data were analyzed with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using height and weight as covariate. Groups were then stratified into active and inactive and independent t-tests were used to determine differences between variables. Significance level was set to p < 0.05. Our results showed a significantly lower performance for both hands (p < 0.01) and a greater difference of plantar loading distribution between feet in the ISS compared to the HC groups (p < 0.01). In relation to physical exercise, the HC active group showed the highest handgrip strength values for both hands among the analyzed groups and, moreover, handgrip strength of both ISS active and inactive groups was significantly lower than corresponding CH peers for both hands. Although ISS and HC inactive groups reported an unequal plantar loading distribution between feet (p < 0.05), this asymmetry was not present in both ISS and HC active groups. We assume that GH therapy integrated with physical exercise in young patients with ISS could be suggested to increase muscle strength and body posture improving their quality of life.
Jessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Daniele Zangla; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Romilda Palma; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Marianna Bellafiore. Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise. Sustainability 2020, 12, 3639 .
AMA StyleJessica Brusa, Maria Cristina Maggio, Daniele Zangla, Valerio Giustino, Ewan Thomas, Romilda Palma, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Palma, Giovanni Corsello, Marianna Bellafiore. Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (9):3639.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Brusa; Maria Cristina Maggio; Daniele Zangla; Valerio Giustino; Ewan Thomas; Romilda Palma; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Palma; Giovanni Corsello; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Comparison of Postural Features and Muscle Strength between Children with Idiopathic Short Stature and Healthy Peers in Relation to Physical Exercise." Sustainability 12, no. 9: 3639.
Background: The importance of assessing “food literacy” since youth has been highlighted and, to this purpose, valid and consistent instruments are needed. This study aimed to assess the validity and internal consistency of the preschool-FLAT (Food Literacy Assessment Tool). Methods. 505 children from 21 kindergartens, recruited within the Training-to-Health Project in Palermo (Italy), underwent oral sessions and activities on food-related aspects. Their knowledge/skills were recorded in the preschool-FLAT. The following scale measures were assessed: Content validity; internal consistency (Chronbach’s alpha coefficients); construct validity (Structural Equation Modeling—SEM); discriminant validity (intervention subgroup of 100 children vs. control group of 27 children). Results. Acceptable content validity of a 16-items scale and overall adequate internal consistency were revealed: Content validity index (CVI) 0.94, content validity ratio (CVR) 0.88, Chronbach’s alpha 0.76. The SEM revealed a 4-factor model fitting the data well (comparative fit index 0.939, root mean square error of approximation 0.033). Discriminant validity was good (intervention group scoring higher than control, p < 0.001, unpaired Student’s t-test). Conclusion. The preschool-FLAT revealed good psychometric properties, adequate validity and internal consistency. This is the only instrument in the literature specifically targeted to 3–6 years old children that could be effectively used to assess food literacy.
Garden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2759 .
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Giuseppe Battaglia, Giuseppe Messina, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma, Marianna Bellafiore. Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (8):2759.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Giuseppe Battaglia; Giuseppe Messina; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Marianna Bellafiore. 2020. "Validity and Internal Consistency of the Preschool-FLAT, a New Tool for the Assessment of Food Literacy in Young Children from the Training-To-Health Project." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 8: 2759.
Temporomandibular disorders are characterized by ear pain, tinnitus, difficulty in chewing, dysphagia and also dizziness, cervical limitation of range of movement (ROM) and other less common disorders. Numerous recent studies associate the presence of these signs and symptoms with an elongated styloid apophysis, as in the case of Eagle syndrome. The purpose of this clinical case is to support the thesis of a common syndrome that temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders with an elongated styloid process affirming the relationship between temporal bone, mandibule, hyoid bone and tongue. The patient was a 57-year-old woman who reported having ear algia and tinnitus all on the right side with difficulty chewing accompanied by odynophagia and dysphagia of solid and liquid foods, as well as cervical disorders. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck showed elongation and ossification of the styloid processes of the temporal bone. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an anterior right dislocation of the TMJ articular disc. The patient presented classic symptoms of temporomandibular disorders, with the primary examinations showing an anterior right dislocation of the articular disc of the TMJ, as well as a longer styloid process on the same side. We therefore suggested that, in this case report, TMJ disorders may be associated with a longer styloid process on the same side.
Giuseppe Messina. The role of the styloid apophysis of the temporal bone in the biomechanics of the tongue, mandible, hyoid system: a case study. European Journal of Translational Myology 2020, 30, 111 -115.
AMA StyleGiuseppe Messina. The role of the styloid apophysis of the temporal bone in the biomechanics of the tongue, mandible, hyoid system: a case study. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2020; 30 (1):111-115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Messina. 2020. "The role of the styloid apophysis of the temporal bone in the biomechanics of the tongue, mandible, hyoid system: a case study." European Journal of Translational Myology 30, no. 1: 111-115.
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.
Background: The American Psychiatric Association has identified dyslexia as a neurobiological disorder. The aim of the study was to evaluate podalic support, balance control, and dyslexia’s effects on interpersonal relationships. Methods: Fifty-seven subjects were enrolled for this study. The subjects were divided into two groups. The experimental group was composed of children with diagnosis of dyslexia. The control group was composed of healthy subjects. Each subject underwent baropodometry and posturographic analysis. In addition, the Multidimensional Self-esteem Assessment test by Bracken was used for a precise measurement of self-esteem in both groups (TMA). Results: The static baropodometry and posturographic results of the experimental group were significantly higher compared to the control group. The analysis showed significant differences: Surface left and right, Surface forefoot left, Surface forefoot right, Retro foot surface left, Retro foot surface right, and the Ellipse surface area. The test for multidimensional self-esteem assessment (TMA) analysis showed a significant difference. The Pearson correlation index showed a high correlation between the following parameters: Surface ellipse vs. TMA; Length of sway path vs. average speed of movement. Conclusion: The dyslexic children showed a flat-footed trend and an unstable balance compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, the Multidimensional Self-Esteem test showed significantly lower self-assessments in the experimental group compared to control group.
Antonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Angelo Iovane; Marianna Alesi; Annamaria Pepi; Antonio Palma. Evaluation of Podalic Support and Monitoring of Balance Control in Children with and without Dyslexia: A Pilot Study. Sustainability 2020, 12, 1191 .
AMA StyleAntonino Patti, Antonino Bianco, Giuseppe Messina, Angelo Iovane, Marianna Alesi, Annamaria Pepi, Antonio Palma. Evaluation of Podalic Support and Monitoring of Balance Control in Children with and without Dyslexia: A Pilot Study. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (3):1191.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Patti; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Angelo Iovane; Marianna Alesi; Annamaria Pepi; Antonio Palma. 2020. "Evaluation of Podalic Support and Monitoring of Balance Control in Children with and without Dyslexia: A Pilot Study." Sustainability 12, no. 3: 1191.
Swallowing dysfunction is a frequent disorder among children and refers to an altered tongue posture and abnormal tongue movement during swallowing. Removable functional appliance is one of the treatments applied by dentistry to correct this disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate any differences on orofacial muscles activity in children with swallowing dysfunction with and without removable functional appliances. 68 children were eligible for the study and divided into the orthodontic group (OG) and the no-orthodontic group (NO-OG). Both groups performed a dental occlusion-class evaluation, a swallowing function test and a myoscan analysis in order to measure perioral forces (i.e. tongue extension force, lip pressure, masseter contraction force). Our results showed a significant difference (P=0.02) between OG and NO-OG for the tongue extension force, whereas no significant differences (P>0.05) were found for the other parameters. Our findings suggest that children with swallowing dysfunction and removable functional appliance show orofacial muscles activity within the range of reference values (except for the lip pressure). However, we hypothesize that orthodontic treatment can achieve more effective results with integration of myofunctional therapy.
Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Francesco Martines; Serena Rizzo; Alessio Pirino; Fabio Scoppa. Orofacial muscles activity in children with swallowing dysfunction and removable functional appliances. European Journal of Translational Myology 2019, 29, 8267 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Francesco Martines, Serena Rizzo, Alessio Pirino, Fabio Scoppa. Orofacial muscles activity in children with swallowing dysfunction and removable functional appliances. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2019; 29 (3):8267.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Francesco Martines; Serena Rizzo; Alessio Pirino; Fabio Scoppa. 2019. "Orofacial muscles activity in children with swallowing dysfunction and removable functional appliances." European Journal of Translational Myology 29, no. 3: 8267.
The aim of this study was to determine the blood lactate levels in healthy and pathological subjects, particularly with migraine and fibromyalgia. Moreover we investigated the possible correlation between lactate concentration, postural stability and balance disorders; the composition of the groups were: migraine (n = 25; age 49.7 ± 12.5), fibromyalgia (n = 10; age 43.7 ± 21.2), control group (n = 16 age 28.52 ± 2.4). The results showed that patients with fibromyalgia (FG) had higher lactate levels compared to migraine (MG) and control group (CG) (mean ± sd: FG = 1.78 ± 0.9 mmol/L; MG = 1.45±1 mmol/L; CG = 0,85 ± 0,07 mmol/L). The same situation was highlighted about the sway path length with eyes closed (FG = 518 ± 195 mm; MG = 465 ± 165 mm; CG = 405 ± 94,72 mm) and with eyes open (FG = 430 ± 220 mm; MG = 411 ± 143 mm; CG = 389 ± 107 mm). This can be explained by the fact that energy-intensive postural strategies must be used to optimize both static and dynamic coordination, in particular with repeated contractions of tonic oxidative muscle cells responsible for postural control.
Patrizia Proia; Alessandra Amato; Valentina Contrò; Alessandra Lo Monaco; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Giuseppe Messina. Relevance of lactate level detection in migrane and fibromyalgia. European Journal of Translational Myology 2019, 29, 8202 .
AMA StylePatrizia Proia, Alessandra Amato, Valentina Contrò, Alessandra Lo Monaco, Jessica Brusa, Filippo Brighina, Giuseppe Messina. Relevance of lactate level detection in migrane and fibromyalgia. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2019; 29 (2):8202.
Chicago/Turabian StylePatrizia Proia; Alessandra Amato; Valentina Contrò; Alessandra Lo Monaco; Jessica Brusa; Filippo Brighina; Giuseppe Messina. 2019. "Relevance of lactate level detection in migrane and fibromyalgia." European Journal of Translational Myology 29, no. 2: 8202.
Monitoring physical fitness (fitness) and identifying, since the beginning, possible determinants in youth could be useful to preserve health and avoid morbidities in adulthood. The main objective of this study is to provide details on the fitness levels of a sample of adolescents living in the Southern area of Italy and describe its associations with biological/genetic, socio-cultural/environmental, and lifestyle (physical activity/sedentariness, alcohol/smoking, meal patterns/habits) factors. The study was conducted within the Adolescence Surveillance System for Obesity Prevention (ASSO) project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and examining adolescents’ lifestyle in relation to obesity. Fitness measures were collected through the ASSO-fitness tests battery (FTB) and examined in relation to 79 selected possible influencing factors, which were collected through a web-based questionnaire included in the ASSO-NutFit software. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations, with ORs and 95% CIs estimated as crude and adjusted. A total of 919 participants were initially recruited, but fitness data were collected for 544 students aged 13–19 (68% M, 32% F). Fitness level was low for 14.2% of the students, medium for 67.8%, and high for 18.0%. The independent determinants of low physical fitness in our sample of adolescents were included in the biological/genetic and physical activity/sedentariness dimensions: female gender (Adj OR 8.33, CI 2.08–33.33), obesity (Adj OR 1.97, CI 1.10–9.22), practicing sport less than 3 h/week (Adj OR 6.09, CI 1.63–22.72), practicing sport with strength/speed as prevalent biomotor ability (Adj OR 8.97, CI 1.43–56.19), using PC/internet for more than 3 h/day (Adj OR 4.46, CI 1.17–16.98). Drinking alcohol was instead a protective factor. This study confirms that females and obese individuals need more attention in the interventions aimed at increasing fitness levels. It suggests that local actions should be implemented with the aim of increasing sport practices and reducing sedentary time spent in front of PC/internet. The focus should be particularly addressed to sports with strength or speed as dominant biomotor abilities.
Antonino Bianco; Ambra Gentile; Stefano Boca; Antonio Paoli; Giuseppe Messina; Manuel Gómez-López; Antonio Palma; Garden Tabacchi. An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents. The ASSO Project. Sustainability 2018, 10, 1847 .
AMA StyleAntonino Bianco, Ambra Gentile, Stefano Boca, Antonio Paoli, Giuseppe Messina, Manuel Gómez-López, Antonio Palma, Garden Tabacchi. An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents. The ASSO Project. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (6):1847.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Bianco; Ambra Gentile; Stefano Boca; Antonio Paoli; Giuseppe Messina; Manuel Gómez-López; Antonio Palma; Garden Tabacchi. 2018. "An Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents. The ASSO Project." Sustainability 10, no. 6: 1847.
Balance is a complex process that involves multiple sensory integrations. The auditory, visual, and vestibular systems are the main contributors. Hearing loss or hearing impairment may induce inappropriate postural strategies that could affect balance and therefore increase the risk of falling. The aim of this study was to understand whether hearing loss could influence balance, cervical posture, and muscle activation in the cervical region. Thirteen patients (61 ± 13 years; 161.8 ± 11.0 cm; 70.5 ± 15.9 kg) with moderate hearing loss (Right ear −60 ± 21 dB; Left ear −61 ± 24 dB) underwent: an audiometric examination, a postural examination (with open and closed eyes) through a stabilometric platform, a cervical ROM examination through a head accelerometer, and a sternocleidomastoid electromyography (EMG) examination. A linear regression analysis has shown a regression coefficient (R2) 0.76 and 0.69 between hearing loss and the posturographic parameters, on the sagittal sway, with open and closed eyes, respectively. The combination of frontal and sagittal sway is able to explain up to 84% of the variance of the audiometric assessment. No differences were found between right and left hemibody between the audiometric, posturographic, cervical ROM parameters, and in EMG amplitude. ROM and EMG parameters have not shown any significant associations with hearing loss, for both right and left head rotation. Hearing loss is associated to increased posturographic measures, especially the sagittal sway, underlining a reduced postural control in people with hearing impairments. No association was found between the heads posture and neck activation with hearing loss. Hearing loss may be associated with an increased risk of falls.
Ewan Thomas; Francesco Martines; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. Decreased postural control in people with moderate hearing loss. Medicine 2018, 97, e0244 .
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Francesco Martines, Antonino Bianco, Giuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Daniele Zangla, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma. Decreased postural control in people with moderate hearing loss. Medicine. 2018; 97 (14):e0244.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Francesco Martines; Antonino Bianco; Giuseppe Messina; Valerio Giustino; Daniele Zangla; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. 2018. "Decreased postural control in people with moderate hearing loss." Medicine 97, no. 14: e0244.
Relationships between heart rate recovery after exercise (HRR, baseline heart rate variability measures (HRV), and time to perform a 10Km running trial (t10Km) were evaluated in "master" athletes of endurance to assess whether the measured indexes may be useful for monitoring the training status of the athletes. Ten “master” athletes of endurance, aged 40-60 years, were recruited. After baseline measures of HRV, the athletes performed a graded maximal test on treadmill and HRR was measured at 1 and 2 minutes from recovery. Subsequently they performed a 10Km running trial and t10Km was related to HRV and HRR indexes. The time to perform a 10Km running trial was significantly correlated with baseline HRV indexes. No correlation was found between t10Km and HRR. Baseline HRV measures, but not HRR, were significantly correlated with the time of performance on 10km running in “master” athletes. The enhanced parasympathetic function at rest appears to be a condition to a better performance on 10km running. HRV can be simple and useful measurements for monitoring the training stratus of athletes and their physical condition in proximity of a competition.
Angelo Cataldo; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Paoli; Dario Cerasola; Saverio Alagna; Giuseppe Messina; Daniele Zangla; Marcello Traina. Resting sympatho-vagal balance is related to 10 km running performance in master endurance athletes. European Journal of Translational Myology 2018, 28, 1 .
AMA StyleAngelo Cataldo, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Paoli, Dario Cerasola, Saverio Alagna, Giuseppe Messina, Daniele Zangla, Marcello Traina. Resting sympatho-vagal balance is related to 10 km running performance in master endurance athletes. European Journal of Translational Myology. 2018; 28 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Cataldo; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Paoli; Dario Cerasola; Saverio Alagna; Giuseppe Messina; Daniele Zangla; Marcello Traina. 2018. "Resting sympatho-vagal balance is related to 10 km running performance in master endurance athletes." European Journal of Translational Myology 28, no. 1: 1.
E. Thomas; A. Bianco; E.P. Mancuso; A. Patti; G. Tabacchi; A. Paoli; G. Messina; A. Palma. The effects of a calisthenics training intervention on posture, strength and body composition. Isokinetics and Exercise Science 2017, 25, 215 -222.
AMA StyleE. Thomas, A. Bianco, E.P. Mancuso, A. Patti, G. Tabacchi, A. Paoli, G. Messina, A. Palma. The effects of a calisthenics training intervention on posture, strength and body composition. Isokinetics and Exercise Science. 2017; 25 (3):215-222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Thomas; A. Bianco; E.P. Mancuso; A. Patti; G. Tabacchi; A. Paoli; G. Messina; A. Palma. 2017. "The effects of a calisthenics training intervention on posture, strength and body composition." Isokinetics and Exercise Science 25, no. 3: 215-222.
Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a main cause of physical disability and has high economic costs for society. The purpose of this study was to assess the fitness levels and the postural and balance deficits with a specific test battery. Methods: Fifty-six subjects were enrolled in this study. Thirty-nine healthy subjects were included in the control group and seventeen in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group. All subjects were evaluated using a posturography system. The fitness level was evaluated with a battery of tests (Abalakov test, sit-up test, hand grip test, backsaver sit and reach, the toe touch test). An unpaired t-test was used to determine differences. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the tests. Results: The battery of tests demonstrated that subjects in the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group have lower fitness levels compared to the control group. The juvenile idiopathic arthritis group showed low postural control with respect to the control group. Pearson analysis of the juvenile idiopathic arthritis group data showed significant correlations between variables. Pearson’s results from the control group data showed a similar trend. Conclusions: The results suggest that the battery of tests used could be an appropriate tool. However, we highlight that these conclusions need to be supported by other studies with a larger population scale.
Antonino Patti; Maria Cristina Maggio; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. Evaluation of Fitness and the Balance Levels of Children with a Diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 806 .
AMA StyleAntonino Patti, Maria Cristina Maggio, Giovanni Corsello, Giuseppe Messina, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma. Evaluation of Fitness and the Balance Levels of Children with a Diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (7):806.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Patti; Maria Cristina Maggio; Giovanni Corsello; Giuseppe Messina; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. 2017. "Evaluation of Fitness and the Balance Levels of Children with a Diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Pilot Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 7: 806.