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The COVID-19 outbreak forced Italian students to reduce their daily activities, inducing a seden-tary attitude that was worsened by distanced learning. This study aimed to survey the physical activity levels that were maintained before and during the social restrictions following the pan-demic, their correlation to musculoskeletal pain, as well as analyzing the impact of these COVID-19 restrictions on pain and fatigue that affects daily life activities. A total of 2044 students completed the online questionnaire, of which the results of 1654 participants were eligible. Before the pandemic, the levels of physical activity were distributed as: 19.9% no activity, 30.1% light ac-tivity, 21.5% moderate activity, and 28.5% high activity. After one year of the pandemic, 30.6% of the participants were inactive, 48.1%, 10.9%, and 10.5% stated as maintaining, respectively, light, moderate and high levels of physical activity. Furthermore, 43.5% reported neck pain and 33.5% stated to experience low back pain. Physical activity levels lower than 150 min/week may have predisposed students to suffer from neck pain (1.95 OR at 95% CI, 1.44–2.64) and low back pain (1.79 OR at 95% CI, 1.29–2.49). A positive correlation between physical activity levels, Verbal Descriptive Scale (VDS), and pain frequency have been observed for neck and low back pain (p-value < 0.05). Finally, low physical activity levels were associated with musculoskeletal pain onset and pain worsening.
Federico Roggio; Bruno Trovato; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Musumeci. One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 8680 .
AMA StyleFederico Roggio, Bruno Trovato, Silvia Ravalli, Michelino Di Rosa, Grazia Maugeri, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma, Giuseppe Musumeci. One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (16):8680.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederico Roggio; Bruno Trovato; Silvia Ravalli; Michelino Di Rosa; Grazia Maugeri; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma; Giuseppe Musumeci. 2021. "One Year of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: Effect of Sedentary Behavior on Physical Activity Levels and Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 16: 8680.
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.
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.
Stretching is commonly used to increase range of motion and flexibility. Therefore, investigations are usually oriented towards the muscle-tendon unit. Limited evidence exists regarding potential effects of stretching on peripheral nerves which lie within muscles. The objective of this investigation will be to elucidate the responses of peripheral nerves to stretching. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching protocols on responses of peripheral nerves were retrieved for investigation. The NHLBI tool was used for quality assessment. Outcomes included nerve stiffness, nerve displacement, pain pressure thresholds and resistive torque. A total of 10 studies were considered eligible and were included in this investigation. The quality assessment of the studies revealed an overall “fair to good” methodological quality across the included studies. All studies except for one involved healthy participants. High heterogeneity of stretching protocols was retrieved. As a consequence of stretching, nerve stiffness (-15.6%) and pain pressure thresholds (-1.9kg) decreased. Nerve displacements on each movement plane for all the considered nerves and nerve deformation were also frequently observed. Peripheral nerve responses to muscle stretching include decreased nerve stiffness and decreased pain pressure thresholds. Nerve displacement also frequently occurs. It is still unclear if reduced nerve displacement may lead to clinical outcomes. There is a lack of longitudinal studies regarding peripheral nerve adaptations to stretching.
Ewan Thomas; Marianna Bellafiore; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 2021, 20, 258 -267.
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Marianna Bellafiore, Luca Petrigna, Antonio Paoli, Antonio Palma, Antonino Bianco. Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 2021; 20 (2):258-267.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Marianna Bellafiore; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Paoli; Antonio Palma; Antonino Bianco. 2021. "Peripheral Nerve Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review." Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 20, no. 2: 258-267.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
Muscle energy techniques are applied to reduce pain and increase range of motion. These are applied to a variety of pathological conditions and on asymptomatic subjects. There is however limited knowledge on their effectiveness and which protocol may be the most beneficial. The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy of muscle energy techniques (MET) in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Systematic Review. A literature search was performed using the following database: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding MET in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were considered for investigation. The main outcomes took into account range of motion, chronic and acute pain and trigger points. Two trained investigators independently screened eligible studies according to the eligibility criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Randomized control trials (RCT’s) were analyzed for quality using the PEDro scale. A total of 26 studies were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis: 14 regarding symptomatic patients and 12 regarding asymptomatic subjects. Quality assessment of the studies through the PEDro scale observed a “moderate to high” quality of the included records. MET are an effective treatment for reducing chronic and acute pain of the lower back. MET are also effective in treating chronic neck pain and chronic lateral epicondylitis. MET can be applied to increase range of motion of a joint when a functional limitation is present. Other techniques seem to be more appropriate compared to MET for trigger points.
Ewan Thomas; Antonio Rosario Cavallaro; Diba Mani; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. The efficacy of muscle energy techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a systematic review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2019, 27, 1 -18.
AMA StyleEwan Thomas, Antonio Rosario Cavallaro, Diba Mani, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma. The efficacy of muscle energy techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a systematic review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2019; 27 (1):1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEwan Thomas; Antonio Rosario Cavallaro; Diba Mani; Antonino Bianco; Antonio Palma. 2019. "The efficacy of muscle energy techniques in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a systematic review." Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 27, no. 1: 1-18.
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.
The observed increase in body weight and cardiometabolic risk (CR) in youth from developed countries contributes to the global burden of chronic diseases in adult age. The aim of this work is to provide a patterning of the associations between different factors and the weight status and CR of the subjects involved in the Italian ministerial ASSO project. This study involved 919 students from high schools in Palermo. Weight, height and waist circumference were collected by trained teachers; weight status was estimated by the BMI cut-offs for adolescents and CR through the waist-to-height ratio. Questionnaires were administered through the web-based ASSO-NutFit software. Chi-square test investigated the variables significantly associated with the outcomes, which were then included in a Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), to explore their dimensional relationship to weight status and CR. Poisson regressions were conducted separately for the two outcomes, reporting raw and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and Bootstrap Method was used to determine confidence intervals (CIs), to assessing the degree of effect of the explanatory variables over the outcomes. Two main dimensions were evidenced, with the overweight/obese group and the group at CR characterized by the following strongly associated factors: male gender, overweight/obese parents, following a slimming regime, caesarean birth, sedentariness, being under/overweight at birth, presence of metabolic risk, going to school by car/scooter, not using supplements. This study contributed to identifying those adolescents that should be prioritized in interventions aiming at reducing overweight/obesity and CR in this age group.
Antonino Bianco; Anna Rita Filippi; João Breda; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Paoli; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Palma; Garden Tabacchi. Combined effect of different factors on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in Italian adolescents. Italian Journal of Pediatrics 2019, 45, 32 .
AMA StyleAntonino Bianco, Anna Rita Filippi, João Breda, Vincenza Leonardi, Antonio Paoli, Luca Petrigna, Antonio Palma, Garden Tabacchi. Combined effect of different factors on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in Italian adolescents. Italian Journal of Pediatrics. 2019; 45 (1):32.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonino Bianco; Anna Rita Filippi; João Breda; Vincenza Leonardi; Antonio Paoli; Luca Petrigna; Antonio Palma; Garden Tabacchi. 2019. "Combined effect of different factors on weight status and cardiometabolic risk in Italian adolescents." Italian Journal of Pediatrics 45, no. 1: 32.
The aim of the study was to determine an objective measure of detection of posterior inter-malleolar ligament (PIML) through a magnetic resonance (MRI) of the ankle with two dedicated scanners: high-field (1-Tesla: HMF) and low-field (0.2-Tesla: LMF). two-hundred subjects were randomly recruited for the study and then divided in two groups (HMF and LMF). We retrospectively evaluated the MRI of the ankle in the two groups of patients. PIML evaluation was performed globally and separately using different scan planes. in HMF and LMF, the PIML was identified respectively in 55 and 11% of cases. PIML was classified as "indeterminate" in 28 and 57% of patients, and "absent" in 17 and 32% of patients. In HMF and LMF the isolated evaluation on the coronal, axial and sagittal planes allowed PIML identification respectively in 100 and 100%, 67.27 and 45.45%, 45.45 and 12.4% of cases. In 5 cases (4/5 of HMF) we also observed a posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) determined by the PIML, with ligament changes (5/5) and associated synovial reactions (1/5), and an arthroscopic confirmation was obtained in 3/5 cases. the presence of the PIML seems to be a possible cause of PAIS and the use of a high-field MR scanner seems optimal for its identification.
Raffaello Sutera; Antonino Bianco; Antonino Paoli; Johnny Padulo; Ewan Thomas; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. Identification of normal and pathological posterior inter-malleolar ligament with dedicated high-field vs low-field MRI. A pilot study. Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal 2019, 05, 12 -7.
AMA StyleRaffaello Sutera, Antonino Bianco, Antonino Paoli, Johnny Padulo, Ewan Thomas, Angelo Iovane, Antonio Palma. Identification of normal and pathological posterior inter-malleolar ligament with dedicated high-field vs low-field MRI. A pilot study. Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal. 2019; 05 (01):12-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRaffaello Sutera; Antonino Bianco; Antonino Paoli; Johnny Padulo; Ewan Thomas; Angelo Iovane; Antonio Palma. 2019. "Identification of normal and pathological posterior inter-malleolar ligament with dedicated high-field vs low-field MRI. A pilot study." Muscle Ligaments and Tendons Journal 05, no. 01: 12-7.
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.
The aim of the present investigation was to describe profiles of adolescents’ fitness level, identify latent classes of fitness-related risk behaviours, and describe their sociodemographic and environmental predictors. In total, 883 adolescents (16.4 ± 1.4 years; 167.3 ± 10.4 cm; 62.8 ± 13.5 kg; 62.2% males) were assessed for personal and lifestyle information and for physical fitness components. Eleven possible fitness determinants and seven predictors were included. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine fitness-related risk behaviours. Logistic regressions predicted class membership and assessed associations with fitness levels and fitness components. Five latent classes were recognised: 1—virtuous, 30.7% of respondents; 2—low physical activity/sport, 18.8%; 3—incorrect alcohol/food habits, 25.8%; 4—health risk/overweight, 15.9%; 5—malaise/diseases, 8.8%. Sex, age, parents’ overweightness/obesity and education, and school type predicted most classes significantly. Compared to class 1, class 2 had higher odds of having all poor fitness components except upper body maximal strength; class 4 had higher risk of low muscular endurance; and class 5 was likely to have lower maximal strength, muscular endurance, and speed/agility. Educating adolescents to reach a sufficient practice of PA/sport could help decreasing the risk of low health-related fitness more than discouraging them from using alcohol, addressing proper food behaviours and habits, and helping them understand their psychophysical malaise symptoms.
Garden Tabacchi; Avery Faigenbaum; Monèm Jemni; Ewan Thomas; Laura Capranica; Antonio Palma; Joao Breda; Antonino Bianco. Profiles of Physical Fitness Risk Behaviours in School Adolescents from the ASSO Project: A Latent Class Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1933 .
AMA StyleGarden Tabacchi, Avery Faigenbaum, Monèm Jemni, Ewan Thomas, Laura Capranica, Antonio Palma, Joao Breda, Antonino Bianco. Profiles of Physical Fitness Risk Behaviours in School Adolescents from the ASSO Project: A Latent Class Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (9):1933.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarden Tabacchi; Avery Faigenbaum; Monèm Jemni; Ewan Thomas; Laura Capranica; Antonio Palma; Joao Breda; Antonino Bianco. 2018. "Profiles of Physical Fitness Risk Behaviours in School Adolescents from the ASSO Project: A Latent Class Analysis." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 9: 1933.