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Sports nutrition is a topic that is often misinterpreted and sometimes abused. The often-used ''shot-gun'' method to meeting caloric needs by simply increasing caloric intake disregarding nutrient source is scientifically contrary to the need for a more careful study of the nutritional requirements of rowers.Rowing by itself is a very demanding sport as typical training sessions use exercise intensities that range from very low submaximal work to short term supramaximal efforts. The intake in calories should take into account also the type of race that the athlete will afford.In the case of the rower Giovanni Ficarra who won, in 16 months, three world competitions in the three different rowing disciplines, his dietary needs and training schedule significantly changed according to the type of competition, to be prepared for the extreme load of physical effort required to get the podium in such different conditions. This article in intended to provide recommendation for both coaches and athletes that are approaching rowing in its whole meaning and disciplines as Giovanni Ficarra did.

Purpose: There is a lack of data regarding the stress and motivation response in adolescent athletes during competitions. The athletic performance can be highly influenced by stress rather than appropriate training, at this age. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the level of stress markers in adolescent rowers in different competition settings that might alter their stress status and performance. Methods: Adolescent rowing athletes (12–18 yrs) have been tested for determining saliva content of stress biomarkers, cortisol and testosterone, before and after competitions that have been performed indoor and outdoor. Specifically, samples have been taken in the morning, before and after the race in 2 different settings: 1) an indoor rowing competition with an ergometer, 2) an outdoor rowing competition on boats. Results: A reduction in cortisol levels has been observed in athletes right before the outdoor race, while testosterone levels increased at the same time point before either the ergometer or boat competition and kept rising at the end of the race. Significant differences have been found comparing the testosterone/cortisol ratio between indoor and outdoor data, being higher in the indoor race at all considered time-point. Furthermore, the linear regression demonstrated that the increased ratio correlated with a better podium position in the indoor race. Conclusion: Despite the age differences among athletes might have an influence on their hormone levels, these data suggest that rowing athletes subjected to different kind of competitions show a different stress and motivation response profile that might influence their performance.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a highly vascularized connective tissue surrounding the root of a tooth. In particular, the PDL is continuously exposed to mechanical stresses during the phases of mastication, and it provides physical, sensory, and trophic functions. It is known that the application of orthodontic force creates a change in periodontal structures. In fact, these forces generate a pressure on the ligament that closes the vessels. The aim of this study is to observe the modifications of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the PDL and extracellular matrix proteins after application of a pre-calibrated and constant orthodontic force at different phases of treatment. We used a 50-g NiTi coiled spring and in vivo samples of PDL of maxillary and mandibular premolars of patients subjected to orthodontic treatment. These teeth were extracted at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days, respectively, by application of force. The extraction of the PDL was effectuated by scarifying the radicular surface on the pressure and tension sides. The mechanical stress induced by the application of force caused an increase in the reactive type of metabolism of extracellular matrix proteins and modulation of neoangiogenesis until restoration.