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Objectives: Flexion contracture in fingers of hands is a complication of Dupuytren’s contracture and cannot be stopped by the progressive course. The aim of this study was to review the effect of splinting in the correction of contracture after Dupuytren’s contracture operation. Methods: To carry out this research, a kind of systematic evidence-based review process (Duffy 2005) was used. For data gathering, we used electronic database and Persian- and English-language specific journals between 1990 and January 2019. The keywords were related to examine the effect of various splinting after Dupuytren’s contracture operation. Results: After data gathering, 26 articles about Dupuytren’s contracture were found; after checking and deep reviewing of those articles, 17 articles were removed from the study and 9 articles were included in the study for reviewing. The results of a review article based on using splint in Dupuytren’s contracture after operation were classified into 6 categories, including static splint, dynamic splint, day splint, night splint, the time duration of splinting, and prescribed time of splinting. Discussion: Splint alone has been ineffective in reducing contracture. Static splint and hand therapy (exercise) are together the most effective way for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. Occasional and irregular use of splint also has no effect on pain relief and the reduction of contracture. The pressure and force of splint will be gradually increased, and the splint should be used at least for 3 months, too.

The Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) related pandemic have deeply impacted human health, economy, psychology and sociality. Possible serious cardiac involvement in the infection has been described, raising doubts about complete healing after the disease in many clinical settings. Moreover, there is the suspicion that the vaccines, especially those based on mRNA technology, can induce myopericarditis. Myocarditis or pericarditis related scars can represent the substrate for life-threatening arrhythmias, triggered by physical activity. A crucial point is how to evaluate an athlete after a COVID-19 infection ensuring a safe return to play without increasing the number of unnecessary disqualifications from sports competitions. The lack of conclusive scientific data significantly increases the difficulty to propose recommendations and guidelines on this topic. At the same time, the psychological and physical negative consequences of unnecessary sports restriction must be taken into account. The present document aims to provide an updated brief review of the current knowledge about the COVID-19 cardiac involvement and how to recognize it and to offer a roadmap for the management of the athletes after a COVID-19 infections, including subsequent impact on exercise recommendations. Our document exclusively refers to cardiovascular implications of the disease, but pulmonary consequences are also considered.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in Europe. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and guidelines compliance of rescuers have been associated with better outcomes after cardiac arrest. However, wide variability in attempting bystander CPR manoeuvres has been reported. Educational programmes for teaching CPR to medical students and fellows are highly advisable in this context. However, there is no homogeneity regarding the CPR education offered by academic institutions. We surveyed 208 Italian medical students and 162 fellows in cardiology regarding the educational offer and needs in CPR. Among the 11 medical schools surveyed, 8 (73%) offer basic (BLS) courses but only 3 (38%) with formal certification of 'BLS provider', while none offers advanced (ACLS/ALS) courses. Among the 30 specialization schools in cardiology surveyed, 10 (33%) offer a BLS course (6 with formal certification of 'BLS provider'), and 8 (27%) offer an ACLS/ALS course (5 with formal certification). Only a minority of students and fellows perceive themselves as highly proficient either in BLS or ACLS/ALS, although most of the fellows were involved at least once in rescuing a cardiac arrest. The present position paper analyses and suggests the strategies that should be adopted by Italian medical and specialization schools to spread the CPR culture and increase the long-standing retention of CPR-related technical and nontechnical skills., (Copyright © 2022 Italian Federation of Cardiology - I.F.C. All rights reserved.)

Molecular genetic testing is an increasingly available test to support the clinical diagnosis of inherited cardiovascular diseases through identification of pathogenic gene variants and to make a preclinical genetic diagnosis among proband's family members (so-called "cascade family screening"). In athletes, the added value of molecular genetic testing is to assist in discriminating between physiological adaptive changes of the athlete's heart and inherited cardiovascular diseases, in the presence of overlapping phenotypic features such as ECG changes, imaging abnormalities or arrhythmias ("grey zone"). Additional benefits of molecular genetic testing in the athlete include the potential impact on the disease risk stratification and the implications for eligibility to competitive sports. This position statement of the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology aims to guide general sports medical physicians and sports cardiologists on clinical decision as why and when to perform a molecular genetic testing in the athlete, highlighting strengths and weaknesses for each inherited cardiovascular disease at-risk of sudden cardiac death during sport. The importance of early (preclinical) diagnosis to prevent the negative effects of exercise on phenotypic expression, disease progression and worsening of the arrhythmogenic substrate is also addressed., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The main objective of this study was to evaluate a number of metabolic and cardiovascular variables during a standard 50 min class performed by spinning bike instructors of both sexes: 6 males and 6 females. Mean power output, heart rate, and oxygen uptake during the performance were 120 ± 4 W, 136 ± 13 bpm, and 32.8 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min respectively for males, and 73 ± 43 W, 143 ± 25 bpm, and 30 ± 9.9 ml/kg/min respectively for females. The analysis of individual performances showed that these were compatible with a physical exercise that ranged from moderate to heavy, to very heavy, the latter condition definitely prevailing. Results show that this type of fitness activity has a high impact on cardiovascular function, and suggest that it is unsuitable for unfit or sedentary individuals, especially if middle aged or elderly, who are willing to begin a recreational physical activity program.

In the last two decades, the previous contentions that considered ageing as an irreversible process that required a reduction in physical activity have been altered in reference to both healthy subjects and cardiac patients. Contemporary research suggests that the benefits of physical exercise, for both middle- and older-aged individuals, are undisputable. However, generalizations that refer to elderly subjects as a group of individuals with similar characteristics also fail to provide efficient suggestions for physical activity as preventive and/or therapeutic methods. By reviewing a number of studies that focused on the Master athlete as the clinical model in both sports medicine and cardiology, we propose a series of recommendations for prevention and assessment of risks of cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies (often silent or asymptomatic), which increase with aging. In order to best identify healthy and consistent exercise programs that suit the needs of elderly athletes, it is important that the type and intensity of physical activity will be decided by taking into consideration physical, psychological, and social factors as identified by both patient and physician.