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La Costituzione italiana è stata modificata attraverso l'inserimento di un nuovo comma, il quale formalizza il riconoscimento da parte della Repubblica del valore educativo, sociale e promotore del benessere psicofisico dell'attività sportiva in tutte le sue forme. Nonostante, sia evidente un ritardo legislativo si può prendere esempio da carte costituzionali straniere (in particolare quella del Canada) e iniziare a far discendere piani attuativi che rendano effettivo e pragmatico questo nuovo riconoscimento. Per esempio, si potrebbe realizzare una politica sussidiaria di promozione dello sport nei piccoli centri isolati, uniformare gli interventi sulla promozione della salute in tutte le regioni della penisola, stanziare fondi per la ricerca scientifica a carattere pedagogico, introdurre l’obbligatorietà di un direttore sportivo nei centri fitness, garantire un servizio di welfare per i soggetti anziani e incrementare lo sgravio fiscale per le famiglie. Sollecito dovrà essere il passaggio dalla legge alla pratica per un vero welfare sportivo.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising technology for sustainable energy generation, which leverages the metabolic activities of microorganisms to convert organic substrates into electrical energy. In oil spill scenarios, hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms naturally form at the water–oil interface, creating a distinct environment for microbial activity. In this work, we engineered a novel MFC that harnesses these biofilms by strategically positioning the positive electrode at this critical junction, integrating the biofilm’s natural properties into the MFC design. These biofilms, composed of specialized hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, are vital in supporting electron transfer, significantly enhancing the system’s power generation. Next-generation sequencing and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the microbial community, revealing a significant enrichment of hydrocarbonoclastic Gammaproteobacteria within the biofilm. Notably, key genera such as Paenalcaligenes, Providencia, and Pseudomonas were identified as dominant members, each contributing to the degradation of complex hydrocarbons and supporting the electrogenic activity of the MFCs. An electrochemical analysis demonstrated that the MFC achieved a stable power output of 51.5 μW under static conditions, with an internal resistance of about 1.05 kΩ. The system showed remarkable long-term stability, which maintained consistent performance over a 5-day testing period, with an average daily energy storage of approximately 216 mJ. Additionally, the MFC effectively recovered after deep discharge cycles, sustaining power output for up to 7.5 h before requiring a recovery period. Overall, the study indicates that MFCs based on hydrocarbonoclastic biofilms provide a dual-functionality system, combining renewable energy generation with environmental remediation, particularly in wastewater treatment. Despite lower power output compared to other hydrocarbon-degrading MFCs, the results highlight the potential of this technology for autonomous sensor networks and other low-power applications, which required sustainable energy sources. Moreover, the hydrocarbonoclastic biofilm-based MFC presented here offer significant potential as a biosensor for real-time monitoring of hydrocarbons and other contaminants in water. The biofilm’s electrogenic properties enable the detection of organic compound degradation, positioning this system as ideal for environmental biosensing applications.

This paper presents a comprehensive study of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si)-based detectors, utilizing electrical characterization, Raman spectroscopy, photoemission, and inverse photoemission techniques. The unique properties of a-Si have sparked interest in its application for radiation detection in both physics and medicine. Although amorphous silicon (a-Si) is inherently a highly defective material, hydrogenation significantly reduces defect density, enabling its use in radiation detector devices. Spectroscopic measurements provide insights into the intricate relationship between the structure and electronic properties of a-Si, enhancing our understanding of how specific configurations, such as the choice of substrate, can markedly influence detector performance. In this study, we compare the performance of a-Si detectors deposited on two different substrates: crystalline silicon (c-Si) and flexible Kapton. Our findings suggest that detectors deposited on Kapton exhibit reduced sensitivity, despite having comparable noise and leakage current levels to those on crystalline silicon. We hypothesize that this discrepancy may be attributed to the substrate material, differences in film morphology, and/or the alignment of energy levels. Further measurements are planned to substantiate these hypotheses.

The ability to change direction rapidly is a key fitness quality especially in invasive sports where young players perform approximately 300 changes of direction in a game. There iscurrently limited understanding of how anthropometric characteristics and maturation status influence change of direction ability in adolescent. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the influence of anthropometrics and maturation status on change of direction ability in young people. The study involved 706 adolescents (367 girls) aged 14 19-yearold attending the same high school in Northern Italy. Stature, body mass, seated height and leg length were measured to determine the anthropometrics and maturation status of the participants. Repeated change of direction ability (10×5 m shuttle run test), lower limb power and muscle strength were evaluated using field tests from the Eurofit test battery. Maturity offset was calculated separately for boys and girls, in accord with the equation proposed by Mirwald. Preliminary analysis with 10×5 m as a dependent variable and sex and PHV as a fixed factor, suggests a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001; d = 0.35) but not with PHV (p = 0.986; d = 0.000) and interaction PHV×sex (p = 0.836; d = 0.000). Our results suggested that repeated change of direction performance wasinfluenced by anthropometrics, maturation and muscle qualitiesin adolescent boys and girls.

Background Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB). Methods A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests. Results After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = −0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children’s physical fitness perception. Discussion Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a powerful marker of cardiovascular health, especially in youth. Several field tests can provide accurate measurement of CRF, the Cooper Run Test (CRT) is generally preferred by physical education (PE) teachers and trainers. The CRT performance in adolescents has been compared to reference distance values, gender and age but the differences among the anthropometric characteristics of youth has not been evaluated. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to develop reference standards for CRT and evaluate possible correlations between biometric measurements and athletic performance. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a total of 9,477 children (4,615 girls) aged 11–14 years, freely recruited from North Italian middle schools. Mass, height and CRT performances were assessed in the morning during PE classes as scheduled (mornings-Monday to Friday). The anthropometric measures were collected at least 20 min before the CRT run test. Results We found a better CRT result in boys (p < 0.001), however a smaller SD in girls suggested a more homogeneous aerobic performance for girls (i.e., 371.12 m vs 282.00 m). In addition, the Shapiro-Wilk test showed a low p-value (p < 0.001) but the effect size (0.031 for boys and 0.022 for girls) was small enough that the correction on this parameter allows a practical assumption of normality for the distributions. A visual homoskedastic distribution in both sexes is evident for both body mass index (BMI), mass and VO2 peak with respect to CRT results. In addition, there were low linear correlation coefficients for both BMI, mass and VO2 peak compared to the CRT results, with a R2 < 0.5 for every covariate. The only visual heteroskedastic distribution was observed in regression between distance in CRT and age at peak high velocity. Conclusions Our findings suggested that anthropometric characteristics are not powerful markers to predict Cooper Run Test results in a well-mixed, unpolarized and unbiased pool of middle school boys and girls. PE teachers and trainers should prefer endurance tests over the use of indirect formulas to predict performance.

Only 20% of children worldwide reach the suggested physical activity (PA) levels, and the COVID-19 restrictions seemed to have worsened this situation. In addition, physical fitness (PF) is a crucial marker of health and combined with PA could predict future health status. The aim of this study was to compare reported PA and PF levels in a sample of Italian adolescents. We administered the International PA Questionnaire and International Fitness Enjoyment Scale to 208 adolescents aged 16.0 ± 1.5 (N = 166 females, 16 ± 2.0 years) recruited from a high school in the province of Milan (Italy). The majority of the subjects were “Minimally active” but reported adequate PF levels. In particular, subjects who reported a “Very good” PF perception, had a lower PA level. The misperception of reported PA and PF from our sample could reduce the future PA level in adolescents and lead to a negative spiral of disengagement in PA. These findings should lead to more attention on and improvements to PA promotion in the adolescent population after the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

La modulazione della didattica con appropriati stili di insegnamento può essere uno strumento inclusivo per gli alunni che necessitano di Bisogni Educativi Speciali come, per esempio, i bambini di origine straniera (NAI). In un istituto scolastico si è attuata una rimodulazione dello stile di insegnamento durante la didattica delle Scienze Motorie: da un approccio riproduttivo si è adottato uno stile basato sulla produzione. Si è quindi misurato il grado di enjoyment e il senso di autoefficacia per indagare la bontà della proposta. L’attività incentrata sull’autonomia degli alunni è stata gradita in quanto gli alunni NAI hanno espresso lo stesso livello di enjoyment dei coetanei. Per il senso di autoefficacia; i NAI pur non raggiungendo i livelli dei pari, hanno migliorato significativamente questa personale percezione. Ripensare la didattica adottando stili di insegnamento adeguati ad ogni singolo nucleo classe è la strategia che può permettere una reale esperienza di inclusione.

Biofilm at water-oil interface of hypoxic water columns of microcosms, prepared from a lacustrine sample, that used diesel as a carbon source was found to show electrogenic properties. These microcosms named, Liquid Microbial Fuel Cells (L-MFCs) were electrically characterized using a custom electronic analyzer; accurate determination of voltage (V), power density (W/m 2), and current density (A/m2) for both charge and discharge phases was carried out. The instrument made it possible to carry out cell characterizations using resistive loads between 0 Ω (Ohm) and 10 kΩ. During the hypoxic and electrogenic phase, the synthesis of a system of “bacterial piping induction”, produced filaments of hundreds of micrometers in which the microbial cells are hosted. Ultrastructural microscopy collected by scanning (SEM), transmission (TEM), immunofluorescence, Thunder Imager 3D, confocal laser scanning (CLSM) microscopy revealed a “myelin like“ structure during filamentation processes; this “myelin like” structure exhibited cross-reactivity towards different epitopes of the myelin basic protein (MBP) and Claudin 11 (O4) of human oligodendrocytes. The disclosure of these filamentation processes could be helpful to describe further unconventional microbial structures in aquatic ecosystems and of the animal world.The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/7d35tj3j96/1.

Background Speed agility is considered as the whole assessment of speed of movement, agility and coordination. The 10x4m test has been broadly used to evaluate physical fitness and overall health in children of developmental ages. A myriad of studies have investigated the ecology of speed agility (SA). However, body dimensions are rarely appraised, and this is a weakness because body shapes are affected by growth. Aim This study aimed to model SA-specific allometric equations, and develop an approach objectively predictive for performance while controlling for maturity through age at peak height velocity (agePHV). Subjects and methods A total of 7317 (3627 girls) children aged 8–11 years were SA-tested. Multiplicative models with allometric body-size components, agePHV, and categorical differences, were implemented to evaluate SA performance. Results Model 1 accounted for body-size and shape only, whereas Model 2 included agePHV and Model 3 considered standing broad jump (SBJ) as a surrogate marker for explosive strength. An ectomorphic dominance was revealed across all the models. Conclusion The explosive strength resulted in influencing SA per height-to-weight ratio. Further, positive exponent of agePHV suggested that the late maturers were likely to show better SA performances. Predictive equations modelled on developmental factors are fundamental to scrutinise performances as valuable health and fitness outcomes in childhood.

This work presents the development of an automatic and customized measuring system employing sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters and transimpedance amplifiers for precise measurements of voltage and current signals generated by microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The system can perform multi-step discharge protocols to accurately measure the power output of MFCs, and has been calibrated to ensure high precision and low noise measurements. One of the key features of the proposed measuring system is its ability to conduct long-term measurements with variable time steps. Moreover, it is portable and cost-effective, making it ideal for use in laboratories without sophisticated bench instrumentation. The system is expandable, ranging from 2 to 12 channels by adding dual-channel boards, which allows for testing of multiple MFCs simultaneously. The functionality of the system was tested using a six-channel setup, and the results demonstrated its ability to detect and distinguish current signals from different MFCs with varying output characteristics. The power measurements obtained using the system also allow for the determination of the output resistance of the MFCs being tested. Overall, the developed measuring system is a useful tool for characterizing the performance of MFCs, and can be helpful in the optimization and development of sustainable energy production technologies.

Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices for performing real-time PCR are advantageous compared to standard equipment since these systems allow to conduct in-field quick analysis. The development of LoCs, where the components for performing the nucleic acid amplification are all integrated, can be an issue. In this work, we present a LoC-PCR device where thermalization, temperature control and detection elements are all integrated on a single glass substrate named System-on-Glass (SoG) obtained using metal thin-film deposition. By using a microwell plate optically coupled with the SoG, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR of RNA extracted from both a plant and human virus has been carried out in the developed LoC-PCR device. The limit of detection and time of analysis for the detection of the two viruses by using the LoC-PCR were compared with those achieved by standard equipment. The results showed that the two systems can detect the same concentration of RNA; however, the LoC-PCR performs the analysis in half of the time compared to the standard thermocycler, with the advantage of the portability, leading to a point-of-care device for several diagnostic applications.

Background Gross motor coordination (GMC) is fundamental to the harmonious development of physical skills during the growth of children. This research aimed to explore the developmental changes in GMC during childhood, having controlled for the differences in children’s body size and shape using a longitudinal, allometric scaling methodology. Methods A total of 104 children from North-East Italy of third-fourth- and fifth-grade students and each participant were tested for three consequently years. Subjects performed the short version of korperkoordinationstest fur kinder (KTK3) and the anthropometric characteristics were simultaneously collected. The physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-C) was used to evaluate the weekly physical engagement. Results Ontogenetic multiplicative models suggested nonlinear associations with GMC across the children’s developmental years. Linear physique was a significant predictor associated with the development of GMC across time. PAQ-C was significantly associated with GMC from 8 to 13 years old. Conclusion Growth does not respect linear trends. A greater lean body mass could be assessed as a reliable predictor of GMC in children. The crucial period of life to improve the GMC is 8–10 years, while stabilization becomes evident from 10 to 13 years.

Background: The use of body mass index (BMI) could lead to over/under estimation of fat mass percentage (FM%). An alternative index (inverted BMI, iBMI) has been proposed as a better estimator of FM% in adults, while its practical feasibility in children and adolescents has not been fully investigated. Aim: To examine if iBMI can better estimate FM% than BMI in children/adolescents. Subjects and methods: Height, weight, and triceps and subscapularis skinfolds were measured in 6686 schoolchildren aged 11–14-years-old. BMI and iBMI (squared height/weight) were calculated; FM% was estimated by skinfold thicknesses. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination were obtained to test the best regression model between the indexes and FM%. Results: FM% was linearly related to both indexes with R2 values that were overall > 0.7. No significant differences among the R2 values were found (p value = .2, ANOVA). Conclusion: BMI persists as a robust index for health surveillance screening in children/adolescents, being very intuitive and ready-to-use. Inverted BMI may be more accurate within a cohort of adults who experience only ponderal modifications, directly implicated in the variation of FM. In conclusion, the BMI remains a quick, handy and intuitive predictor of FM%.

Concrete has been one of the most common building materials used in construction in the world for many centuries. The manufacturing of concrete plays an important role in the generation of global warming emissions and waste and causes non-renewable resource depletion. This research assesses the environmental impacts of the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) (i.e., by-products) as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement in concrete. It also evaluates the structural performance of the use of construction and demolition waste as partial replacement of natural aggregate in concrete in terms of compressive strength and durability. Results show that the use of SCMs and ENMs reduces the global warming impact (GWI) and the cumulative energy demand (CED) of concrete production without reducing strength and durability. In some cases, it enhances durability and strength. However, there is a tradeoff between durability and strength improvement with the use of reengineered by-products resulting in increased GWI and CED. Although they produce almost the same GWI and CED as those of OPC concrete, improving the use of recycled aggregates as a partial natural aggregate replacement can reduce the use of virgin materials.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evolution of technical performance indicators over the course of football matches in the UEFA Champions League. Three elite football teams were the sample of the present study and were analyzed throughout four consecutive seasons within the previously mentioned competition. Data from 15 min periods were collected from Wyscout and elaborated. The effects of match location and competition stage were analyzed on nine technical indicators, including ball possession and variables related to offense and goal scoring. The effects of independent variables were assessed both independently and combined. The results showed a significant increase in the frequency of occurrence and accuracy of most of the parameters towards the end of the match. The effect of match location was generally significant with higher rates for teams playing at home. Differences were noted between the two stages of the competition with higher values in the technical indicators registered during the group stage. The existence of significant differences between the initial and final periods of football games was suggested by the results. The so-called home advantage was confirmed. Different team approaches between longer stages (e.g., group stage) and elimination games (i.e., knockout phase) were suggested by the results.

In this work, we present a multifunctional Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensors suitable for a wide range of application in the fields of biochemical and food quality control analysis. The proposed system includes a LoC fabricated on a 5 cm × 5 cm glass substrate and a set of electronic boards for controlling the LoC functionalities. The presented Lab-on-Chip comprises light and temperature sensors, a thin film resistor acting as a heating source, and an optional thin film interferential filter suitable for fluorescence analysis. The developed electronics allows to control the thin film heater, a light source for fluorescence and absorption measurements, and the photosensors to acquire luminescent signals. All these modules are enclosed in a black metal box ensuring the portability of the whole platform. System performances have been evaluated in terms of sensor optical performances and thermal control achievements. For optical sensors, we have found a minimum number of detectable photons of 8 × 104 s−1·cm−2 at room temperature, 1.6 × 106 s−1·cm−2 in presence of fluorescence excitation source, and 2.4 × 106 s−1·cm−2 at 90 °C. From a thermal management point of view, we have obtained heating and cooling rates both equal to 2.2 °C/s, and a temperature sensor sensitivity of about 3 mV/°C even in presence of light. The achieved performances demonstrate the possibility to simultaneously use all integrated sensors and actuators, making promising the presented platform for a wide range of application fields.

Il disturbo da Deficit di Attenzione ed Iperattività (DAAI) risulta di difficile diagnosi in quanto si rischia, di giustificare gli atteggiamenti del bambino con il carattere dello stesso o con comportamenti tipici dell’età dello sviluppo. Il trattamento convenzionale si avvale di psicoterapia comportamentale mirata, che può includere anche interventi farmacologici, i quali però possono portare ad effetti avversi. Per questo motivo recentemente, l’esercizio fisico associato al trattamento comune si sta affermando come rimedio aggiuntivo, ed efficace, privo di controindicazioni dannose per la persona. L’obiettivo di questo articolo è quello attraverso una revisione della lettera- tura scientifica di dare delle linee guida per il trattamento attraverso l’esercizio fisico per i differenti soggetti affetti da DAAI.

Il gioco è un fenomeno multiforme istintivo, vitale e universale per l’uomo. Il gioco oltre a rappresentare la modalità biologica privilegiata dello sviluppo infantile (influenzando le dimensioni fisico-motorie, cognitive, emotive, relazionale...) è un potente mezzo per l’apprendimento. Apprendimento che trova nel gioco e nel coinvolgimento corporeo degli individui, un veicolo fisico-concreto per favorire competenze non solo motorie. Un’analisi di diverse prospettive del fenomeno gioco con considerazioni sui processi di apprendimento per poi indagare il ruolo del gioco come mezzo per un rinnovamento della didattica scolastica e della figura dell’insegnante a scuola come habitus mentale.

Despite the well documented benefits of physical fitness (PF) on general health, its role in back pain (BP) is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between different PF profiles and BP in a sample of adolescents. The study assessed PF and BP in a sample of 919 youth (age = 15.5 ± 1.3 years) from North and South Tyrol. A total of 531 participants (57.8%) reported no BP, whereas 4.7% (n = 43) reported severe BP. A two-step cluster analysis detected three main groups: the “less fit”, with significantly lower scores in all PF tests (p < 0.001); the “strong sprinters”, with higher speed and muscular strength than the others (p < 0.001); and the “flexible marathoners”, with higher flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001). The “flexible marathoners” showed significantly better BP scores than the “less fit” (p = 0.029). Cardiorespiratory fitness and trunk flexibility are potential preventive components of BP in adolescents. Since the decline in flexibility starts very early in life, it is recommended to put a particular emphasis on this component of PF. The role of other components of PF should be further investigated in the future.

Regular participation in strength and conditioning activities positively correlates with health-related benefits in sports (team and individual). Maturity offset (MO) is a recognized parameter in fitness outcome assessment. The aims of the present study are to analyze cross-sectional allometric development of motor performances in a sample of adolescents and relate scaled motor performance to the estimated amount and type of physical activity and biological maturity status in 771 subjects aged 14-19 years. Three physical fitness components were evaluated using field tests (standing broad jump, sit-ups, shuttle run). Extra hours of sport after school (EHS) and MO were the covariates. The model to predict the physical performance variables was: Y = a · Mk1 · Hk2 · WCk3 · exp(b · EHS + c · MO) · ε. Results suggest that having controlled for body size and body shape, performing EHS and being an early developer (identified by a positive MO slope parameter) benefits children in physical fitness and motor performance tasks.

Background: Physical fitness (PF) is positively related to skeletal and metabolic health, and it had an inverse relation with obesity. Adolescents with obesity have the worst performance in PF and speed-agility (SA) that contributes to an augmented risk to develop pathologies. To the best of our knowledge, many studies analyzed the trends of obesity and SA separately, but there is a lack of data about SA ability trends in adolescents with obesity. We aimed to investigate SA trends in children with obesity in the last few decades to define the association between body weight and physical performance. Methods: We recruited 3.923 Caucasian children across the period 1985–2010 in the same school in Northern Italy, near Milan. Once a year, at the ages of 11–12- and 13-years-old, we collected anthropometric measures and SA performance. We pooled the data into 5-year-period study waves and then stratified our analysis into test-sex-age BMI-z-score specific groups. Results: We reported an undetermined trend across years. The 4×5 m run test significantly decreased in adolescents with overweight/obesity, while we did not report a decline in 30 m and 60 m run tests. Conclusions: Fitness tests highlighted differences in normal weight compared to overweight/obese children, suggesting that it is crucial to carefully monitor PF capacities through the years.

Le ragioni per cui si intraprende uno sport sono state oggetto di interesse negli ultimi anni. Sicuramente, la motivazione intrinseca assume un ruolo importante come funzione di stimolo comportamentale esterno: sia per i genitori sia per i figli. L’obiettivo di questa ricerca è stato quello di valutare quali motivazioni personali spingono figli e rispettivi genitori alla pratica sportiva.

Le funzioni esecutive (FE) sono una categoria di processi mentali che rendono possibile giocare mentalmente con le idee riuscendo a prendersi il tempo di pensare prima di agire. Il nucleo delle FE è formato da tre processi: i) inibizione, ii) memoria di lavoro, e iii) flessibilità cognitiva. L’obiettivo di questo excursus è discutere le misure rappresentative di ciascuno; affrontare le controversie e le implicazioni che comporta il loro allenamento e sviluppo per una salute sociale, emotiva e fisica. Le FE sono addestrabili e possano essere migliorate con la pratica/esperienza. Viene affrontato l’argomento, attraverso una disamina dei metodi sperimentati finora analizzati in letteratura.

Alterations of scapular kinematics affect the whole kinematic chain, potentially leading to the impingement syndrome. This is crucial in overhead sports, where athletes perform frequent and quick upper limb actions. In this manuscript, we aimed to assess the extent to which fatigue alters scapulo-thoracic and scapulo-humeral ranges of motion (RoM), as well as scapulo-humeral movement onset during different upper limb actions. Twenty-four young healthy males aged 22 ± 2 years (height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 78.0 ± 7.8 kg) performed three movements (upper limb elevation, scapular-plane abduction, and intra-extra rotation) before and after an isokinetic fatigue protocol (upper limb intra/extra rotation, 32 repetitions at 120 degrees/s). Pre vs. post fatigue RoM of humeral elevation and rotation, scapular retraction/protraction, and rotation and tilt were computed. Humerus-scapula movement delay was also determined. Humerus elevation range reduced during intra/extra humerus rotation in fatigued conditions (p = 0.006). Scapular tilt RoM increased after the fatigue protocol (p = 0.063, large effect). Humerus-scapular movement onset delay reduced in fatigued conditions of about 80 ms (p < 0.001, large effect). In sum, fatigued intra/extra upper limb rotators altered the scapulohumeral rhythm, and joints RoM in movements outside the scapular plane. Rather, movements close to the scapular plane were less prone to fatigue-induced alterations.

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of spine and trunk with a higher incidence in girls. AIS alters and reduces postural control and balance. Self-correction movement (SCM) is a well-known non-invasive approach to ameliorate spine curve in AIS subjects. We aimed to evaluate the effects of SCM on the spine and on the balance of adolescents with AIS with a new non-invasive instrumentation. Methods: A total of 38 girls with AIS were recruited. To evaluate the acute effects of SCM and the oscillations of center of pressure (COP), we used LiDAR technology combined with a stabilometric platform to evaluate both changes in spinal curves and balance at the same time. Two tests were carried out simultaneously using the two instruments: before the execution of SCM, in the spontaneously assumed position of each subject (SP) and after the execution of SCM, during the achieved position (SC). Sway area, COP medio-lateral and antero-posterior directions, eccentricity of the ellipse and vertebral lateral deviation were recorded. The two conditions were compared with a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: In general, all measures showed lower values in SC condition (p < 0.05), except the variation along the Y axis. Conclusions: Thanks to objective measured data, the therapists observed real-time changes during the performance of SCM, appreciating its efficacy on curve correction.

The home advantage (HA) affects football competitions, especially due to the presence of crowd support. Even though several studies demonstrated that HA (which is influenced by the crowd) decreased in recent years, the empty stadia caused by COVID-19 restrictions offered unique situations to explore and quantify HA. For this reason, we aimed to assess HA in two seasons of the major Italian Championships. We conducted an observational study with the data from the last three seasons of the Italian football championship A–B series, analyzing a total of 2.964 individual game scores. To quantify the HA, the number of points won at home was calculated as a percentage of the total number of points won, home and away. In every season and for every team classification, HA was found (scored points > 50% in home matches). We reported a difference in HA median score for Serie B. Additionally, a difference was found in Serie A for middle-ranking HA median scores in the two seasons compared (p-value = 0.017), which was similarly found in Serie B (p-value = 0.009). The number of penalties was lower in the season with a crowd compared to one without a crowd (p = 0.001). The HA did not disappear in empty stadiums, so there must be other contributing factors. Additionally, we found that the referees were biased by the presence of the crowd in favor of the home teams, and this result could be considered by the football association during referees’ training and formation.

Children with obesity tend to have lower level of physical activity compared to non-obese peers. In fact, sedentary behaviors are prevalent in obese children causing difficulties to perform motor tasks and engaging in sport activities. This, in turn, has direct repercussions on adiposity and related comorbidities. The aim of the study was to investigate several components of fitness and their relationship with the degree of fatness in children. We considered 485 Italian schoolchildren (9.5 ± 1.12 years). BMI and prediction modelling outputs of fat mass were employed as markers of body fatness. Physical fitness (PF) was assessed by the 9-item test battery (explosive power, leg muscle power, arm muscle power, upper body power, coordination, agility, speed and endurance). Differences between groups in the PF tests (p < 0.05) were noted. A similar pattern was reflected in both genders. The relationship between anthropometrics’ characteristics and PF tests showed that weight and fat mass had a high level of correlation with different PF tests. Our findings highlight the importance of investigating the degree of fatness in relation with different components of fitness, in children and adolescents. This combination of proxies may cover an unexpectedly helpful screening of the youth population, for both health and performance.

La capacità ideo-motoria fa riferimento alla possibilità che ha l’uomo di visualizzare e analizzare l’andamento spazio-temporale di persone/oggetti. In ambito sportivo il gesto che esalta questa capacità è la valutazione della traiettoria durante un lancio che viene stimata nella sua efficienza con il tempo di reazione fra la comparsa dello stimolo e l’inizio della risposta. Scopo dello studio è stato quello di valutare se due diversi approcci metodologici abbiano lo stesso effetto sul tempo di reazione. In particolare, quattro classi di una scuola media sono state divise in due gruppi di lavoro, dei quali uno ha eseguito esercitazioni sottoposte ad un controllo motorio a circuito chiuso (CC), mentre l’altro ad un controllo motorio a circuito aperto (CA). In entrambi i gruppi di lavoro le esercitazioni si sono realizzate sotto l’aspetto di un transfer motorio poiché le attività motorie svolte non possedevano le stesse caratteristiche del gesto finale che è stato analizzato. Entrambe le vie sperimentali hanno portato a miglioramenti significativi.

Attualmente alla scuola viene chiesto di favorire “il saper stare al mondo” attraverso forme di insegnamento cooperativo: lavorare in gruppo, confronto e collaborazione per migliorare la sua attitudine al problem-solving. La metodologia cooperativa applicata all’Educazione Fisica è stata valutata durante lezioni a studenti di scuola superiore. La bontà dell’approccio è stata misurata attraverso la somministrazione di un questionario relativo all’enjoyment (PACES) all’autoefficacia (SELF-EFFICACY) percepiti. Questo approccio ha permesso di incrementare il senso di autoefficacia individuale e collettivo mantenendo il grado di apprezzamento uguale alle forme di insegnamento usualmente adottate nella disciplina.

La scuola e lo sport sono due realtà che troppo spesso vengono considerate come unità a sé stanti, quando, invece, dovrebbero collaborare per migliorare gli studenti sia dal punto di vista intellettivo che fisico. Prendendo spunto da progetti già in atto in altri stati europei come la Finlandia e la Svizzera, dove sport e scuola viaggiano in parallelo da molti anni, nasce il progetto: “Smuovilascuola”. “Smuovilascuola” porta l’attività fisica nelle aule delle scuole primarie, facendo sì che diventi parte integrante delle lezioni curricolari, e non solo un accessorio per la palestra, così che si possano avere miglioramenti sia per l’area motoria che quella cognitiva dei bambini. Questi saranno più predisposti allo sport, più attenti in aula, coinvolti, e sapranno gestire meglio emozioni e paure. Lo scopo è educare gli studenti a 360°. Utilizzando dei test psicofisici validati si è riusciti a valutare come questo intervento sia riuscito ad aumentare l’autoefficacia degli studenti, il loro apprezzamento verso l’attività fisica e soprattutto la padronanza del loro corpo.

Il gioco outdoor ha molti benefici sullo sviluppo integrale del bambino e dell’individuo. A partire da un’analisi pedagogica del gioco per comprendere l’importanza di questo fenomeno, verrà poi analizzato il funzionamento del processo di termoregolazione del bambino, per trarne alcune riflessioni e considerazioni a supporto del gioco all’aperto nell’arco di tutto l’anno. Rivalutare questa pratica alla luce delle evidenze scientifiche ha lo scopo di portare ad un cambiamento di prospettiva didattica nei confronti del gioco stesso e di quello outdoor per riavvicinare i bambini alla natura, oggi sempre più afflitti da ciò che è stato definito come Disturbo da Deficit di Natura.

Il Cooperative Learning è un protocollo didattico in cui gli studenti lavorano insieme in piccoli gruppi per raggiungere obiettivi comuni, migliorare reciprocamente le loro abilità e quindi competenze. Tale metodo si distingue sia dall’apprendimento competitivo che dall’apprendimento individualistico e si presta ad essere applicato ad ogni compito, materia e curricolo. Nei team di lavoro della didattica cooperativa, gli studenti si dedicano all’attività comune, divenendo protagonisti di tutte le fasi del loro compito (dalla pianificazione alla valutazione) mentre l’insegnante riveste il ruolo di facilitatore che aiuta nella comprensione delle richieste e organizza le attività. Il nostro studio ha voluto verificare se, un approccio metodologico non basato sulla ricerca estenuante della prestazione o sulla nota modularità di abilità o di discipline sportive, potesse coinvolgere i ragazzi durante le ore di educazione fisica. Partendo dall’indagine, si è quindi successivamente svolta un’analisi del grado di enjoyment registrato dagli studenti rispetto alle diverse proposte.

Obesity has been associated with several alterations that could limit physical activity (PA) practice. In pediatrics, some studies have highlighted the importance of enjoyment as a motivation to begin and maintain adherence in PA. Since self-reported physical (SRPF) fitness was related to motivation, the aim of this study was to investigate the existence of differences between SRPF in children with obesity (OB) compared to normal weight (NW). The International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire was administered to 200 OB and 200 NW children. In all the subjects, height, weight, and BMI and in OB children adiposity indexes including waist circumference (WC), body shape index (ABSI), triponderal mass index (TMI), and fat mass were measured. NW group showed higher IFIS item scores than the OB group (p < 0.01), except in muscular strength. In OB, the anthropometric outcomes were inversely correlated to SRPF outcome except for muscular strength. OB children reported a lower perception of fitness that could limit participation in PA/exercise programs. The evaluation of anthropometric patterns may be useful to prescribe a tailored exercise program considering individual better self-perception outcomes to obtain an optimal PA adherence.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) limits walking efficiency and distance. The main disabling symptom is vasculopathy that leads to claudicatio intermittens and limits walking efficiency. Stretching techniques are effective in treatments for retractions and are used to improve flexibility of triceps surae and range of motion of the ankle. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a combined walking and stretching program on walking efficiency in elderly PAOD patients. Seventy patients with PAOD stage II of the Leriche–Fontaine classification were randomly assigned into a stretching group (SG) or conditioning group (CG). Both groups participated in an eleven-day intensive rehabilitation program based on walking and strength training, while the SG performed five extra sessions of stretching. Walking autonomy was assessed through treadmill and overground tests with the recording of initial and absolute pain. A univariate ANOVA analysis was applied for the differences between the initial and final outcomes. Walking autonomy improved in both groups (p < 0.01), while only the SG improved flexibility (from −14.0 ± 8.1 to −10.3 ± 8.3 cm; p < 0.01). An intensive eleven-day rehabilitation program based on walking, strength, and stretching exercises is effective to improve the onset and the delay of pain during walking in patients with PAOD.

Lower limb explosive strength has been widely used to evaluate physical fitness and general health in children. A plethora of studies have scoped the practicality of the standing broad jump (SBJ), though without accounting for body dimensions, which are tremendously affected by growth. This study aimed at modeling SBJ-specific allometric equations, underlying an objectively predictive approach while controlling for maturity offset (MO). A total of 7317 children (8–11 years) were tested for their SBJs; demographics and anthropometrics data were also collected. The multiplicative model with allometric body size components, MO, and categorial differences were implemented with SBJ performance. The log-multiplicative model suggested that the optimal body shape associated with SBJs is ectomorphic (H = −0.435; M = 1.152). Likewise, age, sex, and age–sex interactions were revealed to be significant (p < 0.001). Our results confirmed the efficacy of the allometric approach to identify the most appropriate body size and shape in children. Males, as they mature, did not significantly augment their performances, whereas females did, outperforming their peers. The model successfully fit the equation for SBJ performance, adjusted for age, sex, and MO. Predictive equations modeled on developmental factors are needed to interpret appropriately the performances that are used to evaluate physical fitness.

La forma di numeri e lettere, la loro successione da sinistra a destra che struttura parole e frasi, la memorizzazione del tracciato dei diversi caratteri, la coordinazione della muscolatura oculare utilizzata negli atti dello scrivere e del leggere sono tutti elementi di qualità motoria e sequenziale che l’individuo deve automatizzare per affrontare il compito di apprendere. La scarsa efficienza di alcune delle funzioni chiave della motricità, come la lateralizzazione e la coordinazione oculo manuale, incide pesantemente nell’organizzazione delle procedure della letto-scrittura e del calcolo. Il nostro studio si pone lo scopo di esemplificare come l’abilitazione coordinativa possa attenuare significativamente i DSA attraverso interventi di motricità finalizzata. Il movimento umano inteso come “atto in funzione di uno scopo” e proposto con una didattica protetta e di gruppo si è dimostrata essere in grado di ripristinare una viabilità neuro motoria più funzionale a raggiungere il successo nelle pratiche scolastiche.

La scrittura a mano è un’abilità che richiede una serie di competenze motorie finalizzate a collegare e collocare nello spazio grafico le lettere secondo specifiche convenzioni. Richiedendo un elevato livello di coordinazione e una regolazione della contrazione muscolare ad alta precisione è conseguente la riflessione che una povera coordinazione generale e un scarso livello di controllo motorio ne influenzi la sua corretta espressione. Da qui si identifica la disgrafia come un disturbo specifico di apprendimento legato ad un deficit di natura esclusivamente motoria. Il nostro studio si pone lo scopo di affrontare il problema grafico come una dinamica spaziotemporale all’interno di uno spazio geometrico ben definito attraverso l’esperienza di tutto il corpo. Sottoponendo ad alunni disgrafici un percorso motorio di 12 lezioni incentrato sulla presa di coscienza del proprio schema corporeo/motorio, sul miglioramento della coordinazione oculo-manuale e spazio-temporale si è potuto verificare la possibilità di ottenere un transfer tra lo spazio vissuto e lo spazio del foglio. L’evidente miglioramento della produzione grafica dopo un percorso motorio realizzato ‘total-body’ in palestra sono indicativi di una possibilita’ da perseguire precocemente.

In this paper we present a compact technological demonstrator including on the same glass substrate an electrowetting-on-dielectrics (EWOD) system, a linear array of amorphous silicon photosensor and a capillary-driven microfluidic channel. The proposed system comprises also a compact modular electronics controlling the digital microfluidics through the USB interface of a computer. The system provides therefore both on-chip detection and microfluidic handling needed for the realization of a ‘true’ Lab-on-Chip. The geometry of the photosensors has been designed to maximize the radiation impinging on the photosensor and to minimize the inter-site crosstalk, while the fabrication process has been optimized taking into account the compatibility of all the technological steps for the fabrication of the EWOD system, the photosensor array and the microfluidics channels. As a proof of the successful integration of the different technological steps we demonstrated the ability of the a-Si:H photosensors to detect the presence of a droplet over an EWOD electrode and the effective coupling between the digital and the continuous microfluidics, that can allow for functionalization, immobilization and recognition of biomolecules without external optical devices or microfluidic interconnections.

Ageing is a slow but dynamic process, which involves many internal and external influences. It is a complex multifactorial phenomenon characterized by progressive physiological, genetic, endocrinological and molecular changes, responsible for the increased risk of morbidity and death. Because of an increase in life expectancy, the incidence of degenerative diseases, such as muscular and skeletal diseases will also increase. The age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (i.e. sarcopenia) seems to be an unavoidable part of the physical human decline. In fact, the relationship of ageing with impaired physical performance, frailty, loss of functional independence and increased risks of falls are well established in the literature. In addition, decreased muscle strength is also highly predictive of incident disability in the elderly. In particular, weakness and functional deficit have been considered hallmark predictors of age related morbidity and decreased autonomy. Research on ageing has traditionally been concerned with health, but recently the concept of functional capacity has also been attracting growing attention. Regular physical activity, including, muscle-strengthening activity such as resistance exercises, balance and flexibility exercises, aerobic activity, is essential to develop a strategy to delay ageing.

Lab-on-chip are analytical systems which, compared to traditional methods, offer significant reduction of sample, reagent, energy consumption and waste production. Within this framework, we report on the development and testing of an optoelectronic platform suitable for the on-chip detection of fluorescent molecules. The platform combines on a single glass substrate hydrogenated amorphous silicon photosensors and a long pass interferential filter. The design of the optoelectronic components has been carried out taking into account the spectral properties of the selected fluorescent molecule. We have chosen the [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ which exhibits a high fluorescence when it is complexed with nucleic acids in double helix. The on-glass optoelectronic platform, coupled with a microfluidic network, has been tested in detection of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) reaching a detection limit as low as 10 ng/µL.

Ageing is a slow but dynamic process, which involves many internal and external influences. It is a complex multifactorial phenomenon characterized by progressive physiological, genetic, endocrinological and molecular changes, responsible for the increased risk of morbidity and death. Because of an increase in life expectancy, the incidence of degenerative diseases, such as muscular and skeletal diseases will also increase. The age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (i.e. sarcopenia) seems to be an unavoidable part of the physical human decline. In fact, the relationship of ageing with impaired physical performance, frailty, loss of functional independence and increased risks of falls are well established in the literature. In addition, decreased muscle strength is also highly predictive of incident disability in the elderly. In particular, weakness and functional deficit have been considered hallmark predictors of age related morbidity and decreased autonomy. Research on ageing has traditionally been concerned with health, but recently the concept of functional capacity has also been attracting growing attention. Regular physical activity, including, muscle-strengthening activity such as resistance exercises, balance and flexibility exercises, aerobic activity, is essential to develop a strategy to delay ageing.

This work presents a miniaturized lab-on-chip system suitable for monitoring the activity of living cells through the on-chip detection of their bioluminescence emission. The system integrates amorphous silicon diodes, acting as temperature and light sensors, and indium tin oxide film, acting as heater, on a single glass substrate. During its operation, the glass is thermally and optically coupled to the investigated cells and electrically connected to an electronic board, which controls the lab-on-chip temperature and monitors the sensor photocurrents. The proposed lab-on-chip is particularly attractive for the development of portable cell-based biosensors useful for biological activity monitoring as well as for cell cytotoxicity evaluation.