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Coratella, G, Beato, M, Bertinato, L, Milanese, C, Venturelli, M, and Schena, F. Including the eccentric phase in resistance training to counteract the effects of detraining in women: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3023–3031, 2022—The current study compared the effects of concentric-based (CONC), eccentric-based (ECC), and traditional concentric-eccentric (TRAD) resistance training on muscle strength, mass, and architecture and the postdetraining retention of the training-induced effects in women. Sixty women were randomly assigned to unilateral volume-equated CONC, ECC, or TRAD knee extension training or control (N = 15 per group). Before training, after an 8-week intervention period, and after an 8-week detraining period, isokinetic concentric, eccentric, and isometric torque were measured. In addition, thigh lean mass was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry and vastus lateralis thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length by ultrasound. After training, concentric and isometric torque increased (p < 0.05) similarly in all groups, whereas eccentric torque increased more in ECC than that in CONC (+13.1%, effect size (ES): 0.71 [0.04–1.38]) and TRAD (+12.6%, ES: 0.60 [0.12–1.08]). Thigh lean mass increased in ECC (+6.1%, ES: 0.47 [0.27–0.67]) and TRAD (+3.1%, ES: 0.33 [0.01–0.65]). Vastus lateralis thickness and pennation angle increased (p < 0.05) similarly in all groups, whereas fascicle elongation was visible in ECC (+9.7%, ES: 0.92 [0.14–1.65]) and TRAD (+7.1%, ES: 0.64 [0.03–1.25]). After detraining, all groups retained (p < 0.05) similar concentric torque. ECC and TRAD preserved eccentric torque (p < 0.05), but ECC more than TRAD (+17.9%, ES: 0.61 [0.21–1.21]). All groups preserved isometric torque (p < 0.05), but ECC more than CONC (+14.2%, ES: 0.71 [0.04–1.38]) and TRAD (+13.8%, ES: 0.65 [0.10–1.20]). Thigh lean mass and vastus lateralis fascicle length were retained only in ECC (p < 0.05), pennation angle was preserved in all groups (p < 0.05), and thickness was retained in CONC and ECC (p < 0.05). Including the eccentric phase in resistance training is essential to preserve adaptations after detraining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study assessed whether anthropometry, physical fitness and sportspecific sprint performance vary across the three groups of sitting volleyball (SV) athletes (athletes with a disability (VS1), athletes with a minimal disability (VS2) and able-bodied SV athletes (AB)) in order to explore the validity of the current system of classification. This study also investigated how the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of athletes relate to their sprint performance. Methods. Thirty-five SV male athletes aged 37.4 ± 10.8 years and practicing SV at a national/international level volunteered for this study. Testing consisted in the evaluation of linear anthropometry, physical fitness (body composition by-means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength) and sprint performance (5-meter sprint tests, agility test and speed and endurance test). Results. Athletes in the three groups differed in fat mass percentage (%FM) which was higher in VS1 versus AB at the sub-total level (C9%), in the arms (C15%) and in the non-impaired leg (C8%) regions. Greater hand span, greater length of the impaired lower leg, lower %FM at both the sub-total and regional level and a higher level of strength in the upper body are all associated with better performances in the considered sprint tests (P <0.05 for all). These results do not confirm the validity of the current system of classification of athletes adopted in SV. Professionals dealing with SV athletes should include specific exercises aimed at improving whole-body and regional body composition and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs in their training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Today moving seems to have become a serious problem and yet we are predisposed to motion and activity, we interact with our environment through movement. The motivation to persevere is not related to external rewards, but rather to intrinsically generated emotions, furthermore, chronic aerobic exercise induces changes in brain regions that are functional to Executive Function (EF) and is important as a mediator of exercise-induced neurogenesis. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to determine whether a high-motivation protocol game based on EF development is capable of influencing a sample of adolescents aged 13-14 years-old in a secondary school. Material and Methods A sample of 75 students (39 girls; 36 boys) aged 12 - 13 years-old where involved in the study. Subjects were divided into control (football) and experimental (EF games) groups. Both groups were assessed with the Free Recall test. Results The results suggested that a physical activity based on intensity, enjoyment, and cognitive engagement is useful and transferable to school practice, in this case particularly in memory. Discussion This study suggested that the amount of qualitative physical activity should be evaluated when assessing the effect of physical activity on cognitive function. Physical activity should include an adequate amount of high intensity and cognitive involvement useful and transferable to school practice. Conclusion Educational value of physical education, in the school context this movement should not be confined to just two hours of physical education or sporadic projects but, on the contrary, it could become a fundamental choice of the whole system, through forms of motor involvement during the intervals, in the home-school paths and the high contexts of teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Physical activity (PA) (e.g., sport, physical education) promotes the psychophysical development of children, enhances health and wellbeing, offers opportunities for enjoyable experiences, and increases self-efficacy. Methods. In the DEDIPAC framework, we conducted a naturalistic, cross-sectional study to evaluate the effects of a school-based, long-term intervention on fitness (i.e., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, speed, and finger dexterity), body mass index (BMI), PA levels, sedentary levels, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy in primary school children. A group of Italian children (41 boys and 39 girls, aged 10 11 years) involved in the project named "Più Sport @ Scuola" (PS@S) was compared with a group of children (41 boys and 39 girls) of the same age not involved in the project. Results. After a four-year long attendance to the PS@S project, participants reported higher scores of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy compared to children not involved in the project. Correlation analysis results showed that muscular strength scores correlated positively with BMI, PA levels, and enjoyment. Flexibility of the upper body was positively related to physical selfefficacy, and negatively related to speed and BMI. Conclusions. Findings suggest that the PS@S project enhanced fitness level, enjoyment, and physical self-efficacy of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research on psychological and social aspects of exercise and physical activity. The relationship between self-efficacy and body image and social support on intentions of individuals to exercise is examined. Structural equation models of a survey of teenagers is used to determine that family support, local authority support, self-efficacy and body image strongly predicted the intention to exercise.