Enhancing behavioural changes: a narrative review on the effectiveness of a multifactorial APP-based intervention integrating physical activity

The rapid evolution of technologies is a key innovation in the organisation and management of physical activities (PA) and sports. The increase in benefits and opportunities related to the adoption of technologies for both the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the management of chronic diseases is evident. In the field of telehealth, these devices provide personalised recommendations, workout monitoring and injury prevention. The study aimed to provide an overview of the landscape of technology application to PA organised to promote active lifestyles and improve chronic disease management. This review identified specific areas of focus for the selection of articles: the utilisation of mobile APPs and technological devices for enhancing weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, managing diabetes and cancer and preventing osteoporosis and cognitive decline. A multifactorial intervention delivered via mobile APPs, which integrates PA while managing diet or promoting social interaction, is unquestionably more effective than a singular intervention. The main finding related to promoting PA and a healthy lifestyle through app usage is associated with "behaviour change techniques". Even when individuals stop using the APP, they often maintain the structured or suggested lifestyle habits initially provided by the APP. Various concerns regarding the excessive use of APPs need to be addressed

No Risk of Anorexia Nervosa in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: What are the Practical Implications of what is Already Know?

In aesthetic sports success is strongly influenced by body appearance and eating disorder risks prevail in aesthetic athletes. Previous studies demonstrated that rhythmic gymnasts showed a "lean, almost anorexic-like physique" but no psychological distress. Recently, researchers used body image perception and dissatisfaction to detect gymnast eating disorders. The results showed that elite rhythmic gymnasts are very thin but have a precise estimation of their body image, and this condition leads to hypothesize that they are not at risk for eating disorders development. A correct evaluation of one's own body image is essential in prevention of pathological eating behaviours

Effects of static and dynamic stretching on upper limb explosive, isometric and endurance strength, in male volleyball players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of both static and dynamic stretching on upper limb strength and to assess whether a cross-over inhibitory effect occurred during the time in which this effect may appear. Eighteen male volleyball players (aged 21.50, standard deviation 3.12 years) underwent the experimental protocol organized in in two sessions, one of static and the other of dynamic stretching for upper body muscles. Participants performed three specific strength tests: Ball Throwing, Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction, and Push-Up, to assess explosive, isometric and endurance strength respectively, at baseline (T0) and 10, 20 and 60 minutes after the static stretching and dynamic stretching sessions. The Ball Throwing results showed significant differences between the two stretching protocols (F1,14 = 4.967; p = 0.043; ηp2 = 0.262), among the 5 time measures (F4,58 = 7.476; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.348), and for the interaction Protocol × Time (F4,58 = 8.258; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.371). Maximum Voluntary Isometric Ccontraction scores showed significant differences among the time measures (F4,58 = 4.015; p = 0.006; ηp2 = 0.223) and for the interaction Session × Time (F4,58 = 2.625; p = 0.044; ηp2 = 0.158). At the Push-Up test significant differences were found only among the time measures (F4,58 = 5.634; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.287). Static stretching may adversely affect upper limb endurance strength, whereas no changes in isometric and explosive strength were found. Dynamic stretching did not have a detrimental effect on upper limb endurance strength, whereas it may improve isometric and explosive strength

Effects of resistance training on jumping performance in pre-adolescent rhythmic gymnasts: a randomized controlled study

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two different resistance training programs on lower limb explosive and reactive strength in young female athletes. Fifty seven rhythmic gymnasts were randomly assigned to unspecific resistance training with dumbbells (12 repetition maximum squats) (n=19; age=12.0±1.8 years) or to specific resistance training with weighted belts (6% of body mass; n=18; age=11.9 ± 1.0 years). Squat jump test, counter movement jump test, hopping test, flexibility of the hip, and anthropometric measures were assessed before and after six weeks training. The main result was that both unspecific resistance training and specific resistance training protocols positively affected the jumping performance, with an increase of the lower limb explosive strength of 6-7%, with no side effects. Counter movement jump flight time increased significantly (p<0.01) while hopping test ground contact time significantly decreased (p<0.01). No significant differences were detected among groups for flexibility, body mass, calf and thigh circumferences. Therefore, six weeks of resistance training that integrates different elements of rhythmic gymnastics training enhance jumping ability in young female athletes

Adapted physical activity in subjects and athletes recovering from covid-19: a position statement of the Società Italiana Scienze Motorie e Sportive

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic illness that is impacting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and cognitive function of a large spectrum of the worldwide population. The available pharmacological countermeasures of these long-term effects of COVID-19 are minimal, while myriads of non-specific non-pharmacological treatments are emerging in the literature. In this complicated scenario, particular emphasis should be dedicated to specific exercise interventions tailored for subjects and athletes recovering from COVID-19. Specific guidelines on adapted physical activity in this critical population are unavailable so far, therefore, in this position statement of the Società Italiana di Scienze Motorie e Sportive (SISMeS) the members of the steering committee of the research group Attività Motoria Adattata, Alimentazione, Salute e Fitness have indicated the adapted physical activity approaches to counteract the long-term effects of the COVID-19, both in good health people and athletes

A Description of Skeletal Manifestation in Adult Case of Morquio Syndrome: Radiographic and MRI Appearance

We report on a rare case of Morquio syndrome, an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharidosis including type IVA, a deficiency of N-acetylgalctosamine-6-sulfatase and type IVB a deficiency of β-galactosidase. A 43-year-old female patient affected by IVB Morquio syndrome underwent instrumental investigation. Conventional plain films of the entire spine, pelvis, chest and knees together with magnetic resonance imaging of the entire column, hip, knees, and ankles demonstrated the characteristics of skeletal changes of this disease. The main abnormalities were platyspondily and hypoplasia of the odontoid process, genua valga deformity and severe multiple degenerative changes of the hips, knees, and ankle joints. Radiographs and above all magnetic resonance imaging are crucial to provide substantial information about the gravity, evolution of the skeletal and joints changes, and the rehabilitation strategies to be followed

Twelve-Week Exercise Influences Memory Complaint but not Memory Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of exercise on memory performance and memory complaint after a 12-week intervention. Eighty community-dwelling volunteers, aged 66.96 ± 11.73 years, were randomly divided into four groups: resistance, cardiovascular, postural, and control groups (20 participants for each group). All participants were tested for their cognitive functions before and after their respective 12-week intervention using Rey memory words test, Prose memory test, and Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Statistical analysis showed that the three experimental groups significantly improved MAC-Q scores in comparison with the control group (p < .05). The variation of MAC-Q scores and the variations of Rey and Prose memory tests scores were not correlated. These results indicate that the 12-week interventions exclusively influenced memory complaint but not memory performance. Further investigations are needed to understand the relation between memory complaint and memory performance, and the factors that can influence this relationship