Age- and sex-based reference ranges for non-invasive ventricular repolarisation parameters.

SummaryBackground Some electrocardiographic parameters are able to assess indirectly ventricular repolarisation homogeneity. It is consequently essential to discriminate between normal and abnormal values in clinical decision-making. Considering there is still not a consensus about normal cut-off values, the aim of this study was to document reference intervals in all age groups of a healthy population, providing for age- and sex-percentile tables, which can be used easily and quickly in clinical practice. Methods We evaluated repolarisation markers in 606 sex-matched participants aged 1 day–94 years. Each subject underwent a 12-lead electrocardiogram at rest, and the following parameters were measured: QT, corrected QT, QTpeak, Tpeak-Tend, Tpeak-Tend dispersion, Tpeak-Tend/QT and QTpeak/QT ratio. Results A relationship was demonstrated between age and QTpeak, Tpeak-Tend, QT and QTc. In children, QTpeak, Tpeak-Tend and QT intervals increased linearly with age. In adolescents, all the three parameters remained stable. In adults, QTpeak and QT showed a further significant increase. On the contrary, Tpeak-Tend interval was longer in adults aged between 20 and 64 years than in participants aged 65 years or over, but the difference was not statistically significant. Male vs female participants showed longer Tpeak-Tend intervals; this sex difference was not statistically significant at birth and during childhood, whereas it was in adolescents and in adults. Conclusions Repolarisation parameters showed age- and sex-based variations, which are important to know to differentiate normal from pathological values

Usefulness of QT dispersion in clinical practice

The measurement of QT dispersion in the surface electrocardiogram has been proposed as a non invasive method for assessing inhomogeneity of myocardial repolarization and has been linked to an increased risk of arrhythmic cardiac death. Several studies have evaluated the use of QTd in a wide variety of cardiac diseases and have reached conflicting conclusions regarding its clinical significance

Application of isocapnic hyperpnea in the treatment of vertebral column paramorphisms: Clinical case reports

The aim of the study is to frame the use of Isocapnic Hyperpnea in the treatment of different spine paramorphisms through the use of SpiroTiger©. Several studies in recent years are increasingly looking for the current correlations between the respiratory musculature and the Fine Postural System. Based on this consideration, we decided to use respiratory exercise to induce a considerable modification of postural alignment. To provide meaningful data, we associated an objective baseline assessment with an objective assessment using spinometry. Four subjects are identified, undergoing an initial objective assessment of posture and spinometry (Spinal mouse M360©) who, after having carried out Respiratory Training with SpiroTiger© and postural gymnastics, were followed-up between the 5th and 8th sessions. The first two cases had postural alterations (lumbar hyperlordosis and dorsal cyphosis) while the assessment of the other subjects showed no postural deficits in the upright station. However, during anterior bending and/or the extension of the trunk in maximum inhalation, there were joint limitations that reduced the Range of Motion (ROM). Although the subjects examined had different Paramorphisms, the final assessment shows in all cases an increase in the ROM of the spine (bending=6-12°/extension=2°), better postural alignment resulting in a reduction in algies

Application of T-Thesys Therapy in post-operative recovery in knee-surgical interventions: A case study

T-Thesys therapy is an innovative treatment that can be used even in the presence of recent injuries. For this reason, we studied the T-Thesys use in the post-operative phase of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction of the knee. For our study, we selected 51 patients for ACL surgery, and we divided participants in two groups: the Experimental Group (EG) and the Control Group (CG). The EG consisted of 34 patients (age: 26.9 ± 7.65 years) who underwent T-Thesys therapy after surgery, while the CG included 17 patients (age: 26.7 ± 6.8 years) who was not subjected to T-Thesys therapy after surgery. T-Thesys therapy was performed on a daily basis and participants' parameters were monitored throughout the treatment. For the EG, we did not find any significant differences, however, subjective disorders seemed to disappear, almost entirely, at the seventh application. The CG showed no significant differences, even in the subjective disorders investigated. Therefore, the therapeutic treatment associated with T-Thesys therapy seems to not show any efficacy compared to the surgical treatment alone. However, from our findings emerged differences which tend to highlight a better clinical response, a faster recovery time, an improvement on the quality of life in patients, and, moreover, a better use of the National Health System resources

HYPERTROPHIC ADAPTATIONS OF LOWER LIMB MUSCLES IN RESPONSE TO THREE DIFFERENT RESISTANCE TRAINING REGIMENS

Introduction: The research tested the effects of training in three different load zones. The hypothesis is that this type of training can provide more complete hypertrophic gains compared to workouts performed in a specific, single load area. Materials and methods: 37 participants were divided into 4 groups (SE; S; E; C). The first group trained simultaneously with high loads and low repetitions and with low loads and high repetitions; the second group trained in the high load condition, the third with low loads and high repetitions brought to the point of fatigue and the last control group had not practiced any type of training. The participants performed the training program 3 times a week for an eight-week period. Results: The internal group comparison of the 1RM squat values, shows an important mean improvement emerged in the participants of the SE sample, a similar increase was recorded in group S, while in group E there was no increase, but a slight average decrease in the 1RM of squats. In group C the decrease in the 1RM of squats was significant. Conclusions: Resistance training performed simultaneously in different load areas (SE) optimizes muscle hypertrophy. These data underline both the reactivity of skeletal muscle to mechanical load alterations and the importance of metabolic stress as a necessary factor for increasing muscle volume

Physical activity as protective factor against COVID-19 disease

The Coronavirus Pandemic has forced millions of people around the world to look at home. This resulted, as a consequence, in a remodelling of the lifestyle; in this scenario the correct nutrition combined with regular physical activity becomes fundamental for health. Although the sedentary lifestyle of a few weeks involves risks such as lowering the immune system, it favours overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, depression and anxiety, and in some subjects they react to the risk of onset of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other diseases. The importance of healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent also viral infection. Indeed, as reported by many data literature, during lung infections, IL-6 and TNF-a create the pathway between adipose tissue and lung system demonstrating the important involvement of adipose tissue in lung diseases. In obese condition, adipose tissue endocrine function is altered. There is an imbalance in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-a and anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10. In the light of these evidences, the immune response is influenced by nutritional status and by physical activity which are able to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators and increase anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10 . In addition, the power of viral infection is influenced by host predisposition. For these reasons, a correct lifestyle, and physical activity are a valid strategy in the prevention and treatment of not metabolic diseases also of inflammatory diseases

Evaluation of Orexin-A serum levels in karate athletes cohort

The lateral hypothalamus products various neuropeptides, among of these the Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a protein that regulates numerous physiological and behavioural processes involving in energy balance and metabolic status, physical activity, blood glucose levels, and food intake. Many data literature reported that the production of Orexin-A increases following regular and structured physical activity. Indeed, it improves energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and also modulate energy expenditure and thermogenesis. The higher Orexin-A tone is an endogenous factor that predicts physical activity, improving BMI and the energy expenditure aspect. It is well known that physical activity has positive effects on health and body weight, it improves cognitive performance increasing Orexin-A levels. Given these evidences, the aim of this study is evaluated Orexin-A serum levels in a cohort of karate athletes. Fort these reasons, were recruited 10 young karate athletes and 10 matched non-athletes as control. We evaluated biochemical and anthropometric parameters, and Orexin-A serum levels through ELISA-test. Our results showed that there is a statistical difference between karate athletes and non-athletes in BMI and in biochemical parameters such as glycaemic and lipid profile. Interestingly, Orexin-A serum levels are statistical higher in karate athletes compared to non- athletes. The differences between athlete and non-athletes in this study could be attributed to a better training-related hypothalamic activity in karate athletes. In addition, these evidences indicate that the physical activity has beneficial effects not only on anthropometric and biochemical parameters but also on orexin-A levels, and then on central nervous system

Use of nutritional supplement to improve performance in professional soccer players: A case report

The aim of the study was to investigate the intake percentage and the satisfaction level of some nutritional supplements used by professional soccer players. Twenty-nine professional soccer players (age: 24.6 ± 5.2 years, body weight: 79.2 ± 4.9 kg, body height: 1.83 ± 0.05 m) belonging to a team of Serie A were interviewed on: frequency of use, tolerability, and acceptance of the supplements (creatine, β-alanine, whey protein, nitrates, vitamin D3, caffeine) proposed by the nutritionist team. This survey revealed a great inter-individual variability on the intake of the proposed supplements. All respondents (n = 29) said they take cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), 17 out of 29 creatine, 14 out of 29 whey protein, and 10 out of 29 dietary nitrates. No participants declared to assume β-alanine or caffeine anhydrous. Cholecalciferol resulted the most accepted supplement, followed by creatine and whey protein. Study participants prefer to take dietary nitrates through the consumption of vegetable juices, primarily from fennel and celery juice, and only two out of twenty-nine regularly taking concentrated beet juice. Since none of the twenty-nine participants interviewed uses β-alanine and caffeine in anhydrous form, the daily contribution of caffeine is mainly guaranteed by the consumption of coffee

Proposal for a Fitness Program in the School Setting during the COVID 19 Pandemic: Effects of an 8-Week CrossFit Program on Psychophysical Well-Being in Healthy Adolescents

Background: The Italian government promoted social distancing, in which the suspension of any social event, suspension of all activities practiced in gyms, sports centers and their closure was ordered. The social distancing in the school environment and the use of strategies to limit viral infection are not very compatible with group motor activity and team sports. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of a CrossFit program in order to mitigate the deficits in fitness caused by COVID-19 prevention measures and to evaluate the effects on self-efficacy in a group of young adolescents. Methodsː 30 healthy participants were randomly allocated into an intervention group (IG) that performed the 8 weeks CrossFit training program or control group (CG). Physical fitness tests (i.e., Squat, push-up, lunge, and 20 m run) and psychological measures Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy scale (RESE) were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Resultsː After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements for all fitness tests (p < 0.0001). Additionally, higher scores for the RESE negative and positive (p < 0.0001) scales were found in the intervention group. No statistical differences were found in the control group except for the push up test. Conclusionsː the 8-week CrossFit intervention program could positively affect the general physical well-being and improve the emotional perceived self-efficacy in healthy adolescents. View Full-Tex

The Ks Brief Stimulator® role in postural alterations treatment: Clinical case reports

The aim of the study was to evaluate the modulations of the postural tonic system, observing the variations of plantar support. We worked on the restoration of the diaphragm function through respiratory gymnastics strategy that provides for the use of the KS Brief Stimulator® tool. For the study, 5 subjects between the ages of 10 and 27, male and female, were recruited, all with different postural alterations. The subjects underwent a preliminary baropodometric evaluation and then treated, on a monthly basis for a total of 5 months, with the KS brief Stimulator® technology and re-evaluated at the end of each treatment. Twice a week everyone carried out adapted physical activity protocols. At the end of each treatment the results of the baropodometric tests reported changes in terms of improvement of the pressure centre, showing a more congruous value than the concept of the centre of gravity and changes in the distribution of loads in both feet, in all subjects. Concluding, we could deduce the fundamental role of the diaphragm muscle in the global postural rebalancing and affirm that the application of the Ks brief Stimulator® technology, alongside the kinesiological work, represents the keystone for the restoration of the diaphragmatic function