Effects of a Coordinative Ability Training Program on Adolescents’ Cognitive Functioning

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to investigate the effects of a week coordinative ability training program on adolescents’ cognitive functioning, using evaluation tests of visuospatial perception, attention, and working memory. We randomly assigned 60 public school students (14–15 years) to either an experimental coordinative abilities training (∼40 min twice/week) group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30) who received general psycho-physical wellness training (∼40 min., twice a week). At baseline and after training we used two standardized motor tests and a single cognitive measure (Corsi’s Block-tapping test) to assess students’ visuospatial perception, attention, and working memory. We found a significant Time x Group interaction for the Throwing and Catching Test and Corsi’s Block-Tapping test, reflecting a meaningful experimental group improvement (p < 0.001), and there were no significant pre-post changes found in the control group. Thus, a 12-week program of coordinative abilities was able to improve not only coordination skills but aspects of cognitive functioning relevant to academic achievement

Transformative Physical Education and lifestyles in cancer patients: effective motor learning and promotion of new lifestyles

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the positive effects of movement education and sports activity in cancer patients (Courneya, Friedenreich, 2011). The aims of this study is to document the effectiveness of a motor educational intervention carried out mainly on the transformative corporeity, on the well-being and lifestyles of cancer patients. The hypothesis considered Motor Education as an agent of change on psycho-physical and relational variables, usually inhibited by the disease, and limiting the personal exposure of self-effectiveness and transform- ative empowerment during and at the end of the therapeutic-clinical path. This is why a group of subjects has been subjected to a longitudinal programme of motor education observing its effects on the variables considered: positive emotions, perceived self-effectiveness, perception of fatigue. The results have shown that a structured mobility education programme can make an important contribution to improving not only physical functionality but also emotional variables behavioral, creating the conditions for a positive change in one’s own personal life, perception of oneself and autonomous management of one’s own life

Starting a sport as outdoor education in infancy: orienteering, visual spatial memory for empowering school learning

Description of the problem and aims. This study aims at investigating the relationship between an Orienteering training program and the enhancement of short-term visuo-spatial memory in a school setting. The hypothesis is based on the idea that there is a relationship between motor learning stimulated by the practice of Orienteering in an outdoor area and visuo-spatial working memory. Several studies have already highlighted the relationship between active motor play in school-aged children and cognitive development (Truelove et ali. 2017). The ability to map and plan is already present in the first year of life of a child and it will influence the cognitive-motor organization of the adult individual (Halliday et al. 2018). Orienteering stimulates and improves memory skills and motivation (Etnier& Chang, 2009; Prakash et ali., 2015). Orienteering had already been shown to enhance learning processes (Notarnicola et ali., 2012) all the more stimulated by the outdoor environment (Acar and wings., 2015). Methodology :Two groups were examined: an experimental group, that attended orienteering lessons for 16 weeks, and a control group that, instead, performed indoor exercises such as jogging and gymnastics. The Corsi block- tapping tasks, in both the forward and backward response modalities, as well as the Star-Butterfly test were used for both groups, each consisting of 20 children. Results In the experimental group, the scores in the Forward and Backward Corsi block -tapping tasks significantly increased from pre to post-test, compared to the control group; in the Star-Butterfly Test both time and mistakes decreased. Instead, in the control group, the Star-Butterfly scores remained unchanged from pre to post tests. Conclusions The study confirmed that a training period based on orienteering could improve the visuo- spatial working memory in the experimental sample group by enhancing the ability to recall short-term memory spans more accurately than before training. Instead, these skills remained unchanged in the control group

Effects of an 8-Week Yoga-Based Physical Exercise Intervention on Teachers’ Burnout

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the efficacy of an 8-week yoga-based physical exercise program to improve mental and emotional well-being and consequently reduce burnout among teachers. We considered yoga because it is a discipline that enhances body awareness and encourages the contact with nature and the respect for every form of life, with a view to a more sustainable and greener global system. We recruited 40 professional educators (40–47 years), who reported perceiving signs of stress and emotional discomfort. professional educators to either an experimental yoga practice (~60 min, twice a week) group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20) that received a nonspecific training program (~60 min, twice a week). After base line and after training we administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) to assess teachers' perceived level of awareness and professional burnout. We found a significant Time x Group interaction for the (p < 0.001) MBI-ES and SMS, reflecting a meaningful experimental group improvement. No significant pre–post changes were found in thecontrol group. The results suggest that an 8-week yoga practice could aid teachers to achieve a greater body and emotional awareness and prevent professional burnout

Efficacia di una formazione multilaterale extracurricolare di 12 settimane sull’insoddisfazione dell'immagine corporea e sull’autopercezione delle dimensioni corporee tra gli adolescenti

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate how multilateral, extra-curricular training, supplementary to the curricular Physical Education hours, can improve the self-perception of body image and reduce any dissatisfaction. Methods: 100 students (14-15 years) were assigned to the experimental group (MG; n=50; 25M, 25F) that has never been involved in extracurricular physical activity, or Active group (AG; n=50; 25M, 25F) practicing sports for at least 3 years. At baseline and after 12-week, anthropometric measurements and two standardized tests to assess the degree of personal satisfaction to-wards their body were administered (i.e., Body uneasiness test (BUT) and contour drawing rating scale (CDRS)). Results: After the intervention, signif-icant differences in the total MG for body weight (-1.36 ± 2.03 kg, p < 0.0001), BUT (-0.54 ± 1.49, p = 0.0320) and CDRS (-1.26±3.92, p=0.0366) scores were de-tected. Females of the MG showed significant improvement in body weight (-1.49 ± 2.22 kg, p = 0.0027) and BUT (-0.76 ± 1.56, p = 0.0398), whereas males showed improvement in body weight (-1.24 ± 1.85 kg, p = 0.0027) alone. AG showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest that multilateral training could increase body image satisfaction. However, girls always showed higher scores than boys and this indicates greater dissatis-faction and uneasiness with their bodies.Scopi: Lo scopo dello studio è stato quello di verificare come un allenamento multilaterale, extracurricolare, integrativo delle ore di Educazione Fisica curriculari, può migliorare l'autopercezione dell'immagine corporea e ridurne l'eventuale insoddisfazione. Metodi: 100 studenti (14-15 anni) sono stati assegnati ad un gruppo sperimentale (MG; n=50; 25M, 25F) che non ha mai svolto attività fisica extracurricolare, o ad un gruppo attivo (AG; n=50; 25M, 25F) praticante sport da almeno 3 anni. Al basale e dopo 12 settimane, sono stati eseguiti sia misurazioni antropometriche sia due test standardizzati per valutare il grado di soddisfazione del proprio corpo (Body uneasiness test (BUT) e Contour drawing rating scale (CDRS)). Risultati: Dopo l'intervento, sono state rilevate differenze significative nel MG totale per peso corporeo (-1.36±2.03 kg, p<0.0001), punteggi BUT (-0.54±1.49, p=0.0320) e CDRS (-1.26±3.92, p=0.0366). Le ragazze del MG hanno mostrato miglioramenti significativi nel peso corporeo (-1.49±2.22 kg, p=0.0027) e BUT (-0.76±1.56, p=0.0398), mentre i ragazzi hanno mostrato miglioramenti soltanto nel peso corporeo (-1.24±1.85 kg, p=0.0027). AG non ha mostrato variazioni significative (p>0.05). Conclusioni: Le scoperte suggeriscono che un allenamento multilaterale potrebbe incrementare la soddisfazione dell'immagine corporea. Tuttavia, le ragazze hanno sempre mostrato punteggi più alti rispetto ai ragazzi e questo indica una maggiore insoddisfazione e disagio nei confronti del proprio corpo.&nbsp

Physical activities and enjoyment during the lockdown: Effect of home-based supervised training among children and adolescents

Enjoyment during physical and sport activities is an essential and well recognized component that has been also related to motor ability in children. During the period of home confinement due to Covid-19 lockdown, the Italian version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-It) was used to evaluate the level of enjoyment in physical and sports activities. The beginning stem of the questionnaire was modified by asking subjects “During the lockdown, when I am physically active…”. Data were collected on a sample of 140 among children and adolescents (60 aged 6-11 and 80 aged 12-15, 66% males and 34% females). About 90% of subjects followed online school classes and 83% also received indications from their Sports Associations about physical home-exercises and other forms of guided distance learning. Results from PACES showed that subjects liked the home physical activities with a mean value of 65.2 11.8 with higher values from those who received online support from their regular instructors; moreover, higher values from PACES were obtained by middle school children respect to primary school children and high school adolescents. Despite the mandatory confinement, a positive feedback regarding the enjoyment was reported by children and adolescents for the home distance modality

Effect of exercise on cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common disease in cancer patients that received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biotherapy. Many studies recommended physical activity and exercise to improve fatigue. This systematic review aims to provide a qualitative synthesis of Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of Aerobic, Resistance, Endurance and combined exercises on CRF versus control or different exercise group in cancer adult patients and survivors that did not receive palliative care. This systematic review is written and presented according to PRISMA protocols. Articles in the English language were collected using the PubMed and WoS databases from 2001 January 1st to 2019 September 1st. Only RCTs lasted 5 weeks or more were analysed of which CRF outcomes were examined. A total of 15 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Different outcomes in CRF self-reports were found between Aerobic, Resistance, Endurance and Combined exercises. Findings suggest that exercise improves CRF, especially with aerobic or combined programs. The outcomes of trials could help exercise professionals to properly plan the sessions by dosing the volume and intensity. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to better understand the benefits of physical exercise on cancer patients

Multilateral training as an innovative didactic method to support continuous education in police

Police work requires continuous professional and physical training to cope with high stress situations and meet occupational tasks needs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical education program in the general framework of continuing education for work efficiency.  We measured the effects of an eight-week motor program based on the didactic method of multilateral training (MT) consisting of the agility and strength training on physical efficiency in policemen. 20 healthy male volunteer policemen (age 46.8 ± 3.9 years) were assigned to an experimental (EG, n: 10) or control (CG, n: 10) group. At weeks one and eight, the peak height reached during a squat jump (SJ) and a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and the time to run a 505 CODS (change of direction speed) test were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured as adiposity indicators. Thereafter, the EG and CG performed MT (90 minutes, two times a week) and no training, respectively. The findings show that in policemen, the didactic method of MT is effective in increasing physical efficiency.   L’allenamento multilaterale come metodo didattico innovativo a supporto della formazione continua in polizia Il lavoro in polizia richiede continua formazione professionale sia tecnica che fisica per far fronte a situazioni di stress elevato e soddisfare le esigenze lavorative. Lo scopo di questo studio è stato di valutare l’efficacia di un programma di educazione fisica nel quadro generale della formazione continua rivolta all’efficienza lavorativa. Sono stati misurati gli effetti di un programma motorio basato sul metodo didattico dell’allenamento multilaterale (MT) di otto settimane costituito da agility e allenamento della forza sull’efficienza fisica nei poliziotti. 20 poliziotti maschi sani (età 46,8 ± 3,9 anni) volontari sono stati assegnati ad un gruppo sperimentale (EG, n: 10) o ad un gruppo di controllo (CG, n: 10). Nella prima e ottava settimana sono stati valutati il picco di altezza raggiunto nello squat jump (SJ) e nel ountermovement jump (CMJ) test e il tempo per eseguire un 505 CODS (cambio di direzione rapido) test. L’indice di massa corporea (BMI) e la circonferenza della vita (WC) sono stati misurati come indicatori di adiposità. Successivamente, EG e CG hanno eseguito MT (90 minuti, due volte a settimana) e nessun allenamento, rispettivamente. I risultati mostrano che negli operatori di polizia, il metodo didattico del MT è efficace nell’incrementare l’efficienza fisica

Pratiche educative motorio-sportive a lungo termine e stile di vita attivo: prevenzione dello stress lavorativo nella Polizia di Stato e benessere psicofisico

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of demographic and occupational characteristics,anthropometric indices, lifestyle adopted and physical activity levels, free (leisure) or structured in the form of institutionaltraining (Physical Education), sources of Stress and coping strategies, and the perception of the state ofphysical and mental health of the State Police of Puglia. Methods: The sample consists of 101 police officers (age46.08 ± 5.66 years, weight 81.60 ± 14.04 kg, height 173.47 ± 6.14 cm) volunteers for this study. The Occupational StressIndicator and the Short Form-12 were used, along with a questionnaire of socio-demographic, occupational and anthropometricdata. Statistical analyzes were performed using descriptive analyzes followed by the analysis of multiplelinear regression with the stepwise method. The level of significance was set at p <0.05. Results: To follow an activelifestyle, practicing motor sports or sports at any level, especially in institutional training environments (PhysicalEducation), can enable State Police operators to cope with stress by adequately increasing coping strategies. In addition,the beneficial effects of active lifestyle on some sources of stress and perception of the physical health statusare mediated by some bio-anthropometric data, such as abdominal circumference, which inversely correlatewith the intensity and continuity of the sports motorcycle practice Structured and motivated. Conclusions: Thesefindings encourage Formation of the Order’s Forces to adopt an institutional policy that allows police practitionersto regularly attend Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education programs to their age and working characteristicsin order to maintain and improve their form Psycho-physical, performance and quality of life.Scopi: Il presente studio ha voluto determinare gli effetti delle caratteristiche demografiche e occupazionali, indiciantropometrici, stile di vita adottato e livelli di attività fisica, libera (Tempo Libero) o strutturata sotto forma di percorsoformativo istituzionale (Educazione Fisica), sulle fonti di stress e le strategie di coping, e sulla percezione dellostato di salute fisica e mentale degli operatori della Polizia di Stato della Puglia. Metodi: Il campione è costituitoda 101 operatori di polizia (età 46.08 ± 5.66 anni, peso 81.60 ± 14.04 kg, altezza 173.47 ± 6.14 cm) volontari per questostudio. Sono stati utilizzati l’Occupational Stress Indicator e lo Short Form-12, insieme ad un questionario di dati socio-demografici, occupazionali e antropometrici. Le analisi statistiche sono state effettuate usando le analisi descrittiveseguite dall’analisi della regressione lineare multipla con il metodo stepwise. Il livello di significatività è stato fissatoa p<0.05. Risultati: Seguire uno stile di vita attivo, praticando attività motoria o sportiva a qualsiasi livello, soprattuttonei contesti formativi istituzionali (Educazione Fisica), può consentire agli operatori della Polizia di Stato difronteggiare lo stress adeguatamente incrementando le strategie di coping. Inoltre, gli effetti benefici dello stile divita attivo su alcune fonti di stress e sulla percezione dello stato di salute fisica sono mediati da alcuni dati bioantropometrici,come la circonferenza addominale, che correlano inversamente all’intensità ed alla continuità dellapratica motorio sportiva strutturata e motivata. Conclusioni: Questi risultati incoraggiano i responsabili della Formazionedelle Forze dell’Ordine ad adottare una politica istituzionale che consenta agli operatori di polizia diseguire regolarmente programmi formativi di Educazione Fisica Adattata all’età ed alle caratteristiche lavorative alloscopo di mantenere e migliorare la loro forma psico-fisica, la prestazione lavorativa e qualità della vita