An Overview of the Origins and Effectiveness of Commercial Fitness Equipment and Sectoral Corporate Settings: A Critical Review of Literature

Research Question: Fitness equipment is a worldwide ever-growing phenomenon and its usage is nowadays popular both in human routines and academic investigations. Research Methods: This paper is a literature review aiming fitness equipment in relation to all the available findings connected to the complete product life-cycle phases. Results and Findings: Manufacturing industries, which are active realities of the sector, have not been a major concern for sport researchers within the production applicability sub-field. Past root hypotheses, the current state of the art and future guideline applications are addressed. Selected articles were categorised chronologically, by journal, by geographic area and, extensively, by content. Five thematic areas were included: (1)historicalbackground,(2)creationstages,(3)productfeatures,(4)innovationpathsand(5)sectoral environments and marketing processes. Implications: By means of the provided findings, there is an opportunity to widen approaches to study fitness equipment that could be extended to the sector’s enterprise applications and methods of work

Bibliometric analysis of fitness equipment: How scientific focuses affect life-cycle approaches and sustainable ways of development

Research Question: Although fitness equipment is recognised worldwide as a tool for physical activities and a sustainable result in optimizing human movements within a wide range of environments, the state of the art and scientific advances have not been analysed from a bibliometric point of view. Research Methods: Using descriptive bibliometric software, this study examined the scientific production, and the most prolific authors, articles, and institutions. Bibliometric maps were used to visualise the content of published articles and to determine the most prolific terms, co-citation, and co-authorship. Results and Findings: A total of 678 original papers were retrieved from 447 journals in Web of Science®. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research had the highest number of articles (25), while the American Journal of Preventive Medicine the highest number of global citations (656). Citation and co-authorship networks were defined. Implications: Research on fitness equipment is still in an early maturation stage with 30 years of scientific development in its timeline. Fitness equipment and its related fields of application could represent a real step into a more sustainable balance between the economic, environmental, and social spheres

Coenzyme Q 10 and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients.

OBJECTIVES:: We investigated the association of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with coenzyme Q (CoQ) and cardiovascular risk factors. STUDY DESIGN:: A prospective study. SETTING:: Hospital center. PATIENTS:: Thirty Italian patients with ISSNHL and 60 healthy Italian subjects. INTERVENTION:: Diagnostic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:: Evaluation of serum CoQ levels and cardiovascular risk factors (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL], homocysteine [HCY]). The results were compared with variance analysis and Student's t test. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the association between ISSNHL and CoQ, total cholesterol, LDL, and HCY levels. RESULTS:: In our series, we found a significant association between ISSNHL and high total cholesterol (p < 0.05), high LDL (p = 0.021), and low CoQ (p < 0.05) levels. We did not find a significant association between ISSNHL and HCY levels. In the univariate analysis, low levels of CoQ, high levels of total cholesterol, and LDL were found to be significantly associated with ISSNHL. In the multivariate analysis, only high levels of total cholesterol and low levels of CoQ remained significantly associated with a high risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSION:: The studies regarding the role of cardiovascular risk factors in ISSNHL are not conclusive. This is the first report regarding the association of ISSNHL and low serum levels of the antioxidant CoQ. Further studies are needed toinvestigate the role of antioxidants, including CoQ, in ISSNHL

Análisis bibliográfico y bibliométrico del equipamiento de acondicionamiento físico.

En este documento se presenta una Tesis Doctoral donde se han llevado a cabo seis estudios distintos enfocados enteramente al equipamiento de acondicionamiento físico. Las muestras analizadas, así como los resultados obtenidos, provienen y desembocan a la vez de dos frentes mayoritarios: la literatura científica disponible de la historia moderna de la industria y las prácticas diarias en el que el mismo sector se refleja en su cotidianidad. Los rasgos principales de la investigación abarcan los siguentes tópicos de interés: la definición cualitativa del producto - servicio, los modelos de negocio disponibles para estos tipos de recursos y, finalmente, todas las dinámicas procedentes de las relaciones B2B2C. El objetivo final ha sido definir una versión - visión actualizada del ciclo de vida de producción humano - maquinaria, inherente el equipamiento de entrenamiento físico, aplicable a todos los entornos contextuales, culturales y ambientales de la sociedad en su totalidad.This Doctoral Thesis presents six different studies that have been carried out on fitness equipment. The samples analysed, as well as the results obtained, come and flow from two main fronts at the same time: the available scientific literature on the modern history of the industry and the daily practices in which the sector is reflected in its daily life. The main features of the research cover the following topics of interest: the qualitative definition of the product - service, the business models available for these types of resources and, finally, all the dynamics arising from B2B2C relationships. The final objective has been to define an updated version of the human - machine production life cycle, inherent to physical conditioning equipment, applicable to all the contextual, cultural and environmental settings of society as a whole

Product or service tangible and intangible variables: the creation of the itness application ‘punnett square’ (faps)

Abstract: Health and itness (H&F) industry has always highlighted prod- uct’s tangible variables over untouchable ones. Nowadays conspicuous market models are proving that these facets are increasingly required by international societies and contexts and are demonstrated to be incredibly useful. he applicability and usability of itness resources (products, ser- vices or mixed solutions) depends upon a genuinely innovative approach to the deinition of those hidden intangible variables. his literature analysis underline that also academic contributions focus more attention on ‘touch- able’ variables, but it’s now the time for the ‘B side’. he introduced Fitness Applications ‘Punnett Square’ (FAPS) tool helps to better understand the ever-growing world of itness industry resources. It is also direct applicable to all those sector professionals who operate in their daily-life facility rou- tine, with the inal goal to increase levels of assessment of H&F product and service knowledge, for what already own and for emergent choices or purchasing actions.Resumen: La industria itness y salud (H&F) siempre marcó más las vari- ables tangibles de los productos antes de las intangibles. Hoy en día, en los modelos de negocios que funcionan, se ha demostrado como estas resul- tan increíblemente útiles. La aplicabilidad y usabilidad de recursos itness (productos, servicios o soluciones mixtas) se planean sobre el innovador enfoque que deine estas calidades más escondidas. Esta revisión de la lit- eratura académica tiene el reto de evidenciar este ‘lado B’. La introducción de la herramienta nombrada Fitness Applications ‘Punnett Square’ (FAPS) ayudará a entender de forma mejor los recursos del sector itness que siguen en continuo desarrollo. También, resultará aplicable a todos los profesion- ales del sector que utilizan equipos (físicos o menos) en su día a día en instalaciones deportivas. Bien para todo lo que ya está en posesión para aumentar los niveles de valoracción, tanto como para todas las elicciones frente a acciones futuras

Modelos de negocio en la industria del fitness: desde la cadena de franquicia tradicional a la fitness boutique

Objective of the study: Fitness centres or “gyms” nowadays represent a real need for human beings in daily life routines worldwide. Through an exhaustive analysis of the literature has been possible to define the concept of the fitness boutique by analysing the current state of the art of scientific publications on business configurations/schemes and during the postmodern fitness industry timeline available until now. Methodology: Regarding the study design, three main databases have been utilised: ISI-WoS, Scopus, and SportDiscus. The following combination of search was employed: “fitness” intersected with “chain”, “studio” and “franchise”. Originality/Relevance: The research and keywords utilised revealed about 33 articles, and three thematic areas have been sorted: (1) franchise: from 1st to 2nd generation; (2) the boutique “essence”; and (3) social responses. Main results: Above all, the eight (8) main untouchable-qualitative features obtained of the fitness boutique model have been listed. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The research points out how the fitness industry evolved with its proper business and market models during the most recent timeline. Social/managerial contributions: This study could (1) assist researchers and professional alike in familiarising themselves with the extent of work published in the most relevant sports and leisure databases, and (2) in understanding all the qualitative secrets and successes of the franchising schemes inside the fitness field

PERCEPTION OF ADECUACY ON SPORTS FACILITIES DURING SCHOOLS' P.E. AND EXTRA LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN A COHORT OF 1544 TEENS

Introduction The aim of this qualitative study is to define the perception of adequacy on sport/s facility/ies (SF) during P.E. school classes and extra physical activities (physical activity/ies, PA). Methods The study population consisted of 1544 students aged between 11 and 20 years old (height, 1,7\ub111,9 m; weight, 55,7\ub112,4 kg; BMI, 20,2\ub15,1 kg/m2), and was divided into two groups: 11 to 14 lower grade (LG), 15 to 20 upper (UG). Both groups were asked to fill a multi-area questionnaire inquiring about the amount of time spent in PA on a weekly basis, the types of SF utilized, a detiled evaluation of the provided services whilst using the same facilities. Results Almost eight students out of ten (79,08%) performed PA during extra-school time. Ranking of SF assessed: 30,9% outdoor fields, 25,4% fitness & health gyms, 21,6% sport halls, 11,2% pools and 10,9% others facilities types. Recorded order of the total scores achieved, the worst evaluations provided are referred to: care and hygiene of the global spaces (3,55/5), functionality of locker rooms (3,56/5) and structural state of wear (3,69/5). 31,7% of students perceive their own structure comprehensively similar compared with the others of the same category in which they act and 4,6% noticeably lower; highly significant is how this last data increase by 88% from LG to UG. The 41,4% of the sample voted the quality of the SF as essential (10,7%) or important (30,7%) to reach the personal PA aims, the 41,4% quantify as rather relevant. Conclusion The overall perception regarding the adequacy on SF is at a more than acceptable level with a 3.68/5 as regards school P.E. and a 4.03/5.00 for extra leisure sport activities. Nevertheless SF could run the real risk of becoming too outdated without good maintenance and focused investments

Perception of Adequacy on Sports Facilities during Schools\u2019 P.E. and Extra Leisure Activities in a Cohort of 1544 Teens

The aim of this qualitative study is to define the perception of adequacy on sport/s facility/ies (SF) during physical education and school sports (PESS) and extra school physical activities (PA). The study population consisted of 1544 students aged between 11 and 19 years old (F: 49.6%; M: 50.4%; height: 1.7\ub111.9 m; weight: 55.7\ub112.4 kg; BMI: 20.2\ub15.1 kg/m2). The sample was randomized from eighteen secondary schools in northern Italy, and was divided into two groups depending on the level of education attended: 11 to 14 years old, lower grade (LG); and 15 to 19 upper (UG). Both groups were asked to fill a themed multi-area questionnaire inquiring about the amount of time spent in PA on a weekly basis, the types of SF utilized, and a detailed evaluation of the provided services whilst using the same facilities. Almost eight students out of ten (79.1%) performed PA during extra PESS time. Ranking of SF assessed: 30.9% outdoor fields; 25.4% fitness & health gyms; 21.6% sport halls; 11.2% pools; and 10.9% other facilities types. A total of 31.7% of students perceive their own sports structure comprehensively similar compared with the others of the same category in which they usually act, and 4.6% noticeably lower; highly significant is how, this last data, negatively increase by 88% from LG to UG. Based on a 5-points Likert Scale, the overall perception regarding the adequacy on SF is at a more than acceptable level with an average 3.68\ub11.1 about PESS, and a 4.0\ub11.0 for extra leisure PA. Nevertheless, SF could run the real risk of becoming too outdated without good maintenance and focused investments in a short-medium term. Additionally, 41.4% of the sample voted the quality of the SF as \u201cessential\u201d (10.7%), or \u201cimportant\u201d (30.7%) to reach the personal PA aims

Aggression during PE lessons with Mini-Rugby and Fight

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a block of ten P.E. lessons on teenagers (n°= 46 experimental group, EG; and n°= 27 control group, CG) when playing mini-rugby and fights. Students completed the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) before and after this period. The 29 items focused on the four aspects of aggression: physical (PA, 9 items), verbal (VA, 5), anger (A, 7) and hostility (H, 8). For each question, they wrote from 1 (false) to 5 (true). Regarding the Δ% an incremental % of EG on CG was found: 13.37% VA, 7.51% A, 5.15% H and 8.36% TOT AQ; the only value that decreased was PA (-1.76%). The Δ% average, of the four subscales, is positively equal to 10.63% for EG, while CG showed a -0.83%. With regards to the total score, the values obtained are the following: PA (EG) -1.43/PA (CG) +2.11 [average +0.34], VA (EG) -2.37/VA (CG) -0.63 [-1.5], A (EG) -2.06/A (CG) -1.67 [-1.87], H (EG) -0.25/H (CG) +0.37 [+0.06] and TOT AQ (EG) -4.82/TOT AQ (CG) -1.18 [-3]. The test showed that the aggression improved by 10% in EG

RISK FACTORS OF BACK PAIN IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine the impact of back pain in primary school children and identify any predisposing risk factors. We aimed to address two fundamental questions: 1) What percentage of primary school students suffer for back pain? 2) What are the main risk factors of back pain in this population? METHODS A group of 804 children aged from 5 to 11 years was tested. The sampling involved both sexes and was based on random sampling. Data were collected through a survey sent to the pupil’s parents and involved a questionnaire, SDQ-Ita (R. Goodman, 1997) concerning anthropometric data, ability/ difficulties (psychological /psychosocial) and lifestyle. Specific questions on pain and back diseases were asked only to those parents whose children had already encountered this problem. Data are expressed as Average and Standard Deviation, where appropriate. Graph data are expressed as a percentage. Descriptive Statistics was performed with the Microsoft Office Excel 2003 (Professional Edition). Inferential Statistics was performed with the statistical program Statview 5.0. implementing the Binary Logistic Multiple Regression, also calculating the Odds Ratio and Confidence Interval. RESULTS Risk factors considered were: female sex, the index of weekly lack of movement and family history of back pain. The incidence of back pain in the sample analyzed was 18%. The incidence of back problems steadily increased from the Year 1 (7.4%) to Year 5 (27.5%) of primary school. The difference between the sexes was 5.3%, (20.2% in girls versus 14.9% in males). Pathological familiarity with at least one family member presenting back pain, was found in 48% of sample examined. The data show for Years 1, 2 and 3 that, as the average time spent in sedentary activities increases from 24% in Year 1 to 40% in Year 3, reaching up to 50 hours per week in Years 4 and 5, the probability of back pain/disorders increases to 57% and 58%. DISCUSSION In correspondence with the literature, we found that there was no correlation between back pain and sleeping position during the night and between back diseases and psychological/ psychosocial factors identified by the questionnaire SDQ-Ita. Too much activity or the practice of a sport on a regular basis for more than twice a week does not seem to increase risk of back pain. The present findings warrant the implementation of programmes aimed at reducing physical inactivity among school children. The effectiveness of such programmes requires not only the involvement of coaches and educators but also family support. The best prevention of back pain and spine disorders should in fact start at an early ag