RESUMEN
Tennis is a complex sport based on unpredictability that requires adequate physical and psychological preparation to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week specific core stability training on postural stability in competitive adolescent tennis players, aged between 14 and 19 years old. Sixty-one participants were randomly allocated into two groups: experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 29) groups. The first group wore proprioceptive insoles 8 h a day and performed a detailed training 3 times a week for 8 weeks; the second group only received proprioceptive insoles to wear 8 h a day for 8 weeks. The postural stability parameters (center-of-pressure length, center-of-pressure velocity, and 95% confidence ellipse sway area) included three assessment times: baseline (T0), intermediate test (T1), post-test (T2), and retention test (T3). Data analysis showed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group, indicating a large effect size in center-of-pressure length, ellipse sway area, and center-of-pressure velocity at T2 and T3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that a specific and detailed core stability training plays a significant role in improving balance and postural stability in young tennis players, especially in terms of preventing the risk of injury.
RESUMEN
Diabetes is a chronic disease. Some complications can be prevented, their effects can be slowed down. Sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity and consequently the predisposition to diabetes II. The article aimed to demonstrate the positive and negative effects of exercise on active and sedentary diabetics and on pathophysiology, evaluating the effects after 3 and 6 months. The study involved 90 participants, both male and female, with type II diabetes, aged 45, divided into two groups: Group A (n=50, sedentary) and Group B (n=40, active). We evaluated anthropometric parameters, blood chemistry values, which are fundamental for the transversal evaluation of the results. In group A improvements were less noticeable than group B. The most improved parameter is blood sugar, Glycemic values and BMI. Cholesterol and Hb1Ac decreased but more slowly than previous parameters. The expectations of the study were, not only in recognizing the therapeutic and preventive powers of exercise, but above all in choosing to program a motor protocol after a team work between diabetologist, sports doctor and kinesiologist and/ or personal trainer. Physical activity is an additional therapy to insulin.
RESUMEN
Self-efficacy is one's awareness of being able to cope optimally with different situations. Perceived self-efficacy is a belief that closely involves emotional and personological functioning. In fact, when one perceives oneself as capable, the likelihood of success increases significantly. The aim of this research was to verify a possible correlation between self-efficacy and the Digit Ratio (2D:4D), referred to as prenatal androgen levels, and whether these correlate with some psychological variables, considering possible gender differences. This study involved 56 sports university students, whose 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Moreover, self-assessment questionnaires: the Self-efficacy Scale (SES), the Big Five Questionnaire-2 (BFQ-2), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI-Y) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administered. The data show that the perceived levels of self-efficacy seem to be influenced by an innate predisposition linked to prenatal androgen values to which the subjects were exposed during uterine life (2D:4D). This negative correlation indicates that the higher the value of the digit ratio, the more likely it is that the level of perceived self-efficacy will be lower. Finally, the degree of perceived self-efficacy also seems to depend on the levels of subjective anxiety, understood both as a personological disposition and a contingent condition, and the latter also seems to be influenced by prenatal androgen levels, particularly in women.
RESUMEN
It is well-known that sensorimotor training aims to increase the performance of the sensorimotor system to maintain an upright position. Through the use of a randomized placebo-controlled trial, the specific aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of a specific session of sensorimotor training on postural balance, stability and coordination in healthy, recreationally active participants. Ninety subjects were randomly allocated into three groups: experimental (n = 30), placebo (n = 32) and control (n = 28). The experimental group performed a 5 min warm-up, with the sensorimotor training consisting of 60-min specific sensorimotor exercises; the control group was not allowed to perform any sensorimotor training; the placebo group observed a video clip of an individual belonging to the experimental group performing the sensorimotor training accurately. All participants were seen three times per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the entire training, all groups of participants undertook stabilometric parameter assessment. The intervention-mediated sensorimotor training confirmed significant enhancement in the proprioceptive system. Significant improvement in the motor and/or sensory function was observed in the experimental and placebo groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that specific sensorimotor training performed 3 days per week for 4 weeks could improve postural balance, stability and coordination in healthy individuals.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Youth sport provides regular physical activity for millions of children. It is a global system, which includes coaches, referees, athletes, and parent spectators; consequently, the behavior of each member can influence the experiences of others. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-efficacy and assertiveness in the relationship between the degree of anger expression and the performance children's score in a group of parents and coaches. METHODS: 200 parents (96 fathers, 104 mothers) and 200 coaches (119 males, 81 females) responded to the General Self-efficacy Scale, The Scale for Interpersonal Behavior, and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2; an indicator of performance was asked of each coach. The age range of parents was 28-59 years (M = 41.39, SD = 7.07), while that of coaches was 27-43 years (M = 35.91, SD = 3.35). RESULTS: Results revealed that self-efficacy and assertiveness were the direct and indirect predictors of performance score. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided an understanding of the nature and magnitude of this profoundly interpersonal experience. Future studies may advance relevant education programs and effective interventions aimed at reducing angry expressions and lack of communication.
Asunto(s)
Asertividad , Autoeficacia , Masculino , Femenino , Niño , Adolescente , Humanos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Atletas , Madres , IraRESUMEN
As a major life trauma, COVID-19 had negative impacts on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to test and verify the mediation of resilience, hope and self-efficacy and to analyze the moderating effect of gender and COVID-19 contagion on the association between symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and post-traumatic growth among adults during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey with self-administered questionnaires. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, the Resilience Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Comprehensive State Hope Scale were used. A total of 493 (n = 262 female and n = 231 male) participated in the survey (Mage = 33.40 years, SD = 13.41, range = 20 to 60). A multiple mediation model was used to verify the mediating effect of resilience, hope and self-efficacy on the relationship between symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and PTG. A moderated mediation model was examined to find and test the moderated effects of gender and COVID-19 contagion on the mediation model. Results showed the indirect effects of anxiety (ß = 0.340 (0.120); 95% CI [from 0.128 to 0.587]) and depression (ß = 0.222 (0.095); 95% CI [0.048, 0.429]) on PTG trough resilience and hope. Symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and self-efficacy were significantly highest in females. Moreover, males and participants with COVID-19 contagion had significantly higher levels of resilience and post-traumatic growth. These findings suggest that hope and resilience, as protective factors, could be an important key to developing an intervention strategy to enhance and improve psychological health during a crisis.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The protective restrictions (e.g., lockdowns, quarantines, social and physical distancing) consequent to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 posited new challenges to athletes practicing competitive team sports. This study aimed to gain an understanding of the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and sports readiness to train and to compete of competitive female and male athletes practicing outdoor (i.e., rugby, soccer) and indoor (i.e., volleyball, basketball) team sports who were active during the Italian first and second waves of COVID-19. METHODS: An online survey assessing demographic characteristics, perceived safety of the training environment, COVID-19 risk, fear of COVID-19, well-being, and sport (training and competition) readiness was administered to 619 team sports players. We examined differences by gender, previous COVID-19 experience, and team sport setting (i.e., outdoor vs. indoor). A moderated mediation analysis was conducted to assess the impact of perceived COVID-19 risk and fear of COVID-19 on athletes' well-being and sports readiness, using perceived safety of the training environment as a mediator and gender and sport setting as moderators. RESULTS: Indoor team sports and female athletes showed higher perceived COVID-19 risk, while athletes with no-COVID-19 experience reported higher fear of COVID-19. Perceived COVID-19 risk (directly and via perceived safety of the training environment) and fear of COVID-19 were negatively associated with athletes' well-being and sports readiness. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted an understanding of the psychological implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the role of the perceived safety of the training environment on athletes' well-being and sports readiness. Future studies may advance safety-based interventions to promote well-being and a safer return to sport.
Asunto(s)
Baloncesto , COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiología , Control de Enfermedades Transmisibles , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Análisis de Mediación , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2 , Deportes de EquipoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Sambo is a martial art and combat sport that originated in the Soviet Union. There are two main stiles, Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo which resembles modern mixed martial arts. Very little literature is available about physiological aspects of Sambo and, in particular, on the possible effects on cognitive domains. The purpose of the present research was to determine if there is a correlation between a blood lactate increase and the intensity and/or selectivity of attentions. METHODS: Sixteen male athletes practicing Sambo for at least 5 years participated voluntarily in the study. Each athlete had to sustain, with an interval of one week, both a Sport Sambo match and a Combat Sambo match, each lasting 5 min. Blood lactate levels as well as attentive capacities were evaluated at three different times: at rest, i.e., 5 min before the start of the session (pre), at end of the session and 15 min after its conclusion. Reaction time protocol was used to evaluate the intensity of attention, whereas divided attention was assessed for analyzing the selectivity of attention together with errors and omissions. RESULTS: Concerning Sport Sambo, blood lactate was 1.66 mmol/L (±0.55 SD) before the session, reached a mean value of 3.40 mmol/L (±0.45 SD) at the end of the session (end) and returned to values similar to initial ones (a mean value of 1.98 mmol/L (±0.37 SD) after 15 min (15-end). None of the attentive parameters examined, showed statistically significant differences. Conversely, for Combat Sambo, it was found a significant increase in blood lactate levels that went from 1.66 mmol/L (±0.55 SD) before the session (pre), to 4.76 mmol/L (±0.60 SD) at the end (end) and then back to values similar to those observed before the session 15 min after its conclusion (15-end), i.e., 1.97 mmol/L (±0.37 SD); however, after a Combat Sambo session increases in blood lactate were associated with significant worsening of attentional mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in all the participants, the worsening of attentional mechanisms was observed only after the Combat Sambo session in which blood lactate values exceeded 4 mmol/L. This figure, also known as the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (OBLA), is commonly used to determine the anaerobic threshold.
Asunto(s)
Artes Marciales , Umbral Anaerobio/fisiología , Atletas , Atención , Humanos , Lactatos , Masculino , Artes Marciales/fisiologíaRESUMEN
It is widely recognized that body dissatisfaction is an important public health concern. In the past, being a fashion model was almost synonymous with anorexia/bulimia, and even today, there are cases of eating disorders in young women whose ambition is to become a top model. Moreover, stress can play a substantial role within ill health via related behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse, and inappropriate eating. In our study, we examined 112 aspiring fashion models aged between 15 and 24 years (M = 19.5, SD = 2.08) from 32 different countries of the world during an international contest, and 100 students (control group), aged between 16 and 22 years (M = 18.6, SD = 1.39). The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether stress mediated the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. The study included the administration of stress and self-efficacy and the locus of control dimensions, body (image) dissatisfaction, and eating attitude disorder. Results indicated higher scores on body dissatisfaction, stress level, and eating attitudes disorder among the group of fashion models compared to the control. Mediational analyses showed that body dissatisfaction was partially mediated by stress level on eating disorders. Especially in the aspiring fashion models, there are often many possibilities that competitive stress causes candidates to exacerbate attempts to maintain their body weight below normal weight/height parameters. These results indicated that appropriate intervention for the management of stress level could possibly defend against the negative impact of body dissatisfaction on eating disorder symptoms. The presence of skilled health workers in the field of nutrition and psychology can be extremely important in the field of fashion to maintain an adequate quality of life.
RESUMEN
It is widely documented that negative body image is a significant public health concern due to its association with symptoms of disordered eating and worse psychological well-being. The purpose of the study was to develop a path model of intrapersonal dimensions (self-efficacy and internal locus of control) as antecedents of perceived stress toward females' body dissatisfaction and eating attitude disorders. A total of 300 females, including 100 aspiring fashion models, 100 athletes and 100 students (controls), between 15 and 24 years of age (M = 19.6, SD = 1.85) participated in the study. Measures included level of psychological stress, self-efficacy and locus of control dimensions, body dissatisfaction and eating attitude disorder indices. A path analysis confirmed our research hypothesis. Comparing the three subsamples, we found better fit indexes in the two subgroups with elevated investment on their body image with respect the control group. More specifically, the model in the group of aspiring fashion models showed the best fit index. These results indicated that aspiring fashion models have a strong desire to maintain their low body mass or to become thinner. For this reason, a suitable involvement of expert health workers in the nutritional and psychological field could be extremely essential in the fashion world to maintain a healthier well-being.
Asunto(s)
Imagen Corporal , Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos , Atletas , Índice de Masa Corporal , Femenino , Humanos , Control Interno-Externo , Autoimagen , Autoeficacia , Estudiantes , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
The evolution of the foot and the attainment of the bipedia represent a distinctive characteristic of the human species. The force of gravity is dissipated through the tibial astragalic joints, and the movement of the ankle is manifested on a sagittal plane. However, this is in contrast with other studies that analyze the straight station in bipodalic support of the body. According to these studies, the oscillations of the body dissipated by the articulation of the ankle are greater on a frontal plane than on a sagittal plane. Probably, this can be deduced by analyzing the concept of "cone of economy (COE) and equilibrium;" a cone that has its base with the oscillations described by the 360° movement performed by the head and has its apex that supports polygon defined by the tibio-astragalic articulation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a kind of communication between the oscillations of the COE and equilibrium and the main sphere of somatic dysfunction (structural, visceral, or cranial sacral), assessing the reliability of the "fascial compression test." The implications of this connection have been considered, while grounding the hypothesis in the ability of the human body to maintain its center of mass (COM) with minimum energy expenditure and with minimum postural influence. At the same time, the fascial compression test provides a dominant direction of fascial compartments in restriction of mobility.
RESUMEN
Work is a multidimensional construct that plays a crucial role in people's lives, assuring their psychological well-being, social connections, and self-determination. "Decent" work is conceptualized as a satisfactory job in conditions of equity, security, and respect for human rights. The paper reports the results of a study on the perception of the future and decent work in young immigrants, at risk of undertaking undignified and unsatisfactory jobs. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview, aimed at exploring the representations of decent work and hope. Data analysis was conducted through both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of the study are discussed with reference to career counseling promoting decent work for immigrant people, activating the motivation to plan the future, including hope.
RESUMEN
Bipedal walking is a composite task requiring integration of many control circuitries in the brain and spinal cord. The present study was carried out to verify whether an increase in blood lactate, such as that associated with a high intensity exercise, is able to significantly modify the qualitative and/or quantitative aspects of human walking. Eighteen healthy physically male participants, aged between 20 and 24 years (M = 21.8, SD = 1.22), were recruited for the study. For this purpose, the experimental protocol included the measure of blood lactate levels with the aim of assessing possible relations between lactate blood values and different aspect of walking after an exhaustive exercise. An exhaustive exercise was associated with a strong increase of blood lactate levels and produced a significant worsening in the ability to maintain the bipodalic upright posture as well as the fluidity of walking. Our results suggest that exhausting bouts impose greater challenges on postural control.
RESUMEN
Sport performance is characterized by competitive stressful conditions that elicit emotional states. The purpose of the study was to examine whether stress mediated the relationship between mood states and performance. Thirty-two elite canoe polo players from four different Italian teams (16 senior males and 16 senior females), aged between 29 and 38 years old (M = 32.3, SD = 2.71), participated in the study. Measures included level of psychological stress, six mood dimensions, and performance outcome. We also detected the digit ratio-the lower second-to-fourth digit length (2D:4D) ratio-as it was demonstrated to be correlated to high sports performance. The assessment took place one day before the first game of the national competition "ITALY CUP". Male athletes reported lower scores on dysfunctional emotion-related states and on 2D:4D ratio than female athletes. The results of the mediation analysis showed that psychological stress plays a mediating role between moods and performance. Overall, given the limited literature, the findings supported an integrative approach to the study of the linkage between emotion and action in canoe polo.
Asunto(s)
Rendimiento Atlético , Adulto , Atletas , Femenino , Dedos , Humanos , Italia , Masculino , NavíosRESUMEN
The present study was carried out among 20 healthy young male athletes to determine whether aerobic exercise performed at two different intensities is able to affect executive functions. For this purpose, we used the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) to evaluate the ability to inhibit cognitive interference and the Trail Making Test (TMT) to assess organized visual search, set shifting, and cognitive flexibility. Simple Reaction Time (RT), as a measure of perception and response execution, was also evaluated. The experimental protocol included the measure of blood lactate levels with the aim of assessing possible relations between lactate blood values and selected executive functions after a 30-min steady-state test performed at 60% and at 80% of VO2max. The results showed that a 30-min aerobic exercise is not associated with a worsening of executive functions as long as the blood lactate levels stay within the 4 mmol/l threshold.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: It has recently been noticed that the quantity of stress affects postural stability in young women. The study was conducted with the goal of investigating whether increased stress may damagingly effect posture control in 90 young men (71 right-handed and 19 left-handed) while maintaining an upright bipedal posture, while keeping their eyes open or closed. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was administered and changes in free cortisol levels were monitored (Cortisol Awakening Response, CAR) in order to evaluate the amount of stress present during awakening, while the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used to estimate distress on the whole. Posture control was evaluated with the use of a force platform, which, while computing a confidence ellipse area of 95%, was engaged by the Center of Pressure through five stability stations and was sustained for a minimum of 52 s, with and without visual input. Another goal of the experiment was to find out whether or not cortisol increases in CAR were linked with rises of blood lactate levels. RESULTS: CAR, PSS and POMS were found to be extensively related. Furthermore, it has been observed that increases in salivary cortisol in CAR are associated with small but significant increases in blood lactate levels. As expected, stress levels did affect postural stability. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study confirm that the level of stress can influence postural stability, and that this influence is principally obvious when visual information is not used in postural control.
Asunto(s)
Hidrocortisona , Equilibrio Postural , Ritmo Circadiano , Femenino , Humanos , Lactatos , Masculino , Hombres , Saliva , Estrés Psicológico , VigiliaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected the entire world. Since the reporting of the first cases, Italy has quickly become the country hit second firmest in the world by the coronavirus. Governments' immediate protective restrictions modified the habit of the individuals and included full lockdowns of cities, travel, restricted social congregations, and suspended schools. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to survey the general community in Italy to better recognize their levels of psychological impact, emotional responses and maintaining their daily exercise or physical activity routines during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: 670 adults were invited to complete an online survey collecting information on demographic data, physical and emotional symptoms in the past 14 days, contact history with COVID-19, and keeping regular physical activity. Data analysis was conducted through mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. RESULTS: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy, more than half of the respondents reported a significant psychological and physical impact. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing significant challenges to people, families, and countries. For further studies, these findings can be used to advance psychological interventions to reduce the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RESUMEN
Mental imagery is a fully immersive multi-sensory procedure that associates as numerous senses to create a mental image and process it without the presence of external stimuli. In the sport situation, imagery has been designated as the state in which people imagine themselves while effecting abilities to deal with the forthcoming duty or improve performance. Methodical analyses have revealed that imagery increases performance in motor tasks. This study aims at observing not the vividness of image but the cognitive abilities useful for the inspection, maintenance, generation, and manipulation of dissimilar classes of images, investigating modifications in mental imagery skills in competitive athletes and non-athletes. Participants were competitive athletes (n = 48) and non-athletes (n = 48) between the ages of 8 and 13 years (M age = 10.50, SD = 1.73). The athletes had a minimum of 5 years of training skill in the sport. They completed the Mental Imagery Test (MIT). Competitive athletes showed higher scores on mental imagery skills than non-athletes. The study contributed to increase the exploration in the definite area of mental imagery, supplying an added support for the pluridimensional nature of mental imagery and for its practicality in motor and sport sciences.
RESUMEN
The present study examined the effects of an exhaustive exercise on executive functions by using the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), A and B, and simple Reaction Time (RT). Thirty adults agreed to participate; 15 participants had a mean age of 24.7 years ± 3.2 Standard Deviation (SD, Standard Deviation) (group YOUNG), while the remaining 15 had a mean age of 58.9 years ± 2.6 SD (group OLD). Each subject performed the cognitive tasks at rest and blood lactate was measured (pre); each subject executed the acute exhaustive exercise and, immediately after the conclusion, executed the cognitive tasks and blood lactate was again measured (end). Cognitive tests were repeated and blood lactate measured 15 min after its conclusion of the exhaustive exercise (post). We observed: (1) a significant positive correlation between blood lactate levels and RT levels; (2) a significant negative relationship between levels of blood lactate and the SCWT mean score; (3) no significant correlation between blood lactate levels and TMT scores (time and errors), both A and B; (4) variations in blood lactate levels, due to exhaustive exercise, and parallel deterioration in the execution of RT and SCWT are significantly more pronounced in the group YOUNG than in the group OLD. The present study supports the possibility that high levels of blood lactate induced by an exhaustive exercise could adversely affect the executive functions pertaining to the prefrontal cortex.