122,012 research outputs found
A detailed study of the rotating toroids in G31.41+0.31 and G24.78+0.08
No full textWe present the results of high angular resolution millimeter observations of gas and dust toward G31.41+0.31 and G24.78+0.08, two high-mass star forming regions where four rotating massive toroids have been previously detected. The CH3CN (12-11) emission of the toroids in G31.41+0.31 and core A1 in G24.78+0.08 has been modeled assuming that it arises from a disk-like structure seen edge-on, with a radial velocity field. For G31.41+0.31 the model properly fits the data for a velocity v_rot≃ 1.7 km s-1 at the outer radius R_out≃ 13400 AU and an inner radius R_inn≃ 1340 AU, while for core A1 in G24.78+0.08 the best fit is obtained for v_rot≃ 2.0 km s-1 at R_out≃ 7700 AU and R_inn≃ 2300 AU. Unlike the rotating disks detected around less luminous stars, these toroids are not undergoing Keplerian rotation. From the modeling itself, however, it is not possible to distinguish between constant rotation or constant angular velocity, since both velocity fields suitably fit the data. The best fit models have been computed adopting a temperature gradient of the type T ∝ R-3/4, with a temperature at the outer radius T_out≃ 100 K for both cores. The M_dyn needed for equilibrium derived from the models is much smaller than the mass of the cores, suggesting that such toroids are unstable and undergoing gravitational collapse. The collapse is also supported by the CH{_3}13CN or CH3CN line width measured in the cores, which increases toward the center of the toroids. The estimates of v_inf and dot M_acc are 2 km s-1 and ∼ 3×10-2 M_⊙ yr-1 for G31.41+0.31, and 1.2 km s-1 and ∼ 9×10-3 M_⊙ yr-1 for G24.78+0.08 A1. Such large accretion rates could weaken the effect of stellar winds and radiation pressure and allow further accretion on the star. The values of T_rot and N_CH_3CN, derived by means of the RD method, for both G31.41+0.31 and the sum of cores A1 and A2 (core A of Codella et al. 1997, A&A, 325, 282) in G24.78+0.08 are in the range 132-164 K and 2-8×1016 cm-2. For G31.41+0.31, the most plausible explanation for the apparent toroidal morphology seen in the lower K transitions of CH3CN (12-11) is self-absorption, which is caused by the high optical depth and temperature gradient in the core
L'autonomia individuale e l'autonomia collettiva nella previdenza complementare riformata
No full textLa “nuova” disciplina in materia di previdenza complementare, introdotta dal D. lgs. 5 dicembre 2005, n. 252, “Disciplina delle forme pensionistiche complementari”, in attuazione della delega conferita dalla L. 23 agosto 2004, n. 243 “Norme in materia pensionistica e deleghe al Governo nel settore della previdenza pubblica, per il sostegno alla previdenza complementare e all'occupazione stabile e per il riordino degli enti di previdenza ed assistenza obbligatoria”, è caratterizzata da alcuni elementi tipici del modello originario di derivazione (e, cioè, da quanto previsto dal D. lgs. 21 aprile 1993, n. 124 e, soprattutto, dalle successive modifiche ed integrazioni), ma anche da significative innovazioni rispetto al passato.
Il tema d’indagine sarà limitato all’analisi del ruolo rivestito dalla autonomia individuale ed dalla autonomia collettiva nel sistema della previdenza complementare riformata.
Invero, la nuova disciplina ha modificato, su alcuni aspetti di assoluta rilevanza, l’equilibrio precedentemente fissato tra il ruolo rivestito dall’individuo (inteso come aderente) e dai sindacati.
La previdenza complementare che, con la disciplina dettata dall’originario D. lgs. n. 124 del 1993, sembrava essere un fenomeno prettamente sindacale, si è via via (ed anche con interventi legislativi “intermedi”) andata ad “individualizzare” e, cioè, il Legislatore ha cercato, in modo sempre più manifesto, di rendere “partecipe” l’aderente (o meglio il potenziale aderente, atteso che - nonostante gli originari principi espressi nella prima versione della legge di delega - anche con la L. 243 del 2004 e con il D. lgs. n. 252 del 2005, non si è “optato” per un sistema “obbligatorio” di previdenza complementare).
Tale (innegabile) scelta di fondo è stata compiuta dal Legislatore del 2005 con scelte spesse poco nette (o, perlomeno, in modo certamente meno coerente rispetto a quanto stabilito dalla stessa L. 243 del 2004) e, in numerose occasioni, contraddistinte da tentennamenti, ripensamenti e contraddizioni.
È quindi opportuno procedere ad un’analisi degli “attuali” equilibri sui ruoli dell’autonomia collettiva e dell’autonomia collettiva in alcuni punti “cruciali” della riforma e, cioè, quello relativo al “momento” istitutivo dei Fondi, ai compiti di controllo, vigilanza, informazione e normazione della COVIP (se non altro perché l’individuo potrà “effettivamente partecipare” solo se il sistema è trasparente), alle modalità di finanziamento, alla “portabilità” della posizione individuale, oltre che in tema di prestazioni, di riscatti e di anticipazioni.
Se, invero, l’intenzione del Legislatore del 2005 è stata quella di far finalmente “decollare” (o meglio di tentare di fare decollare) il secondo pilastro previdenziale, sembrerebbe possibile, ad una prima (e forse approssimativa) lettura del D. lgs. n. 252 del 2005, ritenere che “la” soluzione sarebbe stata quella di investire l’individuo del ruolo di protagonista del “mercato”.
Il Legislatore avrebbe così affidato all’autonomia individuale il compito di stimolare la concorrenza e di determinare un miglioramento dell’ “offerta” di “mercato”, gestita non più (o, perlomeno, non in modo gerarchicamente sovraordinato) dall’autonomia collettiva, ma da una serie (piuttosto variegata) di soggetti.
D’altronde la necessità di offrire una “strumento” più appetibile per l’individuo (che, come detto, dovrà decidere “se” fare ingresso nel secondo pilastro previdenziale) è dovuta all’ormai fin troppo nota crisi della previdenza di base che, già dagli anni novanta, ha determinato (secondo una parte della dottrina “naturalmente”, secondo un’altra “per necessità”) l’ideazione di un sistema di previdenza complementare posto a sostegno di quello pubblico.
Ed è forse questo legame con la previdenza pubblica (o, a dir si voglia, la funzionalizzazione della previdenza complementare a quella di base) a non avere permesso ed a non rendere neanche opportuna (come, peraltro, ritenuto dallo stesso Legislatore della riforma), una mortificazione del ruolo della autonomia collettiva che, comunque, dovrebbe continuare a fare da “garante” del fine mutualistico e solidaristico che deve continuare a caratterizzare la previdenza complementare.
Se questo è vero, è altrettanto vera la sussistenza del rischio di avere “creato” una disciplina caratterizzata da forti momenti di tensione e di contraddizione tra le “due” differenti “anime” della previdenza complementare, divisa tra uno “spirito” mutualistico e solidaristico (anche di sostegno alla previdenza pubblica) ed una “vocazione” maggiormente egoistica e mercantilistica (vicina ad uno strumento di investimento a carattere individuale).
Il D. lgs. 252 del 2005 intervenendo sugli equilibri tra autonomia individuale ed autonomia collettiva è andato ad incidere, in modo ancor più sensibile, su tali criticità di fondo, mostrando, ancor più palesemente, la sussistenza di un sistema “ibrido” e per molti aspetti insufficiente.
La coppia di direttrici guida relative all’ autonomia individuale e all’autonomia collettiva ha poi rilevanti conseguenze su un tema che, nonostante una parte della dottrina tenda ora a minimizzare, continua ad essere di centrale importanza e, cioè, quello dell’incerta collocazione costituzionale della previdenza complementare, anche al fine di definire quali siano gli strumenti necessari per assicurare mezzi “adeguati” alle esigenze di vita.
Se, invero, dopo le note decisioni della Corte Costituzionale, il tema della collocazione costituzionale della previdenza complementare sembrava essersi (almeno parzialmente) risolto, la disciplina del D. lgs. n. 252 del 2005 impone ulteriori riflessioni, atteso che un’ “esaltazione” dell’autonomia individuale (soprattutto con riferimento alla possibilità di “fuoriuscita” dal sistema attraverso scelte devolute all’autonomia individuale) mette in crisi un assetto che si ispirava ad un modello volto alla tutela anche (e soprattutto) dell’interesse collettivo e generale.
Il tema di analisi relativo al ruolo rivestito dall’autonomia collettiva e dall’autonomia individuale si intreccia, quindi, necessariamente anche con quello relativo alla “natura” ed alla “funzione” delle medesima previdenza complementare.
D’altronde, solo accettando una previdenza complementare “libera” sarà possibile ridurre “al minimo” i vincoli legislativi posti sia all’autonomia individuale sia all’autonomia collettiva, mentre una previdenza complementare “funzionalizzata” anche ad interessi collettivi e generali permette (rectius: impone) un intervento normativo del Legislatore certamente più invasivo e volto a limitare gli spazi lasciati all’individuo (il cui interesse si contrappone, spesso, a quello collettivo e generale) e ad investire l’autonomia collettiva del ruolo di garante del fine mutualistico e solidaristico nell’ambito del quadro normativo di riferimento.
Orbene, il D. lgs. n. 252 del 2005 è una disciplina che risente innegabilmente di tutte le esposte criticità e contraddizioni e cerca - attraverso una ridefinizione dei ruoli dell’autonomia individuale e dell’autonomia collettiva - un significativo sviluppo del secondo pilastro previdenziale, senza, però, riuscire (ma, forse senza avere neanche l’ambizione) di risolvere alcune problematicità di fondo del sistema che, sotto numerosi profili, risultano essersi addirittura accentuate rispetto alla disciplina precedente.The "new" discipline on complementary pensions, introduced by D. lgs. December 5, 2005, No 252, "Regulation of supplementary pensions, pursuant to authority granted by Law August 23, 2004, No 243 "rules on pensions and the government delegation in the field of public security, to support additional security and stable employment and the reorganization of security agencies and assistance required", is characterized by some typical elements of the original model of derivation (and, namely, to the D. Lgs. April 21, 1993, No 124 and above by subsequent modifications and integrations), but also by significant innovations in the past.
The theme will be limited to the investigation of the role played by individual autonomy and collective autonomy in the system of complementary pension reform.
Indeed, the new regulations has changed some aspects of absolute importance, the previously established balance between the role played by the individual (as a member) and the unions.
Complementary pensions that with the aforementioned rules from the original D. lgs. No 124, 1993, appeared to be a phenomenon purely trade union, has gradually (and also through legislation "intermediate") went to "individualize" and, say, the Legislator has sought ever more manifest, to make "participant" the member (or potential member, since - despite the original principles expressed in the first version of the Law of delegates - even with the 243, L. 2004 and with the Legislative Decree no. No. 252 of 2005, there was "opted" for a "mandatory" additional security).
The (undeniable) basic choice was made by the Legislature in 2005 with choices often little net (or at least so certainly less consistent than that established by the same 243, L. 2004) and, on numerous occasions, marked by hesitation , thoughts and contradictions.
It is therefore appropriate to analyze the "current" balance the roles of collective autonomy and collective autonomy in some areas "crucial" and reform, namely, those relating to "time" establishing funds, the monitoring tasks , supervision, information and standardization of COVIP (if only because the individual can "effectively participate" only if the system is transparent) mode of financing, the "portability" of the individual position as well as in terms of performance, purchase and advances.
If indeed the intention of the legislature of 2005 was to be finally "take off" (or rather groped to take off) the second pillar pension, it would seem possible at first (and perhaps approximate) reading D. lgs. No 252 of 2005, believing that "the" solution would be to invest the individual of the title role of "market".
The legislator has thus given the task of individual autonomy stimulate competition and bring about an improvement of the 'offer "to" market ", operated no more (or at least not in a hierarchically higher-level) collective autonomy, but a series (rather diverse) of subjects.
Besides the need to provide a "tool" more attractive to the individual (which, as mentioned, will have to decide "whether" to enter the second pillar pensions) is due to the now all too familiar crisis of basic security, since the nineties, led (according to some legal "course", according to another "necessity") to design a security system in place additional support from the public.
It is perhaps this link with the public welfare (or, if you prefer, the functionalization of the supplementary pension to the basic one) not to be allowed and not even make appropriate (as, however, felt the same legislator of the reform) a mortification of the role of collective autonomy, however, should continue to act as "guarantor" of mutual purpose and solidarity which must continue to characterize the complementary pensions.
If this is true, it is equally true that real risk of having "created" a discipline with strong moments of tension and contradiction between the "two" different "souls" of the supplementary pension is divided between a "spirit of solidarity and mutual (including support for public welfare) and a "calling" the most selfish and mercantile (close to an investment on an individual basis).
D. lgs. 252 of 2005 acting on the balance between individual autonomy and collective autonomy has been an influence, even more sensitive about such critical background, showing even more clearly, the existence of a hybrid system and in many respects inadequate.
The pair of driving guidelines relating to 'individual autonomy and collective autonomy has also significant impact on an issue that, despite the doctrine now tends to minimize, continues to be of central importance, that is, the constitutional position of the uncertain complementary pension schemes, even to define what are the tools needed to ensure means "adequate" to the needs of life.
If, indeed, after the notes of the Constitutional Court decisions, the issue of constitutional position of the supplementary pension seemed (at least partially) resolved, the discipline of D. lgs. No 252 of 2005 requires further consideration, since an 'exaltation of individual autonomy (especially with reference to the possibility of "leakage" from the system through individual choices devolved autonomy) puts a strain on a structure that was inspired by a model face protection also (and especially) the collective and general.
The subject of analysis on the role played collective autonomy and individual autonomy is intertwined, therefore, necessarily with that on the "nature" and "function" of the same supplementary pension.
Moreover, only by accepting a complementary pension "free" will reduce "the minimum" legal constraints placed both individual autonomy and collective autonomy, and a supplementary pension "functionalized" also allows the general and collective interests (or rather : Force) regulatory intervention of the legislator certainly more invasive and to limit the spaces left to the individual (whose interest is opposed, often, the collective and general) and to invest the autonomy of the role of guarantor of the collective end mutual and solidarity within the regulatory framework.
However, D. lgs. No 252 of 2005 is a discipline that undoubtedly affected all exposed weaknesses and contradictions and seeks - through a redefinition of roles of individual and collective autonomy - a significant development of the second pillar pension, without, however, succeed (but perhaps without even the ambition) to solve some problematic background of the system, a number of respects, appear to have widened even compared to previous arrangements
Physical exercise and suppression of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. C-Peptide and the pathophysiology of diabetes – an update
No full textFor decades it has been known that regular aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients, reducing insulin requirements. Traditionally, physical exercise has been promoted in Type 2 Diabetes, where insulin action is deficient in the context of insulin resistance and/or inappropriate insulin secretion. However, even in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), in the dysregulation of immune system function, beta-cell toxicity is mediated by a complex interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation, for which exercise could be protective. Here, we collected immunological and metabolic data in T1DM patients (n=12, male, ± yrs) to understand whether exercise can favourably affect autoimmunity. A regression results analysis showed an inverse relationship between autoimmunity markers (GAD, IA) and weekly energy expenditure derived from physical exercise [Fig.1]. In another extensive analysis we found that regularly exercising T1DM-subjects have prolonged “honeymoon”, the early stage of the disease in which insulin requirements are latently lower than in advanced T1DM. These preliminary observations suggest that physical exercise may interfere with immune system function, even at low intensity and duration. Given its powerful ability to modulate oxidative stress and mitigate chronic inflammatory conditions, like those leading to autoimmunity diseases, we are going to design an exercise training program counteracting the autoimmune response which, in T1DM, attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells. Exercise emerges as a safe therapy against T1DM
Deficit di attenzione ed iperattività: analisi e definizione di un programma motorio = Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: analysis, and definition of a motor program
No full textIl disturbo da Deficit di Attenzione ed Iperattività (DAAI) risulta di difficile diagnosi in quanto si rischia, di giustificare gli atteggiamenti del bambino con il carattere dello stesso o con comportamenti tipici dell’età dello sviluppo. Il trattamento convenzionale si avvale di psicoterapia comportamentale mirata, che può includere anche interventi farmacologici, i quali però possono portare ad effetti avversi. Per questo motivo recentemente, l’esercizio fisico associato al trattamento comune si sta affermando come rimedio aggiuntivo, ed efficace, privo di controindicazioni dannose per la persona. L’obiettivo di questo articolo è quello attraverso una revisione della letteratura scientifica di dare delle linee guida per il trattamento attraverso l’esercizio fisico per i differenti soggetti affetti da DAAIAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is difficult to diagnose as it is covered by parental justification about children’s attitudes/character or with behaviors typical of the age of development. Conventional treatment uses targeted behavioral psychotherapy, which may also include pharmacological interventions, which however can lead to adverse effects. In this way, physical activity associated with treatment is recently establishing as an additional and effective approach with no harmful contraindications for the person. The goal of this article, through a review of the scientific literature, is to provide guidelines for treatment through physical activity for the different subjects affected by ADHD
Physical activity levels across COVID-19 outbreak in youngsters of Northwestern Lombardy
No full textBACKGROUND: Italy early experienced one of the most suffering impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of number of cases and death toll. Progressively, more compelling national restrictions hardened citizens' lifestyle and habits, including limiting mobility and outdoor physical activity (PA ). In a second phase, people were allowed to perform outdoor activities close to their houses and thereafter motor or sports activity were gradually reintroduced. These drastic changes raised the question on how to cope and exploit the residual oppor tunities of PA under circumstances of home confinement. METHODS: International Physical Activity Questionnaires were administered to 1568 youngsters from North-western Italian high schools, before, during, and after lockdown enacted by Italian Government to contrast the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Student's PA levels were significantly different before (1676.37±20.6 MET-min/week) and after (1774.50±33.93 MET-min/week) the governmental restrictions (TIME effect: F=3.49; ηp2=0.005 P=0.03). There was a significant TIME∗CATEGORY interaction effect (F=8.37; ηp2=0.021; P<0.001). In particular, only highly active students (>2520 MET-min/week) increased their PA during (3467.48±55.85 MET-min/ week) and after (3515.73±65.75 MET-min/week) the lockdown measures with respect to their baseline levels (3151.43±42.41 MET-min/week). CONCLUSIONS: Lockdown measures, including isolation, impacted negatively on the PA levels of the already inactive or moderately active young population. Government actions should enhance strategies to control physical inactivity during pandemics like COVID-19
Screening youth soccer players by means of cognitive function and agility testing
No full textalent identification in sports is a heavily debated topic. Previous studies have separately explored either executive functions or gross motor skills to predict the success of top-level soccer players or, more generally, to characterize elite performance in soccer. However, at mid-childhood, the possibility to scope sport-specific requirements remains elusive. We aimed in this study to investigate a valid and simple method of testing for a unique combination of cognitive and speed abilities for identifying promising soccer players at mid-childhood. We measured cognitive functions by means of a Stroop smartphone application and agility with a T-Drill Ball-success test, in two groups of (a) elite- (n = 31) and (b) low-division (n = 37) Italian 7-year-old male soccer players. We administered the tests in a randomized order to both groups. We found better inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and soccer-specific agility in high-division versus low-division players (p < .001). Inhibitory response and agility were positively associated with the augmented quality of the performance from low-division players to high-division players (r = .55; p = .0001). These results suggest that, even at an early age, cognitive control together with soccer-specific skills is associated with better performance
Misurare la didattica: il transfer ideo-motorio = Measuring teaching: the ideo-motor transfer
No full textLa capacità ideo-motoria fa riferimento alla possibilità che ha l’uomo di vi- sualizzare e analizzare l’andamento spazio-temporale di persone/oggetti. In ambito sportivo il gesto che esalta questa capacità è la valutazione della trai- ettoria durante un lancio che viene stimata nella sua efficienza con il tempo di reazione fra la comparsa dello stimolo e l’inizio della risposta. Scopo dello studio è stato quello di valutare se due diversi approcci metodologici ab- biano lo stesso effetto sul tempo di reazione. In particolare, quattro classi di una scuola media sono state divise in due gruppi di lavoro, dei quali uno ha eseguito esercitazioni sottoposte ad un controllo motorio a circuito chiuso (CC), mentre l’altro ad un controllo motorio a circuito aperto (CA). In en- trambi i gruppi di lavoro le esercitazioni si sono realizzate sotto l’aspetto di un transfer motorio poiché le attività motorie svolte non possedevano le stesse caratteristiche del gesto finale che è stato analizzato. Entrambe le vie sperimentali hanno portato a miglioramenti significativi.The visuospatial analysis is important to define the movement of people/objects: especially when the trajectory of a throw is performed. This action could be assessed assuming the reaction time as a predictor of good spatialtemporal analysis. Furthermore, it becomes of interest to define if this skill could be improved in a specific situation to gain efficiency, also, in other context: motor transfer. The aim of the study was to evaluate if two different methods of sport practice had the same effect on reaction time. In particular, closed circuit and open circuit procedures defined the management of the exercise. In both groups significant improvements were obtained in the reaction time demonstrating the effectiveness of the approaches in the context of motor transfer
Moderate-intensity exercise training exerts a protective effect on glycaemia and exercise capacity in NOD mice
No full textExercise has been recommended as part of the management of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for a long time, yet the adequate therapeutic doses of exercise in this disease remains to be defined. Here, we hypothesize that the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse might provide a useful model for the study of exercise in T1DM. Experiments were designed to test whether moderate-intensity exercise training could protect from deterioration of glycaemic profile seen in the progression of T1DM, maintaining a preserved exercise capacity and performance. 8 NOD mice (female, 12-wk old) underwent a 12-week training (30’ running at 12 m/min per day) interleaved by submaximal exercise test performed at week 0, 2 and 12. Control animals were rested during the training period. Fed plasma glucose was monitored every two weeks. Mice were accustomed on the treadmill 1 day apart the submaximal incremental test (protocol by Calvo et al. 2008).
After 2 weeks of training, exercising-mice increased significantly maximal oxygen uptake (95±5.7 vs 69±1.9 ml/Kg0.75/min; P<.01, mean and SD), work (17.4±1.7 vs 10.2±1.7 m Kg; P<.01), maximal speed (48.5±3 vs 38±2.3 m/min; P<.01), run time (1424±116 vs 960±97 sec; P<.01), distance (751±94 vs 416±61 m; P<.01), compared with non-running mice. Upon completion of the training program, all the aforementioned muscular performance indicators were not improved with respect to the pre-training values, but they were higher than the non-running controls’. A significant glucose-lowering effect was registered after 6 weeks of training (17.45±1.21 vs 7.62±1.38 mmol/l, P<.05). Yet, after 12 weeks, plasma glucose was lower, even though not significantly, in the exercising animals compared to controls (26.07±0.66 vs 28.78±0.49 mmol/l, P=.07). Moreover, in the exercising group, not all animals resulted to be diabetic (2 out of 8) at the end of the training period.
According to these preliminary indications, moderate-intensity exercise preserves functional and metabolic capacity from disease-induced deterioration and, ultimately, may be favourably intervening in the mechanisms involved in T1DM progression
Is change of direction influenced by motor competencies? A possible response from a MOBAK-based study in Italian schoolchildren
No full textBACKGROUND: Change of direction (COD) ability requires higher motor control capacity and helps children improve individual motor skills. Likewise, basic motor competencies (BMC) are relevant during child maturation and may interleave with COD ability. This study aimed to investigate the possible individual determinants between the COD ability and the BMC, cognitive skills, and anthropometrics characteristics in Italian primary school children aged 6 to 11. METHODS: Children of both sexes (N.=221) were recruited from primary schools (grade 1 to 5) of Northwestern Italy. COD was assessed by 10×5 m Shuttle Run Test; motor coordination by the Motor Coordination (Motorische Basiskompetenzen, MOBAK) 1-6 test battery, whereas Trail Making Test was used to assess cognitive performance. RESULTS: A stepwise linear regression indicated that motor competencies level – assessed by the MOBAK Test – is the most fitting dimension describing COD performance for girls, with the highest R2 in Grade 5 (SEE=0.56); and the lowest SEE in Grade 5 (SEE=1.44); moreover, for boys the highest in Grade 3 (SEE=0.52) and the lowest SEE in Grade 4 (SEE=1.30). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the biunivocal relationship between COD and BMC, and the need for physical education teachers and trainers to stimulate both, during growth
Cardiorespiratory fitness assessment using the PREFIT test in Italian children: A preliminary dataset
No full textBACKGROUND: The cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is one of the most important indicators of the health-related physical fitness components because it reflects the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. To indirectly assess CRF, the original protocol of the 20mSRT was adapted in a new version suitable for children called 20mSRT-PREFIT, providing performances comparable to the standards of the European area. In fact, CRF normative values are missing in the Italian context and therefore they would be meaningful to be assessed. We aimed to determine CRF from 20mSRT-PREFIT in a small sample of Italian pre-school children and to compare the outcomes with the available European references. METHODS: A convenience sample of 5-year-old pre-school children (N.=32, M/F ratio: 19/13) was freely recruited from a kindergarten of the northwest Italy. Children performed the 20mSRT-PREFIT and the number of full shuttles, exhaustion time, and maximum speed were collected to obtain CRF. RESULTS: Predicted VO2max was similar between Italian male and female groups. All other outcomes originating from the 20mSRT-PREFIT were consistent with those included in the available European databases. CONCLUSIONS: According to these preliminary indications, Italian pre-school children may have a CRF level equivalent to that one ascertained in other European countries. Thus, current rakings should be cautiously scrutinized, as they might inappropriately underrate Italian children’s performances
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