1,721,309 research outputs found
Benessere e resilienza in donne con osteoporosi e fratture vertebrali: l’attività fisica può contribuire? Risultati dello studio Osteo-AFA 2014
No full textIntroduzione: la resilienza si riferisce a come le persone, indipendentemente dalla loro età, affrontano le difficoltà della vita, tra queste l’esperienza di malattia. Lo studio della resilienza nelle persone affette da patologie croniche sta attirando sempre più interesse, sia in ambito politico che clinico, anche per i potenziali effetti benessere, la qualità della vita e sul welfare (Ghanei,2016). Le malattie cronico degenerative costituiscono una grande fonte di stress per il nostro sistema psico-fisiologico al quale è necessario rispondere attraverso un cambiamento alla nuova condizione che si impone. L’osteoporosi rientra in queste ultime, con un esordio sintomatico con frattura. L’Italia è il secondo paese in Europa per prevalenza di osteoporosi: 4 milioni di persone affette; 3,2 milioni di donne; 0,8 milioni di uomini (IOF,2018). Le fratture ossee sono la principale conseguenze dell'osteoporosi, dal punto di vista clinico, sociale ed economico e possono rappresentare un serio ostacolo all'invecchiamento in buona salute compromettendo l'indipendenza, la qualità della vita e la sua durata. Questa condizione contribuisce a: diminuire mobilità e prestazioni fisiche; aumentare isolamento sociale, mancanza di fiducia in sé, depressione e morte prematura 2,7 volte superiore a quella delle persone senza fratture (Adachi,2001;Cauley,2000;Kado,2007). I pazienti con una frattura vertebrale dovrebbero essere sottoposti ad una terapia anti-frattura che includa l’attività fisica (Kendler,2016). A tal proposito sono sempre più numerose le evidenze scientifiche che sostengono come l’AF possa essere un mezzo per aumentare la resilienza. L'AF fisico regolare induce benefici psico-fisiologici positivi, contrasta le potenziali conseguenze di eventi stressanti e previene molte malattie croniche; rinforza l’autostima e l’autoefficacia, elementi fondamentali nella costruzione della resilienza (Deuster,2013). Lo studio sperimentale, controllato non randomizzato, OSTEO-AFA/2014, è stato condotto su donne con osteoporosi post-menopausale e fratture vertebrali, al fine di valutare i benefici in termini di qualità della vita, performance motoria e paura di cadere, di un programma di AF adattata (AFA) di media intensità della durata di 6 mesi. L’importanza dell’effetto del programma in studio è stato valutata tramite il calcolo dell’effect size (ES) proposta da Cohen.
Materiali e Metodi: le donne assegnate al gruppo sperimentale (GS) hanno eseguito, 2 volte alla settimana per 60 minuti, un programma di esercizio specificatamente strutturato somministrato da laureati in scienze motorie, che includeva esercizi posturali e di rinforzo muscolare. Il gruppo controllo (GC) riceveva l’indicazione generica di fare AF. Alla baseline e al follow-up sono stati valutati i seguenti esiti: qualità della vita (ECOS-16), paura di cadere (FES-1), capacità funzionale (6MWT), equilibrio (scala Tinetti), flessibilità della colonna (Chair Sit&Reach). È stato analizzato lo score della componente mentale (MCS) contenuta nell’ECOS-16 per indagare nello specifico i benefici del protocollo AFA in termini di resilienza.
Risultati: sono state incluse nelle analisi 40 donne (22GS;18GC). Complessivamente nel GS si è sempre osservato un miglioramento in tutti gli esiti in studio, mentre sono rimasti invariati nel CG. Il protocollo AFA in studio ha avuto un grande effetto nel ridurre la paura di cadere (FES-I, ES=1,007), migliorare l’equilibrio (scala Tinetti, ES=0,871), la performance fisica (6-MWT, ES=1,390) e la qualità della vita (ECOS-16, ES=1,204) in particolare nella sua componente mentale.
Conclusione: lo studio ha dimostrato che il programma AFA è in grado di migliorare in maniera statisticamente significativa la qualità della vita, ridurre la paura di cadere e migliorare l'efficienza fisica. Le dimensioni di grande effetto riscontrate in particolare nella componente mentale dell’ECOS-16 suggeriscono un significato anche in termini di miglioramento della resilienza
A cross-sectional analysis between physical activity levels, weight status and empathy-related behaviors in a sample of Tuscany primary school children
No full textBackground: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and the development of relational empathy skills in children, taking into account weight status. Methods: Parents/guardians of primary school children were involved in filling out a questionnaire: the Empathy Questionnaire (EmQue-I13) and children were asked to complete the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) to investigate the self-reported PA levels. The weight status was assessed using a self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI). Results: Three hundred seventy parents or guardians of students who attended primary school (8.53±1.61 yrs) were recruited. The total score was 2.41±0.89 for PAQ-C and 41.17±6.32 for EmQue-I13. The three domains of EmQue-I13 were: contagion (8.16±2.67), attention to others' feelings (19.40±2.99) and prosocial actions (13.62±3.01). Linear regression models showed that a higher PAQ-C score was positively associated with empathy-related total score P<0.000. Weight status, age and gender were not associated with EmQue-I13. Conclusions: Our results underline the positive association between physical activity and the development of relational empathic skills
Aggression and sport: A cross-sectional study on behavioral tendencies of athletes
Full text link: This cross-sectional study aimed to measure aggression in a more heterogeneous population of athletes, with the purpose of determining whether some specific conditions are related to aggressive behaviour. Athletes of 18-64 years old were enrolled in the study. The Italian version of Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) was self-administered. A total of 390 questionnaires were collected. Males showed higher levels of physical aggression (19.58 ± 6.32) than females (15.69 ± 6.65), p < 0.001 and a significant reduction in all domains of the questionnaire with advancing age, except for physical aggression. Furthermore, subjects who practiced full contact sports showed higher levels of physical aggression (20.23 ± 6.68) than those who practiced partial contact (17.89 ± 5.86) or non-contact sports (17.19 ± 6.64) p < 0.006. Finally, those who have played competitively in the past showed lower levels of anger (14.95 ± 5.22) than those who have played amateurishly (16.05 ± 5.54), p < 0.05. Age and gender appeared to be significant in aggression scores. Martial artists and combat sports players showed significantly higher levels of physical aggression than those who practice partial contact or non-contact sports. The type of sport (individual or team players), the practice time (beginners or experts) and the current level of sport (amateurs or competitive players) did not affect the aggression scores. Instead, the past level of sport participation is correlated with current anger
Proposal for an Enhanced Physical Education Program in the Primary School: Evaluation of Feasibility and Effectiveness in Improving Physical Skills and Fitness.
Full text linkBACKGROUND: A large proportion of children do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity for health. A quasiexperimental study with nonrandom assignment was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a school-based physical education intervention aimed at increasing the levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
METHODS:Ten classes from 4 primary schools, including 241 children aged 8 to 10 years, were recruited. The experimental group (n = 97) received 4 additional sessions/week of 60 minutes of MVPA for 8 months. The control group (n = 135) continued their standard program (2 sessions of 50 minutes/week). Motor abilities (standing long jump, handgrip strength, Harre circuit, sit and reach), physical fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level-1), anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist to height ratio), and self-efficacy (Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children) were evaluated at baseline and after the intervention.
RESULTS: The experimental group significantly improved in the Harre circuit both in males (P < .001) and females (P < .01), whereas physical fitness test improved only in males (P < .001). Males in the experimental group improved the perception of self-efficacy in coordinative abilities (P = .017).
CONCLUSIONS: The proposed school-based MVPA program showed effectiveness and feasibility. The differences observed by gender highlight the need to use different strategies to increase the involvement of all the participants
Breaking the sedentary: investigating the effects of active breaks on physical Activity and psychosocial well-being in primary school children
No full textPurpose: Sedentary behavior is a growing concern and has been linked to various health problems (Janssen et al., 2010). Moderate to vigorous Physical Activity (PA) Active Breaks (ABs), performed during sedentary periods, may be helpful in promoting physical activity and well-being in developmental ages. However, despite promising results, ABs are not widely used in schools (Biddle et al. 2016; Roset et al., 2020). Therefore, this study investigated the effect of an ABs intervention on PA levels and psychosocial aspects in primary school children.
Methods: A non-randomized controlled design was employed. The sample consisted of 67 primary school children (35 F and 32 M—avg. age 8.79 ± 0.94 y.). Throughout a three-month duration, children were engaged in 10-min ABs sessions twice a day during the cur- ricular school activities. PA levels were measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), and an ad-hoc ques- tionnaire was created to measure well-being and time-on-task behavior before and after ABs intervention. The questionnaire con- tained three subscales: well-being, concentration, and learning. Results: Results showed an increment in the PA levels (F = 19.80, p \ 0.001) and a higher scores on the Classroom Behavior Ques- tionnaire in the well-being subscale (F = 4.18, p = 0.04). Concentration subscale did not reveal differences between the pre- and post-intervention (F = 1.67, p [ 0.05) while learning subscale revealed lower score in the post- compared to the pre-intervention (F = 18.81, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Even though this study follows a non-randomized controlled design, in accordance with existent literature (e.g., Janssen et al., 2010), its results offer compelling evidence for the effectiveness of ABs in promoting PA and psychosocial well-being among primary school children. This evidence is important for the classroom climate and the quality of the teaching–learning processes. However, the learning and concentration subscales did not produce the expected results, and they could be influenced by other variables. Therefore, our further investigations are orienteed to gain a com- prehensive understanding of this phenomenon.
References:
Biddle, et al. (2016). Too much sitting and all-cause mortality: Is there a causal link? BMC Pub. Health.
Janssen et al. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of P.A. and fitness in school-aged children and youth. Int. J. of Behav- ioral Nutrition and P.A..
Røset et al. (2020). Norwegian youngsters’ perceptions of P.E.: Exploring the implications for mental health. Sport, Edu. & Society
Legionellosis associated with recreational waters: A systematic review of cases and outbreaks in swimming pools, spa pools, and similar environments
Full text linkLegionella spp. is widespread in many natural and artificial water systems, such as hot water distribution networks, cooling towers, and spas. A particular risk factor has been identified in the use of whirlpools and hot tubs in spa facilities and public baths. However, there has been no systematic synthesis of the published literature reporting legionellosis cases or outbreaks related to swimming/spa pools or similar environments used for recreational purposes (hot springs, hot tubs, whirlpools, natural spas). This study presents the results of a systematic review of the literature on cases and outbreaks associated with these environments. Data were extracted from 47 articles, including 42 events (17 sporadic cases and 25 outbreaks) and 1079 cases, 57.5% of which were diagnosed as Pontiac fever, without any deaths, and 42.5% were of Legionnaires’ disease, with a fatality rate of 6.3%. The results are presented in relation to the distribution of Legionella species involved in the events, clinical manifestations and diagnosis, predisposing conditions in the patients, favourable environmental factors, and quality of the epidemiological investigation, as well as in relation to the different types of recreational water sources involved. Based on the epidemiological and microbiological criteria, the strength of evidence linking a case/outbreak of legionellosis with a recreational water system was classified as strong, probable, and possible; in more than half of the events the resulting association was strong
Primary and middle school students' views on inclusive physical education: Perceptions, practices, and future directions
Full text linkBackground: Physical Education (PE) classes are vital for nurturing students' social development and promoting collaboration. This study examined how primary and middle school students perceived PE classes, with a focus on collaboration, well-being and enjoyment, teacher behavior, the inclusion of nondisabled and disabled students, and general class behavior. Methods: One-hundred and seventy students (24 primary school and 146 middle school students) were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis identified seven factors including: well-being, activities for all students, teacher-oriented behavior, collaboration, and attention to students with disabilities. Linear regressions on each identified Factor revealed higher well-being (Factor 1) between primary and middle school students. In addition, the perceived well-being in PE classes and staying together with classmates among younger middle school students was found to be higher than that reported by their older counterparts in middle school. The analysis also revealed that males perceived a higher well-being in PE classes than females. Conclusion: The research underscores that primary and especially middle school PE teachers should promote the well-being of students by creating inclusive and enjoyable PE classes. The PE classes should consider the differences between sexes and the individual differences. Finally, this research lays the foundation for future investigations to refine inclusive PE strategies and improve students' well-being
Evaluation of feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of school-based physical activity “active break” interventions in pre-adolescent and adolescent students: a systematic review
Full text linkOBJECTIVE: The present systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of school-based physical activity (PA) interventions of “active breaks” on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive functions, and well-being in pre-adolescents and adolescents attending secondary and high school. METHODS: In March 2021, we performed a systematic research in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, and PsycINFO databases and through grey literature. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Tool for Quality Assessment for RCTs and the STROBE tool for observational studies. We included studies that investigated classroom PA interventions led by teachers such as active breaks or physically active lessons on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive function, and quality of life in pre-adolescent and adolescent population attending secondary and high school. SYNTHESIS: Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies showed a positive effect of active breaks on students’ classroom behaviour and quality of life. One study registered a positive effect in the increase in school PA levels; unfortunately, this effect was not found in the overall levels of PA or in the reduction of sedentary behaviour. All three studies showed the feasibility and acceptability of active breaks intervention in secondary and high school settings. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests the potential benefit of this type of intervention integrated in the secondary and high school curriculum on classroom behaviour, school PA levels, and well-being. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-022-00652-6
Perceptions of and Satisfaction with Sexual and Reproductive Health Interventions in Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Students in UE/EEA Countries: A Systematic Review
Full text linkThe objective of this review is to investigate perceptions of and satisfaction with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions among pre-adolescents and adolescents of all genders and ethnicities in EU/EEA countries. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA recommendations. A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO) up to March 2022 to identify all published articles that included information on perceptions and levels of satisfaction with SRH interventions. The selected studies were independently and blindly evaluated for risk of bias. Finally, only five papers were included in our review, divided according to the implemented intervention design: conducted by research groups (health or non-health professionals) or structured entirely in a peer-to-peer approach. Both types of program designs analyzed in the included studies were well accepted by students, even though satisfaction assessment methods were not standardized. Peer-to-peer conducted SRH programs or interventions with practical components (e.g., exercises, discussion) were more appreciated. We also found higher levels of satisfaction among younger participants. Future SRH educational programs should consider an assessment of participants’ perceptions and satisfaction, possibly adopting standardized tools. Following a peer-to-peer structure and delivering programs early could lead to greater participant satisfaction
Measles and young adults: the case of the Local Health Authority of Bologna over the last decade
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