Ilaria Ferri

A contribution to the validation of the Wii Balance Board for the assessment of standing balance

Abstract Valid and reliable accessible measures of balance are required in a health-related fitness test battery, both in the general population and in groups with special needs. For this purpose, the capability of the Wii Balance Board (WBB) in evaluating standing balance was analysed and compared with a laboratory-graded force platform (FP). A 30-s double limb standing test with open and closed eyes was performed by 28 individuals (12 male and 16 female, mean age = 23.8, SD = ±2.7 years). A simple method of acquisition of the centre of pressure (CoP) over time was applied to compare WBB and FP simultaneously on the same signal. User-defined software was developed to obtain the CoP from WBB over time and the resulting related measures and graphical representations. The comparison of measures, such as sway path and maximum oscillations along the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral direction, obtained with the FP and the WBB shows that the latter, in conjunction with the user-defined developed software, can be appropriate, considering prescribed limits, and an easy-to-use tool for evaluating standing balance.

Enjoyment Perception during Exercise with Aerobic Machines

This study investigated enjoyment and naturalness of movement perceived during short bouts of exercise with three aerobic machines: treadmill, elliptical crosstrainer, and Vario. The participants were 72 experienced and 60 inexperienced users. Immediately after the exercise with each machine, they filled in a 12-item form of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and a Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) about naturalness of movement. Results showed significant within-subjects differences on all scales; exercise with the treadmill and Vario were perceived to be similarly enjoyable and more enjoyable and natural in comparison with the elliptical crosstrainer. Differences in naturalness ratings between experienced and inexperienced users were observed. Exercise was not equally enjoyable when performed with different aerobic machines, and this should be considered by professionals when prescribing aerobic training to enhance motivation and adherence.

Physical fitness in psychiatric patients admitted to a residential treatment

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity

Implicit and explicit anti-fat bias among university students

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity

Exercise engagement of people with mental health problems: motivational aspects

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity

A contribution to the Italian validation of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C)

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity

Exercise dependence a study among non-clinical population

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity

Active breaks and attention in primary school pupils: methodological concerns

Female skin conductance and regional differences in thermal sudomotor activity at rest and during exercise in different environmentsIntroduction: The motor activities contribute to the child’s educational process1 , promote the prevention of many diseases2 and promote the development of self-efficacy perceived 3. In the Apulia region to 39,2% of children of 8 years has excess weight (2010) 4; targeted interventions are needed to counteract the sedentary habits5 ; reduce body weight and increase the self-perception, through a wide repertoire of motor activities. Methods: It has been carried out an intervention of extracurricular physical activities for 6 months. Motor test have been proposed (T0 vs T1)6: standing long jump; 20-m speed; 1 Kg medicine ball throw; the self-report: Perceived Physical Ability Scale for Children (PPAS_C)7 to 28 children divided into overweight and obese according to cutt off of Cole8, attending primary school (F = 12; age: M ± ds = 9.76 ± 0.84; BMI: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13; M = 16; age: M ± ds = 9.20 ± 1.54; BMI M±ds 27,60±4.07). Results: Apart from the descriptive statistics, it was carried out the ANOVA 2 analysis of the variance (test: T0 vs T1) x 2 (sex) repeating the measurements for the last factor, in order to highlight the significant differences related to the dependent variables taken into consideration. The significativity index was set to p< 0,05. Some differences emerged with respect to the test-retest within the tests: standing long jump (Female: p = 0,003; Male, p = 0,001); 1 Kg medicine-ball throw (Female: p = 0,02; Male: p =0,003); in the scale of PPAS_C (Female: p = 0,000; Male: p = 0.04). We highlight gender differences in the standing long jump: females have higher performance than males (p = 0,02); in the scale of PPAS_C not show differences. Males and females show a reduction in BMI (T0 vs T1 ): F: M ± ds = 24,28 ±2,13 vs 23,39± 2,03; M: 27,60±4,07 vs 27,38 ± 4,18. Conclusion: The study found positive effects on levels of motor performance and physical self-perception after the program extracurricular. The experiences of success, measured in terms of increased motor abilities of real and perceived, are essential to prevent childhood overweight. Recent studies have shown that physical activity interventions, combined with healthy eating habits, at school and in extracurricular, can reduce children’s BMI9. References 1. Bailey R (2006), JSH,76, 397-401 2. Brambilla P et al. (2010), Int J Obes , 35,16-28 3. Feltz DL et al (2008), Champaign, IL: HK 4. http://www.epicentro.iss.it/territorio/puglia.asp 5. Biddle SJH et al. (2011), Br J Sports Med, 45, 937-942 6. Morrow JR et al. (2005), Champaign, IL: HK 7. Colella D et al. (2008), SBP, 36,841-8 8. Cole TJ et al. (2000), BMJ, 320,1240-3 9. Lavelle HV et al.(2012), J Public Health, 20,1-10 The psychobiosocial state inventory: preliminary evidence of factorial validity