Marco Ivaldi

Erratum to: Familiarity affects electrocortical power spectra during dance imagery, listening to different music genres: independent component analysis of Alpha and Beta rhythms

Unfortunately, caption of Fig. 4 published in the original article was incomplete. The complete caption of Fig. 4 is given below. The original article has also been updated. Fig. 4 a Differences in topographical 2-D scalp maps of the eight channels at High Alpha (10–11.5 Hz) frequency band: while listening to classical music between the two groups at Fp1 and T3, among the three kinds of music in dancers group at Fp1 and relating to interaction effect between groups and kinds of music at T3. b Differences in topographical 2-D scalp maps of the eight channels at Low Beta (12–15.5 Hz) frequency band: while listening to classical music between the two groups at Fp1, T3 and O1, among the three kinds of music in dancers group at Fp1 and T3 and relating to interaction effect between groups and kinds of music at Fp1, T3 and O1. Circle identifies the presence of statistically significant differences after FDR multiple comparison test with p value set at p\ 0.05 The original article was corrected.

Higher Neuromuscular Manifestations of Fatigue in Dynamic than Isometric Pull-Up Tasks in Rock Climbers.

Abstract Neuromuscular assessment of rock climbers has been mainly focused on forearm muscles in the literature. We aimed to extend the body of knowledge investigating on two other upper limb muscles during sport-specific activities in nine male rock climbers. We assessed neuromuscular manifestations of fatigue recording surface electromyographic signals from brachioradialis and teres major muscles, using multi-channel electrode arrays. Participants performed two tasks until volitional exhaustion: a sequence of dynamic pull-ups and an isometric contraction sustaining the body at half-way of a pull-up (with the elbows flexed at 90°). The tasks were performed in randomized order with 10 minutes of rest in between. The normalized rate of change of muscle fiber conduction velocity was calculated as the index of fatigue. The time-to-task failure was significantly shorter in the dynamic (31 ±10 s) than isometric contraction (59 ±19 s). The rate of decrease of muscle fiber conduction velocity was found steeper in the dynamic than isometric task both in brachioradialis (isometric: −0.2 ±0.1%/s; dynamic: −1.2 ±0.6%/s) and teres major muscles (isometric: −0.4±0.3%/s; dynamic: −1.8±0.7%/s). The main finding was that a sequence of dynamic pull-ups lead to higher fatigue than sustaining the body weight in an isometric condition at half-way of a pull-up. Furthermore, we confirmed the possibility to properly record physiological CV estimates from two muscles, which had never been studied before in rock climbing, in highly dynamic contractions.

Relationship of chlorophyll supplement and platelet-related measures in endurance athletes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to verify the effects of protracted intake of chlorophyll on blood counts’ parameters and iron levels in endurance athletes, investigating supposed anti-anemic properties.MethodsTwenty-two endurance athletes were randomly assigned into two groups in a double-blind study: the experimental group (EG) consumed chlorophyll, while the control group (CG) consumed a placebo, at a dose of 1.6 drops × kg per day for 120 days. Blood cell count and the serum iron analyses were carried out before starting the experiment, after 30 days and after 120 days.ResultsEG showed statistically significant increase in platelet distribution width (PDW, MD = 0.83, 95% CI 0.41, 1.38), mean platelet volume (MPV, MD = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19, 0.67) and platelet/large cell ratio (P-LCR, MD = 3.28, 95% CI 1.51, 5.25) after 120 days. No variations in CG were found during the follow-up.ConclusionsThe increase of platelet-related measures could positively influence the endurance performance by reducing pain and fatigue. The supposed ergogenic effects and anti-anemic properties however require further study.

Validation of the ADAMO Care Watch for step counting in older adults

Background Accurate measurement devices are required to objectively quantify physical activity. Wearable activity monitors, such as pedometers, may serve as affordable and feasible instruments for measuring physical activity levels in older adults during their normal activities of daily living. Currently few available accelerometer-based steps counting devices have been shown to be accurate at slow walking speeds, therefore there is still lacking appropriate devices tailored for slow speed ambulation, typical of older adults. This study aimed to assess the validity of step counting using the pedometer function of the ADAMO Care Watch, containing an embedded algorithm for measuring physical activity in older adults. Methods Twenty older adults aged ≥ 65 years (mean ± SD, 75±7 years; range, 68–91) and 20 young adults (25±5 years, range 20–40), wore a care watch on each wrist and performed a number of randomly ordered tasks: walking at slow, normal and fast self-paced speeds; a Timed Up and Go test (TUG); a step test and ascending/descending stairs. The criterion measure was the actual number of steps observed, counted with a manual tally counter. Absolute percentage error scores, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess validity. Results ADAMO Care Watch demonstrated high validity during slow and normal speeds (range 0.5–1.5 m/s) showing an absolute error from 1.3% to 1.9% in the older adult group and from 0.7% to 2.7% in the young adult group. The percentage error for the 30-metre walking tasks increased with faster pace in both young adult (17%) and older adult groups (6%). In the TUG test, there was less error in the steps recorded for older adults (1.3% to 2.2%) than the young adults (6.6% to 7.2%). For the total sample, the ICCs for the ADAMO Care Watch for the 30-metre walking tasks at each speed and for the TUG test were ranged between 0.931 to 0.985. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that the ADAMO Care Watch demonstrated highly accurate measurements of the steps count in all activities, particularly walking at normal and slow speeds. Therefore, these data support the inclusion of the ADAMO Care Watch in clinical applications for measuring the number of steps taken by older adults at normal, slow walking speeds.

Frequenza alle lezioni e percezione di utilità delle esercitazioni pratiche nei corsi di laurea in Scienze delle attività motorie e sportive

Providing an explanatory, unambiguous and definitive discussion on the role of the speculative and practices components in the teaching of a discipline is complex. It might seem obvious that scientific and technical disciplines require different learning activity, sometimes more practical, sometimes more theoretical. But these conventional approaches actually are not fully proven. Regarding Human Movement Sciences, historically assigned to the technical-scientific branch, for long time the need to support the practical experiential with theoretical notions was discussed about, with a proper crosscutting approach. The present study aims to investigate these characteristics, specifically trying to clarify some aspects of teaching a practical matter, Artistic Gymnastic, in the course of study in Science of motor and sports activities. Specifically, the results show that students who attend classes getting a final vote higher than non-attending, and those who believe in the utility of active learning of this discipline have a final vote higher than those who believe that the matter has little or no utility. The study tries to provide an objective analysis in a highly subjective area, highlighting details purely related to the conduct of practical exercises in the teaching of sciencetechnique matter.

Sport, how people choose it: A network analysis approach

Abstract In order to investigate the behaviour of athletes in choosing sports, we analyse data from part of the We-Sport® database, a vertical social network that links athletes through sports. In particular, we explore connections between people sharing common sports and the role of age and gender by applying “network science” approaches and methods. The results show a disassortative tendency of athletes in choosing sports, a negative correlation between age and number of chosen sports and a positive correlation between age of connected athletes. Some interesting patterns of connection between age classes are depicted. In addition, we propose a method to classify sports, based on the analyses of the behaviour of people practising them. Thanks to this brand new classifications, we highlight the links of class of sports and their unexpected features. We emphasise some gender dependency affinity in choosing sport classes.

Stabilometric and electroencephalographic monitoring of sea wave-motion effects during a sealing boat trip

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

Analysis of skinfold thickness: a comparison among skinfold caliper, ultrasound scanner and ultrasound based caliper

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

aGrisù: a patent project to highlight how physical activities affect the rate of absorption of air pollutants

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