Validation in Young Soccer Players of the Modified Version of the Harre Circuit Test: The Petrucci Ability Test

The evaluation of soccer players’ physical fitness from youth onward is important for monitoring performance and planning training. While health-related factors present valid and reliable tests, the skill-related component should be studied in depth. An interesting test to evaluate the skill-related factors is the Harre circuit test (HTC); unfortunately, this test includes the somersault, an element not present in soccer. The aim of the present study is the validation of the Petrucci ability test (PAT), a variation of the HTC without the somersault for young soccer players. Children and adolescents (age range 10–13 years old) soccer players concluded the 20-m, the HTC and the PAT. To establish the validity of the PAT, correlation analysis has been performed, which presented a p < 0.0001 between PAT and HTC; p < 0.001 between PAT and a 20-m test; and p < 0.0001 between HTC and the 20-m test. The results suggest that the PAT can be a valid substitute for the evaluation of the skills-related components of young soccer players and, consequently, also of athletes and schoolchildren.

Postural stability in subjects with whiplash injury symptoms: results of a pilot study

CONCLUSIONS

Posturographic tests can be used to assess and confirm the body's imbalance in subjects with whiplash injury. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to confirm this pilot study.

OBJECTIVES

To verify through a posturographic exam the qualitative and quantitative alterations of postural stability in subjects with previous cervical trauma in comparison with healthy subjects.

METHODS

A total of 42 subjects were analysed for the study; 22 as the control group (NM) and 20 (WM) with a positive anamnesis of whiplash injury from 3 to 12 month from diagnosis through a force platform. Centre of pressure (CoP) movements of the two groups with their eyes open and closed were recorded.

RESULTS

During the closed eye test, the subjects with cervical injuries displayed a significant increase in the anterior-posterior oscillation velocity (p < 0.05) compared with the control group, with a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the ratio between the shifting length (SL) of CoP on the polygon support and the total envelope area (EA, mm(2)) of CoP movements in the polygon support (SL/EA-ratio, mm(-1)).

The surprising influence of family history to type 2 diabetes on anaerobic performance of young male élite athletes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

It is known that family history to type 2 diabetes induces anthropometric changes in various populations. Regular physical activity can induce adaptations in these subjects regularizing body composition and anthropometric parameters. The aim of this study is therefore to understand if family history to type 2 diabetes affects anaerobic performance in young male élite athletes.

METHODS

Forty six young male élite athletes were tested. Thirty three without family history to type 2 diabetes (FH-) and thirteen with family history to type 2 diabetes (FH+). Anthropometric parameters, body composition, physiological parameters and athletic performance were assessed.

RESULTS

Weight (p 0,0050), BMI (p 0,0019), waist circumference (p 0,0090), hips circumference (p 0,0490) and WHR (p 0,0339) were different between the two groups, showing greater values for the FH + subjects. Body composition showed lower FM and higher FFM percentages for the FH + group compared to the FH-. Anaerobic performance tests showed differences between the groups highlighting that the FH + group had higher anaerobic performance values (Wingate test for FH + 512,77 ± 107,93 W vs Wingate test for FH- 447,94 ± 56,95 W).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The élite athletes with FH + showed better anaerobic performances and a higher body mass. At this stage we cannot generalise, but in a sample of athletes we tested, all who were with FH + showed both interesting and unexpected results; if confirmed, this evidence may represent a remarkable knowledge for fitness coaches and professionals who are daily dealing with track and field athletes and their performances.

The relationship between type 2 diabetes family history, body composition and blood basal glycemia in sedentary people

The aim of this study was to verify whether there is a positive correlation between family history to type 2 diabetes mellitus and body mass and composition, and alterations in blood basal glycaemia levels in sedentary male and female. Anthropometric variables, blood parameters, body composition and body surface area were evaluated on 183 male and 237 female sedentary individuals. Participants were classified into two groups: FH(+) (family history positive) and FH(-) (familiar history negative) according to their medical history. The FH(+) group showed higher values of body mass and body surface area than FH(-) group. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for the female subgroup. When compared to the FH(-) group, FH(+) female individuals showed a significantly greater fat mass (p < 0.01) and a significantly lower free fat mass-to-fat mass ratio (FFM/FM ratio) (p < 0.05). FH(+) female individuals showed significant lower levels of basal glucose values for Kg of FFM (p < 0.05), FM (p < 0.01) and BSA (p < 0.01) than FH(-) group. The results of this study indicate that body mass and composition correlate positively to family history to type 2 diabetes. The relationship between family history and body composition is particularly evident in young FH(+) female. Thus, as family history might represent a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, this could be considered as an important parameter able to predict the onset of the disease itself. This knowledge could be used to improve preventive interventions (i.e. increasing levels of physical activity) promoting healthy lifestyle.

Retraction Note: Alcohol consumption and hormonal alterations related to muscle hypertrophy: a review

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-11-26.].

The effects of a 3-week training on basal biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation period

AIM

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of a 3-week training on biomarkers in professional soccer players during the preseason preparation-period.

METHODS

Eight participants (age 22.5±2.2 yrs) were enrolled in the study. During the physical preparation period players have attended a training program (51.9 hours) formulated by coaches of "Equipe-Sicilia-2009".

RESULTS

At rest, the lipid profile, the creatine kinase (CK), the lactic-acid dehydrogenase (LDH) and the expression of nuclear receptors peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR α/γ) were analyzed before starting and after 3 weeks of training. The plasma level of CK in our samples showed great variability already in the baseline: value was on average nearly 500 IU/l showed that a large amount of these athletes were a high responders. This biomarker showed a reduction (P<0.01) after 3 weeks of training. No modifications were found in the LDH plasma level, in the lipid profile and in the expression of mRNA of PPAR α/γ and also no significant person's correlations were found among variables.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we retain that those basal biomarkers, except CK, are not able to assist coaches to better understand training adaptations and overreaching mechanisms during a 3-week of preseason preparation-period. More studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Influence of family history of NIDDM on basal metabolic rate in sedentary and active women

AIM AND METHODS

The influence of family history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) on basal metabolic rate (BMR) has been investigated in 116 voluntarily women: 25 sedentary and 34 athletes without a family predisposition to type 2 diabetes (FH-); 21 sedentary and 15 athletes with a second degree predisposition to NIDDM (FH+); 10 sedentary and 11 athletes with a first degree predisposition to NIDDM (FH++).

RESULTS

The results showed that family history on type 2 diabetes is strongly related to sedentary in women with significant high body weight values and an increased fat mass. There was no significant difference in the body parameters among the athletes groups, confirming the protective role of regular physical activity on these parameters. Analysing basal energy expenditure showed that sedentary FH++ women had a significant increase in BMR in absolute values; however there were no differences in BMR when reported to body weight and body fat-free mass. In contrast, the FH++ athletes group had lower BMR (absolute values) than the sedentary group. No differences were found in the relative BMR either. By comparing the recorded BMR of the groups with the theoretical values, it has been shown that the FH++ athletes had a reduced increase in BMR with respect to the other groups. The FH- athletes showed a higher energy turnover compared to the other women and relative to predicted values.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that family history of type 2 diabetes has an important influence on the phenotype of women and it can be associated with significant metabolic and anthropometric modifications in young healthy subjects. It may also account for changes in the body composition and basal metabolic rate alterations in subjects with a predisposition to type 2 diabetes, by reducing the metabolic basal output expected in active subjects.

Disease management of type 2 diabetes: a follow-up analysis in a sanitary district of Sicily

AIM

The aim of this paper was to analyze the Disease management of type 2 diabetes in a sanitary district of the Sicily Region (Italy).

METHODS

In a population of 9 698 subjects, we selected patients with known type 2 diabetes: a cohort of 385 subjects, (206 women and 179 men) following up for one year. Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the analyzed population was 3.97%. A great lot of cohort was on a diet.

RESULTS

After one year, a per cent reduction of obese and overweight subjects was observed. No differences were observed for Body Mass Index (BMI) at the beginning and at the end of the study. After one year, through educational meetings with the doctor, a significant increase of knowledge on the patient's conditions and on the diabetes complications was verified, but our data showed persistent poor attention by doctors. The poor knowledge of patients led to a difficult disease management. After one year, a great lot of cohort used antistroke and cardiovascular disease therapy, reducing significantly the cardiovascular disease risk. However, our study also highlights a gap between the therapeutic guidelines and the actual treatment, with wide variability in the delivery of secondary prevention. CONCLUSION. Our study showed that a persevering warning and a constant adjournment of doctors improves the disease management, reducing complications risk in type 2 diabetes patients.

[A pilot study on adolescents of both sexes. Correlation between phenotype, athletic performances and family history to type 2 diabetes]

The authors have studied the influence of family history of type 2 diabetes on the physical phenotype of 47 health adolescents. In both sexes groups with positive family history (FH+) had the highest values of stature and body weight (P<0.05 for males, not significant for females), waist circumference (P<0.05 for males, not significant for females), and wrist circumference (P=0.05 for males, not significant for females). Considering athletic performance, FH+ males showed a significant higher performance in power exercises than FH- males; no significant differences were found between FH+ and FH- female groups. The study confirms that family history of type 2 diabetes can induce in both sexes precocious phenotype and athletic performances linked-related variations; larger studies are necessary to confirm these data and to verify preventive interventions promoting significant life-style changes.

[Analysis of type 2 diabetes disease management: cross-study of a sanitary district]

AIM

We studied type 2 diabetes prevalence in the Sicilian country, and the disease management, trough the analysis of some indicators.

METHODS

A cohort of 385 subjects with type 2 diabetes was selected in a sanitary district. Anamnestic, anthropometric, pharmacological data were recorded by a self-controlled software (Gipac-2). We used Student's t-test for statistical data analysis.

RESULTS

The cohort of diabetic people represents 3.97% of the studied population in toto, 206 women and 179 men: only 2/3 of the studied people followed the therapeutic indications, using prevalently oral hypoglycemic therapy, with poor agreement to specialised centres for diabetes. Hypertension was present in 52.51% of men, in 68.21% of women; most of 50% of people, men and women, showed an obesity/overweight condition. The observations of eventual diabetes complications (eye, foot etc.) was poor by doctors: a 1/3 of patients had diabetes complications undefined. The disease management analysis showed the use of antiplatelet-adhesion drugs involved a half of the studied people; 55-60% of people agreed to diet restriction, no sex-related; the self-control of glucose blood value was present in 65-70% of subjects. The indicators analysis showed that only 40% of men and women performed a HbA1C measurement; 40-50% of people did not control blood pressure in 90 days, 65% did not perform a LDL measurement in one year, more than 70% did not perform a fundus oculi check up.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the incidence of diabetes similar to national and European standards. The disease management appears lacunose in half of the population, the use of indicators is limited; guidelines on chronic disease management and on prevention of complications are partially applied. The use of sensitization strategies of sanitary operators, trough formation periods, is very important in order to implement the chronic disease management.

Influence of family history to type 2 diabetes on the body composition and homeostasis model assessment: a comparison between young active and sedentary men

AIM

Family history (FH) to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor to the development of illness, inducing early anthropometric and metabolic modifications in sedentary subjects. The aim of this paper was to study the FH to DM influence on body composition and glucose metabolism in young sedentary and active men.

METHODS

In a cross-section analysis, we recorded anthropometric data, body composition (by BIA), plasmatic insulin and glucose in 60 young healthy Sicilian men (31 athletes and 29 sedentary subjects); FH was defined FH+ if subjects referred to have at least one family member of first degree with documented DM; men without FH to DM were defined FH-.

RESULTS

In sedentary subjects, FH+ was associated with the highest values of body mass index (P<0.05) and an increase in the waist-hip ratio (P<0.0585). Sedentary FH+ had a worse body composition, because of an increase in fat mass (P<0.05 for absolute and percent values). Compared to FH- sedentary men, FH+, with lower basal plasmatic insulin, had lower levels of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (P<0.05). Between FH+ and FH- athletes no differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In young men subjects, study confirms influence of FH to DM on physical data, body composition and glucose metabolism and the protective role of a regular physical activity. In subjects FH+ the promotion of health education can prevent the arising of obesity and diabetes; other studies on subjects of both sexes are necessary to assess relation between FH degree to type 2 DM and early physical and metabolic modifications.

Familiar history and predictive risk factors to type 2 diabetes: a cross sectional study in young Sicilian subjects of both sexes

AIM

For many industrialised populations, family history to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor to the development of illness, inducing early anthropometric and metabolic modifications. Aim of this study was to confirm in Sicilian population the influence of family history to type 2 DM on anthropometric data and basal blood pressure, considering the different degrees of familiar history to illness.

METHODS

In a cohort of 680 young healthy Sicilian subjects (278 men and 402 women) we analysed the relations of family history degree of DM on anthropometric data, such as body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and triceps skinfold. Degree of family history of DM was defined as presence in the family of at least one sibling of first degree or a parent with documented DM (FHDM++), of at least one family member of second degree with documented DM (FHDM+).

RESULTS

In both sexes the FHDM++ groups showed the highest values of body weight (P<0.001 for men, P<0.0001 for women), BMI (P<0.0005 for both sexes), WHR (P<0.0001 for men, P<0.01 for women), triceps skinfold (P<0.0001 for men, P<0.001 for women), with consequently higher proportion of obesity and overweight in the group with FHDM++. Subjects with FHDM+ were closer to control subject without family history of DM. FHDM++ was also associated with tendency to higher diastolic and systolic blood pressure values in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that young subjects with familiar history of type 2 diabetes have a higher prevalence of overweight and central obesity compared to other groups, suggesting that obesity in adolescents and young adults may be a strong pathophysiologic mechanism predictive of higher degree of future development of type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Plantar pressure distribution analysis in normal weight young women and men with normal and claw feet: A cross-sectional study

We analyzed the plantar support in 72 normal-weight young voluntaries (46 women, 26 men), by a baropodometric platform. We considered subjects with claw foot (CFS) and subjects with normal foot (NFS). We found a significant reduction of total plantar support surface in the CFS (P < 0.0001 for women, P < 0.001 for men), due to the reduction of the forefoot and rear foot areas of both plantar imprints. Indeed, CFS of both sexes exhibited higher values of both plantar pressure and peak pressure, compared to the NFS. Moreover, the load per units of plantar surface increased in CFS compared to the NFS. In conclusion, the reduction of plantar support surfaces in CFS of both sexes was associated to a major load per units of plantar surface in the forefoot and rear foot areas, and this may be a risk factor to lower extremity overuse injuries.

Comparison of ground reaction forces between obese and control young adults during quiet standing on a baropodometric platform

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether centre of pressure location, plantar surface areas, or plantar pressures differ between obese and control young adults during quiet standing.Design. Cross-sectional study in university setting.

BACKGROUND

Given the characteristic distribution of body fat in obesity, it is possible that obesity may systematically alter centre of pressure location, plantar ground contact areas and pressure distributions in males and females.

METHODS

Thirty-eight obese subjects (23 women and 15 men) and 34 healthy controls (18 women and 16 men) with a mean age of 23 years were studied. Subjects were asked to stand bipedally on a baropodometric platform while centre of pressure location, plantar ground contact surface areas and pressures were measured over a 5 s interval. Group differences were examined by analyses of variance and Fisher's PLSD test.

RESULTS

No significant group differences were found in centre of pressure location by weight or gender. Obesity was associated in both sexes with significantly larger plantar contact areas (+12.2%, P<0.0001 for women and +9.9%, P<0.005 for men) and pressures (mean load: +52.6% for women and +44.7% for men, P<0.0001 in both of sexes; peak pressure: +45.5% for women and +40.5% for men, P<0.0001 in both of sexes). There were significant gender differences in plantar contact areas (P<0.0001), while were no significant differences in mean and peak pressures.

CONCLUSIONS

Although centre of pressure location was unaffected by obesity, these young obese individuals showed significantly increased plantar contact areas and pressures.

RELEVANCE

The higher plantar pressures associated with obesity may have negative ramifications for foot function over the longer term.

Diet associated with regular physical activity or drugs. A longitudinal study on obesity management

AIM

To assess the influence of 2 methods for obesity management (drugs + diet or physical activity + diet) on body composition in premenopausal women.

METHODS

We recorded longitudinally the body weight and composition of 9 obese premenopausal women divided into 2 groups: 4 women (group A; mean age+/-SD: 42.50+/-11.90 years; range 25-50) performed a hypocaloric diet associated with orlistat (120 mg/day), 5 women (group B; mean age+/-SD: 44.00+/-10.20 years; range 26-51) performed a hypocaloric diet increasing the physical activity levels (PAL).

RESULTS

After 5 months therapy, the 2 groups significantly reduced the body weight, whereas B group improved the body composition limiting the fat free mass loss, increasing consequently the FFM/FM ratio from the beginning to the end of the study, even if marginally statistically significant (p=0.0787); group A reduced the body weight by the fat free mass and fat mass losses and presented the collateral effects of pharmacological therapy at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The data confirm that in obese premenopausal women a regular physical activity improves the body composition, preventing the reduction of fat free mass hypocaloric diet-induced.

Symmetry of healthy adult feet: role of orthostatic footprint at computerized baropodometry and of digital formula

Morphological aspects of orthostatic footprints (anterior heel, isthmus, posterior heel), using computerized baropodometry and of the digital formula were studied in 97 subjects (37 males, 60 females; median age: 20.9+/-1.56) at the Medical School of Palermo, Italy. The aim of this study was to contribute to our knowledge of the bilateral symmetry and asymmetry of the human feet in ethnically similar groups. We evaluated the length of the footprints (FL) and the widths of the anterior heel (AHW), isthmus (IW), and the posterior heel (PHW). Values were compared in the left and right feet of each subjects. The general morphology of the footprints was considered to determine bilateral correspondence or divergence. We also evaluated the digital formula to verify any bilateral correspondence. The linear measurements of the footprints did not show any particular bilateral conformity. The general morphology of the footprint showed bilateral correspondence in 76 subjects (78%): in 21 subjects (22%) it did not show any. Typological results of the bilateral orthostatic footprints showed normalfootprints in 54 subjects (55.5%): the isthmus included 1/3 to 2/3 of the AHW. Hollow footprints were found in 20 subjects (20.5%): the isthmus was less than 1/3 of the AHW. At clinical examination, using the digital formula, we found that Egyptian foot (1 degree > 2 degrees) was the most frequent (68%). The standard foot (1 degree = 2 degrees) and the Greek foot (1 degree < 2 degrees) were both present in 16% of the feet examined. Seventy-nine subjects (82%) presented bilaterally correspondent digital formulas: 1 degree > 2 degrees in 59 subjects (62%), 1 degree = 2 degrees in 9 subjects (9%), and 1 degree < 2 degrees in 11 (11%). While comparison of the bilateral linear measurements studied showed that there was primarily no bilateral correspondence, the morphological aspects of the footprints and of the digital formulas showed that bilateral correspondence was prevalent.

The basal energy expenditure of female athletes vs. sedentary women as related to their family history of type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in 16 professional sportswomen (soccer players) versus 15 sedentary women, as related to the presence (FH+) or absence (FH-) of a family history of type 2 diabetes. The sportswomen, in toto, had a significantly higher BMR than expected from predictive equations (+14.92%). However, the difference was limited only to FH- sportswomen (+18.66%, p<0.0005). FH- sportswomen showed a significantly higher measured BMR than FH+ sportswomen (p<0.005), and FH+ (p=0.058) and than FH- (p<0.05) sedentary women. There were no other significant differences relative to physical, metabolic and plasmatic data between the groups. The sportswomen with familiarity to type 2 diabetes had a BMR lower than that of FH- sportswomen, and similar to that of sedentary sedentary women. It appears that FH+ sportswomen have a "sub-clinical metabolic inertia", representing a precocious signal in young diabetes-prone subjects, despite the modifications induced from activity on their body composition (increased FFM, even though marginally significant).