Dosimetry of microbeam radiotherapy by flexible hydrogenated amorphous silicon detectors.

Detectors that can provide accurate dosimetry for microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) must possess intrinsic radiation hardness, a high dynamic range, and a micron-scale spatial resolution. In this work we characterize hydrogenated amorphous silicon detectors for MRT dosimetry, presenting a novel combination of flexible, ultra-thin and radiation-hard features. Two detectors are explored: an n-i-p planar diode (NIP) and an NIP with an additional charge selective layer (NIP+CSC). The sensitivity of the NIP+CSC detector was greater than the NIP detector for all measurement conditions. At 1 V and 0 kGy under the 3T Cu-Cu synchrotron broadbeam, the NIP+CSC detector sensitivity of (7.76 ± 0.01) pC/cGy outperformed the NIP detector sensitivity of (3.55 ± 0.23) pC/cGy by 219 %. The energy dependence of both detectors matches closely to the attenuation coefficient ratio of Silicon against Water. Radiation damage measurements of both detectors out to 40 kGy revealed a higher radiation tolerance in the NIP detector compared to the NIP+CSC (17.2 % and 33.5 % degradations, respectively). Percentage depth dose profiles matched the PTW microDiamond detector's performance to within ± 6 % for all beam filtrations except in 3T Al-Al due to energy dependence. The microbeam field profile was reconstructed with a high spatial resolution, returning microbeam widths and peak-to-peak distances of (51 ± 1) µm and (405 ± 5) µm, respectively. The peak-to-valley dose ratio was measured as a function of depth and agrees within error to the values obtained with the PTW microDiamond. X-ray beam induced charge mapping of the detector revealed minimal dose perturbations from extra-cameral materials. The detectors are comparable to commercially available dosimeters for quality assurance in MRT. With added benefits of being micron-sized and possessing a flexible water-equivalent substrate, these detectors are attractive candidates for quality assurance, in-vivo dosimetry and in-line beam monitoring for MRT and FLASH therapy. .

Heterogeneous Integration of Acoustic Microextraction with an Optoelectronic Sensor on Glass for Nucleic Acid Testing.

Lab-on-a-chip systems (LOCs), characterized by their high sensitivity, low sample consumption, and portability, have significantly advanced the field of on-site testing. Despite the evolution of integrated LOCs from qualitative to quantitative analyses, on-chip full integration of sample preparation, purification, and multiplexed detection remains a challenge. Here, we propose a strategy for the heterogeneous integration of a set of complementary metal oxide semiconductor-compatible devices including acoustic resonator, thin-film resistors, and temperature/photosensors as a new type of LOC for nucleic acid testing (NAT). Programmed acoustic streaming-based particles and fluid manipulations largely simplify the nucleic acid extraction process including cell lysis, nucleic acid capture, and elution. The design of the acoustic microextraction module and extraction process was thoroughly studied. Benefitted by the microelectromechanical system approach, the conventional mechanical actions and complex flow control are avoided, which enables a compact hand-held NAT instrument without complicated peripherals. Validation experiments conducted on plasma-harboring mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene confirmed the robustness of the system, achieving an impressive nucleic acid (NA) extraction efficiency of approximately 90% within 5 min and a limit of detection of the target NA in the plasma of 1 copy/µL.

A snapshot of Physical Education in Italian primary schools: assessing the resources available for an instrument of health promotion.

Background: Regular physical activity is crucial in preventing chronic diseases. International health authorities recommend that children and adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day to achieve health benefits. Offering regular exercise opportunities to young people can promote the development of healthy lifestyles. In 2021, a new regu-lation introduced up to two compulsory hours of Physical Education per week in Italy and established that Physical Education should be entrusted to adequately trained teachers. The present study aimed to assess, from the perspective of the new teachers, the resources available for Physical Education in Italian primary schools. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school Physical Education teachers during the year 2022-2023. Their opinion about the school resources were analyzed in light of their demographic characteristics and work experience. Results: Out of the 118 participating teachers, 96 (81.3%) reported the presence of a gym in their school. Participants expressed satisfaction with the size and windows of the gym, particularly for the schools of the North, as well as the adequacy of outdoor spaces. However, lower levels of satisfaction for locker rooms and gym small equipment emerged, especially among those teachers with less work experience. Conclusions: The introduction of the Physical Education teacher figure in Italian primary schools was an important step for health promotion in our country. However, some aspects related to the structural resources should be considered in future policies.

Is change of direction influenced by motor competencies? A possible response from a MOBAK-based study in Italian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: 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.

Inter-Trial Rest Interval Affects Learning Throwing Skills among Adolescents.

Newly acquired motor skills can be critically driven by different rest periods during practice. Specifically, in the initial stages of motor skill acquisition, the interval between individual trials plays a pivotal role in facilitating effective motor performance, such as in the case of throwing. The objective of this research was to determine the optimal inter-trial rest period promoting efficient motor performance, focusing on two specific motor task actions. In a randomized counterbalanced cross-over research design 169 high-school students aged 14 were studied (M = 150; F = 19). In one block, participants performed 10 basketball free throws with a short rest interval (< 5 s) and 10 other throws with a long rest interval (∼50-60 s). In a second block, they threw a regular size tennis ball into a 1-m diameter circle on the floor at 6.75 m, again throwing 10 times with a short inter-trial rest interval and 10 times with a long inter-trial rest interval. The order of the rest intervals within each block was randomized and counterbalanced. With a repeated measures two-way analysis of variance, greater accuracy seemed to be associated with short intra-set rest intervals as there were significant main effects of both conditions (F1,167 = 368.0, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.271) and resting time (F1,167 = 18.6, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.192) and no significant interaction "condition by time". Fast practice was efficient independently of the complexity of the throwing task, suggesting robust support for schema theory.

Do maturation, anthropometrics and leg muscle qualities influence repeated change of direction performance in adolescent boys and girls?

The ability to change direction rapidly is a key fitness quality especially in invasive sports where young players perform approximately 300 changes of direction in a game. There is currently limited understanding of how anthropometric characteristics and maturation status influence change of direction ability in adolescent. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to assess the influence of anthropometrics and maturation status on change of direction ability in young people. The study involved 706 adolescents (367 girls) aged 14-19-year-old attending the same high school in Northern Italy. Stature, body mass, seated height and leg length were measured to determine the anthropometrics and maturation status of the participants. Repeated change of direction ability (10 × 5 m shuttle run test), lower limb power and muscle strength were evaluated using field tests from the Eurofit test battery. Maturity offset was calculated separately for boys and girls, in accord with the equation proposed by Mirwald. Preliminary analysis with 10 × 5 m as a dependent variable and sex and PHV as a fixed factor, suggests a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001; d = 0.35) but not with PHV (p = 0.986; d = 0.000) and interaction PHV × sex (p = 0.836; d = 0.000). Our results suggested that repeated change of direction performance was influenced by anthropometrics, maturation and muscle qualities in adolescent boys and girls.

International fitness scale (IFIS): association with motor performance in children with obesity.

Background: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health; and compared with their normal-weight peers, these individuals tend to have a lower level of self-confidence, and consequently lower physical activity adherence. Due to these self-perceived barriers, the aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online training program on self-reported physical fitness (SRPF) in children with obesity (OB). Methods: A total of 32 children with OB carried out physical fitness (PF) tests and were asked to complete the International Fitness Enjoyment Scale (IFIS) questionnaire. The physical fitness tests were the Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), the 6-Min Walking Test (6MWT) and the 4 × 10 m sprint test. Children participated in a 3-weekly 60-min training session through Zoom platform. Before the beginning of the training protocol, OB children were compared with normal weight (NW) ones for PF batteries and the IFIS questionnaire. Changes in performances after the training were assessed by paired Student t and Wilcoxon tests. Results: After the online training program children increased their performance in 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 54.93; p < 0.0001) in SBJ (MD = 10.00; p = 0.0001) and in 4 × 10 m sprint test (MD = -0.78; p < 0.0001). No differences were found in children's physical fitness perception. Discussion: Our study highlighted how a structured online training program can lead to improvements in PF of children with OB. Instead, the lack of differences in SRPF after the training suggests interesting questions to be explored on the aspects linked to self-perception. Therefore, even if our training protocol could not directly improve SRPF in children with obesity, the enhancement of their PF could be a starting point for achieving this result with a longer training period and consequently improve PA participation for children with OB.

Physical fitness trend after COVID-19 restrictions in Italian school-aged children: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness (PF) is a marker of health in children. Muscular strength and speed-agility PF components play a crucial role in musculoskeletal development and bone health. The outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic changed the daily and sports activities in younger increasing sedentary habits with a detrimental effect on PF. We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on PF in Italian school-aged children. METHODS: We recruited 286 elementary school children, and they were tested through an internationally validated battery test, which evaluate muscular strength and speed-agility (as a multifactorial performance) prior (2018) and after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic (2021). RESULTS: Our results showed a reduction in the lower limb strength (SBJ in boys mean difference (MD) -0.42 m; SBJ in girls MD=-0.20 m; P<0.05) and in the speed-agility ability (10x5 m in boys MD=14.1 s; 10x5 m in girls MD=11.2 s; P<0.05), while the upper limb strength remained steady before and after the restrictions. Specifically, for boys of all ages there was a reduction in lower limb strength and in speed-agility but not in upper limb strength. For girls of all ages there was not a recurrent trend, while for 6-8 girls there was a reduction only speed-agility, for 9-11 girls there was a reduction in lower limb and speed-agility. CONCLUSIONS: Our results could be useful to help teachers and sport specialists to evaluate and improve strength and speed-agility in children. We encourage trainers and sport specialists to implement programs to help children to become more active and healthier during their lifespan.

Biomolecular Monitoring Tool Based on Lab-on-Chip for Virus Detection.

Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices for performing real-time PCR are advantageous compared to standard equipment since these systems allow to conduct in-field quick analysis. The development of LoCs, where the components for performing the nucleic acid amplification are all integrated, can be an issue. In this work, we present a LoC-PCR device where thermalization, temperature control and detection elements are all integrated on a single glass substrate named System-on-Glass (SoG) obtained using metal thin-film deposition. By using a microwell plate optically coupled with the SoG, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR of RNA extracted from both a plant and human virus has been carried out in the developed LoC-PCR device. The limit of detection and time of analysis for the detection of the two viruses by using the LoC-PCR were compared with those achieved by standard equipment. The results showed that the two systems can detect the same concentration of RNA; however, the LoC-PCR performs the analysis in half of the time compared to the standard thermocycler, with the advantage of the portability, leading to a point-of-care device for several diagnostic applications.

Customized Multichannel Measurement System for Microbial Fuel Cell Characterization.

This work presents the development of an automatic and customized measuring system employing sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters and transimpedance amplifiers for precise measurements of voltage and current signals generated by microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The system can perform multi-step discharge protocols to accurately measure the power output of MFCs, and has been calibrated to ensure high precision and low noise measurements. One of the key features of the proposed measuring system is its ability to conduct long-term measurements with variable time steps. Moreover, it is portable and cost-effective, making it ideal for use in laboratories without sophisticated bench instrumentation. The system is expandable, ranging from 2 to 12 channels by adding dual-channel boards, which allows for testing of multiple MFCs simultaneously. The functionality of the system was tested using a six-channel setup, and the results demonstrated its ability to detect and distinguish current signals from different MFCs with varying output characteristics. The power measurements obtained using the system also allow for the determination of the output resistance of the MFCs being tested. Overall, the developed measuring system is a useful tool for characterizing the performance of MFCs, and can be helpful in the optimization and development of sustainable energy production technologies.

Are anthropometric characteristics powerful markers to predict the Cooper Run Test? Actual Caucasian data.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a powerful marker of cardiovascular health, especially in youth. Several field tests can provide accurate measurement of CRF, the Cooper Run Test (CRT) is generally preferred by physical education (PE) teachers and trainers. The CRT performance in adolescents has been compared to reference distance values, gender and age but the differences among the anthropometric characteristics of youth has not been evaluated. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to develop reference standards for CRT and evaluate possible correlations between biometric measurements and athletic performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a total of 9,477 children (4,615 girls) aged 11-14 years, freely recruited from North Italian middle schools. Mass, height and CRT performances were assessed in the morning during PE classes as scheduled (mornings-Monday to Friday). The anthropometric measures were collected at least 20 min before the CRT run test. Results: We found a better CRT result in boys (p < 0.001), however a smaller SD in girls suggested a more homogeneous aerobic performance for girls (i.e., 371.12 m vs 282.00 m). In addition, the Shapiro-Wilk test showed a low p-value (p < 0.001) but the effect size (0.031 for boys and 0.022 for girls) was small enough that the correction on this parameter allows a practical assumption of normality for the distributions. A visual homoskedastic distribution in both sexes is evident for both body mass index (BMI), mass and VO2 peak with respect to CRT results. In addition, there were low linear correlation coefficients for both BMI, mass and VO2 peak compared to the CRT results, with a R2 < 0.5 for every covariate. The only visual heteroskedastic distribution was observed in regression between distance in CRT and age at peak high velocity. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that anthropometric characteristics are not powerful markers to predict Cooper Run Test results in a well-mixed, unpolarized and unbiased pool of middle school boys and girls. PE teachers and trainers should prefer endurance tests over the use of indirect formulas to predict performance.

Technical Differences over the Course of the Match: An Analysis of Three Elite Teams in the UEFA Champions League.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evolution of technical performance indicators over the course of football matches in the UEFA Champions League. Three elite football teams were the sample of the present study and were analyzed throughout four consecutive seasons within the previously mentioned competition. Data from 15 min periods were collected from Wyscout and elaborated. The effects of match location and competition stage were analyzed on nine technical indicators, including ball possession and variables related to offense and goal scoring. The effects of independent variables were assessed both independently and combined. The results showed a significant increase in the frequency of occurrence and accuracy of most of the parameters towards the end of the match. The effect of match location was generally significant with higher rates for teams playing at home. Differences were noted between the two stages of the competition with higher values in the technical indicators registered during the group stage. The existence of significant differences between the initial and final periods of football games was suggested by the results. The so-called home advantage was confirmed. Different team approaches between longer stages (e.g., group stage) and elimination games (i.e., knockout phase) were suggested by the results.

AstroBio-CubeSat: A lab-in-space for chemiluminescence-based astrobiology experiments.

Space exploration is facing a new era in view of the planned missions to the Moon and Mars. The development and the in-flight validation of new technologies, including analytical and diagnostic platforms, is pivotal for exploring and inhabiting these extreme environments. In this context, biosensors and lab-on-chip devices can play an important role in many situations, such as the analysis of biological samples for assessing the impact of deep space conditions on man and other biological systems, environmental and food safety monitoring, and the search of molecular indicators of past or present life in extra-terrestrial environments. Small satellites such as CubeSats are nowadays increasingly exploited as fast and low-cost platforms for conducting in-flight technology validation. Herein, we report the development of a fully autonomous lab-on-chip platform for performing chemiluminescence-based bioassays in space. The device was designed to be hosted onboard the AstroBio CubeSat nanosatellite, with the aim of conducting its in-flight validation and evaluating the stability of (bio)molecules required for bioassays in a challenging radiation environment. An origami-like microfluidic paper-based analytical format allowed preloading all the reagents in the dried form on the paper substrate, thus simplifying device design and analytical protocols, facilitating autonomous assay execution, and enhancing the stability of reagents. The chosen approach should constitute the first step to implement a mature technology with the aim to conduct life science research in space (e.g., for evaluation the effect of deep space conditions on living organisms or searching molecular evidence of life) more easily and at lower cost than previously possible.

European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6-18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries. METHODS: This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test-retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method. RESULTS: A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu). CONCLUSION: This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe.

Nordic Walking Improves Cardiometabolic Parameters, Fitness Performance, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Nordic walking (NW) on cardiometabolic health, physical performance, and well-being in sedentary older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: Fifteen subjects with T2D (female, 5; male, 10; age, 65 ± 6.2 years [mean ± standard deviation]; body mass index, 27.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2 [mean ± standard deviation]) were enrolled in a 6-month NW training program. The fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the intervention. Participants' quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey) and physical fitness (6-minute walking test) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, NW significantly improved the fasting glucose level (103.5 ± 18.5 vs 168.7 ± 37.7 mg/dL, P = .01), SBP (121.8 ± 12.2 vs 133 ± 14.4 mm Hg, P = .02), physical fitness (759.88 ± 69 vs 615.5 ± 62.6 m, P < .001), and both mental health (54.5 ± 4.4 vs 45.7 ± 5.6, P < .01) and physical health (49.8 ± 4.7 vs 40.3 ± 5.9, P < .01). The levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (6.15% ± 0.8% vs 6.4% ± 1%, P = .46), total cholesterol (162.2 ± 31.2 vs 175.5 ± 28.8 mg/dL, P = .13), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.2 ± 24.2 vs 106.3 ± 32.3 mg/dL, P = .43), and triglycerides (135.5 ± 60.8 vs 127.6 ± 57.4 mg/dL, P = 0.26) improved without reaching significance. CONCLUSION: NW training improved the glycemic levels, SBP, physical fitness, and perception of quality of life in older adults with T2D. NW represents a suitable complementary strategy to improve the global health status in this population.

Thin-Film-Based Multifunctional System for Optical Detection and Thermal Treatment of Biological Samples.

In this work, we present a multifunctional Lab-on-Chip (LoC) platform based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon sensors suitable for a wide range of application in the fields of biochemical and food quality control analysis. The proposed system includes a LoC fabricated on a 5 cm × 5 cm glass substrate and a set of electronic boards for controlling the LoC functionalities. The presented Lab-on-Chip comprises light and temperature sensors, a thin film resistor acting as a heating source, and an optional thin film interferential filter suitable for fluorescence analysis. The developed electronics allows to control the thin film heater, a light source for fluorescence and absorption measurements, and the photosensors to acquire luminescent signals. All these modules are enclosed in a black metal box ensuring the portability of the whole platform. System performances have been evaluated in terms of sensor optical performances and thermal control achievements. For optical sensors, we have found a minimum number of detectable photons of 8 × 104 s-1·cm-2 at room temperature, 1.6 × 106 s-1·cm-2 in presence of fluorescence excitation source, and 2.4 × 106 s-1·cm-2 at 90 °C. From a thermal management point of view, we have obtained heating and cooling rates both equal to 2.2 °C/s, and a temperature sensor sensitivity of about 3 mV/°C even in presence of light. The achieved performances demonstrate the possibility to simultaneously use all integrated sensors and actuators, making promising the presented platform for a wide range of application fields.

Relation between Physical Fitness Components and the Occurrence and Subjective Intensity of Back Pain in Secondary School Adolescents.

Despite the well documented benefits of physical fitness (PF) on general health, its role in back pain (BP) is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between different PF profiles and BP in a sample of adolescents. The study assessed PF and BP in a sample of 919 youth (age = 15.5 ± 1.3 years) from North and South Tyrol. A total of 531 participants (57.8%) reported no BP, whereas 4.7% (n = 43) reported severe BP. A two-step cluster analysis detected three main groups: the "less fit", with significantly lower scores in all PF tests (p < 0.001); the "strong sprinters", with higher speed and muscular strength than the others (p < 0.001); and the "flexible marathoners", with higher flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001). The "flexible marathoners" showed significantly better BP scores than the "less fit" (p = 0.029). Cardiorespiratory fitness and trunk flexibility are potential preventive components of BP in adolescents. Since the decline in flexibility starts very early in life, it is recommended to put a particular emphasis on this component of PF. The role of other components of PF should be further investigated in the future.

Myelin like electrogenic filamentation and Liquid Microbial Fuel Cells Dataset.

Biofilm at water-oil interface of hypoxic water columns of microcosms, prepared from a lacustrine sample, that used diesel as a carbon source was found to show electrogenic properties. These microcosms named, Liquid Microbial Fuel Cells (L-MFCs) were electrically characterized using a custom electronic analyzer; accurate determination of voltage (V), power density (W/m 2), and current density (A/m2) for both charge and discharge phases was carried out. The instrument made it possible to carry out cell characterizations using resistive loads between 0 Ω (Ohm) and 10 kΩ. During the hypoxic and electrogenic phase, the synthesis of a system of "bacterial piping induction", produced filaments of hundreds of micrometers in which the microbial cells are hosted. Ultrastructural microscopy collected by scanning (SEM), transmission (TEM), immunofluorescence, Thunder Imager 3D, confocal laser scanning (CLSM) microscopy revealed a "myelin like" structure during filamentation processes; this "myelin like" structure exhibited cross-reactivity towards different epitopes of the myelin basic protein (MBP) and Claudin 11 (O4) of human oligodendrocytes. The disclosure of these filamentation processes could be helpful to describe further unconventional microbial structures in aquatic ecosystems and of the animal world. The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/7d35tj3j96/1.

Effects of the lockdown period on the mental health of elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review.

Purpose: This review aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on mental health to elite athletes. The emotional background influenced their sport career and was examined by questionnaires. Methods: We included original studies that investigated psychological outcomes in elite athletes during COVID-19 lockdown. Sixteen original studies (n = 4475 participants) were analyzed. Results: The findings showed that COVID-19 has an impact on elite athletes' mental health and was linked with stress, anxiety and psychological distress. The magnitude of the impact was associated with athletes' mood state profile, personality and resilience capacity. Conclusion: The lockdown period impacted also elite athletes' mental health and training routines with augmented anxiety but with fewer consequences than the general population thanks to adequate emotion regulation and coping strategies.

Players at home: Physical activity and quality of life in 12-17 years-old football (soccer) players during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Background: Aggressive preventive actions were required to face the Covid-19 outbreak. However, from March 2020 on, many healthy youth football players have seen their sporting activities disrupted by the restrictions on outdoor exercise.This study describes physical activity and quality of life during April 2020 lockdown of young people participating in organized football. Methods: 1163 young football players aged 12-17 years (185 girls) completed a web-based questionnaire including the Youth Physical Activity and the Youth Quality of Life-Short Form Questionnaires; information on lifestyle and football-specific activity were also collected. Differences according to sex, urban/rural context and élite/non-élite club level were tested using a 2 × 2 × 2 MANOVA (age considered as a covariate). Results: We found that: (i) on average, exposure to football accounted for 3.2 hours/week, was higher in élite clubs and changed in nature, being mainly performed individually; 19% of participants practiced football <1 hour/week; (ii) only 56% of the participants reported 7 or more hours/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, which decreased with age and changed according to the geographical context; (iii) perceived quality of life was lower in youth playing for non-elite clubs and in older girls; (iv) coaches, rather that official initiatives, were the primary source of football exercises practiced at home. Conclusion: A status of limited physical activity emerged; this might lead to deconditioning and susceptibility to injuries when football could restart. Governing bodies, football Associations and clubs could exploit these results to take informed decisions and support evidence-based interventions during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.