Live Streaming vs. Pre-Recorded Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italian Rhythmic Gymnastics.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak led to an inevitable and drastic transition to online training systems. This study aimed to analyze the differences between live-streaming and pre-recorded training modalities in rhythmic gymnastics (RG) with coaches and gymnasts of different technical levels. A total of 238 coaches and 277 athletes affiliated with the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) participated in the study. The data collection tool was a self-collected questionnaire structured in three sections: participant's information, characteristics of live-streaming training, and characteristics of pre-recorded training. A 2 × 2 ANOVA was used for each numeric variable. A Pearson's chi-squared test was used for each categorical variable. For the athletes, training frequency, motivation, and efficacy were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with live streaming (3.7 ± 1.5 day/week, 3.8 ± 0.9 score and 3.8 ± 0.8 score, respectively) than with a pre-recorded modality (2.2 ± 1.7 day/week, 3.1 ± 1.2 score and 3.7 ± 0.9 score, respectively), while for coaches, significant differences (p < 0.005) were found between the two modalities only for training frequency (live streaming, 3.6 ± 1.8 days/week vs. pre-recorded, 2.1 ± 1.7 days/week). The adherence (number of No:Yes) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the live-streaming modality than for the pre-recorded modality in gold athletes (1:74 vs. 14:61, respectively), silver athletes (12:190 vs. 28:174, respectively), and gold coaches (3:63 vs. 11:55, respectively), but it was not for silver coaches. Physical preparation was performed significantly (p < 0.005) more often (number of No:Yes) for live streaming than for the pre-recorded modality by gold athletes (9:66 vs. 34:41, respectively), silver athletes (25:177 vs. 77:125, respectively), gold coaches (8:58 vs. 37:29), and silver coaches (33:139 vs. 85:87, respectively). Free body technical preparation was performed significantly (p < 0.005) more often (number of No:Yes) for live streaming than for the pre-recorded modality by gold athletes (15:60 vs. 39:36, respectively), silver athletes (84:118 vs. 121:81, respectively), gold coaches (10:56 vs. 38:28), and silver coaches (60:112 vs. 105:67, respectively), while no differences were found for silver athletes' and coaches' technical preparations for apparatus training between the two modalities. In conclusion, live streaming had greater positive effects on RG training during home confinement. However, pre-recorded training could be more effective for some types of training, depending on the technical level of the athletes.

The Role of the Person Focused IARA Model in Reducing Anxiety and Improving Body Awareness and Illness Management in Diabetics with Acquired Lipodystrophy: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Lipodystrophy is one of the most frequent complications in people with diabetes following subcutaneous insulin therapy, and poor management can lead to several problems, such as impaired glycemic control and adherence to therapy, anxiety, and depression. Poor injection technique represents the main risk factor for lipodystrophies. In order to enhance the patient's insulin injection technique to heal lipodystrophy, improve psychological indices, and promote involvement in their health and care, the efficacy of emerging person-centered care called the IARA model was tested. Methods: A total of 49 patients were randomly allocated to the IARA group (Experimental; n = 25) or standard education (Control; n = 24). The following questionnaires were used in a mixed-method design: (i) State Anxiety Scale; (ii) Beck Depression Inventory; (iii) Italian Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. An ad hoc open-ended questionnaire was structured for the qualitative analysis. Finally, photos were taken in order to verify if injection sites were changed until the follow-up at 12 months. The number of patients who participated until the completion of the study was 17 in the IARA and 11 in the Control group. Results: State anxiety was significantly reduced in people who followed IARA to follow-up at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). The IARA group also demonstrated better compliance in blood glucose monitoring and foot-care compared to Control at follow-up at 12 months. The management of insulin injections dramatically improved in participants who received IARA intervention. Conclusions: IARA could be considered an effective strategy to improve well-being and compliance in people affected with diabetes mellitus and lipodystrophy complications.