Bagheria

Researchers are investigating how different warm-up strategies affect young competitive swimmers' athletic performance. The study focuses on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE), which may improve performance through specific warm-up exercises. This research compares various warm-up protocols that include plyometric exercises to understand their impact on performance measures such as the countermovement jump (CMJ) and swimming times over distances of 25 m, 50 m, and 100 m. Additional measurements include skin temperature, heart rate, muscle oxygen saturation, and perceived exertion to explore their relationship with performance. Participants first complete a warm-up in the pool followed by baseline assessments. Then, using a randomized crossover design, each swimmer performs three different plyometric protocols: squats with elastic resistance bands, vertical jumps off a 45 cm box, or a combination of both exercises. The squat protocol includes four sets of four repetitions with rest intervals, while the box jump protocol consists of three sets of four jumps with designated recovery times. The combined protocol integrates both exercises with a total estimated duration of 19 minutes. Throughout the study, researchers measure the CMJ at multiple time points before and after the warm-up protocols to observe changes over time. Swimming times are recorded at baseline and after individual recovery periods based on CMJ results. The study also monitors physiological responses like heart rate and muscle oxygen levels, as well as participants' perceived exertion. Statistical analyses will compare performance across the different warm-up conditions to determine which protocol best supports athletic performance in young swimmers.

Researchers are studying how limitations in the ankle joint's dorsiflexion-tibia-talar range of motion may impact recovery after total knee replacement surgery. The goal is to understand if deficits in ankle motion affect the operated knee's ability to fully extend and regain a complete range of motion. This observational study involves patients scheduled for primary knee replacement at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute. Patients will be divided into groups based on whether they have restricted ankle range of motion before surgery. All participants will undergo pre-operative ankle joint range of motion measurements. Those with ankle motion limitations will form the exposed group, while those without will form the non-exposed group. The study follows these patients through their knee replacement and rehabilitation process to observe differences in recovery. Participants will be assessed by physiotherapists who will measure knee joint range of motion with the patient lying on a bed before surgery. The study tracks how well the knee recovers its motion after surgery, focusing on the effect of ankle dorsiflexion limitation. Researchers will monitor knee extension and overall range of motion as key outcomes to better understand the relationship between ankle and knee joint function after knee replacement surgery.

Researchers are investigating the expression of a wide range of microRNAs in the blood plasma of patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). These microRNAs have been previously studied in other orthopedic conditions and bone metabolism. The study aims to identify deregulated microRNAs in AIS patients, validate them, and explore their potential role in bone and cartilage tissue metabolism. The goal is to develop a microRNA panel to help diagnose and predict the progression of AIS based on molecular data. Participants will have a blood sample collected to separate plasma, from which circulating total RNA will be isolated. MicroRNA samples will be prepared and analyzed using micro-array techniques, followed by validation through single-qRT-PCR assays and computational analyses. Further in vitro studies will investigate how identified microRNAs influence bone remodeling processes. Healthy volunteers will also be recruited as controls to compare with AIS patients. During the study, clinical data from participants will be collected and matched with microRNA results. Blood samples and RNA will be securely stored at a dedicated center at -80°C. Researchers will measure microRNA profiles and expression levels within specified timeframes after blood sampling. Data confidentiality and participant anonymity will be strictly maintained. The study includes informed consent procedures and will follow ethical standards and good clinical practice guidelines throughout the research process.