Olga Papale

Purpose : Training load monitoring is an important part of evaluating training and competition. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a useful subjective method of rating training intensity and training load. It has been assumed that the session RPE (sRPE), a single number representing the entire exercise bout, is a simple mean of the RPE during an exercise bout (xRPE). However, data showing a drift in RPE during the course of exercise bouts suggests that sRPE may be different than xRPE. Methods : We collected a large volume (all observations = 1184, competition = 207, training = 976) of data from multiple modes of exercise, from a single laboratory, over a 30-year time period. xRPE was collected over ∼ 10% distance/time increments (including warm-up and cooldown), and sRPE was collected ∼30 minutes following the conclusion of the cooldown. Results : Across all observations ( r = .95), competition ( r = .75), and training ( r = .94), xRPE and sRPE were well correlated. However, sRPE (6.1 [2.2] vs 5.3 [1.8]; 8.2 [1.2] vs 7.1 [1.0]; and 5.1 [1.9] vs 4.5 [1.4]) was systematically greater versus xRPE, particularly when RPE ≥ 5. Conclusions : sRPE does not represent a simple mean of momentary RPE across an exercise bout. sRPE is greater than xRPE due to a temporal effect with terminal RPE values exerting a greater effect on sRPE and to the effect of glycogen signaling which persists following exercise after other drivers of RPE have normalized.

Amateur soccer players represent a relatively understudied population and often combine training with study or work, facing daily challenges that can impact sleep, diet, and circadian-related behaviors. Since these factors are important for health, recovery, and well-being, this study aimed to examine sleep quality, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and chronotype in amateur soccer players compared with physically active individuals and individuals with high sitting time. The sample comprised 55 male young adults (23.36 ± 3.11 years): amateur soccer players (n = 20), physically active individuals (n = 18), and individuals with high sitting time (n = 17). All participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED), and the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Group comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests, and exploratory correlation analyses were used to examine associations among sleep quality, Mediterranean diet adherence, and chronotype. Lower PSQI scores (p < 0.001) were observed in soccer players (3.80 ± 1.32) and physically active individuals (4.17 ± 1.92) than in individuals with high sitting time (6.24 ± 2.05). No significant between-group differences were found in PREDIMED (soccer players = 6.80 ± 2.22; physically active individuals = 7.50 ± 1.89; individuals with high sitting time = 7.29 ± 2.42) and MEQ (soccer players = 51.60 ± 5.90; physically active individuals = 50.89 ± 7.70; individuals with high sitting time = 51.82 ± 11.43). Exploratory correlation analyses, without correction for multiple testing, identified a negative association between MEQ and PSQI in individuals with high sitting time (r = −0.514, p = 0.035). These findings describe group differences in self-reported sleep quality, whereas Mediterranean diet adherence and chronotype appeared similar across groups.

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Papale, O, Di Rocco, F, Festino, E, Capranica, L, Picerno, P, Cortis, C, and Fusco, A. Take-off velocity and trunk inclination enhance countermovement jump assessment in older women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The aims of the study were (1) to analyze different countermovement jump height (CMJ) performance equations to compare the agreement and reliability of these methods and (2) to investigate the influence of forward trunk inclination (Bend@Jump) on take-off velocity (TOV) during CMJ in older women. Twenty subjects (age: 70.6 ± 6.2 years; body mass: 59.1 ± 10.7 kg; height: 159 ± 6.1 cm) were assessed. During the jump trials, TOV, Bend@Jump, and flight time were measured using a wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a photoelectric Optojump (Opto) system to derive 3 CMJ outcomes: jump height estimated from TOV (TOV-CMJ), IMU (IMU-CMJ), Opto (Opto-CMJ). Linear mixed models, intraclass correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman Plots, and Standard Error of Measurements ( SEM ) were used to assess agreement and reliability. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of Bend@Jump on TOV. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. For each CMJ methodology, means and SDs were calculated (TOV = 1.1 ± 0.2 m·s ⁻¹ ; Bend@Jump = 10.1 ± 7.9°; TOV-CMJ = 8.4 ± 2.9 cm; IMU-CMJ = 10.6 ± 3.6 cm; Opto-CMJ = 7.1 ± 3.8 cm). High intraclass correlation coefficient values emerged (TOV-CMJ = 0.84; IMU-CMJ = 0.88; Opto-CMJ = 0.91). SEM resulted higher in IMU-CMJ (1.24 cm) than TOV-CMJ (1.18 cm) and Opto-CMJ (1.15 cm). A significant ( p < 0.0001) relationship ( R ² = 0.96) between Bend@Jump and TOV emerged. Jump height estimations based on flight time tend to overestimate performance compared with TOV. Given the high reliability observed across the measurement methods and the strong relationship between Bend@Jump and TOV, IMU-based assessment integrating TOV and Bend@Jump may represent a practical approach for evaluating CMJ in older women.

Background: Most European adolescents do not meet recommended levels of physical activity (PA), increasing their risk of long-term health issues and contributing to the burden of non-communicable diseases. To address this public health challenge, there is a need for evidence-based, age-specific frameworks that identify the key determinants influencing PA behaviours during adolescence, a critical developmental stage for habit formation. Methods: This study developed the EUropean Physical Activity Determinants framework for Adolescents (EU-PAD-A) and identified the most important and modifiable factors that can inform targeted interventions and public policy. Using Group Concept Mapping analysis, 240 experts contributed to the identification, sorting, and rating of PA determinants for adolescents. Results: A total number of 110 determinants were grouped into nine thematic clusters. Determinants were rated for importance and modifiability, with 53% ( n = 58) scoring high on both dimensions. To refine priorities for policy and practice, a focus group of experts and a survey involving 60 policy makers and stakeholders were conducted. This process led to the identification of the top 10 actionable determinants, defined as those rated highly for importance and modifiability by experts and for impact and feasibility by policy makers and stakeholders, including availability of indoor and outdoor PA facilities, beliefs about PA, and inclusive school programs. Conclusions: The results highlight school, family, and socio-cultural environments as critical settings for intervention. The EU-PAD-A framework offers a novel, interdisciplinary, and age-specific tool for understanding and addressing the complex drivers of adolescent PA. It provides concrete, consensus-based guidance for designing policies and programs that are feasible, impactful, and grounded in scientific evidence. As such, it represents an important step toward improving PA levels and reducing sedentary behaviour among adolescents across Europe.

Background: Inter-limb asymmetry has implications for both athletic performance and healthcare practice. High baseline inter-limb asymmetries have been associated with impaired mobility, increased fall risk, and musculoskeletal injuries across the lifespan. Exercise interventions able to stimulate the stretch–shortening cycle (e.g., plyometric training and jump training) have been shown to have a good impact on asymmetries. Among these, Mini-Trampoline Training (MTT) has recently emerged as potentially effective in reducing asymmetries. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a single MTT session on muscle power and inter-limb asymmetry in young adults. Methods: Twenty-eight recreationally active participants (25.6 ± 2.4 years) completed one MTT session. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the MTT session, single-leg 6 m Timed Hop (6MTH) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered. Additionally, 6MTH values of the dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NODOM) limbs were used to stratify participants according to higher (HBIA) or lower (LBIA) baseline inter-limb asymmetry, based on a commonly adopted Normalized Symmetry Index (NSI) threshold (NSI ≥ 10%, n = 12; NSI < 10%, n = 16). Repeated-measures mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the MTT session on 6MTH, NSI, and CMJ. Results: Regardless of group and limb, significant (p < 0.0001) improvements in 6MTH (PRE: 2.5 ± 0.06 s; POST: 2.3 ± 0.05 s) were found. Interestingly, the MTT session had a significant (p = 0.01) effect on both groups, with a significant (p = 0.003) interaction with NSI values, showing an improvement for HBIA (PRE = 15.4 ± 1.1%, POST = 11.3 ± 2.1%), whereas a decrement in LBIA was recorded (PRE = 5.1 ± 0.6%, POST = 9.6 ± 1.5%). CMJ did not show any changes in HBIA (PRE: 36.2 ± 0.9 cm; POST: 35.1 ± 0.7 cm), while a significant (p = 0.007) decrease was found in LBIA (PRE: 34.8 ± 1.2 cm; POST: 33.2 ± 1.3 cm). Conclusions: A single MTT session induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, reflected by reduced CMJ performance and improved (~8%) inter-limb control during hopping. The HBIA group preserved jump height (~36 cm) and demonstrated a significant reduction in asymmetry (NSI: −4.1%), suggesting more balanced lower-limb recruitment. Conversely, LBIA showed a significant decrease in CMJ and an increased NSI (+4.5%), possibly reflecting fatigue-related compensatory strategies. Overall, a single MTT elicited distinct responses according to baseline asymmetry, supporting its potential as an adaptable modality for enhancing neuromuscular function in HBIA.

Purpose : To validate the Italian version of the Talk Test (TT) for determining exercise intensity. Methods : Fourteen recreational-level athletes performed 2 graded exercise tests: one in which respiratory gas exchange was measured to determine ventilatory (VT) and respiratory compensation thresholds (RCT), and one incorporating the Italian version of the TT. In TT, subjects read the Italian Olympic Oath during the final 30 seconds of each stage, while heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and speed were recorded. The last stage at which subjects could speak comfortably was defined as the last positive stage (LP), uncertainty about speaking comfortably as the equivocal stage (EQ), and inability to speak comfortably as the negative stage (NEG). Repeated-measures analysis of variance compared HR, RPE, speed at LP, EQ, and NEG, VT, and RCT. Pearson correlation coefficient ( r ) and Bland–Altman plots analyzed the relationship and agreement between Italian version of the TT and test variables. Results : No differences emerged between LP and VT for HR, RPE, and speed. Significant correlations between VT and LP were found in HR ( r = .736, P = .003) and speed ( r = .921, P < .001). NEG values did not differ from RCT and showed significant correlations with HR ( r = .732, P = .003), RPE ( r = .842, P < .001), and speed ( r = .986, P < .001). Conclusions : The Italian version of the TT provides valid estimates of VT and RCT, particularly at LP and NEG stages in recreational-level athletes.

Resting hand tremor is a low-frequency, involuntary oscillation influenced by mechanical and neural factors, often manifesting as inter-limb asymmetry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether a single complex hand proprioceptive task can acutely modulate tremor in healthy young adults and whether it can induce asymmetry between limbs. Fifty participants (age: 25.0 ± 2.5 years) completed a 40-min proprioceptive task (anteroposterior, mediolateral, clockwise, and counterclockwise), with bilateral resting tremor recorded via triaxial accelerometry before and immediately after the intervention on both dominant and non-dominant limbs. Frequency-domain analysis showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in tremor amplitude and a small decrease in mean frequency in the 2–4 Hz band immediately after the complex hand proprioceptive task for both limbs. These findings provide novel evidence that a single, wearable-based protocol can transiently modulate tremor dynamics, supporting the use of a non-invasive tool for neuromuscular monitoring in sport, rehabilitation, and clinical practice.

Background: Prolonged sedentary behavior and associated obesity are recognized risk factors for poor health across the lifespan. Globally, data show that many children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 significantly increased their sedentary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, failing to meet recommended physical activity levels and reporting increased smartphone use. While mobile devices and video games have been traditionally linked to physical inactivity, formats like exergaming, which combine gameplay with gross motor activity, offer potential to promote physical activity. However, many digital health tools for children are developed without incorporating feedback from key stakeholders and end-users (e.g., children, teachers, and guardians). Therefore, this paper, within the Walk around the Earth (E-Walk) project, describes a prospective study that aims (1) to identify the most influential factors or characteristics affecting engagement with and usability of a mobile application promoting physical activity among primary school students; (2) to develop a mobile application for children based on the identified factors and characteristics. Methods: This project will use a group concept mapping approach to identify the most influential features/factors/characteristics affecting engagement with and usability of an app. By involving primary stakeholders (e.g., children, teachers, guardians, and physical activity experts), the project seeks to align the app’s features with primary end-user needs and motivations. Following the app’s development, its effectiveness in increasing physical activity levels and reducing sedentary behaviors will be evaluated through a mixed-method design, incorporating anthropometric data, validated physical activity questionnaires (Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)), and engagement metrics. Conclusions: The E-Walk project integrates participatory design with educational content and activity-based challenges, representing a multidimensional strategy for promoting health and learning in primary school students. Ultimately, this study contributes to the development of user-informed digital interventions that support sustainable behavioral changes, in line with broader goals of child well-being and digital health promotion.