Pegaso University

Objectives. The objective of this study was to analyse the educational effectiveness of an integrated training intervention conducted over one sporting year in youth volleyball players aged 10–13 years, aimed at developing perceptual-cognitive abilities, psychological characteristics, and inclusive participation in a sports learning environment. Material and Methods. The study involved approximately 80 students, including participants diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group. Training sessions were conducted twice a week and had a stable organizational structure with operational subgroups and 3×3 mini-tournaments. The control group followed a traditional training programme focused on the development of technical fundamentals, whereas the experimental group implemented playful and perceptual decision-making tasks supported by interactive light devices (reaction lights/Sportlights) designed to stimulate reaction speed, peripheral vision, and visual-motor coordination. A mixed-methods research design was applied, combining quantitative assessments with qualitative interviews involving students and coaches. Results. The experimental group demonstrated more favourable outcomes in the development of perceptual-cognitive skills compared with the control group. In addition, participants in the experimental group reported higher levels of perceived competence and physical self-esteem. Qualitative data indicated increased engagement, motivation, and participation during training sessions. Conclusions. The findings support the educational value of intentionally designed sports learning environments that integrate playful activities, technological tools, and traditional training methods. Such an approach may enhance perceptual-cognitive development, increase motivation, and promote inclusion in youth sports programmes.

This study explores the effectiveness of Baskin—an inclusive sport discipline—as a pedagogical tool to promote school inclusion, social cohesion and motivation in secondary school students. The intervention, conducted on a sample of 600 students in four Italian institutions, adopted an experimental design with pre–post measurements and a mixed methods approach. The quantitative results, obtained by means of validated psychometric instruments (PIQ, Classroom Cohesion Scale, AMS), showed significant improvements in all variables investigated in the experimental group compared with the control (p < 0.001). The qualitative analysis, based on interviews, focus groups and reflexive diaries, highlighted five thematic areas: revaluation of diversity, improvement of the classroom climate, development of self-efficacy, restructuring of interpersonal relationships and request for project continuity. Baskin emerged as a comprehensive educational practice, capable of integrating corporeity, citizenship and critical thinking. The systematic inclusion of inclusive sport in the curriculum and initial teacher training is suggested, as well as the promotion of school networks and longitudinal studies. Baskin emerges as a pedagogy of participation that contributes to transforming school culture, making inclusion concrete.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has evolved into a highly effective neurohormonal intervention for severe obesity; however, it introduces unique long-term vulnerabilities, particularly regarding alcohol (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). This review synthesizes the epidemiological, pharmacokinetic, and neurobiological drivers of postoperative substance misuse. Procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) radically alter ethanol metabolism, eliminating first-pass metabolism and accelerating gastric emptying, while simultaneously recalibrating reward pathways, creating a "reward gap" that facilitates addiction transfer. These physiological shifts exacerbate critical micronutrient deficiencies (thiamine, B12, iron), increase the risk of post-bariatric hypoglycemia, and correlate with higher rates of liver cirrhosis and suicide. Furthermore, substance use is a primary driver of suboptimal weight loss trajectories and weight regain. Mitigation requires a lifelong, multidisciplinary framework involving preoperative risk stratification, validated screening (e.g., AUDIT-C), and targeted nutritional supplementation to safeguard the long-term metabolic and psychological benefits of MBS.

This study investigates the impact of monitoring infrastructure characteristics (specifically sensor penetration and measurement accuracy) on the effectiveness of voltage regulation and congestion management within distribution networks. As distribution system operators transition toward active management, the integration of Distributed renewable Generation (DG) and demand response introduces significant physical and cyber-physical uncertainties. To address these challenges, a smart grid service framework has been employed to optimize flexibility resources from aggregated users and DG inverters through a genetic algorithm. The framework was tested on the IEEE European Low Voltage Test Feeder across various scenarios defined by distributed monitoring systems' penetration and their measurement accuracy. Results show that sensor penetration has a dominant impact: increasing monitoring coverage from 0% to 100% raises the percentage of cases with fewer than one residual congestion from 46.2% to 91.9% (sensors with an accuracy class of 2%), reaching 97.9% with an accuracy class of 0.5%, while voltage violations are eliminated under full monitoring. These findings suggest that widespread sensor deployment, with a suitable measurement accuracy, is a fundamental prerequisite for reliable and efficient smart grid operation.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) are widely used training modalities, but comparative longitudinal data using standardized anthropometric methods remain limited. To compare within-group changes over 12 weeks of HIIT and PHA training on body composition and perceived psychophysical well-being in moderately active young adults. Twenty-four adults (12 males, 12 females; age 30.9 ± 3.5 years) were allocated to either HIIT or PHA in a non-randomized pilot study, based on training schedule availability and previous training routine, which may introduce selection bias. Training was performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using standardized ISAK anthropometry. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Significant effects of Time were found for body mass, BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (all p < 0.05). Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (p < 0.05), indicating different adaptation patterns. HIIT showed greater reductions in selected skinfolds and higher perceived performance improvement (p < 0.001), whereas PHA showed greater increases in arm circumferences and mesomorphy (p < 0.01). Within-group improvements were observed in anthropometric/body composition indicators over time, with distinct longitudinal adaptation patterns between HIIT and PHA.

Background: Comparative evidence for the effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) exercise derived from real-world settings using standardized anthropometric assessments and subjective perception measures remains limited. This pilot study aimed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of HIIT and LISS on anthropometric outcomes assessed through ISAK measurements and on post-intervention subjective perceptions. Methods: Twenty-four physically active adults (n = 12 HIIT; n = 12 LISS) completed a 12-week supervised training program with three sessions per week. Exercise intensity was monitored by heart rate (HIIT: 80–95% HRmax; LISS: 60–70% HRmax). Anthropometric measurements were performed according to ISAK guidelines at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subjective perceptions were assessed post-intervention using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using parametric or non-parametric tests, as appropriate. Results: Both HIIT and LISS showed significant reductions over time in body mass, BMI, fat mass, and waist and hip circumferences (p < 0.001), with no between-group differences for the primary endpoint. Endomorphy decreased and ectomorphy increased significantly in both groups. A significant group × time interaction was observed for muscle mass (p < 0.001), favoring preservation or slight increases in HIIT. Post-intervention, psychological well-being was higher in LISS (p = 0.002), whereas perceived physical performance improvements were greater in HIIT (p = 0.002–<0.001). Conclusions: In a real-world personal training context, HIIT and LISS produced comparable improvements in body composition while eliciting different perceptual responses, supporting individualized exercise prescription.

This study explored the influence of different counter movement jump (CMJ) goals on performance, kinetics, and kinematics between 56 highly-trained and elite track and field (T&F), football, and futsal athletes. Within and between-sport difference were compared when aiming to: (a) "jump as high as possible" (CMJh) and (b) "jump as fast as possible" (CMJf), using a mixed MANOVA and follow-up univariate mixed ANOVAs. Movement goals had a significant main effect on all variables (p < 0.001). Comparatively, CMJf elicited higher mean propulsive power normalized to body mass (MPPbm, ηp2 = 0.794) and reactive strength index modified (RSIMOD, ηp2 = 0.755), alongside lower jump height (ηp2 = 0.782), contraction time (ConT, ηp2 = 0.857), propulsive displacement (ηp2 = 0.751), and countermovement velocity (CMvelocity, ηp2 = 0.600). Sport interaction analyses revealed that T&F athletes consistently outperformed the other sports in RSIMOD across both movement goals (d = 1.105 - 1.598). MPPbm and ConT differed significantly between T&F and football (d = 0.947 - 1.324). A Movement goal × Sport interaction for CMvelocity indicated that T&F and football athletes increased CMvelocity under CMJh (d = 1.242 - 1.635, p < 0.001) compared to CMJf, whereas futsal players maintained similar downward motion across goals (p = 0.938). In conclusion, movement goals significantly modify CMJ performance variables in such athletes, and these effects are further influenced by sport specialization. Clear and goal-specific verbal instructions should be standardized in CMJ testing to ensure reliable athlete monitoring and performance evaluation.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, motor hyperactivity and verbal and cognitive impulsivity. Impairments in executive functions (EFs), in particular working memory, monitoring and organization of daily life, are frequently observed in children diagnosed with ADHD, and are reflected in behavioural, social-emotional and learning difficulties. The development and use of technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) for ADHD have increased in recent years, using a variety of tools to support including PC, video games, wearable devices and tangible interfaces. Objectives: To systematically map the current state of research on the use of AR, VR and MR technologies to assess and/or enhance EFs in children with ADHD. To evaluate the effects on their quality of life and on families’ and caregivers’ burden reduction. To explore the interventions’ clinical validity. Methods: A scoping review according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted. A systematic search was carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Empirical studies published in English that examined children with ADHD aged &lt;13 years were included. AR-, VR-, or MR-based interventions focused on EF were considered. For each study, the following features were recorded: year and country of publication, design, objectives, EFs considered, technology and hardware used, main results, and limitations. Results: Twenty studies were identified. The most frequently addressed functional domains were sustained and selective visual attention, working memory, and inhibition. Assessment interventions primarily involved the use of a head-mounted display (HMD) in conjunction with the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Training interventions included immersive VR, serious video games, VR with motor or dual-task training, and MR. The results suggest that VR can enhance cognitive performance and sustained attention; however, longitudinal studies are required to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and integrate emotional skills. Conclusions: The use of these technologies is a promising strategy for the assessment and training of EFs in children with ADHD. These tools provide positive, inclusive feedback and motivating tasks. Nevertheless, larger sample studies and longitudinal follow-ups to confirm the suitability and effectiveness of the technology-based programs are warranted.