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Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2023) | Viewed by 13402

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Battaglia

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Guest Editor

Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
Interests: quality of life; health promotion; sport; childhood; body balance; aging; disability; adapted physical activity; paralympic sport; exercise training; performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Valerio Giustino

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Guest Editor

Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Interests: health professions; sport; exercise training; quality of life; health promotion; public health; aging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The global COVID-19 pandemic has greatly altered the lifestyle, health status, social sphere and quality of life of people worldwide. Focusing on this context, it is fundamental to investigate hypothetical future scenarios and address new challenges to preventive practical applications, in order to promote sustainable living during life. The scientific literature agrees on the beneficial contribution that physical training has at all ages on both physical and mental health, improving the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals. Taking part in physical activity, exercise, or sport has positive effects both in populations with and without disease, not only on physical fitness and health-related mental status, but also for preventing and managing cardiometabolic diseases and psychological disorders. However, the numbers of insufficiently active people are increasing all over the world.

This Special Issue focuses on the implementation of novel strategies that promote sustainable living, through sport, nutritional style and physical training, among people, such as sustainable exercise, innovative interventions, as the use of integrated protocols, and technological progress, as specific devices, which support an active physical style in the general population and an improvement in sport performance.

Authors are invited to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting letters, original research papers, case studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that contribute new knowledge on the topic.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Battaglia
Dr. Valerio Giustino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical training
physical activity
exercise
sport
health promotion
quality of life
sport performance
sustainable exercise

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Biological Parameters and Physical Performance in Football Players

by Giulia My, Santo Marsigliante, Okba Selmi and Antonella Muscella

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 9139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15119139 - 5 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1410

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in global sustainability, but specifically, this study analyses the impact of lockdown on health and behavior in the game of football. The 2020/2021 Italian football competitive season (indicated as “post-COVID”), taking place following an obliged lockdown and longer than the normal summery season break, was characterized by very short recovery times and was compared to the 2018–2019 “pre-COVID” season, which had a regular course. The comparisons were about anthropometric and hormonal responses, muscle damage, and the physical performance of players in the major league (Serie A), and were made considering two extreme points of the competitive seasons: before the preparatory period (T0) and at the end of the season (T1). Turning to the results, it is significant to note the following: (1) body fat percentage was lower at the start (T0) of the post-COVID season than at the start of the pre-COVID season. During both seasons, serum CK and LDH increased in T1 and were significantly higher in both T0 and T1 of the post-COVID season. (2) Cortisol and testosterone concentrations increased in both seasons from T0 to T1; however, in the post-COVID season, concentrations of both were higher than in the previous season. The testosterone to cortisol ratio increased at the end of the pre-COVID season, whilst strongly decreasing at T1 of the post-COVID season. (3) Blood lactate concentrations significantly decreased during the pre-COVID season but remained unchanged during the post-COVID season. We may conclude that the enforced suspension period and the consequent rapid resumption of all activities influenced the physical and physiological state of professional footballers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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10 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship of Sense of Coherence to Healthy Behavior in Taekwon-Do Athletes

by Dorota Ortenburger, Dariusz Mosler, Jarosław Cholewa and Jacek Wąsik

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032213 - 25 Jan 2023

Viewed by 946

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the relationship between sense of coherence and the level of health behavior among men and women who train Taekwon-Do. The research encompassed 121 (69 men and 53 women) Taekwon-Do athletes. The gauging was conducted by means of standardized tools in the field of health psychology: the Questionnaire of Life Orientation, the Pain Strategies Questionnaire and the Health Behavior Inventory. The registered variables were subjected to typical descriptive analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed. The adjustment of the regression model was checked by ANOVA. The co-dependency between the variables was defined as Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The results of the sense of coherence are higher for men (36.83 ± 12.45) than women (33.17 ± 10.60). Diverting attention away from feelings and thoughts of pain is strongly correlated with reinterpreting pain sensations (r = 0.75) and is moderately correlated with the behavioral strategy as well as increased behavioral activity (r = 0.46). Constructive mobilization under pressure shows compatibility with resourcefulness (r = 0.44), comprehensibility (r = 0.39) and meaningfulness (r = 0.46). Sex differentiates the intensity of constructive mobilization to act under the impact of stress according to the subjective evaluation of both male and female Taekwon-Do fighters. The intensity of healthy behavior amongst women and men who practice Taekwon-Do differs. In the case of women, the value of the global indicator of healthy behavior was higher than in the case of men. This strategy defined as catastrophizing turned out to be commensurate in a negative way with all the three elements of the sense of coherence. Catastrophizing correlates negatively with the intensity of constructive mobilization for action under stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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13 pages, 1742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective and Educational Effects of Physical Activity Practice on Mental Health in Young Age during COVID-19 Lockdown

by Ambra Gentile, Marianna Alesi and Barbara Caci

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010752 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

Background: The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have modified the lifestyle of young people, worsening their mental health. Although some countries were allowed to practice outdoor physical activity (PA) in cases of lockdown, the PA level in the general population decreased. The current study aims to assess the differences in fear of COVID-19, anxiety, neuroticism, and general self-efficacy between university students who practiced PA during the second wave of lockdown and those who did not practice any PA. Methods: The sample consisted of 276 university students (176 females, 63.8%; mean age: 22.13, SD: ±3.94) who answered an online questionnaire detecting life habits (e.g., PA practice) during COVID-19 restrictions, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, neuroticism, and general self-efficacy. In addition, a 2 (gender) × 2 (physical activity) MANCOVA model was used to compare the variables’ differences. Finally, a path analysis model was performed to assess the protective effect of physical activity. Results: The students engaging in PA during lockdown showed lower fear of COVID-19, state and trait anxiety, neuroticism, and higher levels of general self-efficacy. Gender differences concerning fear of COVID-19 and a significant interaction with physical activity emerged: physically active females displayed the highest fear of COVID-19 compared to sedentary females and active males. Gender differences also emerged concerning state and trait anxiety and neuroticism. The path analysis model confirmed a light protective effect of sport/PA practice on mitigating neuroticism and anxiety, which, in turn, affect general self-efficacy. Conclusions: According to the results, it emerged that physical activity could represent a protective and educational factor for male students’ mental health during the COVID-19 restriction and partially for female ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifestyle of Italian University Students Attending Different Degree Courses: A Survey on Physical Activity, Sleep and Eating Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Antonino Mulè, Letizia Galasso, Lucia Castelli, Andrea Ciorciari, Giovanni Michielon, Fabio Esposito, Eliana Roveda and Angela Montaruli

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15340; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215340 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1601

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the Italian university students’ lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the degree courses, chronotype, and sex. Five-hundred thirty-three participants (21.46 ± 0.18 yrs, 335 females) filled out: Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSL-TPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) to assess physical activity, sleep, nutrition and chronotype. Use of electronic devices, smoking, and drinking habits were also evaluated. Sports science students were more active (60.92 ± 2.96), slept better (4.40 ± 0.15), showed greater Mediterranean diet adherence (5.98 ± 0.31), and smoked less (smokers: 14.5%) than nursing students (GSL-TPAQ: 38.62 ± 2.92, PSQI: 5.29 ± 0.18, KIDMED: 4.23 ± 0.33, smokers: 27.9%). They displayed a higher percentage of beer drinkers (40% vs. 28.7%) and lower use of electronic devices (5.92 ± 0.17 vs. 9.07 ± 1.17). Evening-type students showed worse sleep (5.96 ± 0.30) and lower Mediterranean diet adherence (4.32 ± 0.52) than Neither- (PSQI: 4.58 ± 0.13, KIDMED: 5.13 ± 0.28) and Morning-types (PSQI: 4.33 ± 0.33, KIDMED: 6.71 ± 0.64). Evening-types also showed a higher percentage of smokers (29.9%) and drinkers (beer: 53.3%, wine: 45.8%, alcohol: 40.2%) than Neither- (smokers: 20.3%, beer: 31.4%, wine: 31.4%, alcohol: 23.5%) and Morning-types (smokers: 8.9%, beer: 19.6%, wine: 19.6%, alcohol: 8.9%). Evening-type males used electronic devices longer (9.10 ± 3.05) than females (6.71 ± 0.41). Females showed fewer drinkers (beer: 26.6%, wine: 29.6%) than males (beer: 49.0%, wine: 38.9%). Maintaining a correct lifestyle even in this unusual condition is essential, in particular among the Evening-type students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

9 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Sustainability of Long-Term Detraining Caused by COVID-19 Lockdown: Impact on the Maximal Aerobic Speed of Under-16 Soccer Players

by Ana Filipa Silva, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Georgian Badicu, Daniele Zangla, Rui Silva, Gianpiero Greco, Halil Ibrahim Ceylan, João Alves, Francesco Fischetti and Stefania Cataldi

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7821; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137821 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyze the effect of a 9-week detraining caused by COVID-19 lock-down on the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) of youth soccer players. The study included twenty-two under-16 male players competing at the national league level (15.4 ± 0.7 years old) who were analyzed pre and post the detraining period. The MAS was estimated using the Bronco’s test. Moreover, the self-regulated physical exercise performed by the players during the lockdown was monitored using a questionnaire. Considering the training volume per week, the players were grouped into those working more (>180 min/week) and those working less (<180 min/week) during the lockdown. Within-group changes revealed no significant differences (p = 0.122; d = 0.381) in the group that self-trained less than 180 min/week started (pre-lockdown) at 3.97 ± 0.29 m/s and ended (post-lockdown) at 3.85 ± 0.34 m/s, corresponding to a decrease of 3.02%. For those who self-trained more than 180 min/week during the lockdown, they started with 4.33 ± 0.28 m/s and decreased by 1.62% for 4.26 ± 0.28 m/s (p = 0.319; d = 0.250). The team as a whole (pooled data, all players included) decreased 2.27% from 4.15 ± 0.34 to 4.06 ± 0.37 m/s (p = 0.077; d = 0.321). Between group analysis revealed that the group of players that trained more than 180 min/weeks were significantly better than players working below 180 min/week in both pre-lockdown moment (+9.01%; p = 0.007; d = 1.263) and post-lockdown moment (10.6%; p = 0.006; d = 1.323). Home-based training can be a good strategy to mitigate the detraining effects caused by a lockdown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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Review

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15 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions in Sedentary People during COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Stefano Ciriminna, Nicola Veronese, Claudia Cannizzo, Alessandro D’Aleo, Antonina Ganci, Sofia Elena Montana Lampo, Federica Bifara, Giuseppe Battaglia, Giuseppe Messina, Valerio Giustino, Antonio Palma, Mario Barbagallo and Ligia J. Dominguez

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031331 - 5 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Background: The social restriction measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreasing physical activity levels. We aimed to evaluate whether the interventions reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown on people with sedentary behavior were effective. Methods: We searched several databases from their inception until 1 April 2023, including RCTs evaluating the effects of any physical activity intervention in increasing the physical activity level in people with sedentary behavior during COVID-19 confinement, based on evidence derived from intervention studies with a control group. Studies were excluded if they (i) did not include humans; (ii) did not include sufficient information regarding the interventions or regarding the outcomes of interest; (iii) did not have a control group. We used the Rayyan systematic review platform for the selection of the studies to include based on the title/abstract information. Results: Starting with 2461 records from the original literature search, and after reviewing them according to the latest PRISMA recommendations, 11 RCTs including a total of 1770 participants were available and were included in the systematic review. We found that most of the studies examined (73%) reported the beneficial effects of the proposed interventions on improving the physical activity, reducing the sedentary time, and positively contributing to the psychological well-being of the participants. Conclusions: The results of the present systematic review on RCTs of interventions to increase physical activity in sedentary people during the COVID-19 lockdown show the beneficial effects of diverse online-delivered strategies, which can be applied even after the pandemic in conditions in which access to in-person activities is not possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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17 pages, 3177 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Possible Impact of COVID-19 on Respiratory Muscles Structure and Functions: A Literature Review

by Leonardo Cesanelli, Danguole Satkunskiene, Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar, Raimondas Kubilius, Gintare Repečkaite, Federico Cesanelli, Angelo Iovane and Giuseppe Messina

Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7446; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127446 - 17 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2380

Abstract

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on respiratory muscle functions is an important area of recent enquiry. COVID-19 has effects on the respiratory muscles. The diaphragm muscle is perturbed indirectly due to the mechanical-ventilation-induced-disuse, but also by direct mechanisms linked with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. In this sense, a deeper understanding of the possible links between COVID-19 and alterations in structure and functions of the respiratory muscles may increase the success rate of preventive and supportive strategies. Ultrasound imaging alongside respiratory muscle strength tests and pulmonary function assessment are valid approaches to the screening and monitoring of disease, for mild to severe patients. The aim of the present review is to highlight the current literature regarding the links between COVID-19 and respiratory muscle functions. We examine from the pathophysiological aspects of disease, up to approaches taken to monitor and rehabilitate diseased muscle. We hope this work will add to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and disease management of respiratory muscle pathology subsequent to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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Other

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10 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

#How Can We Help You?: An Instagram-Based Online Self-Help for Eating Disorders

by Gaia Albano, Gianluca Lo Coco, Arianna Teti, Mariarita Semola, Federica Valenti, Chiara Destro Pastizzaro, Debora Mignosi and Salvatore Gullo

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032389 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1550

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in online self-help treatments and peer-support programs for eating disorders. The possibility of easily accessing them anytime makes these programs an important support tool and an influencing source for increasing motivation to change. The aim of this work is to describe the #How can we help you? project, its initial feedback received from users, and its future directions. Researchers and clinicians developed an Instagram profile (Dicci Come Aiutarti) based on psychoeducation, aimed at orienting those suffering from a self-reported eating disorder towards clinical care, providing information about eating concerns and related constructs, and increasing motivation for treatment and illness awareness. The contents shared are based on narratives about people who had recovered from an eating disorder, importance and ability to change, and nutrition management. We have provided an overview of the needs of the Instagram profile users, a description of the main interactions recorded since the profile was opened, and examples of the unmet needs shared by users in direct messages. Future directions of the project concern the definition and formalization of the type of support provided by developing a psychoeducational and integrated program and also, the formulation of a research protocol able to assess the usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction of the Instagram profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Training, the Pandemic and Sustainable Living)

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