https://hdl.handle.net/10807/225 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:03:46 GMT 2026-06-23T12:03:46Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340248 Titolo: Increased serum levels of adiponectin upon a single bout of exhaustive exercise in amateur athletes Autori: Eleonora Martegani; Marta Mallardo; Ester Tommasini; Sara Missaglia; Claudio Pecci; Ermanno Rampinini; Andrea Bosio; Andrea Morelli; Aurora Daniele; Ersilia Nigro; Daniela Tavian Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340248 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340221 Titolo: A NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION CYCLING PROGRAM BOOSTS THE CIRCULATING LEVELS OF BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS Autori: Xhuljano Vukaj; Ester Tommasini; Sara Missaglia; Andrea Bosio; Paola Vago; Ermanno Rampinini; Daniela Tavian Abstract: Physical activity and exercise are crucial modifiable factors that enhance cardiovascular, metabolic and brain health (1). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin essential for neuroplasticity, regulating neuronal survival, synaptic function, learning, and memory. Considering the prevalent hypothesis that peripheral BDNF response to exercise is primarily correlated with voluntary muscle contraction (2), the current literature has also explored alternative methodologies, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), to induce BDNF release in the absence of exercise (3). Only one study has previously investigated the interaction between exercise and NMES in BDNF response, primarily focusing on stimulating antagonistic muscles during cycling (4). The present study aimed to investigate the combined effect of NMES superimposed in synchrony with agonist muscle contraction during exercise on BDNF release. Nine active men participants (age 38.0 ±10.6 years, V’O2peak 48.7 ±5.8 ml· kg-1 ·min-1) were recruited. A 6-week, 2-3 times per week (total of 14 appointments), interval training of 4x5-min at 60% peak power output (PPO) (achieved during an incremental test to exhaustion), interspersed with 3-min recovery at 40% PPO was performed. A novel technology, Adaptive Functional Electrical Stimulation Kinesitherapy (AFESK™), delivered through the VIK8 device (AFESK™ technology, VIK8, VIKTOR S.r.l., Italy), was adopted to trigger NMES in synchrony with voluntary contraction of the lower limb muscles during all the training sessions. Plasma BDNF levels, detected by ELISA assay Kit, were evaluated before (baseline) and after 15 min, 24h, 48h, the first (S1) and the last training session (S14). Non-parametric Friedman test and the Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analyses. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. At S1, no significant changes in plasma BDNF levels were observed for any time points. At S14 plasma BDNF levels showed a greater response at 15 min compared to baseline (4.08 ±0.27 and 2.80 ±0.010 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001), compared to 24h (4.08 ±0.27 and 2.75 ±0.12 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001), and compared to 48h (4.08 ±0.27 and 2.77 ± 0.13 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001). After the 6 weeks of training, comparing S1 with S14, plasma BDNF levels showed a higher response at the baseline (S1: 1.95 ±0.07, S14: 2.81 ±0.10 ng/ml; p<0.05) and at 15 min (S1: 2.62 ±0.08, S14: 4.08 ± 0.27 ng/ml; p<0.05). No significant changes were observed for the other time points. The results showed that chronic exercise with AFESK™ in synchrony with voluntary muscle contraction during cycling can significantly increase the baseline plasma BDNF levels, suggesting a favorable long-term adaptation. Moreover, it can also increase the transient plasma BDNF response after 15 min from exercise, before returning to the baseline level. This observation suggests that combining cycle exercise with NMES of the agonist muscles may be an effective approach in promoting BDNF release. However, due to the small sample size and the high interindividual variability, more studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and to fully elucidate the BDNF response in this context. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340221 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340180 Titolo: Paper and screen in introducing digital mathematics items: a study of computer-based mathematics assessment in the fifth grade. Autori: Montagnoli Laura; Ferrara Francesca Abstract: In this paper, we study how fifth grade students interact with mathematical items administered in digital format via a computer or tablet. The students belong to a sample of Italian classes that took a digital test in spring 2025 as part of the field trial aimed at evaluating newly designed items within the transition from paper-based to computer-based testing as the mode of assessing mathematical literacy in grade 5. The students were also provided with a sheet of paper as support. After the test, a subgroup of 56 students, randomly drawn from the sample classes, were interviewed in pairs on how they would approach the same items on paper and whether they prefer paper or digital. Using the data from the interviews and the collected support sheets, we examine ways in which students interact with the digital or paper environment to solve the items and advantages and disadvantages of the digital or paper mode of test administration. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340180 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340096 Titolo: Significant decrease of adiponectin plasmatic levels following two different programs of resistance training in healthy and well-trained young adults Autori: Eleonora Martegani; Luigi Marano; Sara Missaglia; Aurora Daniele; Marta Mallardo; Ersilia Nigro; Ferdinando Cereda; Daniela Tavian Abstract: Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipose tissue that exerts a pleiotropic effect on many tissues and organs, including skeletal muscles, bones, liver, and brain, regulating energy balance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation processes (1,2). This adipokine is secreted into circulation in three different oligomeric forms: trimers, hexamers, and high-molecular-weight (HMW) oligomers. The HMW form is the most active in the regulation of body weight and energy balance (3). Adiponectin plays a key role in metabolic adaptation induced by physical exercise (4,5). While its regulation after aerobic exercise has been widely investigated, less is known about its short-term modulation after strength training in healthy subjects. In this study, nine resistance-trained young men have been enrolled to perform two different sessions of total-body resistance exercises. The first training session (ETS1) was characterized by high time under tension TUT (5-1-2-1 cadence, to failure), emphasizing the eccentric phase of the movement, while the second (ETS2) had moderate TUT (2-1-2-1 cadence, two repetitions in reserve), representing a traditional submaximal resistance training protocol. Adiponectin concentration was assessed by ELISA in plasma and saliva samples collected before exercise (baseline), upon 15 minutes, 24 and 48 hours of both training sessions. Muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase (CK) and a visual analog scale (VAS) were also measured. Plasma adiponectin decreased significantly following both training sessions of approximatively 15-20% upon 24h and reaching 25% of decrease 48 hours post-exercise (P<0.001). No significant difference of circulating adiponectin levels was detected between ETS1 and ETS2 sessions. Western blot analyses confirmed a decrease in plasma levels of adiponectin, especially HMW oligomers. Salivary adiponectin remained unchanged following both training sessions. Correlation analyses revealed an inverse association between adiponectin and CK during recovery period. Overall, the two sessions of strength training induced a transient and rapid reduction of circulating adiponectin, independent form exercise modality, suggesting an activation of adiponectin signaling determined by acute metabolic stress. This hormone may contribute to inflammatory response during the subsequent recovery phase to repair muscle damage. Moreover, the dissociation between plasma and salivary levels of adipokine indicates its complex regulation. These findings extend existing knowledge on adiponectin and its modulation upon strength training and its potential role in metabolic homeostasis. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/10807/340096 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z