Papers by Massimo Venturelli
In 2050 the number of people aged ≥60 years will increase by 1.25 billion [1] with an estimate of... more In 2050 the number of people aged ≥60 years will increase by 1.25 billion [1] with an estimate of 115.4 million of persons with dementia [2]. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the cause of 60-70% of dementia, affecting 48 million of people worldwide [3], causing severe clinical, social, and economic problems [1].
In 2050 the number of people aged ≥60 years will increase by 1.25 billion [1] with an estimate of... more In 2050 the number of people aged ≥60 years will increase by 1.25 billion [1] with an estimate of 115.4 million of persons with dementia [2]. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the cause of 60-70% of dementia, affecting 48 million of people worldwide [3], causing severe clinical, social, and economic problems [1].
Ageing is a continuum of biological processes characterized by progressive adaptations which can ... more Ageing is a continuum of biological processes characterized by progressive adaptations which can be influenced by both genetic and physiological factors. In terms of human maturation, physically and cognitively functional centenarians certainly represent an impressive example of successful healthy ageing. However, even in these unique individuals, with the passage of time, declining lung function and sarcopenia lead to a progressive fall in maximal strength, maximal oxygen uptake, and therefore reduced exercise capacity. The subsequent mobility limitation can initiate a viscous downward spiral of reduced physical function and health. Emerging literature has shed some light on this multi-factorial decline in function associated with aging and the positive role that exercise and physical capacity can play in the elderly. Recognizing the multiple factors that influence ageing, the aim of this review is to highlight the recently elucidated limitations to physical function of the extremely old and therefore evaluate the role of exercise capacity in the health and longevity of centenarians.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2007
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2008
American Journal of Alzheimers Disease and Other Dementias, 2011
Motor inactivity is typical in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease although there is evidence... more Motor inactivity is typical in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease although there is evidence that physical exercise can reduce depression and enhance performance of daily activities. The aim of this study was to determine whether a walking program could reduce the functional and cognitive decline of elderly nursing home residents in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A total
Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 2015
The study aimed to evaluate the stretch-induced changes in muscle architecture in different porti... more The study aimed to evaluate the stretch-induced changes in muscle architecture in different portions of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) muscles. The reliability and sensitivity of the measurements were also assessed. Fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA) were calculated in the middle and distal portions of GM and GL at 0°, 10°and 20°of ankle dorsiflexion. At the same angles, passive torque (T pass ), peak torque (pT) and myotendinous junction displacement of GM were determined. Stiffness was calculated at muscle-tendon unit (MTU), muscle and tendon level. After static stretching administration, T pass , pT and MTU stiffness decreased by 22%, 12% and 16%, respectively (p < 0.05). Muscle and tendon stiffness decreased by 15% and 16% (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, no changes in FL and PA occurred. The reliability of the approach was always very high (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.90), with an adequate level of sensitivity. pT after static stretching was related to decreases in MTU, muscle and tendon stiffness, but not to alterations in muscle architecture.
International journal of sports physiology and performance, 2008
Young soccer players are usually trained with adult-training methods, even though the physiologic... more Young soccer players are usually trained with adult-training methods, even though the physiological adaptations are likely to be very different compared with adults. In contrast, some have suggested training preadolescents only with coordination training. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether coordination or repeated-sprint training better improved speed over 20 m, with and without the ball. Sixteen soccer players (mean age 11+/-0.5 y) were randomly assigned to a sprint-training group (STG=7) or a coordination-training group (CTG=9). The STG trained twice a week for 12 wk and performed 20 repetitions of 20- and 10-m sprints; the CTG performed coordination training (eg, speed ladder running) for the same training duration. Maximal jump height, anthropometric measures, and 20-m sprint time, with and without ball, were evaluated before and after the training period. Statistical significance was determined using two-way ANOVA with repeated measure and Pearson test for cor...
Muscle & Nerve, 2014
Introduction: Fatigue effects on total relaxation delay (R-Delay TOT ) components and measurement... more Introduction: Fatigue effects on total relaxation delay (R-Delay TOT ) components and measurement reliability were investigated. Methods: Electromyogram (EMG), force (F), and mechanomyogram (MMG) were recorded during maximum voluntary contraction from the biceps brachii muscle before and after fatigue. The delays between EMG cessation and onset of F decay (R-EMD), between F decay and onset of MMG largest displacement (MMG p-p)
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Papers by Massimo Venturelli