Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Movement Biochemistry
College contact person: prof. Guglielmo Duranti; Tutor: prof. Roberta Ceci
Lines of research:
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying muscle cell differentiation;
- homeostasis of redox state in both “in vitro” studies in muscle cell models and “in vivo” studies in the response to exercise and/or oxidative stress;
- Study of polyamine metabolism in skeletal muscle under physiological and atrophy conditions both “in vitro” and “in vivo” on mouse models;
- Effect of supplementation with extracts of Moringa Oleifera Lam. and/or other naturally occurring antioxidant molecules on energy metabolism and modulation of redox state also in response to oxidative stress in “in vitro” and “in vivo” models;
- identification of natural protease inhibitors (Kunitz-like KTPI inhibitors) expressed by two myeloid insect species, Lydus trimaculatus and Mylabris variabilis, and validation of their pharmacological use as anticoagulant agents and inhibitors of NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps).
Methods: maintenance of primary and stabilized cell cultures; purification of PBMCs from blood samples; extraction, purification and analysis of DNA and RNA proteins (electrophoresis, western blot, PCR); spectrophotometry; enzyme kinetics; chromatography (on column and HPLC).
Bioengineering and neuromechanics of human movement
College contact person: prof. Giuseppe Vannozzi; Tutor: prof. Valentina Camomile , Prof. Andrea Macaluso
Advanced methodologies and protocols for human motion analysis, using optoelectronic systems or wearable inertial devices, to provide an accurate description of human motion and the mechanisms underlying motor activity under physiological or pathological conditions, during activities of daily living, work, and in sports.
Motion capture. Algorithms and models for high-resolution motion analysis. Monitoring systems for health and well-being. Models of the skeletal-muscular system of the human body in motion for the assessment of motor function.
Gait analysis and motor skill assessment in special populations. Assessment of motor competence in typically developing children and motor disorders. Sports biomechanics for performance analysis and injury prevention. Ergonomics.
Motor control and neuromuscular adaptations to exercise in special populations (elderly, orthopedic and neurological patients). Neuromechanics applied to sports and rehabilitation. Postural adjustments in healthy and pathological subjects. Kinematics, dynamics and metabolic cost of human locomotion.
Integrated neurophysiological approaches for the assessment of motor and cognitive interference in human walking.
Methods: stereophotogrammetry, dynamometry, electromyography, wearable inertial sensors, calorimetry, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, functional near-infrared spectroscopy.
Biology and genetics of movement
College contact persons: prof. Maria Paola Paronetto; prof. Ivan Dimauro; Tutor: prof. Daniela Caporossi,
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of control, response and adaptation to movement, and their involvement in aging and noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and neuromotor disorders. Our studies involve the application of experimental methodologies and innovative biotechnologies on “in vivo” protocols, both in humans and in mouse models, and “in vitro,” on different cellular models (tumor, neuronal, muscle). Specific competencies of the group include:
- “omics” functional movement and in noncommunicable diseases;
- Co- and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and its modulation in response to intra- and extracellular signaling;
- Role of redox homeostasis (antioxidant systems, redox-sensitive signaling molecules, oxidative stress response proteins) in maintaining cellular homeostasis and tissue or systemic response to exercise.
Methods: primary and stabilized cell cultures; extraction, purification and analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins (electrophoresis, western blot, conventional and quantitative PCR); cytofluorimetry; conventional and confocal microscopy (cytogenetics, immunohistochemistry, comet assay); cloning; expression and purification of recombinant proteins.
Endocrinology
College contact person: Prof. Paolo Sgrò
Evaluation and characterization, in healthy subjects or those with endocrine-metabolic diseases, of endocrine, immunological, and metabolic parameters involved in the phenomena of adaptation to different motor and sport activities, related to specific endocrine organs (e.g, hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal, -thyroid, -surrenal axes) and target tissues (e.g., bone, muscle, adipose); at different stages of the individual’s life and also after exogenous substance intake (e.g., use and abuse of nonbanned and banned substances, nutritional supplements). The above, also in collaboration with external research facilities, with a focus on the prevention of endocrine disruption (e.g., reproductive appartatus, metabolisms) and the maintenance and/or restoration of individual well-being in non-communicable endocrine-metabolic disorders. Understand the role of exercise in the control/correction of hormonal (i.e., endocrine and paracrine) and inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endocrine-metabolic diseases, also related to sedentary and motor activities. Evaluation and characterization in experimental cellular models (e.g., skeletal muscle, etc.), also with translational purposes, of possible biomediators and cellular and molecular mechanisms (e.g., endocrine-metabolic, inflammatory, etc.) involved in adaptive processes to motor and sport activities and/or in the etiology of noncommunicable diseases correlated to sedentariness and some diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Methodologies: Cycloergometer, Metabolimeter, Body composition analysis (e.g., impendenziometry, adipometry), Extraction, purification and analysis of DNA, RNA and Protein (e.g., electrophoresis, western blot, PCR); Analytical testing by ELISA and Luminex Multiplatform (BIOPLEX).
Exercise adapted to different diseases
College contact person: Prof. Attilio Parisi
The activities of the Exercise and Sport Sciences Laboratory involve the study of new physical activity protocols adapted to special populations. Current lines of research are aimed particularly at cancer patients, patients with chronic kidney disease, patients with multiple sclerosis, and subjects with osteoporosis. Relative to these diseases, functional assessment tests and training protocols aimed at improving the physical efficiency and quality of life of patients with these diseases are being tested.
Methods: upper limb dynamometry, body composition analysis, resting and exercise oxygen consumption analysis, basal metabolism calculation, non-invasive static and dynamic spine and pelvis analysis system (Rasterstereography), Electrocardiography (basal; exercise), training assessment and monitoring tools, field and laboratory measurements.
Exercise physiology
College contact persons: prof. Ilenia Bazzucchi, prof. Francesco Felici, prof. Massimo Sacchetti; Tutor: prof. Paola Sbriccoli
Lines of research concern the physiological mechanisms of adaptation of the human organism to exercise. Particular attention is paid to metabolic and neuromuscular adaptations, and much of the research involves interdisciplinary topics including the development of innovative investigative techniques.
The main lines of research are:
- motor control and neuromuscular adaptations to exercise in adult, sedentary, and athletic subjects, normals, and special populations (the elderly, individuals with orthopedic, metabolic, and neurological conditions);
- Characterization of the activity of motor units;
- Neuromuscular control in nonstationary activity;
- Noninvasive assessment of muscle damage and recovery;
- Effects of nutritional interventions on neuromuscular function and sports performance;
- Ventilatory control during exercise;
- Effect of exercise protocols on metabolic control in diabetic patients;
- Diabetes and neuromuscular function;
- Physiological aspects and performance in cycling;
- Neuromuscular control in combat activities;
- Optimization of performance during endurance activities in different exercise modes;
- Physiological determinants of human performance in different modes of exercise;
- Use of wearable sensors to monitor vital parameters and physical activity.
Methodologies and tools available to the laboratory: isometric and isokinetic dynamometry, surface, depth and high spatial resolution electromyography (HDsEMG), percutaneous nerve stimulation, calorimetry, motion analysis, posturography, laboratory and field tests for assessing and monitoring physiological adaptations to exercise, body composition analysis, blood energy substrate analysis, muscle biopsies.
Sports medicine
College contact person: prof. Chiara Fossati; Tutor: prof. Paolo Borrione
The physiological mechanisms of exercise adaptation, hormonal and cellular, with special reference to the maintenance of health status and well-being. The promotion of health status, individual well-being and improvement of quality of life through proper lifestyle. Health aspects related to the practice of sports activities, with special reference to the prevention and treatment of pathological or paraphysiological conditions related to the sports activity itself or to incorrect lifestyles. Echocardiographic and functional evaluation of athletes for screening of predisposing conditions to sudden cardiac death. Prevention of doping and potentially risky health behaviors in sports. New frontiers of anti-doping research. The application of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic noncommunicable diseases. The role of exercise in musculoskeletal disorders. The effects of exercise in the elderly and its role in the prevention of frailty and successful aging. Exercise, brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress and exercise.
Methods: clinical evaluation; electrocardiography (baseline; stress; dynamic sec Holter); echocardiography; spirometry; hematologic monitoring; use of growth factors; multidimensional assessment of the elderly; cognitive screening.
Cognitive and action neuroscience
College contact person: prof. Francesco Di Russo; Tutor: prof. Sabrina Pitzalis
The laboratory (www.researchgate.net/lab/Francesco-Di-Russo-Lab) deals with the neural basis of human action in interaction with the environment (perceiving in order to act), brain correlates of proactive (preparation, anticipation and prediction) and reactive (perception, attention, execution, sensory feedback and error management) cognitive and behavioral benefits and brain indicators of the effects of exercise in the life cycle and in pathological conditions, brain plasticity and effects of sport on the athlete’s brain.
Methods: behavioral (response time and accuracy), brain electrophysiological: electroencephalogram (EEG), event-related potentials (ERP), brain rhythms and localization of brain sources, neuroimaging: anatomical and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, fMRI), combination of EEG/ERP and MRI/fMRI (spatiotemporal mapping of brain processes).
General pedagogy and special pedagogy
College contact person: prof. Emanuele Isidori; Tutor: prof. Angela Magnanini
Qualitative and quantitative research methods in sports education (including for special populations); sports pedagogy; sports education and values; physical education teacher and coach education; sports and cultural studies; tourism, sports and recreation; Olympic studies; philosophy, epistemology and ethics of sport; physical-sport activity and lifelong learning; pedagogy of the body; body mediation and expressive pedagogy; physical-sport activity and life-cycle pedagogy; special sports pedagogy; autism and motor and sport activity.
Psychology and social processes in sport
College contact person: prof. Federica Galli; Tutors: prof. Arnaldo Zelli, prof. Luca Mallia, prof. Francesca Romana Lenzi
The Laboratory focuses on the study of the motivational, cognitive and emotional processes that characterize and contribute to a scientific explanation of individual differences in sport experience and performance, as in the choices and efficacy of lifestyles also related to physical activity. The above interests are pursued according to established theoretical models in personality psychology, social psychology, sport psychology, and health psychology, with a focus on contextual differences (e.g., individual and team sports).
The Lab also focuses, on the sociological processes of sport, both from a micro-systemic (individual-action-structure) and macro-systemic (structure-individual-action) perspective, with specific attention to issues related to sport as a “total social fact” and its complexities-for example, the mind-body relationship, the role of sport in cultures and cultures in sport, sport and deviance, social phenomena related to health and prevention in sport, sport, peace and social inclusion, value dimensions conveyed by sport, the relationship between sport, territory, sustainability and symbolic and community spaces – and to all related socio-historical, socio-cultural and social identity processes.
Public health, epidemiology and biotechnology
College contact person: prof. Vincenzo Romano Spica, Tutor: prof. Federica Valeriani
Integration of motor activity into community-based prevention strategies: the perspectives of different health systems, including in light of new health challenges induced by emerging pathogens or new pandemics such as Covid-19. The sedentary risk factor in a Global Health and One Health perspective. Physical activity and health promotion: the role of the National Health Service. Environmental microbiology and human microbiota in sport. Legionellosis. Infectious risks, vaccination and sport activity. Safety and quality issues related to sports facilities: gyms, swimming pools, spas, major events, including in light of epidemic events from emerging or new risks such as SARS-CoV-2. Recreational water hygiene: guidelines and innovation for surveillance, treatments, disinfection, guidelines and consensus documents for sanitation management of swimming sports facilities. Health policy in sports and motor activities.
Methods: epidemiology and meta-analysis; traditional microbiology: bacterial cultures, serotyping; molecular microbiology: genotyping (Real Time PCR, ARDRA, MLST); study of mfDNA with massively parallel sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.
Sports and applied medical technical sciences
College contact person: prof. Antonio Tessitore, Tutor: prof. Clara Crescioli
He deals with the main issues related to exercise (standardization methods, metabolic and psycho-affective responses, assessment of energy cost) and physical activity and sports in subjects of all age groups, including those with metabolic diseases and/or disabilities.
The main lines of research and methodologies are:
- Research in the field of training and competition monitoring and recovery strategies, with special reference to sports games, combat sports and rapid environmental adaptation; Performance monitoring in harsh environmental conditions; Performance analysis and match analysis; Technology and innovation in sports and in the service of sports coaching; Management and analysis of training and competition data.
- Research in the field of applied medical techniques. Studies in molecular microbiology through also next-generation sequencing technologies. Epidemiology studies on injuries and diseases, with special reference to motor and sports activities. Study of biological mediators involved in adaptation to physical activity.
Sport Strategy & E-Sports Management (SSEM)
College contact person: Prof. Francesca Vicentini
The research activity of the Laboratory of Sport Strategy and E-Sports Management is concerned with promoting and developing the research area of sports from a managerial point of view, as well as the new E-sport reality, nationally and internationally.
Additional research areas are: Marketing management, Corporate governance (Governance role), Organizational Behaviour and career management, Business Model in Esports Sport Management Sustainability inclusion and sport management, Event Management.
Methodologies: qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis.
Functional assessment and analysis of sports performance
College contact persons: prof. Laura Capranica, prof. Maria Francesca Piacentini
Study of the theoretical and applied aspects in sports, exercise and ergonomics in the different phases of the individual’s life, with special reference to the study of determinants, performance patterns, training methodology and dissemination of motor and sports practice.
Research topics include:
- biological, motor, cognitive, technical, and tactical aspects of analyzing and improving sports performance and preventing overtraining;
- training methods for maintaining-improving the health of athletes and the general population, in relation to age, gender and activity level;
- The evaluation of sports development, its principles and and policies;
- Study of the determinants of endurance performance;
- Study of strength training (with special emphasis on VBT).
These themes are developed through the identification of key factors for sports performance, functional assessment of different populations (athletes, women, the elderly, children), and sports policies. Specific study topics will be carried out under both controlled environmental (laboratory) and ecological (field) conditions.
Methods: multi-disciplinary field and laboratory measurement approaches including individual, inter-individual and environmental variables. Analysis of motor and technical-tactical performance patterns of official and simulated competitions and in training, with particular reference to the level of motor/sports competence, gender, and age of the individual. Analysis of national, European, and international sports policies.
Methods: multi-disciplinary field and laboratory measurement approaches including individual, inter-individual and environmental variables. Analysis of motor and technical-tactical performance patterns of official and simulated competition and in training, with particular reference to the level of motor/sports competence, gender and age of the individual.