Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health

Associate Professor in the Scientific–Disciplinary Sector M-EDF/01A – Methods and Didactics of Motor Activities at Di.S.Te.B.A.,

University of Salento (Italy)

Academic Qualifications

• 1992: Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Lecce, Italy

• 1998: Ph.D. in Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy

Academic and Research Positions

• 1998–2000: Research Fellowship, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome,

  Laboratory of Organ and Systems Physiology

• 2000: Research Grant, Laboratory of General Physiology,

  Department of Biology, University of Lecce, Italy

• 2005: Researcher, Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences,

  University of Salento, Scientific–Disciplinary Sector MED/04 – General Pathology

• 2020–present: Associate Professor, Di.S.Te.B.A., University of Salento,

  Scientific–Disciplinary Sector M-EDF/01 – Methods and Didactics of Motor Activities

• My main research interests focus on the interaction between physical activity, motor learning, and health across different populations, with particular attention to vulnerable and developmental groups. Specifically, my research focuses on: 1. Motor Learning and Didactic Adaptation in Physical Education • Cognitive and ecological approaches to motor learning • Pedagogical adaptations in sport and motor activities • Didactics of team sports in school and youth sport contexts 2. Physical Activity and Health in Special and Vulnerable Populations • Exercise interventions in adolescents with obesity • Physical activity for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) • Sport and movement-based programs in elderly and postmenopausal women 3. Training Methodologies in Youth and Adult Sport • Effects of different training models in team sports (e.g., soccer, handball, basketball) • Small-sided games and training time-of-day effects on performance and psychophysiological responses • Collaborative learning approaches in sport-specific skill acquisition 4. Exercise, Metabolism and Chrononutrition • Effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) and Ramadan-style fasting on body composition and metabolic health • Relationship between physical exercise, metabolic markers, and gut microbiota • Exercise-induced hormonal responses (ghrelin, growth hormone, insulin sensitivity) 5. Psychological and Motivational Aspects of Physical Activity • Sport-related anxiety and emotional regulation • Motivation, enjoyment and engagement in physical activity programs • Emotional eating and psychosocial determinants of physical activity behavior