Andrea Pagliaro
Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Via Giovanni Pascoli 6, Palermo, 90144, Italy.
e-Mail: andrea.pagliaro@unipa.it
Education
Laurea Magistrale Scienza, tecnica e didattica dello sport - Università di Milano
Laurea Triennale Scienze delle attività motorie e sportive - Università di Palermo
Current Positions
PhD Student in Health Promotion and Cognitive Sciences
PhD project title and a short abstract
PhD project title
Taopatch®: Redefining Sports Performance with Nanotechnology
Abstract
In recent years, technological advancements in sports have led to significant improvements in power, endurance, and energy efficiency during competitions. One such innovation is the Taopatch® device, based on nanotechnology, which releases photons through sunlight or heat sources, acting on the nervous points of the human body without the use of chemicals. This study investigated the effects of Taopatch® on CrossFit athletes, focusing on power, recovery, and endurance.
The study involved 16 CrossFit athletes (9 female, 7 male), aged between 18 and 55, who were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving a placebo and the other an experimental treatment. Physical and biochemical assessments were conducted. Lower limb strength was evaluated using the Optojump system, while postural alignment, plantar support, center of mass oscillations, and potential spinal imbalances were measured using the Freemed stabilometric platform and 3D spine analysis (Sensor Medica). These evaluations were performed at three time points: T0 (baseline), T1 (after several hours), and T3 (after three weeks), with athletes maintaining their regular training routine.
The preliminary analysis of the data revealed interesting trends. In the experimental group, posturography tests between T0 and T2 showed a significant reduction in maximum oscillation (p = 0.001) and an improvement in anteroposterior stability (RMS Y, p < 0.050). In single-leg jump tests, the experimental group showed significant improvements in reaction time and flight time at T2 (p < 0.05). However, the 3D spine examination did not reveal statistically significant differences between the groups in vertebral deviation or trunk imbalance at T0 and T1.
These are the first-ever tests conducted with the Taopatch® device, and the results are preliminary. Further studies will be conducted to validate the potential effectiveness of the device in enhancing athletic performance
Supervisor: Prof.ssa Patrizia Proia
Main research areas of interest
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning Techniques
- Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports
- Metabolic Stress Mechanisms
- Strategies for Health and Wellness Promotion
Researcher ID
ORCID: https://orcid.org/
0009-0008-3526-6382