Testing and monitoring anabolic androgenic steroids in biological fluids is a key activity in anti-doping practices. In this study, a novel approach is proposed, based on dried urine microsampling through two different workflows: dried urine spots (DUS) and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). Both techniques can overcome some common drawbacks of urine sampling, such as analyte instability and storage and transportation problems. Using an original, validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method, exogenous and endogenous unconjugated steroids were analysed. Despite the limitations of microsampling volume, good sensitivity was obtained (limit of quantitation ≤1.5 ng/mL for all analytes), with satisfactory precision (relative standard deviation <7.6%) and absolute recovery (>70.3%). Both microsampling platforms provide reliable results, in good agreement with those obtained from urine.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the modulations of the postural tonic system, observing the variations of plantar support. We worked on the restoration of the diaphragm function through respiratory gymnastics strategy that provides for the use of the KS Brief Stimulator ® tool. For the study, 5 subjects between the ages of 10 and 27, male and female, were recruited, all with different postural alterations. The subjects underwent a preliminary baropodometric evaluation and then treated, on a monthly basis for a total of 5 months, with the KS brief Stimulator ® technology and re-evaluated at the end of each treatment. Twice a week everyone carried out adapted physical activity protocols. At the end of each treatment the results of the baropodometric tests reported changes in terms of improvement of the pressure centre, showing a more congruous value than the concept of the centre of gravity and changes in the distribution of loads in both feet, in all subjects. Concluding, we could deduce the fundamental role of the diaphragm muscle in the global postural rebalancing and affirm that the application of the Ks brief Stimulator ® technology, alongside the kinesiological work, represents the keystone for the restoration of the diaphragmatic function.
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