Sport Sciences and Health Research

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal death, inflammation, and oxidative stress.Aim: We investigated the effects of treadmill exercise and intranasal insulin on spatial memory, blood glucose level, and Physical growth indicators including weight, head circumference, and tail length.Materials and Methods: Seventy-two male Wistar rats, aged 8 weeks were into 9 gtoups at random (control, Sham, Aβ, Aβ + EX, Aβ +PINS, Aβ + INST, Aβ + EX + PINS, Aβ + EX + INST, and Aβ + EX + PINS + INST). We discovered that rats receiving Aβ25-35 had impaired spatial memory, which was associated with weight loss, brain growth retardation, Tail Length, and elevated blood glucose levels. Data from each trial was statistically analyzed using IBM SPSSStatistics 22 software, Two-way ANOVA, and post-hoc analysis Tukey test. The cut-off for statistical significance was P≤0.05.Results: Our results show that the improvement of spatial memory due to the improvement of metabolism and growth indicators can be affected by pretreatment exercise and intranasal insulin. Also, exercise training and intranasal insulin improved spatial memory and prevented brain growth retardation, increased blood glucose, weight loss, and tail length in animals treated with Aβ25-35.Conclusion: Exercise can amplify the positive benefits of intranasal insulin treatment on memory. The results of our research showed that exercise and insulin can prevent brain growth retardation and prevent spatial memory disorders by improving glucose metabolismy.

Background: The modern increase in mechanical and sedentary lifestyles has led to a rise in musculoskeletal abnormalities within society. These physical irregularities may influence individual mental health.Aim: This study explores the correlation between upper body musculoskeletal abnormalities and mental health among female students at Payame Noor University, Bushehr.Material and Methods: A total of 173 female students were selected via convenience sampling for this cross-sectional study. The presence of scoliosis, forward head posture, kyphosis, and increased lordosis was assessed using a flexible ruler, the New York Test, a chessboard, and a scoliometer. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were also measured. Participants completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with a significance threshold set at P< 0.05.Results: The findings indicated that lordosis was significantly more prevalent among students aged 15 to 24 (t=31.5, P= 0.001) and those aged 25 and above (t=57.3, P= 0.003), compared to societal norms. Other assessed abnormalities were within normal ranges. Mental health vulnerabilities were noted in specific domains; however, no significant correlation was found between mental health status and the physical abnormalities studied.Conclusion: While lordosis was notably more common among the study's participants than in the general population, the incidence of other musculoskeletal abnormalities aligned with societal averages. No substantial impact of these physical conditions on mental health was observed. It is advisable to integrate educational initiatives and corrective exercise programs into the curriculum for educators, coaches, and students to promote overall well-being.

The hosting of Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the announcement of Saudi Arabia's preparation for the 2034 made the world wondered for the new Middle East in the coming years. On the one hand, political experiences such as war and extremism groups, and on the other hand, the main source of oil and gas supply in the Middle East is a proof of the need for countries in the region to use football as a lever in changing the international image. The purpose of the current research is to investigate the position of football and the development process of football in the Middle East region, focusing on the three countries of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, and finally, the reason for Iran's conflicts with some of these countries in region. While the sport has a critical role on empowering the international prestige of Gulf states, football is the critical part to fill the power vacuum in region. Football has two minor (media, airlines and tourism) and micro (Geopolitics, geo economy, competition and political economy) impression on region.

Background: Late diagnosis and treatment of congenital hip dysplasia (CHD) can cause many problems in a person's daily life.   Aim: Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of therapeutic exercises and education on parents’ weight bearing, range of motion, joint stability, and disease complications in 4-10-year-old children with congenital hip dysplasia. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test design on 40 children with CHD in two groups of 20 people: therapeutic exercises and education. The training program of the therapeutic exercises group was done on a middle day for 8 weeks from 60 to 90 min in each session. Also in the training group, parents were taught about the correct methods of sitting, standing, and lying down. Before and after the intervention, the subjects were evaluated by the researcher in terms of performance indicators. These indicators were evaluated with specialized tests (weight bearing with standing flexion test, range of motion with stork test, and joint stability with sitting test). The analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between groups in terms of the effect on the indicators. Results: Based on the findings, the difference between the two groups of therapeutic exercises and education to parents was significant in weight-bearing and range of motion (P=0.000 and P=0.000), but in hip joint stability and disease complications, no significant difference was observed (P=0.269 and P=0.163). Conclusion: Considering the greater effectiveness of the therapeutic exercises, it is suggested to design a codified program in the physical education program of U10 children to correct skeletal abnormalities, especially hip dysplasia.

Background: Rapid modern world changes have impacted efforts to educate children with abilities and skills suitable for societal goals. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of active video games and selected movement games on children’s physical literacy and self-concept. Materials and Methods: Sixty 8-12-year-old children from Ahvaz City were selected and assigned into three experimental and one control groups. Physical literacy and self-concept were assessed in pretest. The active video game group played Xbox Kinect bowling, athletics, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball games. The selected movement game group played researcher-designed games. The mixed game group engaged in both activities over 12 video and 12 movement game sessions for 8 weeks, with 30-minute per session. Data were analyzed by MANOVA and student t-test. Results: The results showed that active video games and selected movement games influenced children’s physical literacy and self-concept. Further, significant differences were found between the experimental groups' physical literacy and self-concept outcomes. The selected movement game and mixed game groups performed better in these measures than other groups. Conclusion: Results suggest parents and teachers consider implementing the selected movement games and active video games to bolster physical literacy and self-concept in children.

Background: The present research was conducted regarding the prediction of socio-cultural and individual restrictions on the amount of regular physical activity in female people during the outbreak of covid-19.Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim of predicting socio-cultural and individual constraints to regular physical activity in youth during the outbreak of covid-19.Materials and Methods: This research is descriptive correlational research. 371 females with an average age of 24.27±0.17 years, participated via a random method. Questionnaire based on Basnef model constructs and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, logistic regression, and linear regression tests.Results: The research findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between background variables and regular physical activity. Subjective norms, behavioral intention, and enabling factors (characteristics of sports facilities and equipment) were considered important predictors of regular physical activity among female people. Also, subjective norms and attitudes (participation motivation) affect the behavioral intention of doing physical activity in young people.Conclusion: Therefore, it is recommended that education officials in universities, anticipate the necessary infrastructure to provide sports halls, equipment, and suitable facilities in order to improve the level of physical activity in young people. Furthermore, families identify their sport activity interests and as much as possible support them financially and spiritually. Young people also should do weekly physical activities by forming friendly groups such as being members of student sports teams.

Background: Pahlavani wrestling is one of the ancient sports in Iran. However, very few studies have been conducted on various aspects of it.Aim: To investigate the body composition, lipid profile, quality of life, self-concept, and nutritional knowledge of Pahlavani wrestlers of Kermanshah city.Materials and Methods: Fifty-seven adult Pahlavani wrestlers participated in this study. They completed the quality of life, self-concept, and nutritional knowledge questionnaires on three consecutive days, and then, on two separate days, their body composition and lipid profile were also measured.Results: The quality of life, muscle mass percentage, and bone and mineral content were significantly higher than the normal values (P˂0.05). Also, the lipid profile was in a normal state. Conversely, the self-concept, nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitude, and nutritional practice were significantly lower than the normal values of these variables (P˂0.05). Finally, the BMI was significantly lower than the normal value (P˂0.05) and the fat percentage and visceral fat index were not significantly different (P˃0.05) from their normal values.Conclusion: The results indicated that Pahlavani wrestlers of Kermanshah are in favorable conditions in many physical and body composition health indicators, which somehow shows the possible positive effects of this sport on different aspects of health. However, Pahlavani wrestlers had a considerably lower self-concept and nutritional knowledge than the normal values.

Background: COVID-19 transmission in team sports is common, but it's uncertain if face masks impact handball players' performance. Aim: This study investigated the effects of wearing surgical face masks during handball exercise for four weeks on athletic performance. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four adolescent handball female players and 17 trained females as the control group were selected in this study. Players were divided into two groups: the mask group (n= 17; age: 12.63±0.67 years, BMI: 20.61±1.19 kg/m2) and the unmasked group (n= 17; age: 13.45± 1.03 years, BMI: 21.08±1.46 kg/m2), who underwent 4-week training with and without face masks, respectively. Performance tests were conducted before and after the training program, which include: countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10m, 20m, and 30m sprint, medicine ball throw, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-YoIRT1). Results: After four weeks, both mask and unmasked groups showed significant improvements in CMJ, SJ, 10m, 20m, and 30m sprint, medicine ball throw, and Yo-YoIRT1 (P≤ 0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that adolescent handball players can safely use face masks during physical activity without experiencing negative effects on their athletic performance.

Background: Pregnancy can be a special but potentially stressful time for women. The routine life of female athletes who become pregnant may be challenged, and professional athletes may be more likely to experience psychological disorders during this time.Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the stress, anxiety, and depression levels in professional and novice pregnant athletes.Materials and Methods: 106 female volleyball players (42 professional and 64 novices) were selected as the research sample, based on their competitive levels and study participation criteria. Data were collected using a personal information form and the DASS-21 questionnaire developed by Lovibond 1995.Results: The results of the MANOVA test showed that pregnant professional athletes had significantly higher levels of stress and depression compared to pregnant novice athletes (P≤0.05). Although professional athletes had higher levels of anxiety than novice female athletes, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups on this scale (P≤ 0.05).Conclusion: It seems that female athletes at high competitive levels experience increased psychological challenges because of the added responsibilities of motherhood, in addition to their sports commitments. It is recommended to prioritize physical and psychological interventions and strategies to enhance the mental well-being of these individuals.

Background: Fatigue as one of the physiological factors can affect the physical performance of athletes. This issue is more important in young athletes and can expose them to injury. Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of functional fatigue on the performance and landing mechanics of adolescence taekwondo athletes. Materials and Methods: This was a semi-experimental study. Participants were 20 male teenage taekwondo players. Pre-fatigue measurements included side-jump tests, figure-8 hop tests, and single-leg triple jump tests, as well as a lower limb biomechanics assessment using a landing error scoring system. After the functional fatigue protocol was applied, all the pre-fatigue variables were evaluated again. In order to examine the intra-group changes of the research variables in the pre and post-test stages, the paired t-test at a significance level of P≤0.05 was used. Results: The paired-t test results revealed that following fatigue induction, performance in the side-jump and figure-8 hop tests significantly deteriorated (P<0.05). Additionally, performance in the single-leg triple hop test declined (P<0.05). Moreover, landing error significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated that after applying fatigue, the subjects' performance decreased and the biomechanical error of the lower limbs increased. Fatigue can significantly impact adolescent taekwondo athletes' performance and biomechanics. So, taekwondo coaches should implement effective strategies to mitigate fatigue, enhance athletes' conditioning, and optimize their performance in training and competitions.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a significant contributor to mortality in diabetic patients. Despite the potential benefits of concomitant and complementary training in diabetic patients, there is a paucity of evidence in this area.Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic training in conjunction with a hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of Qaraqat on superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde in the heart tissue of male rats with type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods: 24 male rats aged 8 weeks were diabetic with a high-fat diet (60%) and streptozotocin injection. They were randomly divided into four groups: (1) aerobic training (AT), (2) supplementation (Sup), (3) Aerobic training+ supplement (AT+Sup), and (4) diabetes control (Con). The training protocol included running on a treadmill at a speed of 5-24 m/min for 10-60 min, according to the principle of overload. Glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and MDA, TAC, GPX, and SOD of heart tissue were measured. Statistical tests of two-way variance and post hoc Bonferroni were used using SPSS software at a significance level of P<0.005.Results A significant decrease in glucose levels, insulin resistance, and MDA (P<0.005) was observed in the intervention groups following eight weeks of training and supplement intervention, in comparison to the Con group. Also, the amount of insulin in Sup and AT+Sup groups exhibited a notable decline in comparison to Con and AT groups (P<0.005), as well as a substantial increase in the levels of SOD (P=0.001) and GPx (P<0.005), and TAC (P<0.005) was observed.Conclusion: Diabetes is associated with elevated MDA levels, which are reduced by aerobic training and supplementation. Furthermore, the administration of a training intervention and the utilization of a supplement have been demonstrated to elevate the levels of SOD, TAC, and GPx.

Background: Physical education (PE) plays a crucial role in fostering an enjoyment of physical activity (PA) and developing physical literacy in students. This, in turn, contributes to lifelong health and well-being. Aim: The study explored the association between teachers’ perceived physical literacy, students' enjoyment of PA, and physical literacy. This was done by investigating the mediating role of teachers' self-efficacy in teaching PE. Materials and Methods: The sample included 40 physical education teachers and 100 students in 7 to 9 grades of secondary education, totaling 140 participants. The teachers completed the Physical Education Teachers' Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) and Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES). In contrast, the students completed the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and Adolescent Physical Literacy Questionnaire (APLQ). Results The results from the structural equation modeling confirmed the model's fit and showed that teachers’ perceived physical literacy and self-efficacy have a direct and positive relationship with students' enjoyment of PA and physical literacy. Additionally, teachers' self-efficacy indirectly mediated the relationship between teachers’ perceived physical literacy and students' enjoyment of PA and physical literacy. Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of teachers' perceived physical literacy in fostering positive student outcomes concerning PA by mediating the role of teaching self-efficacy.