مطالب

In recent years, the enrollment of English as a foreign language (EFL) has increased significantly in higher education. The aim of this study is investigating the impact of a group learning program which is implemented as online on learning motivation of English among Iranian university students. Forty four undergraduate university students (25 males and 19 females) with the age range of 18 to 30 participated in this study. The Dornyei theoretical framework (2005; 2009) was used to measure the three aspects of motivation (ideal L2 self, ought-to L2self, and L2 learning experience). A pre- and posttest survey and a semi-instructured interview were used as the main instruments. For identifying the differences of the scores of three aspects of motivation, a paired sample T-test was used. The findings showed that there was a significant difference in L2 learning experience prior to and after the program administration and no significant difference were observed regarding the two other aspects. The findings also showed the most motivating feature was interesting learning recourses and tools and the most demotivating feature was technology barriers. Moreover, the findings of the interviews showed that most of the students had positive experience of this project. With the increasing role of English in Iran in all aspects of teaching and learning as an international language, it is crucial for teachers and program developers to care about the motivational drives of learners due to the positive feedback of some programs as the project under the study.

Background : Internationalization of sports leagues can have several benefits, including increased exposure to a global audience; improved competitiveness; and enhanced financial opportunities and cultural exchange. Overall, the internationalization of a sports league can help it grow, become more competitive, and reach a wider audience, leading to benefits for both the league and its fans. Aim: The main objective of this research was to develop a model of challenges affecting the internationalization of the Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL). Materials and Methods: We conducted twenty in-depth interviews with expertise involved in the functioning of the PGPL who were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The data was analyzed using grounded theory method, including open, axial, and selective coding. During the analysis, we identified 85 codes that generated 49 general concepts. Subsequently, through further reviewing the concepts and their combination with each other, we identified twenty tow final categories that affect the internationalization of PGPL. These categories were classified into five main dimensions: political-economic; managerial; legal; technical-marketing and socio-cultural. Results : According to the research findings, it is necessary for the Iranian football managers and practitioners to first address the challenges affecting the internationalization of the PGPL and then provide the required conditions and platforms with attitude-behavioral alignment to move toward internationalization. Conclusion: The study suggests that Iranian football managers and practitioners need to address challenges hindering the internationalization of the PGPL and provide the necessary conditions and platforms to facilitate the process. By doing so, the PGPL can expand its presence and competitiveness in the global football industry, leading to growth and success.

Background: Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. There is growing evidence to suggest that exercise can improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase overall well-being. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of ethical values and coaching styles in adherence to sports in group and individual athletes. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of the present study included 350 athletes in group and individual disciplines in Mashhad, 296 of them were randomly selected as a statistical sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for statistical analysis in the present study, which was done using SPSS 23 (Chicago) and LISREL 8.80 software. Results: The results of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that the research data have a normal distribution. The analysis results showed a significant relationship between coaching style and its components with adherence to sport and between ethical values and its components with adherence to the sport. Also, the regression analysis results showed that ethical values and their components and coaching styles and their components have the ability to predict adherence to the sport. Conclusion: Finally, it was found that the structural equation model of the relationship between ethical values and adherence to sport and coaching styles and adherence to the sport has a significant fit. According to the results of the research, it can be said that coaches and those involved in sports can, by properly explaining and presenting ethical values, as well as the correct use and application of coaching styles, encourage people in the community at all levels and especially athletes to adhere to physical activity and exercise.

Background: Balance is a critical physical factor for achieving independence, and children with spastic cerebral palsy often experience motor and balance difficulties. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of game therapy on the balance of children with cerebral palsy, with a focus on basic abilities. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest controlled approach. Twenty children aged 4-10 years, diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy with levels 1 and 2 according to SCFMG standards, with a minimum IQ of 80 (to be able to perform the required tasks), and possessing the basic ability to stand and maintain posture balance, as well as communicate and understand linguistic concepts, were randomly selected from rehabilitation clinics in Tehran. Subjects were randomly divided into the control and game therapy groups. The pediatric balance scale (PBS) test was used to evaluate the balance level using a WII device with a wireless controller and a motion controller. The exercise program consisted of nine different games targeting various areas with the common goal of improving the child's balance. After 20 game therapy sessions, (four 20-minute sessions per week,) tests were repeated in the post-test. The data were analyzed with tow way ANOVA Test and paired T-test by SPSS, 20. Results : The results of the paired t-test indicate a significant improvement in static balance in the post-test for the game therapy group when compared to the pre-test ( P <0.0001). Moreover, the dynamic balance of the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the post-test when compared to the pre-test ( P =0.042). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that game therapy is a viable method for enhancing both static and dynamic balance in children with cerebral palsy. Given that the games used in the therapy are intended to be played at home with parental supervision, it is advised that these games be utilized to improve the balance of children with cerebral palsy.

Background and Pupose: Hypertension and poor sleep quality can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, etc. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body compositions with hypertension and sleep quality in male students living in Allameh Tabataba'i University dormitory. Material and Method: The present study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consisted of 170 male dormitory students of Allameh Tabataba'i University who were randomly selected. First, body composition indices and blood pressure of subjects were measured and recorded. Then, the Pittsburgh Questionnaire were completed by students (PSQI) to assess their sleep quality. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software at a significant level (P

Background: Telomerase activity plays a key role in preserving telomere length which is important in cellular aging. There is evidence showing the link between sirt6, irisin, and telomerase activity.   Aim : The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and aerobic continuous training (ACT) on telomerase activity, sirt6, and irisin levels of healthy older adults. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy males (age: 60-70 years, weight: 68-72 kg) participated voluntarily to follow the 8-week program including 3 sessions per week. Rest ratio in HIIT training was 1:2 and the intensity corresponded to 90% of HRR. ACT intensity was progressive starting with 50% of HRR and finishing with 70% of HRR. Blood samples were taken in a 12-hour fasting situation, before and after the program. Results: Results showed a significant effect of training on serum telomerase and sirt6 in training groups, not the control group. Also, in comparison to ACT and the control group, serum irisin was significantly higher in the HIIT group. Conclusion: We concluded HIIT training is safe and efficient for older adults in terms of telomerase activity, sirt6, and irisin level and can be followed as a time-efficient training protocol.

Background: Transmembrane protein fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) is as a myokine, metabolic regulator and potential therapeutic agent which is known as a potential trait for metabolism and obesity. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high intensity interval swimming training on circulating irisin and some metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal overweight women. Materials and Methods: Thirty postmenopausal overweight women (55.73 ± 2.66 years, 26.72±2.33 kg/m 2 ) were randomized into high intensity interval swimming training (n=15; HIIT) and control groups (n=15; CON). HIIT performed 6–10×30 s swimming interspersed by 2 min recovery for an 8-week period completing 24±1 session (average heart rate= 0.89±0.029% HRmax). Fasting blood samples were taken and body mass index was measured pre- and post-intervention. Results : In CON, there was not significant change in all measured variables before and after the intervention period. Irisin increased ( P <0.01) by 0.64±0.27 mg/ml in HIIT group. Insulin decreased ( P <0.01) by 0.96±0.36 mg/dl while the blood lipid profile P = 0.78 cholesterol, P =0.14 TG, P =0.10 HDL, P =0.52 LDL, systolic blood pressure ( P = 0.51), dyastolic blood pressure ( P = 0.75), and BMI ( P = 0.87) were unaltered. Conclusion: The result of present study showed that high intensity interval swimming trainings is an effectual and time-efficient training way for increasing irisin, and it can lead to compensatory irisin increases in postmenopausal overweight women.