exercise

Language learning platforms or channels have always been a challenge and source of inspiration for the respective SLA researchers. The two widely used channels are learning exercises and tasks, which have received much research but which is more effective in developing language skills (listening here), is still controversial. Additionally, learners' features, including their learning styles, might be either an effective or an affected factor in applying either channel. To shed light on both problems, this experimental research employing 55 conveniently sampled Iranian intermediate EFL learners categorized into experimental and control groups was conducted. The experimental groups exposed to both pre-and post-tests received task- and exercise-based listening instructions separately for ten sessions. Their perceptual learning styles were also measured after the interventions. The respective parametric statistical analysis (i.e., independent-samples t-test) showed that both groups performed roughly equally in the post-test, and there was statistically no significant difference between intervention types. ANCOVA was run concerning each sub-style to address the status of the learning styles. Similarly, the relationship between listening ability and method type showed no statistically significant differences, regardless of whether the effectiveness of either treatment was natural. Both listening activities worked efficiently to enhance learners' listening comprehension abilities. Statistically speaking, the results confirmed the non-significantly differentiating effects of both independent variables on developing listening skills and modifying learning styles. The findings are more challenging rather than concluding, which, while bearing specific pedagogical insights, motivates further research.

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom among older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life and functional capacity. The relationship between serotonin and fatigue in aging is complex, involving multiple neurobiological pathways that influence sleep, mood, cognitive function, and energy metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective management strategies. This review aims to elucidate the role of serotonin in the development of fatigue in elderly individuals and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate this condition. A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms linking serotonin to fatigue, the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and future research directions. Studies were selected based on their relevance to serotonin’s role in aging and fatigue management. Serotonin plays a critical role in regulating various physiological and psychological functions that impact fatigue. Age-related declines in serotonin synthesis, receptor sensitivity, and transporter function contribute to increased fatigue through disrupted sleep, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and altered energy metabolism. Pharmacological treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have shown efficacy in alleviating fatigue related to depression and chronic pain. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, sleep hygiene, and dietary modifications, are also effective in managing fatigue. Combining these approaches may offer the best outcomes for elderly patients. Addressing fatigue in older adults requires a multifaceted approach that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Personalized treatment plans considering individual patient profiles and preferences can enhance therapeutic efficacy. Future research should focus on exploring novel therapeutic targets within the serotonergic system, developing personalized medicine approaches, and evaluating the long-term impact of combined therapies.

Background: The effects of wearing common masks during maximal exercise activities on individuals remain unclear.Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of wearing surgical and N-95 masks on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses in healthy men performing a maximal shuttle run test.Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy men (age 23.78 ± 2.0) participated in three sessions: without a mask, with a surgical mask, and with an N-95 mask, with a one-week interval between each session. After each test, physiological variables (heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and oxygen saturation), perceptual variables (comfort/discomfort and perceived exertion), and performance variables (maximum oxygen consumption and shuttle run test duration) were measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to compare differences between the conditions.Results: Significant differences were observed between the conditions with and without a mask in terms of oxygen saturation (P= 0.043), blood lactate concentration (P= 0.026), and perceived exertion, maximum oxygen consumption, and shuttle run test duration (P= 0.001), with the no-mask condition demonstrating superior outcomes in all variables. The type of mask (surgical or N-95) did not significantly affect the measured variables. Wearing both masks led to an increased sensation of moisture, heat, shortness of breath, and fatigue.Conclusion: Wearing masks, especially during intense physical activities, may impair physiological and performance metrics, recommending mask-free outdoor settings when feasible.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the Impact of COVID-19 Crisis on University Faculty Members' of Allameh Tabatabai University Physical Activity Levels. Methods: Data were collected using a researcher-made 21-item questionnaire that 284 people were considered as a sample and answered the online questionnaire. Results: The results of this study show that the faculty members of the university do not have intense and moderate activities. But the general knowledge about the benefits of exercising during the coronavirus period has increased. Other results of this study showed that university faculty members tend to participate in sports activities in post-corona conditions. Conclusion: In a general conclusion, The Covid-19 crisis has created inactivity among human societies. Technology is expanding rapidly and people's lifestyles are changing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs for physical activity and health of people.

Stress is a fundamental response of the body to various environmental pressures, impacting physical and mental health across age groups. After birth, infants enter a phase known as the Stress Hyporesponsive Period (SHRP), during which their physiological responses to stressors are significantly diminished. This stage is crucial as it shapes how individuals respond to stress later. Research indicates that the type and severity of stress experienced during the SHRP can have long-lasting implications, affecting stress reactivity in adulthood. Consequently, there is growing interest in utilizing exercise and physical activity as tools to mitigate the effects of stress. Various sports strategies and exercise regimens are adopted by health professionals to manage both physiological and psychological stressors. Notably, exercise has emerged as an important therapeutic option for various medical conditions, contributing to improvements in individuals’ mental well-being and physical fitness. Moreover, the objectives of this research extend beyond mere treatment; they also involve the enhancement of individuals' physiological traits. This study examines the scientific literature over the past decade regarding the Stress Hyporesponsive Period and analyzes research articles. By focusing on the relationship between exercise and stress response, this research aims to fill existing gaps and explore new pathways for understanding the interactions between physical activity and stress responses.

Aging is influenced by a wide range of biological processes, with increasing attention focused on physical exercise as an effective, non-pharmacological intervention to support healthy aging and extend lifespan. This review examines how exercise influences aging mechanisms by activating Forkhead Box O (FOXO) proteins—especially FOXO3, a critical regulator of oxidative stress resistance, metabolism, and cellular repair. By integrating evidence from both animal models and human studies, we explore how different types of physical activity, including endurance and resistance training, enhance FOXO signaling pathways that govern mitochondrial health, autophagy, and inflammation control. FOXO activation appears to play a central role in mitigating age-related diseases such as sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer. While preclinical studies consistently demonstrate these protective effects, human data are more variable, highlighting the influence of age, sex, and intervention type. Understanding the molecular connection between exercise and FOXO activity can help develop targeted exercise recommendations to promote longevity and delay age-associated functional decline.

Objective : Given the growing elderly population in Iran and the relationship between physical literacy and health, assessing physical literacy in this population is important. However, there are limited studies on the assessment of physical literacy in the elderly. The present study aimed to examine the cross-cultural validity of the Persian version of Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (SPPLI). Method: At first, the translation/back translation process and content validity were carried out through the Content Validity Index (CVI) with opinion of five experts. Subsequently, concurrent and construct (age differences and convergent) validity, and internal consistency were examined in a sample of 78 older adults (aged 60–90 years) randomly selected from nursing homes and physiotherapy centers in Qazvin. Construct validity of the SPPLI was assessed by comparing age-related differences and its correlation with age and its convergent validity with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the short-form Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and concurrent validity was evaluated through the its relationship with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) as a measure of actual physical literacy. Results : The CVI results confirmed the content validity of all SPPLI items. The results of Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference in perceived physical literacy between the two age groups (p = 0.42). Spearman’s correlation between total scores of SPPLI and age was weak and non-significant (r (78) = 0.123). The Spearman correlation coefficients of SPPLI with total scores of SFT, PASE, and short FES-I were 0.501, 0.452, and -0.001, respectively. Conclusions : The content and concurrent validity of the SPPLI was confirmed, and its internal consistency was good. However, convergent validity was moderate with the PASE and very weak with the short FES-I, while construct validity based on age differences was not confirmed. In conclusion, the Persian SPPLI exhibits appropriate cross-cultural validity.

Moral identity refers to those characteristics and attributes that play an important role in the formation of an individual’s identity. Indeed, the role performed by moral attributes in the evolution of a person’s identity is such that quite a few of today’s scholars maintain the oneness of the “self/psyche” and “moral character”. Adopting this approach, researchers have set out to produce a wide range of research works in the field of moral philosophy. The present study is an attempt to measure the effect of three components of ‘exercise’, ‘nutrition’, and ‘sleep’ on shaping moral character from Avicenna’s viewpoint. The findings of the present research illuminate the fact that the latter three elements have a direct influence on an individual’s temperament, whereby suitable grounds are created in which moral character develops. Avicenna holds that this statement may not challenge man’s will and authority. The reason is that every individual–by identifying his own physical coordinates and applying the most apt instructions–can approximate his temperament to moderation. As a result, the necessary ground for developing the most desirable moral character is created.