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Biological rhythm of sleeping is a natural disparity in an organism corresponding to and in reply to cyclic environmental changes, such as daylight hours and hours of darkness or elevated and low down flow. There is some evidence, based upon epidemiological studies as well as studies upon smaller groups of subjects, that individuals who work during the night and sleep during the daytime show cognitive impairment at work, have poorer and fragmented daytime sleep, and have increased risks of developing a wide range of social, psychological, physiological and medical impairments and disorders. Circadian rhythms are one of the most important effective factors on the physiological and physical performances of humans and disturbing this normal rhythm leads to different groups of diseases. The majority of investigations in biological rhythm demeanor vary noticeably in regards to the exact type of disease, population and protocols of sampling over the other outcomes or issues. We conducted a systematic review of [Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus] to identify influence of different kinds of diseases among shift workers in response to abnormal rhythm of sleeping. The results of this review indicate that abnormal patterns of sleeping can lead to immunological issues, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. It is vital for subsequent investigations to find a way to reduce negative effects (such as decreased amount of works’ time and altered diet) without side effects to help them.

Abstract Introduction Considering the effects of fatigue on athletic performance and the subsequent increase in the probability of injury, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of slow dynamic, fast dynamic, and static stretching on the recovery of performance, range of motion (ROM), balance, and joint position sense. Methods Fifteen collegiate healthy females were involved in four separate sessions of slow dynamic stretching (SDS), fast dynamic stretching (FDS), static stretching (SS), and control condition (CC; without stretching), in a random order with at least 48 h of rest between sessions. After warming up, the individuals performed ROM, balance, joint position sense (JPS) maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force as well as countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) as pre-tests. After performing the knee fatigue protocol of 4 sets of knee extension and flexion at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) to exhaustion (CC; without stretching) or stretching programs (SDS or FDS or SS), the subjects repeated all the tests at post-test 1 (after 5 min) and post-test 2 (after 60 min). Results A significantly lower JPS error was detected with SDS while JPS error increased in the SS and control conditions (p

Purpose:Disruption in biomechanics and kinematics of the lower extremity is one of the causes of knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The purpose of this study was Comparison the effect of selected lower extremity movement pattern and traditional exercises on pain and quality of life in male athletic with patellofemoral pain syndrome.Methods:The Present research was semi-experimental and pre-test and post-test.The statistical population of this research is all men aged 18-28 years old with patellofemoral pain in Shiraz city who referred to Hadi sports medicine clinic. A number of 30 people from the aforementioned community were randomly and available purposefully selected and randomly placed in two movement pattern groups (15 people) and traditional (15 people). Subjects signed a personal consent form before participating in the exercise program. Each group had their own exercises for eight weeks, three sessions each week, and each session lasted 60 minutes. Before and after the training period, pain and quality of life were measured using visual pain measurement scale (VAS) and quality of life (SF-36), respectively. To were analyze the data, statistical test of variance was used for covariance data at a significant level (p0/005 and F(1,28)=27/02 , ES=0/6). Also, the results showed that the traditional exercise program significantly improved the pain level (ES=0/5, P

Background and Aim: Balance and postural stability issues are significant complications for patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to assess the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water on balance and center of pressure fluctuations in women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis were assigned into two groups: grade 2 (n=12) and grade 3 (n=12). Pre- and post-intervention balance assessments were conducted using a single-leg test with the Biodex device, and center of pressure fluctuations were measured using an RSscan plantar pressure distribution device. Results: There were no significant differences in dynamic balance (P=0.679), anterior-posterior pressure center (P=0.469), and internal-external pressure center (P=0.863) between the two groups of women with knee osteoarthritis grades 2 and 3. However, intra-group comparisons revealed a significant improvement in the anterior-posterior pressure center for both groups (grade 2 group: P=0.048; grade 3 group: P=0.005) from pre- to post-test. Conclusion: The results suggest that an 8-week neuromuscular exercise program in water can effectively enhance balance and center of pressure fluctuations in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for women with grade 2 and 3 knee osteoarthritis.

Objective The current study aimed to compare the upper limb performance (range of motion and Y balance test) of male and female CrossFit athletes and its relationship with scores from the functional movement screen (FMS), Davis test, and Dash test. Methods Forty-two male and female CrossFit athletes were included in this study based on specific criteria. Measurements were taken for internal and external rotation range of motion, right and left Y balance tests, FMS scores, Davis test results, and the degree of shoulder and hand functional disability (DASH). The normality of the data was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. As the data were not normally distributed, Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships between variables. Additionally, the Mann-Whitney U test was employed to compare groups of men and women. Results The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between external and internal rotation range of motion and the Y balance test of the right and left hands with FMS and Davis test scores in men (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant relationship between external and internal rotation range of motion and the Y balance test of the right and left hands with Dash test scores (p > 0.05). For women, a significant positive correlation was observed between external and internal rotation range of motion and the Y balance test of the right and left hands with the FMS test (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between internal rotation range of motion and the Y balance test of the left hand with the Davis test (p ≤ 0.05). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between men and women in external rotation range of motion, Davis test, and Dash test results (p ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between men and women in other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion Based on the study results and the relationship between FMS and Davis test scores with range of motion and Y balance test performance in male and female CrossFit athletes, these tests can be utilized to assess potential injury risk and predict injury likelihood in this population.

Background: It is well known that stretch training can induce prolonged increases in joint range of motion (ROM). However, to date more information is needed regarding which training variables might have greater influence on improvements in flexibility. Thus, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of stretch training on ROM in healthy participants by considering potential moderating variables, such as stretching technique, intensity, duration, frequency, and muscles stretched, as well as sex-specific, age-specific, and/or trained state-specific adaptations to stretch training. Methods: We searched through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SportDiscus to find eligible studies and, finally, assessed the results from 77 studies and 186 effect sizes by applying a random-effect meta-analysis. Moreover, by applying a mixed-effect model, we performed the respective subgroup analyses. To find potential relationships between stretch duration or age and effect sizes, we performed a meta-regression. Results: We found a significant overall effect, indicating that stretch training can increase ROM with a moderate effect compared to the controls (effect size = –1.002; Z = –12.074; 95% confidence interval: –1.165 to –0.840; p < 0.001; I2 = 74.97). Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference between the stretching techniques (p = 0.01) indicating that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and static stretching produced greater ROM than did ballistic/dynamic stretching. Moreover, there was a significant effect between the sexes (p = 0.04), indicating that females showed higher gains in ROM compared to males. However, further moderating analysis showed no significant relation or difference. Conclusion: When the goal is to maximize ROM in the long term, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation or static stretching, rather than ballistic/dynamic stretching, should be applied. Something to consider in future research as well as sports practice is that neither volume, intensity, nor frequency of stretching were found to play a significant role in ROM yields.

Purpose: This study aims to conduct a systematic review of injury prevention programs on muscle flexibility in children and adolescents. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus. An electronic search was conducted on December 1, 2022, without applying any year constraints. Studies that investigated the effect of injury prevention programs on muscle flexibility in subjects under 17 years of age were included. The study method was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: A total of 3563 studies were initially retrieved from databases, and data from 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were used in this systematic review. Injury prevention programs (three out of five articles) can improve the muscle flexibility of children and adolescents (before and after the intervention). Conclusion: Injury prevention programs can improve the muscle flexibility of children and adolescents in the intervention group (before and after the intervention); although no improvement was observed in the control group. Therefore, factors, such as duration, frequency and intensity of the program, gender, activity level, type of sport, and sample size are decisive in muscle flexibility.

Abstract Background Although stretching can acutely increase joint range of motion (ROM), there are a variety of factors which could influence the extent of stretch-induced flexibility such as participant characteristics, stretching intensities, durations, type (technique), and muscle or joint tested. Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the acute effects of stretching on ROM including moderating variables such as muscles tested, stretch techniques, intensity, sex, and trained state. Methods A random-effect meta-analysis was performed from 47 eligible studies (110 effect sizes). A mixed-effect meta-analysis subgroup analysis was also performed on the moderating variables. A meta-regression was also performed between age and stretch duration. GRADE analysis was used to assess the quality of evidence obtained from this meta-analysis. Results The meta-analysis revealed a small ROM standard mean difference in favor of an acute bout of stretching compared to non-active control condition (ES = −0.555; Z = −8.939; CI (95%) −0.677 to −0.434; p

Background and Aims This study aims to investigate the effect of a virtual reality-based exercise program on static and dynamic balance and the risk of falling in older women.Methods The study population consists of all older women in Tehran, Iran (Mean±SD age= 64.96±0.34 years, height=163.16±0.67 cm, and body mass index= 64.27±4.91 Kg/m2). Of these, 30 women were selected by a convenience sampling method based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=15) and control (n=15). Their static and dynamic balances were assessed by Biodex balance system and their risk of falling was measured by the dynamic gait index. The women in the exercise group performed balance exercises based on virtual reality for six weeks (Three sessions per week, each for 30-45 minutes). Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by statistical tests such as t-test and analysis of covariance in SPSS software, version 21. The significance level was set at 0.05.Results Six weeks of virtual reality-based exercises had a positive and significant effect on static and dynamic balance and the risk of falling in older women (P=0.001).Conclusion The exercises based on virtual reality can improve static and dynamic balance and reduce the risk of falling in Aged women which are recommended to prevent balance disorders and its adverse outcomes in these women.

Background and Aims The knee joint injury in judokas mostly occurs in the standing position. This study aims to investigate the relationship between kinematic variables of trunk and the occurrence of knee injuries in male judokas.Methods In this study, 15 male judokas aged 20-30 years (7 with a history of knee joint injury and 8 controls) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, after installing markers on their body, they were asked to stand on a 30-cm box and, after a jump upwards, land on the ground on one foot (the support foot). Cameras were used to measure the angles of the knee and trunk joints during the jump landing task. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to examine the normality of data distribution. ANCOVA was used to compare the groups. The ssignificance level was set at 0.05.Results Healthy judokas had lower knee flexion angle and higher knee valgus angle. Moreover, they had lower trunk flexion angle, higher internal knee rotation, and higher relative rotation speed between femur and tibia compared to the injured group (P

Background: Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 suffer from lasting symptoms such as numerous physical and mental disorders. It seems that these conditions can disturb the activities of daily living. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare fatigue, quality of life and pulmonary function in recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 25 recovered COVID-19 patients, discharged from Qom hospitals, Iran, in 2022, and 25 healthy people. The inclusion criteria for healthy people were a negative PCR test result and the age range of 35 to 59 years, and for recovered COVID-19 patients were at least one week of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Fatigue severity was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Questionnaire (FSS), quality of life through 36-question questionnaire (Sf-36) and pulmonary function through spirometry. The comparison of the mean data of the two groups was done using Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test by SPSS-27 software. Results: Factors including fatigue (P0.001), physical health (P

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks 11 + warm-up injury prevention program on kinematics and proprioception in adolescent male and female soccer players. Forty adolescent soccer players (20 males, 20 females) aged between 14–16 years old were randomly assigned into four groups. The experimental group performed the 11 + program for 8 weeks and the control group did their warm-up program. The kinematic variable in a cutting maneuver was measured using VICON motion analysis and ankle and knees’ proprioception by joint position sense (JPS) was measured using a digital inclinometer. For kinematic variables only significant differences in knee valgus among females 11 + compared with female and male control groups were found (P

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of two functional and functional stretching methods of the leg muscles on a selection of kinematic and kinetic indicators in women with ankle instability. Methods 24 people were selected and randomly divided into the functional exercise (8 persons), extra-functional exercise (8 persons) and control (8 persons) on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The experimental group underwent stretching exercises for eight weeks, 3 sessions each week, and the control group was merely performing its daily activities. Then, in order to measure the pre -test and post -test variables, the dorsiflexion, Plantar flexion and ground reaction force were investigated and measured. Data was analyzed using paired-samples T test and independent-samples T -tests at a significant level of 0.05 All statistical reviews were conducted using SPSS software version 25. Results The results of the T -test showed the significant effect of eight weeks of functional and Extra functional exercises on dorsiflexion, Plantar Flexion and ground reaction force. (P≤ 0/001). Conclusion The results of this study showed that the implementation of the functional and Extra-functional exercise protocol has an impact on the amount of Ankle dorsiflexion and the Plantar flexion of the Girls with an ankle instability. It was also found that muscle flexibility following the stretch ability of the gastrocnemius muscles by affecting the amount of wrist flexion facilitates the walking of the wrist installation, so these people are recommended to use the functional and Extra-functional exercise protocol.

Background and Aims hamstring injury is the most common injury in football. Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is one of the best hamstring injury prevention strategies. This study was aims to compare the effect of six weeks of standard NHE and modified NHE on electromyography of hamstring, hip and trunk muscles and sprint performance in young male football playersMethods In this study, participants were 26 male football players in Kerman, Iran who were selected using purposeful and convenience sampling methods and randomly divided into two groups of NHE (Age: 16.31±0.51 years, Height: 173.08±5.15 cm, weight: 59.85±5.71 kg) and modified NHE (Age: 16.41±0.54 years, Height: 173±6.84 cm, weigh: 64.20±8.76 kg). Sprint performance was measured by the 20-meter sprint test, and muscles activity was measured by electromyography. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was used for data analysis.Results In the modified NHE group, there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest phases in the electrical activity of biceps femoris (P=0.001), semitendinosus (P=0.001), gluteus maximus (P=0.016) and erector spinae muscles (P=0.001). In the NHE group, although the activity of muscles increased by 13% in the biceps femoris, 11% in the Semitendinosus, 9% in the gluteus maximus and 4% in erector spinae muscles, the difference was significant only in the biceps femoris (P=0.001) and Semitendinosus (P=0.024). The results also showed a significant difference between the two groups in electrical activity of biceps femoris (P=0.021), semitendinosus (P=0.046) and erector spinae muscles (P=0.039). Conclusion Both standard and modified NHE are effective in preventing hamstring injury by increasing the electrical activity of the Biceps femoris and Semitendinosus, but the modified NHE is more effective in prevention of injury by changing the parameters of NHE and increasing the training load.

Background: Muscular strength of the upper extremities is very important in the performance of athletes, which can be improved by using Kinesio tape. Kinesio tape is an elastic therapeutic tape used to enhance muscular strength and was first used in Japan in 1970. The use of Kinesio tape has increased significantly since the 2008 Olympics, and since then, questions have been raised about its various effects. The present systematic review evaluates the evidence for the effectiveness of Kinesio tape in improving muscular strength of the athletes’ upper extremities. Methods: PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, UpToDate, and PubMed databases were searched from 2016 to 2020 for studies published only in English language. The combination of the terms “Kinesiotape”, “Tape”, “Athletic”, “Tape”, “Muscle”, “Tape”, “Elastic”, “Tape”, “Strength”, “Tape”, and “Kinesiology” was used in the search. Findings: Among 47 obtained studies, 21 most-related studies were selected. Based on the results reported, these studies were divided into two groups: 1) the studies with the results suggesting that Kinesio tape increases the muscle strength of athletes, and 2) studies with the results suggesting that Kinesio tape is effective on other factors such as range of motion and fatigue and has no effect on muscle strength of athletes’ upper limbs. Conclusion: Kinesio tape causes positive changes in athletes' performance and abilities. In addition, it can alter the timing of muscle activity and reduce the time to achieve maximum muscle activity. Moreover, the effect of Kinesio tape on different muscle activities depends on how the Kinesio tape is used and if used in the right conditions, it can be more effective.

Background and Aims Water exercise is one of the most important interventions to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. However, the effect of exercise in different depths of water has been less studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effect of 8 weeks aquatic exercise in shallow and deep parts of the pool on postural stability and balance recovery strategies of the elderly.Methods In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 45 elderly males (60-70 years old) were randomly selected and classified into a control and 2 intervention groups of shallow and deep-water exercises. The intervention groups participated in a water exercise program for 8 weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Postural stability and balance recovery strategies of all groups before and after the intervention were evaluated using Biodex balance system and Motion Analysis system, respectively. Finally, the Mixed ANOVA test was used for data analysis(P≤0.05).Results The results showed a significant increase in postural stability after conducting both types of water exercise programs(P0.05). The results also showed that there was no significant difference between the scores of two intervention groups(P>0.05).Conclusion In brief, it seems that both types of shallow and deep-water exercises can significantly improve the postural stability of the elderly. While these exercises cannot significantly change their balance recovery strategies. However, due to the more effective role of shallow water exercises in transferring balance strategies from the hip to ankle joint, it is recommended to pay more attention to the role of these exercises in improving the balance of older people.

Purpose:Football (Soccer) is associated with an inherent risk of head injuries and is also unique in "heading" skill. Heading can activate biomarkers of brain damage. The present study provides a comprehensive review of researches on the prevalence of head injuries and the effectiveness of biochemical markers in performing this skill.Methods:Scientific libraries were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2021. Search terms included ‘Head Injuries’, ‘Brain Injuries’, ‘Epidemiology’ and ‘Soccer’. Studies that contained data on heading, biomarkers of brain injuries, injury incidence rate and mechanisms were included. Non-English and non-Persian studies, contained data on non-soccer related injury, or conference abstracts were excluded. From 243 articles related to the subject, 45 articles had inclusion criteria.Results:Head injuries rate in premier leagues varies (range of change 0.3% to 16.8%, or 0.12 to 1 per 1000 hours) and is lower compared to reports of semi-professional leagues (0.3% vs 22%). Heading is not common head injury mechanisms in premier leagues. The most common markers used to assess brain damage are S100B (8 studies) and NF-L (6 studies). Tau (3 studies), NSE (2 studies), albumin (1 study) and brain growth factors (1 study) were also used to evaluate the effectiveness of heading skills. In total, 9 studies reported changes in levels and 11 studies of no changes in markers levels following heading at different ages in both women and men.Conclusion:Exposure to repeated subconcussive and high speed impacts as the form of soccer heading may lead to brain damage that can be detected using biochemical markers. The results of the present study show that heading in football should not be overlooked as a potential mechanism of brain injury. Of course, more research is needed to clarify the possibility of such a relationship.

Purpose:The patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common diseases of the knee joint that causes pain, dysfunction, and reduces the quality of life in the elderly. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of core exercise stability and strength training of hip abductors with mobilization exercise on pain, functional disability, and quality of life in elderly patients with PFPS.Methods:Twenty elderly male patients with PFPS were purposefully selected and randomly and equally divided into two groups of central stability training group (age 63.7 ± 3.19 years, height 173.1 ± 6.2, weight 76.8 ± 7.92 kg) and mobilization exercise group (age 65.2 ± 3.22 years, height 174.3 ± 7.64, weight 77.5 ± 7.98 kg) were located. The first experimental group performed core stability exercises and strengthening the hip muscles for six weeks (three sessions, 45 minutes each session), and the second group performed mobilization exercises during the same period. Before and after the training protocol, the research variables were measured by using questionnaires for pain intensity (visual analogue scale), functional disability, and quality of life. For data analysis, repeated measures ANOVA with a significance level of p= 0.05 was used.Results:The results of this study showed a significant decrease in pain factors, functional disability, and quality of life in the groups of core stability exercises and strengthening the hip flexor muscles (p0.05).Conclusion:According to the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that core stabilization exercises, strengthening hip abductor muscles, and mobilization exercises decrease pain and functional disability and increase quality of life. So, it is possible to use each exercise as a training method in the rehabilitation program of elderly patients with patellofemoral pain.

Purpose: Disorders in the lower extremities biomechanics and kinematics are one of the causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the lower extremities biomechanics of the in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a narrative review of the articles 2020-2010. Methods: This article is a narrative review with a comprehensive systematic electronic search in databases (Google Scholar, Magiran PubMed, Springer, Taylor & Francis, ISC) related articles from 2010 to 2020. Search keywords included: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome "& Lower Extremity Biomechanics ". Results: After reviewing 293 articles, 36 articles were found based on the relevant inclusion criteria in the field of lower limb biomechanics. After reviewing the quality of this articles, 15 articles that examined the lower extremities biomechanics in patients with patellofemoral pain were selected and their role was evaluated in patients with patellofemoral pain. Conclusion: The lower extremities biomechanics in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome are impaired and the exercises performed on these individuals should cause changes in the lower extremities biomechanics of the alignment of the joints.

The perception of time holds a foundational significance regarding how we elucidate the chronological progression of events. While some studies have examined exercise effects on time perception during exercise periods, there are no studies investigating the effects of exercise fatigue on time perception after an exercise intervention. This study investigated the effects of physical and mental fatigue on time estimates over 30 s immediately post-exercise and 6 min post-test. Seventeen volunteers were subjected to three conditions: physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and control. All participants completed a familiarization session and were subjected to three 30 min experimental conditions (control, physical fatigue (cycling at 65% peak power output), and mental fatigue (Stroop task)) on separate days. Time perception, heart rate, and body temperature were recorded pre-test; at the start of the test; 5, 10, 20, 30 seconds into the interventions; post-test; and at the 6 min follow-up. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded four times during the intervention. Physical fatigue resulted in a significant (p = 0.001) underestimation of time compared to mental fatigue and control conditions at the post-test and follow-up, with no significant differences between mental fatigue and control conditions. Heart rate, body temperature, and RPE were significantly (all p = 0.001) higher with physical fatigue compared to mental fatigue and control conditions during the intervention and post-test. This study demonstrated that cycling-induced fatigue led to time underestimation compared to mental fatigue and control conditions. It is crucial to consider that physical fatigue has the potential to lengthen an individual’s perception of time estimates in sports or work environments.

Background: Asymmetry of lower limb muscle strength and knee proprioception have been linked with risk of falling among elderly with and without history of falling. Objective: This study aimed to determine the comparison of hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratio (CSR) and bilateral knee strength ratio, hamstrings and quadriceps muscles' strength and knee proprioception in elderly male fallers and non-fallers. Methods: Sixty older adults, 65 years and older were recruited into faller (fell twice in the last six months) and non-faller groups. Then, the knee extension and flexion strength and proprioception at 45° knee flexion for the dominant leg (DL) and non-dominant legs (NDL) were measured with a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Results: The strength of quadriceps and hamstring muscles showed significantly higher values in DL by 5.4 %, 9.2 % and NDL by 11.7 %, 15.5 % in the non-faller compared to the faller (p 10 % difference) was observed with the quadriceps (p = 0.014, −7.9 %, ES = 0.76) and hamstrings (p

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between functional motor test scores and injury incidence in elite Tehranian female shooting athletes. Methods: The statistical population of this quasi-experimental study was all elite athletes and super league shooters (guns & rifles) in Tehran in 1398. The sample consisted of 40 individuals (20 with a history of injury and 20 without injury) who, using G Power software, were purposefully selected after public recall. After obtaining the consent form and measuring the demographic characteristics of the subjects, a checkerboard method and a New York test questionnaire were used to measure the variables of the study. All subjects performed the seven Functional Movement Screen (FMS) after evaluating the degree of stature abnormalities. After checking the normality of the data via Shapiro-Wilk test, they were analyzed through independent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS software with α = 0.05. Results: The findings of the present study showed that, in the athletes with an injury record, there was a significant negative relationship between the total score of functional movement screen and the occurrence of scoliosis (P = 0.001), uneven shoulder (P = 0.044) and uneven pelvis (P = 0.001) and no significant relationship was observed in athletes without a history of injury (P≤0.05). Also, there was no significant relationship between total score of functional movement screen and the incidence of cervical injury (P = 0.661, P = 0.001) in subjects with and without history of injury. Conclusion: According to the results, the motor-functional test scores provide the trainers and therapists with a good prevention model of traumatic injuries and disorders such as scoliosis, uneven shoulder and uneven pelvis. Therefore, it is recommended that trainers and athletes in this field use Functional Examinations (FMS) along with clinical diagnostic tests to improve and prevent these injuries.

In this paper, a new energy dissipative device named elliptical damper was introduced for passive control of structures. In the proposed damper, the energy dissipation capacity is provided by the shear deformation of the elliptical ring. To investigate the behavior of the proposed damper, a sample of this damper was tested experimentally. The results showed that the proposed damper had stable hysteresis loops and good energy absorption. Also, the finite element model was developed by considering nonlinear behavior, large deformation, and material damage. The results of the numerical model were verified through experimental results. The results showed that the numerical analysis could predict the cyclic response and damage location of the experimental sample. A parametric study was performed to investigate the changes in the cyclic behavior of the elliptical damper with its dimensions. Four independent parameters considered for this study are the greater diameter of the elliptical ring, the ratio of its diameters, the ratio of the thickness of the elliptical ring to its greater diameter, and the ratio of the height of the connection area to the greater diameter of the elliptical ring. Among the studied parameters, the thickness of the elliptical ring had the greatest effects, and the height of the connection area had the smallest effects on the cyclic response of the proposed damper. By increasing the thickness of the damper, the maximum strength and energy dissipation capacity increase, but its ductility decreases. The proposed damper has stable hysteresis loops, excellent ductility, and high energy dissipation capacity. The elliptical damper is simple in terms of construction technology and provides excellent energy dissipation capacity for the structure compared to the cost spent for its construction. According to the results, the proposed damper can be used as an appropriate energy dissipation device for passive control of structures.

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Acute Respiratory Syndrome has spread around the world. Various persistent complications and symptoms, including various physical and mental disorders, have been observed in recovered and discharged patients. The purpose of this review article was to study the persistent symptoms in patients recovering from Covid-19 and the importance of rehabilitation in the post-acute phase. Methods: In this review study, related articles from databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, SID, Inlm, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer from 2019 to August 2021, were reviewed. The following keywords were also used in the article search process: Covid-19 (and similar) recovered, survivors, discharged, Persistent symptoms, consequences and post-acute. Results: A search of articles in databases identified 10,227 articles. After removing duplicate articles, articles in non-Persian and English languages, non-research articles and non- related articles, 61 articles were obtained that examined the persistent symptoms of recovered and discharged patients. The most persistent symptoms included dyspnea, fatigue and acquired weakness, psychological problems, and decreased quality of life. Conclusion: The results showed that due to the persistent symptoms and clinical condition of Covid-19 disease, motor and pulmonary rehabilitation is necessary for the recovering. These programs should be continued in specialized departments or through home rehabilitation with the aim of regaining motor skills and improving mental health.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strengthening the abductor and external rotator of the hip joint muscles on pain, thigh muscle strength, and lower limb kinematics in volleyball players with patellofemoral complications. Methods: Twenty-four volleyball players with patellofemoral pain were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received three sessions of strengthening exercises for the abductor muscles and external rotators of the hip joint using Traband for eight weeks. The control group received no training intervention. The pain was assessed by visual acuity scale, hip muscle strength by hand dynamometer, and lower limb kinematics using video analysis before and after the intervention. Samples included volleyball players with patellofemoral pain who had pain in one or both knees. If the pain was bilateral, the exercises were performed bilaterally on both lower limbs, but measurements were taken only from the lower extremity, which was most in pain. Analysis of covariance was used by SPSS software for statistical analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that after training, in the experimental group, pain decreased and the strength of the abductor’s muscles and external rotator of the hip joint muscles increased. Knee dynamic valgus and pelvic drop were observed in single-leg squat only in the experimental group. Conclusion: The results showed that the strengthening of the hip joint can decrease the pain of volleyball players with patellofemoral, increase the strength of the muscles and change the kinematics of the lower limbs on the frontal plane, and this can be the mechanism of the effect of this intervention on the symptoms of pain.

Introduction: Heading is a technique by which a player uses an unprotected head to intentionally hit the ball and direct it during match. There are growing concerns about the negative impact of repetitive hits to head in heading skill. The present study endeavored to compare the brain volume in soccer players, futsal players, and non-athletes. This study examined the role of heading in the Evans’ index as well.Materials and Methods: Sample consisted of 83 healthy men (55 professional athletes: 30 soccer and 25 futsal players, and 28 non-athletes). Athletes were purposively selected by HeadCount-2w questionnaire from among active soccer and futsal players in the professional league of Hormozgan Province, Iran, and non-athlete samples were randomly selected from those referred to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) center of Persian Gulf Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Evans’ Index was employed to assess brain volume. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of the groups.Results: Mean exposure in soccer and futsal players (match or exercise and the possibility of being in a heading position) was 343.40 ± 49.99 and 352.40 ± 44.84 sessions per year, respectively, and the mean number of headings per year in soccer players was 1632. The mean Evans’ index was 0.248 ± 0.021 in soccer players, 0.247 ± 0.020 in futsal players, and 0.251 ± 0.018 in non-athletes. All the samples had a normal Evans’ index. The results of ANOVA showed no significant difference between Evans’ index of soccer and futsal players and non-athletes (P = 0.76, F(2) = 0.272) and between Evans’ index in different playing positions (P = 0.47, F(2) = 0.772).Conclusion: The Evans’ index in Iranian soccer and futsal players playing in Hormozgan League was probably not affected by subconcussive impact of heading. Nevertheless, it seems likely that the index may be affected by exercise and physical activity. Further researches are recommended.

Bacterial biofilms have been implicated in several chronic infections. After initial attachment, a critical first step in biofilm formation is a cell inducing a surface-sensing response. In the Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two second messengers, cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), are produced by different surface-sensing mechanisms. However, given the disparate cellular behaviors regulated by these second messengers, how newly attached cells coordinate these pathways remains unclear. Some of the uncertainty relates to studies using different strains, experimental systems, and usually focusing on a single second messenger. In this study, we developed a tricolor reporter system to simultaneously gauge c-di-GMP and cAMP levels in single cells. Using PAO1, we show that c-di-GMP and cAMP are selectively activated in two commonly used experimental systems to study surface sensing. By further examining the conditions that differentiate a c-di-GMP or cAMP response, we demonstrate that an agarose-air interface activates cAMP signaling through type IV pili and the Pil-Chp system. However, a liquid-agarose interface favors the activation of c-di-GMP signaling. This response is dependent on flagellar motility and correlated with higher swimming speed. Collectively, this work indicates that c-di-GMP and cAMP signaling responses are dependent on the surface context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to compare the knee kinematic parameters between dominant and non-dominant legs of adolescent female athletes during change of direction (CoD) in fatigued and unpredictable settings. Knee kinematic parameters on 49 athletes (mean± SD; age = 14.69 ± 0.14 years; mass = 49.05 ± 1.22 kg; height = 1.61 ± 0.08 m) during CoD before and after performing the Bruce protocol and also in predictable and unpredictable setting situations were collected. Kinematic data were recorded at a sampling rate of 200 Hz. The results showed that the dominant leg had significantly 18.7% more flexion (p = 0.001, η = 0.95), 7.1% less valgus (p = 0.001, η = 0.95) and 0.32% lower tibia rotation (p = 0.003, η = 0.16) compared to the non-dominant leg in predictable and pre-fatigue (p < 0.05) conditions. With unpredictable and post-fatigue conditions the dominant limb again demonstrated 17.4% (p = 0.001, η = 0.67), greater knee flexion, 6.8% (0.003,η = 0.97) lower knee valgus and 1.4% (p = 0.001, η = 0.71) less tibiarotation. In conclusion, there may be an increased risk of injury withthe non-dominant leg due to changes in kinematic parameters caused by fatigue and unpredictable CoD manoeuvres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that high energy consumption in residential buildings is one of the main problems in Syria, applying criteria for a climate-responsive building design is one of the most important ways to reduce energy consumption. This article seeks to study and compare the historical and contemporary residential buildings of the city of Homs and extract the positive and negative aspects of each. The main issue of this research is to identify the traditional and contemporary housing in the city of Homs in terms of environmental model and accordingly provide practical solutions for climate-responsive building design. To achieve this goal, we first studied the criteria of comfort and identified the advantages and limitations of various indicators in a number of climate-responsive designs, and then, we analyzed the housing patterns of the city of Homs. The present research was conducted based on desk studies, including documents, maps, and field observations, with a descriptive-analytical method. The study found that in the historical context of Homs in the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, residents built valuable buildings affected by the dominant culture. In fact, these valuable buildings are now in Syria an essential part of the traditional architecture’s identity. French colonization of Syria has changed the form, structure and shape of residential buildings. During the French colonization, in Homs, buildings were influenced by the technology of the industrial age. These buildings are still operating today with high energy consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to propose some climate-responsive solutions for the new buildings constructed in the hot and humid climate of Homs, with a tinge of traditional architecture. The idea put forward in this paper is to create an urban texture. This texture is largely inspired by the Habitat housing units. It is designed in such a way that is flexible to natural growth and expansion and reflects traditional houses. Eventually, relying on the positive points and merits discussed at the end of the paper, construction of climate-responsive houses is a possibility.