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Introduction: Aging is associated with changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system, which can lead to impairments in balance. This study compares the effects of aerobic and core stability exercises on healthy older men's static and dynamic balance. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 adults aged 60 to 70 years were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into three groups as follows: aerobic exercises, core stability exercises, and a control group. The interventions were carried out separately for the two experimental groups over 6 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the Romberg and Sharpened Romberg balance tests, while dynamic balance was assessed using the functional reach and timed up-and-go tests. The data were analyzed using the one-way multivariate analysis of covariance test with the SPSS software, version 26. Results: The mean scores of post-tests for the balance tests in the two experimental groups improved compared to their pre-test scores and the post-test scores of the control group. Moreover, both aerobic and core stability exercises had a significant effect on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly (P=0.001). When examining the effects of exercises on dynamic balance, the findings showed a significant difference in favor of aerobic exercises compared to core stability exercises (P=0.017). However, no significant difference was observed concerning static balance (P=1.00) when comparing the effects of the exercises. Conclusion: Aerobic and core stability exercises have a positive impact on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly. Furthermore, for improving dynamic balance in older men, aerobic exercises appear to be more effective than core stability exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis focusing on recent developments in psychology about physical activity and exercise during early life. Materials and Methods: Excel, VOSviewer, and the bibliometric R-package tools were used to examine and assess pertinent records from the Web of Science (WOS) database between 2010 and 2023, following a dependable search approach. Results: We obtained 31,618 scientific records from the Web of Science database. These records were retrieved using specific keywords and covered and analyzed for their content. The most popular topics in this research area included Children, Physical activity, Adolescents, Health, Quality of life, Exercise, Depression, and Stress. The research also revealed that the journals "Frontiers in Psychology" and "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health" were the most active in this field. Developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands were the most productive regarding research output. Additionally, the study identified Serge Brand as the most active author. Conclusion: The intersection of early life psychology and physical activity and exercise remains an area of active research interest. This study indicates that researchers in developed countries produce the most literature on this topic. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that a considerable portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries, needs to be adequately represented in the research on early life psychology related to exercise and physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) refers to an improper movement strategy of the lower limbs involving multiple planes. Objective. The present study aimed to examine the impact of dual task conditions on joint repositioning sense in female athletes with DKV. Methods. This controlled laboratory investigation involved 31 volunteered female athletes who met specific criteria for inclusion and exclusion (17 with DKV, and 14 without DKV). The assessment of DKV was carried out through the Single-Leg Stance (SLS) test. Knee repositioning sense and dynamic balance were measured by using photogrammetric method and y-balance test, respectively. The tests were done on two conditions with and without dual task. Paired samples t-test was used to analyze data t confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05). Results. The knee JPS in the frontal (p = 0.008) planes improved while the Y-balance scores in anterior (p = 0.001), Posteromedial (p = 0.003), and composite score (p = 0.003) decreased significantly while perform dual task in female athletes with DKV. Conclusions. Our results showed that dual task training could improve joint position sense in the frontal plane, but it does not have a clear effect on the joint position sense in the sagittal plane. Moreover, dual task may impair dynamic stability in individuals with DKV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis centered on recent advancements in injury prevention for female athletes. Methods: The study employed Excel, VOSviewer, and the bibliometric R-package tools to analyze and evaluate relevant records obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) database, using a reliable search methodology. Results: From the WOS database, a collection of 10 560 scientific records was acquired using specific keywords, covering the period between 2010 and 2023. These records were subjected to content analysis, revealing the prevalent themes in this research area. Noteworthy topics included risk, risk factors, prevention, women, exercise, physical activity, epidemiology, injuries, performance, injury, strength, and health. The investigation also indicated that the journals "American journal of sports medicine" and "journal of athletic training" demonstrated the highest level of activity in this field. Regarding research productivity, developed countries, such as the United States and Canada stood out as the most prolific contributors. Moreover, the study recognized Gregory D Myer as the most active author in this area. Conclusion: The convergence of injury prevention in female athletes continues to be a subject of significant research attention. This study highlights that the bulk of the literature on this subject originates from researchers in developed countries. However, it is crucial to recognize that a substantial segment of the global population, particularly in developing nations, lacks sufficient representation in research related to early life psychology concerning exercise and physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare muscle strength and flexibility among a subgroup of women with extension-related chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) with healthy controls. In this case-control study, 32 subjects with and without extension-related CNLBP were tested (n = 16 in each group). Gluteal, abdominal, paravertebral, and hamstring strength, along with hip flexor flexibility and hamstring flexibility were compared between groups. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test (p <.007). The CNLBP subgroup displayed significantly lower strength of all muscles analyzed (p <.007), with the exception of gluteus medius. The flexibility of the hip flexors and hamstrings were not significantly reduced among the women with CNLBP (p >.007). The present study showed that alterations in muscle strength, but not flexibility, partly consistent with those previously hypothesized but not objectively reported, were present among a subgroup of women with extension-related CNLBP. These results may have implications for the selection of therapeutic exercises among this subgroup of people with CNLBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: to investigate the effects of Pilates exercise on the anticipatory activation of selected lower limb muscles and balance in elderly women who had previous history of falling. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 22 elderly women were divided into the control (n = 10) and the experimental (n = 12) groups. The Berg balance scale and Timed Up and Go Test and electrical activity of selected lower-limb muscles were collected before and after the intervention period. The experimental group performed the Pilates exercises for eight weeks (three sessions of one hour per week). Results: Pilates exercises had a significant effect on the Berg balance scale (p = 0.001), the timed up and go test (p < 0.001), the onset time of the tibialis anterior (p < 0.001), vastus lateralis (p = 0.004), vastus medialis (p = 0.033), and biceps femoris (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Pilates exercises can improve anticipatory activation of lower extremity muscles, balance and performance in elderly women with falling history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is the most important occupational disease that threatens the health of employees. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two male and female workers working in a home appliance factory participated in this cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal disorders were investigated using Nordic questionnaires. Posture evaluation was performed to measure the angles of forward head, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis using photogrammetry. Craniovertebral, shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis angles were photographed during the work and then measured using ImageJ software. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26 and Spearman's correlation test at a significance level of 0.05. Results: A significant relationship between the craniovertebral angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months was observed in the cervical region (P<0.001). Also, a significant relationship was observed between the kyphosis angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months in the upper back and lower back (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the workers' posture during work is correlated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to ergonomic principles during work to maintain and improve the physical health of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basketball is a contact sport with complex movements that include jumps, turns, and changes in direction, which cause frequent musculoskeletal injuries in all regions of the body. Also, injury patterns among athletes, particularly basketball players, continue to evolve and change. The current retrospective epidemiologic study aimed to investigate the incidence, severity, and sports-related risk factors of injuries in Iranian basketball players from 2019 to 2020. Using the Information Retrospective Injury Questionnaire (online version), data on basketball-related injuries were collected retrospectively for 204 basketball players of the Iranian league (professional super league and first-division league) during the 2019/2020 season. A total of 628 injuries were reported, which was equivalent to 6.07 injuries/1000 h. The ankle was the location of most injuries (n = 116 or 26.9%; overuse injuries (n = 40 or 20.3%)), followed by lower back/pelvis injuries (acute injury n = 67 (15.5%) and overuse injuries (n = 23; 11.6%)), knee injuries (acute injury n = 62 (15.7%) and overuse injuries (n = 31 (14.3%)), wrist/fingers injuries (acute injury (n = 85 (13.4%)) and overuse injuries (n = 8; 4.0%)), and shin/calf injuries (acute injury (n = 35; 8.1%) and overuse injuries (n = 28; 14.2%)). Mean time loss in first-division league players was much higher than professional super league players (7.84/1000 h exposure vs. 4.30/1000 h exposure), respectively. The ankle sprain was the most common injury in our study. Lower back/pelvis injuries had the longest time loss. Injury was more frequent among first-division league players than those in the professional super league. Injuries during practice were notably more frequent than during competition with different patterns of injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One of the most significant contributors to lower extremity degeneration alterations and its effects on balance and sports performance is dynamic knee valgus (DKV) as a faulty movement pattern. Different exercise interventions have been conducted to improve DKV. Extensive research and meta-objective analysis were conducted to assess how exercise interventions affected people with lower extremity functional indicators of DKV. Methods: The electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases SID and Magiran were systematically searched from inception to September 2021. Only full-text articles published in English/Persian peer-reviewed journals that met this study criterion were tracked. Two researchers evaluated the methodological quality of research findings separately, employing the Downs and Black Checklist. After collecting significant data from eligible studies, the results were integrated by applying a random-effects meta-analysis approach. Results: The final systematic review and meta-analysis comprised seven of the 3470 papers deemed potentially relevant. The outcome illustrates that different exercise interventions may be effective in improving dynamic balance (SD=0.93 degrees, 95%CI: 0.54-1.32, P<0.001) and functional performance (Hedge's g=1.695, 95% CI=1.22-2.17, Z=6.99, P<0.001) in 250 DKV participants. Conclusion: Exercise interventions appear to be an effective method to enhance dynamic balance and functional performance in individuals experiencing DKV; nevertheless, these results should be regarded as preliminary due to the limited number of studies and their limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic urged governments to take unprecedented precautions to restrain the rapid spread of the disease. Those precautions included home quarantine, banning all public gatherings, closures of all recreational and sports facilities, and many other measures, which significantly impacted the global community. The present study aims to evaluate physical and mental health problems ensuing the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in athletes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 501 male and female athletes aged 18 to 35 years. To collect data, we used three standardized online questionnaires: sports injury, SF-36 quality of life (QoL), and Goldberg's general health questionnaire. Results: In this cross-sectional study, 501 participants were recruited (375 female and 126 male athletes). Most injuries were related to the ankle (23%) and the knee (12.82%). The Mean±SD score of the QoL questionnaire was 30.43±3.79. The Mean±SD score of the general health questionnaire was 36.81±4.19. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical injuries, especially in the knee and ankle joints, was high. Physical inactivity, lack of exercise, and psychological conditions governing society could cause changes in athletes' physical performance and might be accompanied by musculoskeletal disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]