Exercise Physiology
shima sharareh; Pantea Kianmeh
Abstract
Purpose: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition leading to muscle stiffness, spasticity, and reduced flexibility, particularly in the posterior chain muscles. Myofascial release (MFR), has shown promise in improving flexibility in various populations, but the cumulative effects of ...
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Purpose: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition leading to muscle stiffness, spasticity, and reduced flexibility, particularly in the posterior chain muscles. Myofascial release (MFR), has shown promise in improving flexibility in various populations, but the cumulative effects of increasing the number of sessions have not been well-studied in individuals with MS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week myofascial stretching training program on the flexibility of posterior chain muscles in individuals with MS, with a focus on evaluating the cumulative effects of increasing the number of sessions. Method: A total of 30 female participants with MS were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a group receiving myofascial stretching training twice per week (n=15), and a group receiving training four times per week (n=15). Flexibility of the posterior chain muscles was assessed using the Sit and Reach (S&R) test at baseline, after 6 weeks of the intervention. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in S&R scores in both intervention groups. The group receiving training four times per week demonstrated greater flexibility improvements than the group receiving training twice per week, suggesting a cumulative effect of increasing the number of sessions. Conclusion: A six-week myofascial stretching training program can effectively improve the flexibility of posterior chain muscles in individuals with MS. Increasing the frequency of sessions from twice per week to four times per week leads to greater cumulative improvements in flexibility. These findings have important implications for the design of rehabilitation programs targeting flexibility in individuals with MS.
Exercise Physiology
alireza babaei mazreno; farzane taghian; esmaeil babaei
Abstract
Purpose: With the aging population facing an increased risk of ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, finding non-invasive methods to support eye health is essential. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of aerobic, isometric, and ...
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Purpose: With the aging population facing an increased risk of ocular conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, finding non-invasive methods to support eye health is essential. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of aerobic, isometric, and resistance exercises on visual acuity and overall eye health in the elderly, seeking to identify which type of exercise may be most beneficial for maintaining or improving eye health. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following standard guidelines. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2023. The search included terms related to aerobic, isometric, and resistance exercises, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal health, and elderly populations. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on research involving elderly participants and outcomes related to eye health. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 1,200 participants with a mean age of 68 years. The meta-analysis revealed that aerobic exercise significantly reduced intraocular pressure (mean difference = -2.5 mmHg, 95% CI: -3.2 to -1.8, p < 0.001) and improved retinal health markers (effect size = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.50, p < 0.01). Resistance exercise was associated with enhanced visual acuity (effect size = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.41, p < 0.01) and a reduction in the progression of AMD (relative risk = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.90, p < 0.05). Isometric exercises showed minimal impact on eye health compared to the other exercise types (effect size = 0.05, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.20, p = 0.40). Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports the idea that aerobic and resistance exercises can protect visual acuity and overall eye health in the elderly, likely due to improved blood circulation, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced retinal function. In contrast, isometric exercises showed minimal benefits, potentially due to their limited impact on systemic circulation. These findings suggest the importance of specific physical activities for mitigating age-related ocular disease risks, with implications for clinical and public health guidelines aimed at preventing visual decline in aging populations.
Exercise Physiology
Mahdi shams
Abstract
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. ...
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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.
Exercise Physiology
yasamin yarahmadi
Abstract
The pathophysiology of heat stress occurs when the body's environmental and physiological responses exceed its ability to maintain homeostasis. When internal heat signals or external factors raise body temperature beyond a certain limit that the cooling mechanisms can effectively manage, the resulting ...
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The pathophysiology of heat stress occurs when the body's environmental and physiological responses exceed its ability to maintain homeostasis. When internal heat signals or external factors raise body temperature beyond a certain limit that the cooling mechanisms can effectively manage, the resulting increase in core temperature triggers response pathways that themselves induce physiological stress. The primary response mechanisms to heat stress include sweating, peripheral vasodilation, and shivering as thermogenic responses—all of which are activated by elevated temperatures and may seem counterproductive to the body's requirements, yet they operate through a neuromuscular and hormonal feedback system. Genetic factors influence individual heat tolerance; for instance, certain populations have variations in heat shock proteins (HSP70) and ion channels (TRPV1, RYR1) that enhance their heat response and tolerance. Additionally, individuals with higher relative VO2 max levels demonstrate greater heat tolerance, as those who are physically trained exhibit more sudomotor activity and effective evaporative cooling compared to untrained individuals. Furthermore, individuals who acclimatize to heat over time develop improved thresholds for heat stress, enabling them to better regulate internal and cardiovascular temperature stresses during exposure. This knowledge is crucial for populations at risk and in situations where physical exertion is required in hot conditions.
Exercise Physiology
yasamin yarahmadi; Morteza Tayebi
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PMS on aerobic, anaerobic, and cognitive performance in female combat athletes. Method: In this semi-experimental study with a repeated measures design, 20 female combat athletes (mean age: 24.5±2.1 years) were assessed during two phases of ...
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Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of PMS on aerobic, anaerobic, and cognitive performance in female combat athletes. Method: In this semi-experimental study with a repeated measures design, 20 female combat athletes (mean age: 24.5±2.1 years) were assessed during two phases of their menstrual cycle: the PMS phase (7-10 days before menstruation) and the non-PMS phase (days 7-14 of the cycle). Aerobic performance was measured using the Bruce treadmill test, anaerobic performance was assessed by the Wingate test, and cognitive performance was evaluated through simple and choice reaction time tests. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and Pearson correlation (p<0.05). Results: The findings showed a significant reduction in VO₂ max (6.2%), time to exhaustion, and a significant increase in maximal heart rate and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during the PMS phase compared to the non-PMS phase (p<0.05). Anaerobic performance also declined, with a reduction in peak power (6.2%) and mean power (7.5%), an increase in fatigue index (16.2%), and lower blood lactate levels (p<0.01). Cognitive performance deteriorated during PMS, demonstrated by increased simple (16.7%) and choice (16.6%) reaction times, more errors, and decreased accuracy (p<0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between PMS symptom severity and VO₂ max reduction (r=0.72), as well as between blood lactate levels and reaction time (r=0.65) (p<0.01). Conclusion: PMS negatively affects aerobic, anaerobic, and cognitive performance in female combat athletes. These findings highlight the importance of considering the menstrual cycle phases in designing training and competition schedules for female athletes to optimize performance and prevent potential declines associated with PMS.
Exercise Physiology
Ashrafsadat Anvarimanshadi; Behzad Hajizadeh Maleki; nasrin rafizadeh; Davood Sabour; Elnaz Safikhani; Amirhossein Jafari
Abstract
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 ...
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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.
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