Exercise Physiology
sirwan mohammad amini; Behzad Hajizadeh maleki; Ali Akbari; Ali Hosseini
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the temporal effects of a 10-week high-intensity wrestling training program on salivary s-IgA concentration in young competitive wrestlers.Methods: Wrestlers were allocated into an experimental group, which underwent a controlled, high-intensity training program ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the temporal effects of a 10-week high-intensity wrestling training program on salivary s-IgA concentration in young competitive wrestlers.Methods: Wrestlers were allocated into an experimental group, which underwent a controlled, high-intensity training program (up to 85% heart rate reserve), and a control group. Saliva samples were collected at baseline (rest), after the first 5-week training program, after the second 5-week training program, and following a one-week recovery period to measure s-IgA concentration. Results: The experimental and control groups were homogenous at baseline for all physiological and immunological measures. A significant decrease in s-IgA concentration was observed in the experimental group at the end of the first 5-week training program compared to both the control group and its own baseline (p<0.05). This suppression was transient, as s-IgA levels returned to levels not significantly different from the control group by the end of the second 5-week program. However, within-group analyses revealed persistent significant differences between the final training phase and the recovery period, indicating a prolonged immunogenic stressor.Conclusion: A 10-week high-intensity wrestling training program elicits a biphasic mucosal immune response: an initial suppression followed by a subsequent adaptation. These findings underscore the dynamic plasticity of the immune system in athletes but also highlight a period of potential vulnerability at the mid-point of a training cycle. Exercise physiologists and coaches should incorporate phased recovery strategies to mitigate infection risk and support athlete health throughout prolonged intensive training.
Exercise Physiology
Ebrahim Zarrinkalam; Farzad Ghafari; Negin Sharifi
Abstract
Background and Aim: Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases due to hormonal changes following the cessation of estrogen production. These changes often lead to increased visceral fat, decreased muscle mass, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing ...
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Background and Aim: Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases due to hormonal changes following the cessation of estrogen production. These changes often lead to increased visceral fat, decreased muscle mass, and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to vascular problems. This study aimed to assess the impact of an eight-week aquatic exercise program on endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension. ET-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide that regulates blood vessel tone, and elevated levels of ET-1 are linked to the development of hypertension. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 22 postmenopausal women aged 50-65, diagnosed with hypertension. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=11) that engaged in an eight-week aquatic exercise program and a control group (n=11). The exercise protocol included three 60-minute sessions per week, focusing on low-impact water walking, jogging, and resistance exercises. Blood samples for ET-1 measurement were taken before and after the intervention, and blood pressure was assessed at both time points. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in ET-1 levels (P = 0.001) and blood pressure (systolic P = 0.002, diastolic P = 0.003) compared to the control group. The control group did not exhibit significant changes in ET-1 levels or blood pressure. Conclusion: This study suggests that an eight-week aquatic exercise program can significantly reduce ET-1 levels and improve blood pressure regulation in postmenopausal women with hypertension, offering a safe and effective non-pharmacological alternative for managing cardiovascular health in this population.
Exercise Physiology
Bahman Ebrahimi_Torkamani; Davood asgari; Norali Rabiei
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined aerobic–resistance training program on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and oxidative DNA repair markers in middle-aged women.A total of 48 sedentary women aged 40–55 years were randomly assigned to either an exercise group ...
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This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined aerobic–resistance training program on leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and oxidative DNA repair markers in middle-aged women.A total of 48 sedentary women aged 40–55 years were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 24) or a non-exercising control group (n = 24). The intervention group completed supervised training sessions three times per week, consisting of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity treadmill walking (60–70% HRmax) followed by 30 minutes of resistance training at 65% of one-repetition maximum across eight major muscle groups. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention. LTL was quantified using quantitative PCR, while 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1 (APE1) were measured as indicators of oxidative DNA damage and repair capacity, respectively.After 8 weeks, the exercise group demonstrated a significant increase in relative LTL (p < 0.01) compared with controls, who showed no meaningful change. Levels of 8-OHdG decreased significantly in the exercise group (p < 0.001), while APE1 concentrations increased (p < 0.01), indicating enhanced oxidative DNA repair. No significant alterations were observed in the control group for any variable. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, suggesting robust physiological adaptation.These findings indicate that combined aerobic–resistance training is an effective lifestyle intervention for promoting telomere maintenance and strengthening oxidative DNA repair mechanisms in middle-aged women. Integrating structured exercise programs into preventative health strategies may contribute to delaying cellular aging and improving long-term genomic health.
Exercise Physiology
Roghayeh Afrondeh; Tooba MahdilooTorkamany
Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of an eight-week HIIT intervention on oxidative stress markers and cardiac functional parameters in sedentary adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 sedentary adults (aged 40–65 years) ...
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Background: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of an eight-week HIIT intervention on oxidative stress markers and cardiac functional parameters in sedentary adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 sedentary adults (aged 40–65 years) meeting the International Diabetes Federation criteria for metabolic syndrome were allocated into a HIIT group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The HIIT group completed three supervised training sessions per week, consisting of repeated high-intensity intervals at 85–95% HRmax interspersed with low-intensity recovery bouts. Oxidative biomarkers—including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)—were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography (LVEF, LVEDD, LVESD) and heart rate variability (HRV). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: Following the intervention, the HIIT group demonstrated significant reductions in MDA levels (p < 0.001) and marked increases in SOD (p = 0.003), CAT (p = 0.008), and GPX activity (p = 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Cardiac function improved significantly in the HIIT group, with increases in left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.012), improved HRV indices (RMSSD and HF power, p < 0.05), and reductions in LVEDD (p = 0.028). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that an eight-week HIIT program effectively enhances antioxidant defense capacity, reduces oxidative damage, and improves cardiac functional indices in sedentary adults with metabolic syndrome.
Exercise Physiology
lotfali bolboli; Hossein Rezaei Torkamani
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the influence of a low-volume interval exercise program on non-alcoholic fatty liver indicators in sedentary adults with T2DM.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 72 sedentary patients with T2DM (age 40–65 years) were allocated into an intervention ...
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Background: This study aimed to examine the influence of a low-volume interval exercise program on non-alcoholic fatty liver indicators in sedentary adults with T2DM.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 72 sedentary patients with T2DM (age 40–65 years) were allocated into an intervention group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 36). The intervention group completed a four-week low-volume interval exercise program, consisting of three weekly sessions incorporating short high-intensity intervals interspersed with low-intensity recovery. Anthropometrics, fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), and NAFLD indicators—particularly the Fatty Liver Index (FLI)—were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The control group received no structured exercise. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: Following the intervention, the exercise group demonstrated significant reductions in FLI values (p < 0.001), ALT (p = 0.01), GGT (p = 0.02), triglycerides (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p < 0.001). Fasting blood glucose also decreased significantly (p < 0.01). No comparable improvements were observed in the control group. Between-group comparisons confirmed that the intervention group achieved superior improvements across all liver-related biomarkers (p < 0.05).Conclusion: A short-term, low-volume interval exercise program effectively improves hepatic indicators in sedentary adults with T2DM. These findings support the integration of time-efficient interval exercise into clinical management strategies as a non-pharmacological approach to mitigating NAFLD progression in diabetic populations.
Exercise Physiology
Zahra Sayevand; Marziyeh Maleki; Mahdiyeh Khosravi
Abstract
Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with survivors often experiencing long-term side effects such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week aquatic aerobic training program on ...
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Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with survivors often experiencing long-term side effects such as chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week aquatic aerobic training program on serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in breast cancer survivors.Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 20 breast cancer survivors who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) that underwent aquatic aerobic exercise or a control group (n = 10) that received no intervention. Pre- and post-test measurements of IL-4 and MDA levels were taken to assess the impact of the exercise intervention. The aquatic aerobic training program lasted 8 weeks, with sessions held three times per week. Serum levels of IL-4 and MDA were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in IL-4 levels in the experimental group (p = 0.001), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.861). Similarly, MDA levels were significantly reduced in the experimental group (p = 0.001), while the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.659). These findings suggest that aquatic aerobic exercise may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in breast cancer survivors.Conclusion: In conclusion, aquatic aerobic exercise appears to be a beneficial intervention for improving inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in breast cancer survivors, potentially contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
Exercise Physiology
narges fasihi; Zahra Sayevand
Abstract
Objective:Coronary artery disease (CAD) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, often characterized by elevated plasma adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). This study aimed to investigate ...
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Objective:Coronary artery disease (CAD) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, often characterized by elevated plasma adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a single session of resistance exercise and royal jelly supplementation on plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels in men with CAD.Methods:Forty male patients with stable CAD (aged 45–65 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: resistance exercise with royal jelly (RE+RJ), resistance exercise only (RE), royal jelly only (RJ), and control (CON). Participants in the exercise groups performed eight resistance exercises at 60–70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) for 45 minutes. Those in the RJ and RE+RJ groups consumed 1,000 mg of royal jelly one hour before the session. Blood samples were collected before and 24 hours after the intervention, and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were analyzed using ELISA.Results:Significant reductions in ICAM-1 (p = 0.001) and VCAM-1 (p = 0.001) were observed in the RE+RJ group, with moderate decreases in the RE and RJ groups (p < 0.05), while no change occurred in the control group (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons showed that the RE+RJ group achieved the greatest reductions (p < 0.01).Conclusion:A single session of moderate-intensity resistance exercise combined with royal jelly supplementation synergistically reduced endothelial adhesion molecules, suggesting enhanced vascular protection in patients with coronary artery disease.
Exercise Physiology
hamid agha alinejad; shahab rozbahani
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on serum levels of WISP1, TNF-α, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in obese women with T2D. Methods:In this semi-experimental study, 24 obese women with T2D were randomly assigned to either ...
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Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on serum levels of WISP1, TNF-α, and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) in obese women with T2D. Methods:In this semi-experimental study, 24 obese women with T2D were randomly assigned to either the experimental (exercise) group or the control group. The experimental group performed aerobic exercise for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week at 70% of their maximum heart rate. The control group did not participate in any structured physical activity. Pre-test and post-test measurements of anthropometric variables, serum WISP1, TNF-α, and HOMA-IR were taken. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons. Results:The results showed significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage in the experimental group (p < 0.001 for body weight and BMI; p = 0.012 for body fat percentage). Serum WISP1 levels significantly decreased from 100.36 ± 15.45 ng/mL to 90.20 ± 13.50 ng/mL (p = 0.002), and TNF-α levels decreased from 13.12 ± 3.60 pg/mL to 10.34 ± 3.15 pg/mL (p = 0.002). HOMA-IR also improved significantly from 4.71 ± 1.35 to 3.56 ± 1.00 (p = 0.004). Conclusion: In conclusion, aerobic exercise significantly improved body composition, reduced inflammatory markers, and enhanced insulin sensitivity in obese women with T2D. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise can be an effective strategy for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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