Exercise Physiology
Sima Jalili; Reyhaneh Vahabidelshad; Ali Akbari; Ali Hosseini Fahraji
Abstract
Background: The plasticity of the pre-adolescent cardiovascular system in response to structured endurance training remains incompletely characterized. Swimming, a unique volume-load stimulus, may promote beneficial cardiac remodeling in children, but data are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to investigate ...
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Background: The plasticity of the pre-adolescent cardiovascular system in response to structured endurance training remains incompletely characterized. Swimming, a unique volume-load stimulus, may promote beneficial cardiac remodeling in children, but data are scarce. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week swimming training program on cardiac structure and function in healthy, pre-adolescent boys.Methods: Echocardiographic assessments of cardiac structure (LV end-diastolic dimension [LVEDd], volume [LVEDV], mass [LV mass]) and function (stroke volume [LVSV], cardiac output [LVCO], ejection fraction [LVEF]) were performed pre- and post-intervention. Anthropometric and physiological data, including maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), were also collected.Results: Adherence to the training was excellent (>95%). Resting heart rate decreased and estimated VO₂max increased significantly in the Exer group No significant within-group changes occurred in the CON group. Between-group analysis indicated a significant interaction effect for LVEF (p=0.044), though post-hoc analysis attributed this to a change within the SWIM group.Conclusion: A 12-week swimming training program induces significant, favorable adaptations in cardiac structure and function in pre-adolescent boys, characterized by eccentric remodeling and enhanced stroke volume.
Exercise Physiology
Leila Fasihi; Zahra soukhteh
Abstract
purpose: Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the responses of plasma myokines and lipid profiles to anaerobic threshold running in obese men.Methods: 24 obese men with a body mass index above 28 kg/m2 voluntarily participated in this quasi-experimental study. They were then randomly divided ...
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purpose: Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the responses of plasma myokines and lipid profiles to anaerobic threshold running in obese men.Methods: 24 obese men with a body mass index above 28 kg/m2 voluntarily participated in this quasi-experimental study. They were then randomly divided into two experimental groups (n=12) and control groups (n=12). The group's training program consisted of 4 60-second runs at an intensity of 70 to 85% of maximum heart rate with a 4-minute rest period for 8 weeks. In order to comply with the overload principle, the intensity of the activity was increased every two weeks. Blood samples were taken 24 hours before the start of the training period and 48 hours after the end of the last session. Findings: After 8 weeks of training intervention, the experimental group showed that running exercises at anaerobic threshold resulted in a significant increase in follistatin levels (p=0.032) and a significant decrease in SPARC levels (p=0.012), triglycerides (p=0.043), total cholesterol (p=0.026), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.038), and body mass index (p=0.035). However, no significant change was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.047).Conclusion: Running training at the anaerobic threshold, as a non-pharmacological and efficient method, can probably change serum myokine levels and lipid profile in obese men and thus improve their body composition.
Exercise Physiology
Reyhaneh vahabidelshad; sima Jalili Farahani; Ali Hosseini Fahraji; Ali Akbari
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to characterize the anthropometric and body composition profile and examine their age-stratified correlations with PA levels in 9- to 12-year-old male students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 male students (50 per age year from 9 to 12) selected via multi-stage ...
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Objective: This study aimed to characterize the anthropometric and body composition profile and examine their age-stratified correlations with PA levels in 9- to 12-year-old male students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 male students (50 per age year from 9 to 12) selected via multi-stage cluster sampling from public schools in Urmia, Iran. Height and weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Results: Descriptive statistics showed a clear trend of increasing mean values with age for height (127.46±4.52 cm to 143.98±7.93 cm), weight (26.92±3.33 kg to 41.24±6.87 kg), BMI (15.98±3.37 kg/m² to 19.74±5.00 kg/m²), and BF% (11.42±4.11% to 14.92±4.84%). A significant inverse relationship was found between PA level and BMI (p<0.05). Conclusion: While anthropometric measures increase with age as expected, the development of BMI and body composition in 9-12-year-old boys is not a linear process. The stability of BMI and BF% appears to strengthen in the pre-adolescent period (ages 11-12), whereas height and weight remain highly variable.
Exercise Physiology
Zahra Sayevand; narges Fasihi
Abstract
Background & Objective: Physical inactivity is linked to elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense, increasing the risk of chronic disease. Purslane, a plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, may enhance antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the effect of endurance ...
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Background & Objective: Physical inactivity is linked to elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense, increasing the risk of chronic disease. Purslane, a plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, may enhance antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the effect of endurance training and purslane supplementation on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in inactive men. Methods: Thirty-two inactive men (20–40 years) were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C), Purslane (P), Training (T), and Training + Purslane (T+P). The training groups (T, T+P) performed progressive treadmill endurance exercise three times per week for eight weeks. Supplement groups (P, T+P) received 1200 mg/day purslane. Serum SOD and CAT were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results: Significant group effects were found for SOD and CAT (p<0.001). The T+P group showed the greatest increases versus C and T (p<0.01). P also improved both enzymes (p<0.05). Conclusion: Purslane supplementation, especially when combined with endurance training (T+P), markedly improves antioxidant enzyme activity in inactive men.
Exercise Physiology
ahmad fasihi; Yaser Roozbahani
Abstract
AbstractBackground and Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of cardiac autonomic regulation, with reduced HRV linked to increased cardiovascular risk. While aerobic exercise improves HRV, data on healthy women remain limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of 12 weeks of endurance ...
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AbstractBackground and Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of cardiac autonomic regulation, with reduced HRV linked to increased cardiovascular risk. While aerobic exercise improves HRV, data on healthy women remain limited. This study aimed to assess the impact of 12 weeks of endurance training on resting HRV indices in healthy female volunteers. Methods: In a pre-test–post-test controlled design, healthy women were randomly assigned to an endurance training group or a control group. The training group performed moderate-intensity continuous exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. HRV was measured before and after the intervention using short-term ECG recordings, analyzing time-domain indices (SDNN, RMSSD) and high-frequency (HF) components, along with the LF/HF ratio. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: After 12 weeks, the training group showed significant improvements in SDNN (from 45±5 to 58±7 ms, p=0.023), RMSSD (from 25±3 to 36±5 ms, p=0.033), and HF (from 210±30 to 310±45 ms², p=0.033), while the control group showed no significant changes. Between-group comparisons confirmed significantly higher post-intervention SDNN, RMSSD, and HF in the training group (p=0.02). The LF/HF ratio did not change significantly in either group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of endurance training significantly improved HRV indices (SDNN, RMSSD, HF) in healthy female volunteers, suggesting enhanced autonomic regulation. These results support incorporating endurance exercise in lifestyle recommendations for women to improve cardiac health.
Exercise Physiology
Tooba Mahdiloo Torkamany; Hossein Rezaei Torkamani
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of a resistance training program on NO and LA levels in obese and inactive women. Methods: A total of 20 women were divided into exercise (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. Anthropometric characteristics, NO, and LA levels were measured before and ...
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Objective: This study aimed to assess the effects of a resistance training program on NO and LA levels in obese and inactive women. Methods: A total of 20 women were divided into exercise (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. Anthropometric characteristics, NO, and LA levels were measured before and after a resistance training program in the exercise group, while the control group maintained their regular activities. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre-test and post-test results within each group, and independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons. Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline anthropometric characteristics between the two groups (p > 0.05). For the exercise group, NO levels significantly increased from 10.2 ± 2.3 µm to 14.6 ± 3.1 µm (p = 0.001), and LA levels decreased from 7.8 ± 1.6 mm to 5.1 ± 1.4 mm (p = 0.001). The control group showed no significant changes in either NO (p = 0.423) or LA (p = 0.512). Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in NO (p = 0.002) and LA (p = 0.003) levels post-intervention. Conclusion: Resistance training significantly increased NO levels and decreased LA levels in obese and inactive women, indicating improvements in endothelial function and metabolic efficiency. These findings suggest that resistance training could be a valuable strategy for enhancing cardiovascular and muscular health in this population. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and other influencing factors.
Exercise Physiology
Bahman Ebrahimi_Torkamani; Mohammad Abdoli; Hanieh Kolivand
Abstract
Objective: As the global population ages, chronic inflammation, particularly in overweight elderly individuals, plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiponectin are key biomarkers ...
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Objective: As the global population ages, chronic inflammation, particularly in overweight elderly individuals, plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiponectin are key biomarkers that reflect inflammation and metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic training on serum levels of some inflammatory cytokines in overweight elderly men. Methods: A total of 20 overweight elderly men (aged 65-75) participated in the study. The experimental group (n=10) underwent eight weeks of aerobic training, while the control group (n=10) did not participate in any exercise program. CRP and adiponectin levels were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons, and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons. Results: The experimental group showed significant reductions in CRP (from 5.8 mg/L ± 1.2 to 3.5 mg/L ± 0.9, p < 0.001) and increases in adiponectin (from 6.3 µg/mL ± 1.5 to 8.1 µg/mL ± 1.7, p < 0.001). The control group showed no significant changes in either CRP or adiponectin levels (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of aerobic training significantly reduced CRP levels and increased adiponectin in overweight elderly men. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise can be an effective intervention for reducing chronic inflammation and improving metabolic health in aging populations. Future studies should explore the long-term benefits and underlying mechanisms of exercise-induced changes in inflammatory markers.
Exercise Physiology
Mohammad Ahadiyan; Mohammad karimjuzani
Abstract
Objective; Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that, in addition to causing metabolic disturbances, has detrimental effects on the central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats, aged 10 weeks and weighing 245 grams, were divided ...
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Objective; Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that, in addition to causing metabolic disturbances, has detrimental effects on the central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats, aged 10 weeks and weighing 245 grams, were divided into four groups: diabetic control, diabetic exercise, healthy control, and healthy exercise. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Results :The results showed that endurance training significantly reduced serum glucose levels and stabilized body weight in the diabetic exercise group compared to the diabetic control group (p<0.05). Discussion: These findings indicate that endurance training positively impacts glucose metabolism and reduces neuroinflammation in a diabetic rat model. The decrease in NLRP-1 expression in the hippocampus suggests that endurance exercise has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Conclusion: Endurance training, as a non-pharmacological strategy, could improve the management of diabetes and prevent neural damage in diabetic individuals.
Exercise Physiology
Yaser Rozbahani; Naser Soroushnia
Abstract
Altitude training camps have become increasingly popular within sport tourism destinations, offering athletes the dual benefits of physiological enhancement and exposure to attractive travel environments. This review examines the effectiveness of altitude-based sport tourism programs in producing hematological ...
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Altitude training camps have become increasingly popular within sport tourism destinations, offering athletes the dual benefits of physiological enhancement and exposure to attractive travel environments. This review examines the effectiveness of altitude-based sport tourism programs in producing hematological adaptations—particularly changes in red blood cell count, hemoglobin mass, erythropoietin (EPO) levels, and oxygen-carrying capacity—as well as their organizational implications for teams, federations, and tourism stakeholders. Beyond the physiological dimension, altitude training camps have significant organizational and managerial outcomes. Sport tourism destinations with suitable altitude profiles generate economic revenue, create seasonal employment, and elevate the international reputation of host regions. For sport organizations, altitude camps serve strategic purposes in talent development, team cohesion, and performance planning before major competitions. However, challenges such as financial cost, logistical complexity, athlete safety, accommodation quality, and access to medical support can influence the effectiveness and sustainability of such programs. The review highlights the need for integrated planning between sport scientists, coaches, tourism managers, and local authorities to optimize both physiological outcomes for athletes and organizational benefits for host destinations.Overall, altitude training camps represent a unique intersection of sport physiology and sport tourism management, offering measurable hematological advantages alongside valuable economic and organizational opportunities when implemented under evidence-based protocols
Exercise Physiology
marefat siahkouhian; Mohammad Abdoli; Hanieh Kolivand
Abstract
Objective:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Methods:Thirty obese women with T2DM (mean age 44.6 ± 5.1 years) participated voluntarily and were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 15) and control ...
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Objective:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder often associated with obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Methods:Thirty obese women with T2DM (mean age 44.6 ± 5.1 years) participated voluntarily and were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group performed swimming training three sessions per week for eight weeks at an intensity of 60–85% of maximum heart rate, while the control group maintained their routine lifestyle. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the intervention to determine serum visfatin, plasma TNF-α, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests and ANCOVA (p < 0.05).Results:Swimming training significantly decreased serum visfatin (from 28.6 ± 4.3 ng/mL to 22.3 ± 3.5 ng/mL; p = 0.001), plasma TNF-α (from 11.2 ± 1.8 pg/mL to 8.6 ± 1.5 pg/mL; p = 0.002), and HOMA-IR index (from 5.12 ± 0.98 to 3.72 ± 0.74; p = 0.001) in the experimental group. No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Eight weeks of moderate-intensity swimming exercise effectively reduced inflammatory markers and improved insulin sensitivity in obese women with type 2 diabetes. These results suggest that aquatic aerobic training can be recommended as a safe, practical, and efficient therapeutic approach for managing metabolic and inflammatory complications in diabetic patients.
Exercise Physiology
saeed naeimi; Mohammad Hatami; Mohammad Keyvan gerdekaneh
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is marked by skeletal-muscle insulin resistance, where impaired intracellular signaling limits glucose transporter trafficking and reduces glucose uptake. Peer-reviewed experimental and clinical studies were synthesized when they reported resistance exercise protocols ...
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is marked by skeletal-muscle insulin resistance, where impaired intracellular signaling limits glucose transporter trafficking and reduces glucose uptake. Peer-reviewed experimental and clinical studies were synthesized when they reported resistance exercise protocols and quantified AS160 phosphorylation (e.g., Thr642 and/or Ser588), Akt signaling, GLUT4 abundance/translocation, and glycemic outcomes. Acute bout designs typically used 3–5 sets per exercise at 65–85% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), sampling blood and/or muscle within 0–60 min post-exercise, while training interventions most often prescribed 2–3 sessions per week for 8–10 weeks with progressive overload and post-intervention assessments performed 24–72 h after the final session. Across acute studies, resistance exercise increased phospho-AS160 alongside enhanced upstream Akt signaling during early recovery windows, coinciding with heightened insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Across training studies, repeated resistance exercise improved indices of insulin sensitivity and glycemic control and was frequently accompanied by increased GLUT4 content and improved stimulus-dependent AS160 phosphorylation, although changes in total AS160 expression were less consistent. Between-study variability is explained by differences in diabetes induction/models, muscle fiber type examined, biopsy timing, assay methodology, and dietary control.Resistance exercise engages AS160-centered signaling that supports GLUT4 trafficking and improved muscle glucose handling in T2DM. Future trials should standardize sampling windows, report training dose precisely, and integrate molecular endpoints with clinically meaningful glycemic outcomes.
Exercise Physiology
Reza Gharakhanloo; Mohammad Ahadian
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training on plasma growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in inactive adolescents.Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 24 inactive adolescents who were randomly ...
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Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training on plasma growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in inactive adolescents.Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 24 inactive adolescents who were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The experimental group participated in an 8-week resistance training program consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. The training protocol included exercises targeting major muscle groups such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and shoulder presses, with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at 70-75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) for the first 4 weeks, progressing to 80-85% of 1RM during the final 4 weeks. Results: The results showed significant increases in plasma GH and IGF-1 levels in the experimental group after the 8-week resistance training program (GH: p = 0.001; IGF-1: p = 0.009). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in either GH or IGF-1 levels (GH: p = 0.250; IGF-1: p = 0.312). These findings suggest that resistance training effectively enhances hormonal responses in inactive adolescents, particularly with regard to GH and IGF-1 secretion.Conclusion: The study concluded that 8 weeks of resistance training significantly increased GH and IGF-1 levels in inactive adolescents. These findings emphasize the role of resistance training as an effective intervention to improve hormonal health and support physical development in this population.
