Exercise Physiology
Naser Rostamzadeh; Saiwan Sirwan Mohamed
Abstract
Purpose: Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are critical for somatic development, linear bone growth, and metabolic homeostasis in children. Physical activity, especially endurance training, plays a significant role in modulating these hormones. Therefore, the aim of this study ...
Read More
Purpose: Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are critical for somatic development, linear bone growth, and metabolic homeostasis in children. Physical activity, especially endurance training, plays a significant role in modulating these hormones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week endurance swimming training program on GH and IGF-1 levels in prepubertal children. Method: The study involved 30 healthy children aged 9–11 years, randomly assigned to either a swimming group (15 children) or a control group (15 children). The swimming group participated in a structured 8-week training program, three times per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes. GH and IGF-1 levels were measured before and 48 hours after the intervention using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis included two-way repeated-measures ANOVA to compare the effects of the training on hormone levels between the groups, with p-values set at 0.05. Results: The results revealed a significant increase in GH for the swimming group (from 17.4±0.9 to 22.9±1.1 ng/mL, p<0.001) compared to the control group (from 17.5±1.0 to 17.7±1.1 ng/mL, p=0.384). For IGF-1, the swimming group also showed a significant rise (from 212.3 ± 24.5 to 232.8±26.1 ng/mL, p=0.018), while the control group showed no significant change (p=0.413). Conclusion: The findings suggest that moderate-intensity endurance swimming can effectively stimulate the GH and IGF-1 axis in prepubertal children, independent of major anthropometric changes. These results support the inclusion of swimming as a safe and effective form of exercise to promote growth-related hormonal health in children.
Exercise Physiology
Dara Latif Saifalddin; Hiwa Ahmed Rahim
Abstract
Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become an increasingly popular exercise regimen due to its efficiency in improving cardiovascular health and metabolic function. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count are key markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and their levels can indicate ...
Read More
Purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become an increasingly popular exercise regimen due to its efficiency in improving cardiovascular health and metabolic function. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count are key markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis, and their levels can indicate cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HIIT on fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count in sedentary men, with the hypothesis that HIIT would reduce thrombotic risk factors. Method: A total of 24 healthy, sedentary Iranian men (aged 30-40 years) were randomly assigned to either a HIIT (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The HIIT group performed 10 weeks of HIIT, with 3 sessions per week, each consisting of 30 minutes alternating between 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise and 90 seconds of recovery. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention to assess fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet count. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and independent t-tests, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. Results: The HIIT group showed significant reductions in fibrinogen (p=0.025), D-dimer (p=0.032), and platelet count (p=0.041). Specifically, fibrinogen decreased from 292.5±38.4 mg/dL to 270.4±34.1 mg/dL, D-dimer from 0.72±0.10 µg/mL to 0.55±0.09 µg/mL, and platelet count from 238±31 × 10³/µL to 221±29 × 10³/µL. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in these markers (p>0.05). The HIIT group also showed significantly better results compared to the control group (fibrinogen p=0.025, D-dimer p=0.032, platelet count p=0.04). Conclusion: HIIT significantly reduced thrombotic risk markers in sedentary men, suggesting its potential to improve cardiovascular health by modulating coagulation and fibrinolysis. The observed effects highlight HIIT as an effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in inactive populations. Further research with larger samples and diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and explore long-term impacts.
Exercise Physiology
ahmad fasihi; nastaran zarezadeh
Abstract
AbstractBackground and purpose: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important metabolic disorders that different societies are facing with increasing prevalence. Aerobic exercises are a common type of exercise that reduces the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins and regulates blood pressure. ...
Read More
AbstractBackground and purpose: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important metabolic disorders that different societies are facing with increasing prevalence. Aerobic exercises are a common type of exercise that reduces the levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins and regulates blood pressure. The purpose of the research is to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic training on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile in men with type 2 diabetes.Results: The results indicated that after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise, HbA1c (P=0/027), LDL-c (P=0/012) and fasting blood glucose (P=0/043) decreased significantly in the aerobic group. But no significant changes were observed in HDL-c and BMI. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that performing aerobic exercises leads to a decrease in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and improvement in lipid profile, so it can probably be a useful way of treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetic patients.
Exercise Physiology
marefat siahkouhian; Bahman Ebrahimi
Abstract
AbstractBackgroude and Purpose: Training volume and intensity are the most important training components that typically vary in different training programs depending on the primary goal. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between volume and intensity of running to fatigue ...
Read More
AbstractBackgroude and Purpose: Training volume and intensity are the most important training components that typically vary in different training programs depending on the primary goal. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between volume and intensity of running to fatigue in middle-aged men.Methodology: A number of 24 middle-aged of active men were selected as subjects with an age range of 40 to 55 years. Then, they ran individually in four separate sessions with an intensity of 70, 80, 90 and 100% of Maximum oxygen consumption with a minimum interval of 72 hours. Using non-linear regression, the relationship between exercise volume and intensity was analyzed.Findings: The findings showed that the inverse relationship between volume and intensity of treadmill running to exhaustion in active middle-aged men followed a nonlinear quadratic function.In this relationship, exercise intensity (independent variable) and exercise volume (dependent variable) were.The findings showed that the inverse relationship between volume and intensity of treadmill running to exhaustion in active middle-aged men followed a nonlinear quadratic function.In this relationship, exercise intensity (independent variable) and exercise volume (dependent variable) were.
Exercise Physiology
narges fasihi; Naser Behpour
Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of saffron extract on catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) antioxidants in young futsal players. Methods: 24 young male futsal players were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (12 people in each group). The ...
Read More
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of saffron extract on catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) antioxidants in young futsal players. Methods: 24 young male futsal players were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (12 people in each group). The experimental group used 1500 mg of saffron supplement per day for seven days, while the control group received placebo Results: The results of the hockey study showed that immediately after the match in the experimental group, a significant increase in GPX levels (P=0.031) and a significant decrease in CAT levels (P=0.041) were observed, but this significance was not observed 30 minutes after the match. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be said that short-term consumption of saffron improves antioxidant defense in young male futsal players. Studies with long-term follow-up should be considered to confirm these findings.According to the results of this study, it can be said that short-term consumption of saffron improves antioxidant defense in young male futsal players. Studies with long-term follow-up should be considered to confirm these findings.
Exercise Physiology
Meisam Ghajari; Reyhaneh vahabidelshad
Abstract
Background and aim: Honey, a natural source of carbohydrates and bioactive compounds, possesses potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its efficacy in team-sport athletes remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of honey supplementation ...
Read More
Background and aim: Honey, a natural source of carbohydrates and bioactive compounds, possesses potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its efficacy in team-sport athletes remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of honey supplementation on plasma CK and IL-6 concentrations following high-intensity incremental exercise in young male handball players. Methods: In a double-blind, semi-experimental design, 30 amateur young male handball players were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10 each): Honey Supplementation + High-Intensity Incremental Exercise (SUP+HIT), Placebo + High-Intensity Incremental Exercise (PL+HIT), and Honey Supplementation (SUP). Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately after the exercise (HIT 1), and one hour post-exercise (HIT 2) to analyze CK and IL-6 levels. Results: At baseline, no significant differences existed between groups. The high-intensity incremental exercise provoked significant increases in both CK and IL-6 in the exercise groups. However, this response was significantly attenuated in the SUP+HIT group compared to the PL+HIT group. One hour post-exercise, the PL+HIT group showed increases of 62% in CK and 47% in IL-6, whereas the SUP+HIT group showed significantly lower increases of 32% and 27%, respectively (p < 0.001 between groups). The SUP group exhibited no significant increase in either biomarker. Conclusion: Honey supplementation effectively attenuates the acute rise in plasma CK and IL-6 following high-intensity exercise in handball players. These findings suggest that honey is a valuable nutritional intervention for reducing biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation, thereby potentially enhancing recovery in team-sport athletes.
Exercise Physiology
Fatemeh sadat Hosseini; Mohammad Ehsani
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between health-promoting management practices in youth sports clubs and (1) athletes’ health-related behaviors and (2) selected physiological health indicators.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 youth sports clubs (ages 12–18 ...
Read More
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between health-promoting management practices in youth sports clubs and (1) athletes’ health-related behaviors and (2) selected physiological health indicators.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 18 youth sports clubs (ages 12–18 years) were selected from Tehran. Club-level data on health-promoting management practices were collected using a validated questionnaire that assessed areas such as written health policies, coach education in health promotion, support for healthy nutrition, injury prevention routines, and promotion of regular physical activity beyond formal training. Results: Clubs with higher health promotion management scores demonstrated significantly better athletic outcomes. Athletes in high-scoring clubs reported more days per week meeting physical activity guidelines and consuming less sugar-sweetened beverages, along with a lower prevalence of risk behaviors (e.g., smoking). Physiologically, these athletes demonstrated more favorable profiles compared to athletes from low-scoring clubs, including lower mean BMI and waist circumference, lower resting systolic blood pressure, and higher estimated cardiorespiratory fitness.Conclusion: Health promotion management practices in youth sports clubs appear to be positively associated with healthier lifestyles and more favorable physiological profiles among young athletes. Strengthening organizational and managerial approaches to health in youth sports settings could be a practical strategy to enhance performance-related and long-term health outcomes.
Exercise Physiology
Leila Fasihi; Zahra Soukhteh
Abstract
Hypoxia is a powerful environmental stimulus that elicits multi-system adaptations in athletes, yet the relative contributions of hematological, muscular, and stress-related mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on hypoxia-induced adaptations ...
Read More
Hypoxia is a powerful environmental stimulus that elicits multi-system adaptations in athletes, yet the relative contributions of hematological, muscular, and stress-related mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on hypoxia-induced adaptations across athletic populations, with a particular focus on hematological changes, skeletal muscle physiology, and oxidative and neuroendocrine stress pathways.Eligible studies examined hematological variables, muscle adaptations, oxidative stress and redox signaling, autonomic and hormonal responses, and/or performance outcomes.Findings indicate that sustained hypoxic exposure can increase erythropoietin production and, when sufficient hypoxic dose and iron availability are present, elevate total hemoglobin mass and red blood cell volume. However, inter-individual variability and iron metabolism tightly modulate these responses. At the muscular level, hypoxia promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, improved buffering capacity, and enhanced peripheral oxygen extraction, often contributing to performance gains even in so-called “non-responders” with minimal hematological change. Concurrently, hypoxia activates stress pathways—including reactive oxygen species signaling, HIF-1α–mediated transcription, sympathetic activation, and transient inflammation—which act as both challenges and drivers of adaptation, depending on dose and recovery.In conclusion, hypoxic training exerts its ergogenic effects through an integrated network of hematological, muscular, and stress-related mechanisms. Optimizing altitude and hypoxic interventions requires individualized programming that considers hypoxic dose, iron status, training load, and recovery to harness adaptive stress while avoiding maladaptation.
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 ...
Read More
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
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 ...
Read More
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.
Exercise Physiology
Milad piralahi
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by inflammatory demyelination, neurodegeneration, and a high burden of fatigue, mobility limitation, and cognitive complaints. This narrative review summarizes evidence on acute and chronic BDNF responses to resistance exercise in people with MS and discusses ...
Read More
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by inflammatory demyelination, neurodegeneration, and a high burden of fatigue, mobility limitation, and cognitive complaints. This narrative review summarizes evidence on acute and chronic BDNF responses to resistance exercise in people with MS and discusses how these responses may relate to symptom burden and functional outcomes.A targeted literature synthesis was conducted by reviewing peer-reviewed studies that assessed circulating BDNF responses to single sessions and/or resistance training programs in MS, alongside related evidence from neuroplasticity-informed outcomes (e.g., fatigue, disability, strength, mobility, and cognition). We also considered methodological features that influence BDNF interpretation, including assay selection, sampling timing, platelet contribution, training intensity/volume, and medication status.Available evidence suggests that a single bout of resistance exercise can transiently elevate circulating BDNF, although findings vary by protocol intensity, baseline fitness, and sampling window. Across weeks of progressive resistance training, several studies report improvements in strength and functional capacity, with mixed but promising indications of sustained BDNF modulation. Importantly, BDNF changes—when observed—tend to align with reductions in fatigue and improvements in mobility and patient-reported outcomes, supporting a plausible link between resistance training, neurotrophic signaling, and symptom burden.Overall, resistance exercise appears capable of eliciting both acute and training-induced BDNF responses in MS, but heterogeneity in study design and biomarker methodology limits firm conclusions. Future trials should standardize BDNF measurement, include neuroplasticity-relevant endpoints, and test dose–response relationships to clarify clinical significance.
Exercise Physiology
kamal ranjbar
Abstract
Objective: Childhood obesity is associated with metabolic disturbances, particularly insulin resistance and altered secretion of metabolic peptides. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week soccer training program on serum spexin levels and the McAuley index in inactive obese boys. Methods: ...
Read More
Objective: Childhood obesity is associated with metabolic disturbances, particularly insulin resistance and altered secretion of metabolic peptides. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week soccer training program on serum spexin levels and the McAuley index in inactive obese boys. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, Twenty-eight inactive obese boys aged 12–14 years were randomly assigned to a soccer training group (n=14) or a control group (n=14). The training group participated in supervised soccer sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, whereas the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess serum spexin, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels. The McAuley index was calculated using fasting insulin and triglyceride values. Paired- and independent-sample t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: Serum spexin levels increased significantly in the training group (p=0.001), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p=0.621). The McAuley index showed a significant improvement in the training group (p=0.003). Additionally, fasting insulin (p=0.002) and triglyceride levels (p=0.004) decreased significantly following the intervention. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in post-test spexin (p=0.002) and McAuley index values (p=0.004). Conclusion: Twelve weeks of soccer training significantly improved serum spexin levels and insulin sensitivity in inactive obese boys, suggesting soccer training as an effective strategy for improving metabolic health in this population.
