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
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
Arazw Mahmood Fatah; Hiwa Ahmed Rahim
Abstract
Objective: Obesity in adolescent girls is commonly accompanied by low-grade inflammation and impaired glucose regulation. This study investigated whether eight weeks of water-based exercise with blood flow restriction (WBFR) improves high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and insulin resistance ...
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Objective: Obesity in adolescent girls is commonly accompanied by low-grade inflammation and impaired glucose regulation. This study investigated whether eight weeks of water-based exercise with blood flow restriction (WBFR) improves high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and insulin resistance more than water exercise without restriction (WEX) and a non-training control (CON). Methods: Thirty obese young girls were randomly assigned to WBFR (n=10), WEX (n=10), or CON (n=10). Training lasted 8 weeks (3 sessions/week, ~60 min/session). Venous blood was obtained 24 h before and 24 h after the intervention. Outcomes were hs-CRP, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR, plus weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Mixed group×time ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests was applied (P<0.05). Results: Group×time interactions were significant for hs-CRP (p=0.001), HOMA-IR (p=0.001), fasting glucose (p=0.003), fasting insulin (p=0.044), weight (p=0.008), BMI (p=0.012), and waist circumference (p=0.001). WBFR decreased hs-CRP (p=0.001), fasting glucose (p=0.002), fasting insulin (p=0.012), and HOMA-IR (p=0.001), and reduced weight (p=0.001), BMI (p=0.001), and waist circumference (p=0.001). WEX showed smaller reductions in hs-CRP (p=0.018), fasting glucose (p=0.041), and HOMA-IR (p=0.048), and reduced weight (p=0.034), BMI (p=0.039), and waist circumference (p=0.021), while fasting insulin did not change (p=0.290). CON showed no significant changes (hs-CRP p=0.620; glucose p=0.710; insulin p=0.830; HOMA-IR p=0.660). Conclusion: Eight weeks of WBFR produced superior improvements in systemic inflammation and fasting insulin resistance compared with non-restricted aquatic exercise and control, indicating WBFR as a practical low-impact approach for reducing cardiometabolic risk in obese young girls. These findings warrant larger trials.
Exercise Physiology
Dara Latif Saifalddin
Abstract
Background and Objective: Obesity and physical inactivity are linked to insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Oncostatin-M (OSM), an IL-6 family cytokine, may connect adipose inflammation to metabolic dysfunction. This study examined whether 12 weeks of supervised Pilates alters serum ...
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Background and Objective: Obesity and physical inactivity are linked to insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. Oncostatin-M (OSM), an IL-6 family cytokine, may connect adipose inflammation to metabolic dysfunction. This study examined whether 12 weeks of supervised Pilates alters serum OSM and insulin resistance indices in inactive obese men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study with random allocation, 30 inactive obese men (30–50 years; BMI 30–35 kg/m²) were assigned to Pilates (n=15) or control (n=15). The Pilates group trained three times weekly for 12 weeks; controls maintained their usual lifestyle. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, estimated VO₂max, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum OSM were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Mixed ANOVA and paired/independent t-tests were used (p<0.05). Results: Significant group × time interactions were found for weight (p = 0.008), BMI (p=0.012), waist circumference (p = 0.003), VO₂max (p=0.004), fasting glucose (p=0.015), fasting insulin (p=0.006), HOMA-IR (p=0.002), and OSM (p=0.001). The Pilates group showed decreased adiposity, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, and OSM, alongside increased VO₂max, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of supervised Pilates improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and insulin resistance while reducing circulating OSM in inactive obese men, suggesting Pilates as a feasible low-intensity strategy to induce favorable immunometabolic adaptations.
Exercise Physiology
Saiwan Sirwan Mohammed; Naser Rostamzadeh
Abstract
Objective: Menopause is associated with increased visceral adiposity and worsening cardiometabolic risk, and physically inactive postmenopausal women may be particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to examine the effects of 10 weeks of combined (aerobic–resistance) training on visceral adiposity ...
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Objective: Menopause is associated with increased visceral adiposity and worsening cardiometabolic risk, and physically inactive postmenopausal women may be particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to examine the effects of 10 weeks of combined (aerobic–resistance) training on visceral adiposity indices LAP and VAI, as well as triglycerides (TG), in inactive postmenopausal women.Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group. A total of 24 inactive postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to a combined training group or a control group (n = 12 each). The training group completed 10 weeks of aerobic exercise at approximately 65–75% HRmax and resistance training at about 55–65% 1RM. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and post-intervention, and LAP and VAI were calculated using anthropometric and lipid variables.Results: In the control group, LAP did not change significantly (p=0.117), whereas it decreased significantly in the training group (p=0.001), with a significant between-group difference in change (p=0.021). For VAI, the control group showed no significant change (p=0.379), while the training group demonstrated a significant reduction (p =0.001), and the between-group difference in change was significant (p=0.001). TG did not change significantly in the control group (p=0.231) but decreased significantly in the training group (p=0.001), with a significant between-group difference in change (p=0.003).Conclusion: Ten weeks of combined aerobic–resistance training improves visceral adiposity indices (LAP and VAI) and triglyceride levels in inactive postmenopausal women, supporting concurrent training as a practical non-pharmacological strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk.
Exercise Physiology
Elnaz Safikhani; Davood Sabour; Ashrafsadat Anvarimanshadi; Nasrin Rafizadeh; Amirhossein Jafariharandi; Minoo Bassami
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rhythmic auditory cues (e.g., metronome or music beat) may enhance exercise synchrony and potentially influence body composition adaptations. This study examined whether resistance training performed in synchrony with a musical metronome rhythm improves body composition outcomes in ...
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Background and Aim: Rhythmic auditory cues (e.g., metronome or music beat) may enhance exercise synchrony and potentially influence body composition adaptations. This study examined whether resistance training performed in synchrony with a musical metronome rhythm improves body composition outcomes in adult women.Methods: In a two-group pretest–posttest intervention, 30 adult women were allocated to a rhythm-synchronised resistance training group (music/metronome cue) (n = 15) or a control resistance training group (n = 15). Both groups completed the same 12-week supervised resistance-training programme; the intervention group performed movements synchronised to an approximate metronome rhythm (~128 beats per minute). Body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean body mass were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using group × time comparisons (with baseline-adjusted analyses where appropriate), alongside effect sizes and confidence intervals.Results: Body fat percentage decreased significantly in the rhythm-synchronised (music) group (30.17 ± 1.34 to 29.10 ± 1.39), whereas the control group showed an increase over time (30.76 ± 2.55 to 31.54 ± 2.63). Body weight and BMI showed no meaningful changes between groups across the intervention period. Changes in lean body mass did not differ significantly between groups.Conclusion: Synchronising resistance training with a metronome-based rhythmic cue may promote a more favourable change in body fat percentage compared with the same training performed without rhythmic cues in adult women. Further studies with larger samples and tighter control of confounding factors are recommended to confirm and generalise these findings.
Exercise Physiology
marefat siahkouhian; Bahman Ebrahimi Torkamani
Abstract
Objective:Obesity and physical inactivity are associated with increased cardiovascular and thrombotic risk, partly through alterations in coagulation and endothelial function. Elevated fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are recognized markers of a prothrombotic state and endothelial activation ...
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Objective:Obesity and physical inactivity are associated with increased cardiovascular and thrombotic risk, partly through alterations in coagulation and endothelial function. Elevated fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are recognized markers of a prothrombotic state and endothelial activation in obese individuals. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on fibrinogen and vWF levels in inactive obese women.Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 inactive obese women who were randomly assigned to an experimental (MICT, n=15) or control group (n=15). The experimental group participated in an 8-week MICT program, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Anthropometric variables and fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to assess plasma fibrinogen and vWF levels. Data were analyzed using paired- and independent-sample t tests.Results:After the intervention, the MICT group showed significant reductions in body weight (p = 0.004) and body mass index (p=0.006). Plasma fibrinogen levels significantly decreased in the MICT group (p=0.001), whereas no significant change was observed in the control group (p=0.62). Similarly, vWF levels were significantly reduced following MICT (p=0.002), with no significant change in the control group (p=0.54). Between-group comparisons at post-test revealed significantly lower fibrinogen (p=0.003) and vWF (p=0.005) levels in the MICT group compared with controls.Conclusion:These findings indicate that moderate-intensity continuous training is an effective and practical intervention for improving coagulation and endothelial biomarkers in inactive obese women and may contribute to reducing obesity-related cardiovascular risk.
Exercise Physiology
hamid agha alinejad; Reza Gharakhanlou; Leila Fasihi
Abstract
Objective: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a common feature of aging, particularly in obese elderly individuals, and is associated with numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL 10 and IL 1ra, play a crucial ...
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Objective: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a common feature of aging, particularly in obese elderly individuals, and is associated with numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL 10 and IL 1ra, play a crucial role in modulating immune responses and mitigating inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate Effect of regular aerobic exercise on anti-inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation in elderly obese men.Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with 24 obese elderly men (aged 60-75 years). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=12), who engaged in aerobic exercise (60 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks), or the control group (n=12), who maintained their usual lifestyle without any structured exercise. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were analyzed to measure IL 10 and IL 1ra levels. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests and independent t-tests, were used to assess changes in cytokine levels.Results: Significant increases were found in IL 10 (p=0.01) and IL 1ra (p=0.02) in the experimental group after the 8-week intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that regular aerobic exercise significantly improves immune function by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL 10 and IL 1ra. This intervention may offer a valuable approach for managing inflammation-related diseases in obese elderly populations.
