Purpose:According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 32,000 adults aged 65 and older die annually due to falls, with impaired motor performance being a key contributing factor. This study aimed to compare the effects of eight weeks of SAIL exercise and Kinesio taping on motor performance in women over 65 years of age.Methods:In this semi-experimental study, 24 older women were selected through purposive convenience sampling and randomly assigned equally into two groups: SAIL exercise (age: 72.5 ± 2.3 years, height: 162.9 ± 1.9 cm, weight: 64.5 ± 2.2 kg) and Kinesio taping (age: 72.6 ± 2.2 years, height: 161.5 ± 1.02 cm, weight: 64.8 ± 2.5 kg). The SAIL group participated in 8 weeks of training (three 1-hour sessions per week), and the other group received Kinesio taping. Static balance (Sharpened Romberg), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go), lower limb strength (Chair Stand), and walking time (4-meter walk) were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS v27 with a significance level of 0.05.Results:Both interventions significantly improved static balance (η² = 0.763), dynamic balance (η² = 0.643), lower limb strength (η² = 0.905), and walking time (η² = 0.712) (p < 0.001). Static and dynamic balance showed significant between-group differences (p < 0.05; η² = 0.313 and 0.250), while no significant differences were observed between groups in strength or walking time (p > 0.05; η² = 0.012 and 0.023). Significant interaction effects for all variables (p < 0.05) indicated the interventions’ effectiveness varied depending on the time of measurement (η² range: 0.361–0.663).Conclusion:Both SAIL and Kinesio taping interventions were effective in improving motor function in older women; however, SAIL training yielded greater gains, especially in balance-related outcomes, as demonstrated by larger effect sizes (η² > 0.5).
Purpose:With the rising incidence of COVID-19 cases in Iran and globally, coupled with the persistence of symptoms for extended periods post-infection, this condition poses a potential global medical crisis. Consequently, it is imperative to investigate the persistent and long-term symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This study aimed to compare postural stability, motor function, respiratory function, and quality of life in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome during severe respiratory and inflammatory phases.Methods:In this comparative study, 41 women were purposefully selected, comprising 13 patients in the severe respiratory phase, 14 patients in the severe inflammatory phase, and 14 healthy individuals. Postural stability was assessed using a Biodex device, motor function through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, respiratory function via spirometry (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC], Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second [FEV1] and FEV1/FVC ratio), and quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire. Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffé post-hoc tests.Results:Significant differences were observed among the three groups in overall postural stability, anteroposterior stability, and mediolateral stability (P < 0.05). Motor function, as measured by the TUG test, also demonstrated significant differences (P < 0.05). FVC values were 2.81 ± 0.28 L (severe respiratory phase), 1.12 ± 0.34 L (severe inflammatory phase), and 3.39 ± 0.29 L (healthy individuals); FEV1 values were 2.80 ± 0.28 L (respiratory phase), 1.11 ± 0.34 L (inflammatory phase), and 3.31 ± 0.30 L (healthy group), with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the quality of life in patients with severe inflammatory-phase COVID-19 was lower than in the other two groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The findings indicate that, weeks after the initial infection, patients in the severe inflammatory phase exhibited greater impairments in postural stability, motor function, and respiratory function compared to other COVID-19 patients. These patients also reported a lower quality of life than those with less severe infections.
Purpose:Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that is characterized by tightness and weakness of the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This study aimed to the effect of local (shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle) and comprehensive corrective exercises on neck muscle strength in upper crossed syndrome.Methods:45 female students with upper crossed syndrome in a quasi-experimental study with pre-test-post-test were selected purposively and availablely from among female students with upper crossed syndrome living in the dormitory of Isfahan University and divided randomly in three groups including shoulder girdle (age 19.5±1.12 years) pelvic girdle (age 19.00±0.84 years), and comprehensive (age 20.07±1.71 years) exercises. Conspicuously, progressive corrective exercises were performed in all groups for eight weeks and three sessions per week for 30 to 70 minutes. The muscle strength neck flexion and extension was evaluated before and after the intervention by a hand-held dynamometer. The data was analyzed by SPSS software version 26 and repeated measures ANOVA test (p≤0.05).Results:The results showed significant increase between muscle strength neck flexion and extension in three groups after 8 weeks exercises (P≤0.05). The results showed that the effect of measurement time (F(2,42)=97.63, P<0.001, η2=0.69), the effect of group (F(2,42)=13.73, P<0.001, η2=0.39), and the interaction effect of time and group (F(2,42)=5.9, P<0.006, η2=0.21) on the mean flexion strength were significant at the five percent error level, and the effect of measurement time (F(2,42)=109.98, P<0.001, η2=0.70), the effect of group (F(2,42)=5.37, P<0.008, η2=0.21), and the interaction effect of time and group (F(2,42)=67.6, P<0.003, η2=0.32) on the mean extension strength were significant at the five percent error level.Conclusion:According to the finding of the present study, it can be the shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and comprehensive exercises can improve the flexion and extension strength in upper crossed syndrome and the simultaneously correction of posture abnormalities as a comprehensive is more effective in improving muscle strength neck instead of correction of each abnormality as an independent component.
The Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program aims to ensure early identification and intervention for all infants with hearing loss. All infants should be screened using objective tests, such as Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) or Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR), before being discharged from the hospital or no later than one month of age. Infants, who do not pass the initial screenings as well as follow-up screenings, must undergo a comprehensive audiological diagnostic evaluation by two months of age. It is essential to refer all infants with hearing loss to an early intervention program immediately, with services beginning no later than three months of age. The EHDI program must be family-centered, respecting the rights of both the child and the family while ensuring informed decision-making and family participation. Additionally, all infants, regardless of screening results, should be continuously monitored for their communication development.
Purpose:Core stability refers to the ability of the lumbopelvic region to prevent spinal instability and restore balance after a disturbance. Considering the importance of this function in musculoskeletal health, the present systematic review aimed to examine the effects of core stability exercises in individuals with trunk neuromuscular deficiency.Methods:In this systematic review, the effects of core stability exercises on individuals with trunk neuromuscular deficiency were investigated. The search process was conducted in databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, as well as Persian databases such as Google Scholar, Megapaper, IranDoc, MagIran, Jihad Daneshgahi Scientific Information Center, Medlib, IranMedex, and the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology. The search utilized keywords including “Core stability exercises” or “core stability training” or “core stability endurance” or “trunk stability” or “core strengthening exercise” or “trunk resistance exercise” and “trunk dysfunction” or “trunk deficit “or “Neuromuscular deficiency of the trunk” covering the period from 2000 to May 2025. The PEDro scale was also used to assess the quality of studies.Results:A total of 140 articles were retrieved, and after removing duplicates, 13 studies closely related to the research topic were selected for final analysis in the present study. Two studies were of high quality and 11 studies were of low quality.Conclusion:The reviewed studies indicate that core stability exercises have a positive effect on improving neuromuscular trunk impairments and can be considered an effective method for rehabilitation and prevention of disorders in this region. However, the low quality of some studies, the limited number of international studies, and the absence of long-term follow-ups are among the limitations of this systematic review; therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Purpose:Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent systemic bone diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of aquatic and land-based exercise on bone mineral density and postural balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.Methods:This semi-experimental study was conducted on 36 women aged 50 to 65 years diagnosed with osteoporosis. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: aquatic exercise, land-based exercise, and control. The intervention groups performed balance-strength training for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). Bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck and lumbar spine, as well as postural balance, were assessed by calculating the mean center of pressure (COP) velocity in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions during four static balance tests: (1) two-legged stand with eyes open (TLEO), (2) two-legged stand with eyes closed (TLEC), (3) semi-tandem stand with eyes open (STEO), and (4) semi-tandem stand with eyes closed (STEC). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA in SPSS.Results:Significant between-group differences were observed in BMD and functional balance between the exercise and control groups (p<0.001, η²≥0.14). Compared to the aquatic group, the land-based exercise group showed greater improvements in BMD with larger effect sizes. Conversely, the aquatic group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in balance performance in TLEO and STEC (AP and ML), as well as in TLEC (ML), compared to the land-based group (p≤0.05, η²≥0.14).Conclusion:Land-based balance-strength exercises significantly improve bone mineral density, while aquatic exercises markedly enhance functional balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Therefore, combining both modalities may offer an effective strategy for managing osteoporosis.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, significantly impacting the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Its prevalence tends to increase with age and is higher in men. This policy brief is based on a national protocol developed by the Ministry of Health.Tinnitus can be classified according to various criteria. In terms of duration, it is categorized as acute (lasting several days to weeks) or chronic (lasting more than six months). Other classifications include the length of time the condition persists (temporary to permanent), its origin (somatic or neurophysiological), emotional effects, and related comorbidities such as hearing loss. The tinnitus management team typically consists of an otolaryngologist and an audiologist. The management process involves a thorough history-taking, hearing evaluations, and psychometric assessments, followed by a tailored treatment plan based on factors like the presence of hyperacusis, amplifiable hearing loss, psychological issues, and the overall degree of handicapping caused by tinnitus. Common treatments include the prescription of hearing aids, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy combined with Sound Therapy, all facilitated by an audiologist. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to preventing recurrence.
Purpose:Physical inactivity adversely affects health and muscle function, highlighting the need for effective exercise strategies, such as Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS). This study aimed to examine the effects of DNS on core muscle endurance and static and dynamic balance in physically inactive girls.Methods:This semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design (four and eight weeks) included 30 healthy inactive girls )8-12 years, BMI 15-18 kg/m²). Participants were purposefully and conveniently selected and then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed DNS training three times/week (60 min) for eight weeks. Core muscle endurance and static and dynamic balance were assessed using the McGill test, Stork balance test, and Y-balance test, respectively. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0/05 with SPSS software version 27.Results:DNS significantly improved core muscle endurance (p ≤ 0.05), static balance with eyes open (p ≤ 0.05), static balance with eyes closed (p ≤ 0.05), and dynamic balance (p ≤ 0.05) in the experimental group. At week four, the effect sizes were moderate for core muscle endurance (d = 0.52), static balance with eyes open (d = 0.59), static balance with eyes closed (d = 0.68), and dynamic balance (d = 0.45), and increased to large at week eight for core muscle endurance (d = 0.90), static balance with eyes open (d = 1.18), static balance with eyes closed (d = 1.49), and dynamic balance (d = 1.17). In contrast, no significant changes occurred in the control group (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Eight weeks of DNS significantly improved core muscle endurance and balance, with greater gains over time. These findings support DNS-based protocols and suggest that they can be useful for physical therapists and occupational therapists in designing programs to enhance motor performance in inactive children.
Purpose:Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent and complex forms of dementia, characterized by progressive decline in memory, cognitive abilities, and social functioning. With the global population aging, AD has become a major public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), approximately 55 million individuals worldwide are affected by AD and other dementias, a figure projected to rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Recent research highlights the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in the prevention and management of AD. In this context, probiotics have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, capable of modulating the gut microbiome to enhance brain health and mitigate disease outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics and their potential mechanisms in alleviating Alzheimer’s-related complications.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases covering the period from 2003 to 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical trials, animal studies, and narrative/systematic reviews directly addressing probiotics and AD. Exclusion criteria included studies lacking quantitative outcomes or unrelated to gut microbiome. The broad time frame was selected to capture two decades of evolving evidence in microbiome research.Results:Evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicates that probiotic supplementation can lead to measurable improvements in cognitive performance (average 8–15% increase in memory and attention scores), reduction in depressive symptoms (10–20% decrease in standardized scales such as GDS), and enhancement of overall quality of life indices in patients with AD. These effects are primarily mediated through the gut–brain axis, involving attenuation of immune-inflammatory responses, increased production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and improved intestinal barrier integrity. Moreover, alterations in gut microbiota composition, particularly the enrichment of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, play a crucial role in cognitive improvement.Conclusion:Probiotics exert beneficial effects in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms and contribute to measurable improvements in cognitive function. However, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in probiotic strains and dosages, and short follow-up durations. Larger, long-term clinical trials and standardized protocols are required to validate these findings. Investigating the complex interactions between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system remains essential for designing complementary therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. While promising, probiotic-based interventions should be considered adjunctive rather than standalone therapies.
Purpose: Type 2 diabetes, the most common disease resulting from metabolic disorders, is a major global challenge that increases inflammatory factors such as RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products) and interleukin‑17 (IL‑17), as well as glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an eight‑week aerobic training program on the levels of RAGE and IL‑17 in women with type 2 diabetes, with and without hyperlipidemia.Methods: This semi‑experimental applied study used a pre‑test/post‑test design. The statistical population comprised type‑2 diabetic patients with and without hyperlipidemia. The sample size was 52 women, randomly assigned to four groups of 13 each: 1) diabetes, 2) diabetes + exercise, 3) diabetes + hyperlipidemia, 4) diabetes + hyperlipidemia + exercise. The aerobic interval training lasted eight weeks, with five sessions per week. Each session consisted of 10–13 one‑minute repetitions at 70–50 % of maximal heart rate, followed by one minute of active recovery at 40–30 % of maximal heart rate. The control group performed no exercise during the study period. Blood samples were taken 24 h before and 48 h after the final training session, and the serum was used to measure RAGE and IL‑17 levels, insulin‑resistance index, glucose, and insulin. Data were analyzed with repeated‑measures ANOVA at a 5 % significance level using SPSS version 27.Results: Results showed that aerobic exercise had a significant effect on RAGE (p < 0.001), IL‑17 (p < 0.001, η² = 0.635), glucose (p < 0.001), insulin (p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (p < 0.001)Conclusion: Eight weeks of interval aerobic training in type‑2 diabetic patients with and without hyperlipidemia significantly reduced RAGE and IL‑17 levels, insulin‑resistance index, glucose, and insulin. This indicates that interval aerobic exercise can effectively improve metabolic and inflammatory status in these patients and may serve as an adjunctive method for faster management and improvement of type‑2 diabetes.
Purpose: Alterations in gait patterns and asymmetry in gait cycle parameters among individuals with intellectual disabilities increase the risk of falls, reduce motor efficiency, and also increase coordination variability. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different types of attentional focus on the coordination variability of lower body segments in educable girls with intellectual disabilities. Methods: This applied, quasi-experimental study involved 23 girls aged 10–13 years with educable intellectual disabilities, selected through convenience sampling. Inertial sensors were attached to the pelvis, thigh, leg, and foot to assess gait kinematics under four attentional focus conditions: control (Ctrl), internal attention (IA), close external attention (CEA), and far external attention (FEA). Coordination variability (CV) was calculated using the angle-angle method between adjacent limb segments and the standard deviation index. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: No significant differences were observed in the CV of the Hip-Thigh segment across the attentional focus conditions (Ctrl: 32.05 ± 9.71; IA: 32.75 ± 8.60; CEA: 32.94 ± 8.70; FEA: 34.00 ± 6.10) (p ≥ 0.05). However, the CV of the Thigh-Leg segment (Ctrl: 7.25 ± 1.33; IA: 7.37 ± 1.40; CEA: 7.43 ± 2.33; FEA: 7.80 ± 2.26) and the Leg-Ankle segment (Ctrl: 17.00 ± 2.90; IA: 17.45 ± 5.70; CEA: 18.73 ± 3.67; FEA: 19.31 ± 5.90) were significantly lower in the FEA condition compared to the IA condition (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that adopting a far external focus of attention can effectively reduce coordination variability in lower body segments during gait in girls with intellectual disabilities.
Purpose:Dry eye is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by tear film instability and inflammation of the ocular surface, which may result in visual impairment. This study sought to examine the impact of dry eye on higher-order aberrations (HOAs) within a young population and to explore their relationship with tear film parameters.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 40 young individuals diagnosed with dry eye were compared to 40 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. The criteria for diagnosing dry eye included an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score of 13 or higher, accompanied by at least one objective sign such as a tear film break-up time (TBUT) of 10 seconds or less, a Schirmer test score of 5 mm or lower, or corneal staining graded at 1 or above. Higher-order optical aberrations were assessed using a Pentacam device for a 6 mm pupil diameter. Independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, were employed to assess the differences in HOAs between the dry eye and control groups. Additionally, the relationships between HOAs and tear film parameters were evaluated using Spearman correlation test.Results:The average vertical coma (Z3,-1) and spherical (Z4,0) aberrations, along with total HOAs, were significantly elevated in the dry eye group compared to the control group (all P values < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between vertical coma and OSDI (0.391, P=0.001), while a significant negative correlation was noted with TBUT (-0.306, P=0.008) and Schirmer score (-0.244, P=0.037). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was identified between spherical aberration and OSDI (0.461, P<0.001), alongside significant negative correlations with TBUT (-0.365, P=0.002) and Schirmer score (-0.280, P=0.017).Conclusion:Dry eye in younger individuals is associated with an increase in higher-order aberrations, particularly vertical coma and spherical aberrations. These results suggest that evaluating HOAs may serve as a useful diagnostic tool in the management of dry eye among young populations.
Purpose:The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in knee joint. This study aimed to investigate the effects of facilitatory and inhibitory kinesiotaping on pain and spatiotemporal parameters during walking in soccer players with ACL reconstruction (ACLR).Methods:This quasi-experimental study involved 30 male soccer players with patellar tendon autograft ACLR, randomly assigned into two groups (facilitatory taping, n=15; inhibitory taping, n=15) using random number generator software. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and spatio-temporal parameters were measured with a motion capture system during a 10-meter walking task. Facilitatory and inhibitory taping were applied to the quadriceps muscles of the respective groups. To compare within-group and between-group differences, dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used, respectively, with SPSS26 software at a significance level of P<0.05.Results:Both facilitatory and inhibitory taping significantly reduced pain during squatting (P=0.001 in both groups). However, no significant effects were observed on spatio-temporal walking parameters (walking speed, cadence, stance phase, step length, double support time, and forward movement initiation time) in ACLR soccer players (P>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the facilitatory and inhibitory taping groups (P>0.05).Conclusion:Two facilitative and inhibitory taping models on the quadriceps muscles have been able to influence the amount of pain during movement of ACLR male soccer players. However, the two models have not influenced the spatiotemporal parameters of walking. Therefore, it is recommended that further studies could be conducted in this field.
Purpose:Maintaining proper posture during childhood contributes to the preservation of postural patterns into adulthood. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of head posture education and chin-tuck exercises on head and neck alignment in students with forward head posture.Methods:This semi-experimental and applied study followed a pre-test/post-test design. A total of 42 female elementary school students were selected and randomly assigned equally into three groups: (1) head posture education (n = 14), (2) head posture education combined with chin-tuck exercises (n = 14), and (3) control group (n = 14). The intervention groups participated in training sessions three times per week for two months. Head posture angle and body awareness were assessed before and after the intervention using photogrammetry and a body awareness questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA for group mean comparisons, LSD test for pairwise comparisons, and repeated measures ANOVA controlling for potential confounders.Results:The results showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test in both the head posture education group and the combined intervention group regarding the forward head angle and body awareness (P = 0.001). The combined intervention (head posture education with chin-tuck exercises) had a greater effect compared to head posture education alone, resulting in a significant improvement in head posture angle (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in body awareness between the two intervention groups (P = 0.245); however, a significant difference in body awareness was found between the combined intervention group and the control group in the post-test (P=0.001).Conclusion:Both interventions—head posture education alone and in combination with chin-tuck exercises—can be effective techniques for improving forward head posture and body awareness in students. However, head posture education combined with chin-tuck exercises may yield more favorable results and could be recommended to corrective movement specialists.
Purpose:Flat foot are among the most common musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents. The medial longitudinal arch of the foot plays a crucial role in regulating and evenly distributing body weight across the feet. This study aimed to investigate the effect of custom-made orthotic insoles on the degree of pronation and weight distribution in adolescent students with flat foot.Methods:This applied research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design. Sixty male students diagnosed with flat feet were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 30), who received custom-made orthotic insoles, or a control group (n = 30), who received no intervention. A foot scanner device capable of analyzing the center of gravity and weight distribution was used to diagnose flat feet. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and its non-parametric equivalent, Quade’s Nonparametric ANCOVA. Statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level using SPSS version 27 (p<0.05).Results:The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in pronation (P < 0.001) after eight weeks of using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) custom-made orthotic insoles in the intervention group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in weight distribution between the right foot (P = 0.984) and the left foot (P = 0.965) across the two groups.Conclusion:Based on the results, custom-made CNC orthotic insoles significantly reduced pronation in individuals with flat feet. However, they did not lead to a significant improvement in weight distribution between the feet. Therefore, these insoles appear to be an effective intervention for correcting excessive pronation in adolescents with flat foot.
Purpose:Noise is one of the environmental pollutants that, in addition to its well-known effects on the peripheral auditory system, can also affect central auditory processing and cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of noise on hearing and cognition in individuals exposed to noise, particularly in occupational and urban environments.Methods:In this review study, a search was conducted in the databases and search engines PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science for articles published between 2000 and 2025. The keywords "Noise," "Cognitive Function," "Central Auditory Processing," and "Hearing Loss" were used for the search. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for assessing the quality and validity of the included studies, ten research articles examining the effects of noise on hearing and cognition were selected for review.Results:The results of the study showed that chronic noise exposure can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, central auditory processing disorders, hidden synaptic damage )hidden auditory synaptopathy), and impairments in cognitive functions such as working memory and attention.Conclusion:Given the reported effects of noise on auditory and cognitive skills, the need for preventive programs, targeted screening, and rehabilitative interventions for individuals exposed to noise is among the recommendations of this study for future researchs.
Purpose:Soccer is one of the most popular and well-known sports in the world. Better performance in this sport requires high physical fitness. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of total body resistance training and plyometrics on physiological indicators of young male soccer players.Methods:The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical sample of the study included 30 young male soccer players with an age range of 18 to 30 years. A Polar heart rate sensor, a Lactometer device, and a mercury sphygmomanometer were used to measure maximum oxygen consumption. Plyometric and TRX exercises were performed for eight weeks by both groups. The research variables were measured before the intervention and after a maximum of 48 hours after the exercises. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24. Covariance test was used to compare results between groups and paired t-test was used to compare results within groups at a significance level of 0.05.Results:The between-group results showed that the variables VO2max (p=0.010) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001) had significant differences between the groups. Also, the variables lactate and VO2max (p-0.001) had a significant increase in the post-test compared to the pre-test, which was greater in the plyometric training group. Systolic blood pressure (p=0.001) had a significant decrease in the plyometric training and total body resistance training (TRX) groups in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Also, diastolic blood pressure (p=0.008) had a significant decrease in the TRX training group, while no significant difference was observed in the plyometric training group in the pre-test and post-test for diastolic blood pressure.Conclusion:Plyometric and TRX training improve physiological indicators in young soccer players. Plyometric training has a greater effect than TRX training in improving these indicators
Purpose:Forward Head Posture (FHP) is one of the common musculoskeletal abnormalities associated with neck pain, reduced craniovertebral angle (CVA), and neuromuscular dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective exercises on FHP and related variables such as CVA, neck pain, and muscular performance.Methods:This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in both Persian and English across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran, up to the end of March 2025. The keywords used included “Forward Head Posture,” “Craniovertebral Angle,” “Corrective Exercises,” “Therapeutic Exercise,” and “Postural Correction.” The quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.Results:Out of 850 identified records, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The corrective exercises used in these studies included stretching, strengthening, stabilization, and combined interventions, which in most cases led to significant improvements in indicators related to FHP, such as CVA, neck pain, muscular performance, and joint position sense. The duration of most interventions ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. Combined exercises, such as NASM-based programs, postural training, stretching, myofascial release, core stabilization, and aquatic training, showed greater effectiveness compared to single interventions. In total, 15 studies had sufficient data to be included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that corrective exercises significantly reduced the forward head angle compared to control groups (SMD = -1.52; 95% CI: -2.47 to -0.57; p = 0.002; I² = 91%). In contrast, meta-analysis results showed that NASM-based exercises were not significantly different from the control group. (MD = -1.82; 95% CI: -5.95 to 2.31; p = 0.39; I² = 94%). Corrective exercises also significantly improved head and neck angles (SMD = 1.49; 95% CI: 0.68 to 2.30; p = 0.0003; I² = 81%).Conclusion:Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, corrective exercises—especially combined programs—showed the greatest effectiveness in improving FHP, reducing neck pain, and enhancing shoulder alignment. However, the results of the meta-analysis indicated that NASM-based exercises did not show a significant difference. Due to the high heterogeneity among studies and the moderate quality of some research, results should be interpreted with caution. Future studies with RCT design, larger sample sizes, and long-term follow-up are recommended to strengthen the evidence.
Purpose:Recent research has extensively studied the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive problems. Since early detection is the only effective way to treat cognitive disorders in older adults, auditory rehabilitation methods may be useful for preventing these disorders. To date, no Persian review article has been published on this topic. This article aims to investigate the relationship between age-related hearing loss and dementia, describe the underlying mechanisms, and examine the role of auditory rehabilitation interventions in preventing these disorders. Methods:This article reviews literature obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Systematic Reviews Database using the keywords "age-related hearing loss," "presbycusis," "cognitive disorders," "Alzheimer's," "dementia," "hearing aids," and "cochlear implants" to identify relevant articles published in recent years.Results:Behavioral, electrophysiological, and imaging studies have demonstrated a strong association between hearing loss and dementia. Auditory rehabilitation, primarily through hearing aids and cochlear implants, has been shown to effectively prevent cognitive impairment in older adults. The proposed mechanism is that enhanced auditory experiences from using hearing aids can lead to greater plasticity in the auditory system, increased amplitude of evoked potentials, and improved working memory performance, ultimately enhancing overall cognitive function. Additionally, some researchers attribute this benefit to the role hearing aids play in improving quality of life, reducing depression, and addressing psychological factors that can influence dementia. However, studies on other auditory rehabilitation methods, such as auditory training, are limited, indicating a need for further research in this area.Conclusion:Research results show that hearing loss plays an important role in the occurrence of dementia, and the use of hearing aids in hearing-impaired people, such as hearing aids, can reduce the relative risk of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's in older adults. Further studies are needed to identify which specific features of hearing aids should be optimized to achieve the greatest impact on cognitive health.
