Introduction: Lateral elbow tendinopathy is not merely a localized elbow condition and is often associated with proximal movement impairments, such as scapular dyskinesis, which may contribute to persistent pain and functional limitations in racket-sport athletes. This study aimed to compare the effects of scapular stabilization and elbow strengthening exercises on pain, disability, and functional performance in racket-sport athletes with lateral elbow tendinopathy accompanied by scapular dyskinesis. Materials and Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial with a pret-est–post- test control group design, 49 racket sport athletes aged 18–25 years and diagnosed with lateral elbow tendinopathy and scapular dyskinesis were randomly assigned to elbow strengthening exercises, combined training (elbow strengthening plus scapular stabilization), or a control group. Interventions were conducted over eight weeks, three sessions per week. Outcome measures included pain intensity, upper-limb disability, muscle strength, dynamic balance (YBT), upper-limb power, and functional movement performance. Results: Both intervention groups showed reductions in pain and disability and improvements in functional performance, with greater and clinically meaningful improvements observed in the combined training group. Conclusion: Incorporating scapular stabilization exercises into elbow strengthening programs leads to superior clinical and functional outcomes and supports a kinetic chain–based rehabilitation approach for racket sport athletes with lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Introduction: Islamic prayer has several components that enhance physical and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of prayer on balance control. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy elderly men were divided into two groups in the study: One group (n=15) consisted of people who regularly prayed (WP). Another group (n=15) who did not pray (WOP) was matched on various factors with the praying group, such as demographics, lifestyle, physical and psychological abilities, cognitive abilities, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Biodex recorded the balance indexes under simple and dual- task conditions. Mann-Whitney and Pearson chi-square tests were used for non-parametric analyses, while t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used for parametric analyses and to balance variables. The tests were conducted from 9:00 to 13:00. Results: ANCOVA showed that the overall, Ant-Post, and Med-Lat balance index values in simple and dual-task conditions were significantly lower in the WP group than in the WOP group (P<0.05). Age was considered a covariate. Other variables that influence balance control, such as demographics, lifestyle, psychological and physical health, cognitive abilities, and changes in HRV during tests, did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: Islamic prayer is associated with improved balance control in elderly men, independent of other effective factors. It can be used as a physiotherapy intervention for the elderly.
Introduction: Hearing and balance are vital body functions that allow communication with our surroundings and effective participation in everyday activities. Various factors, including vitamins, influence these two functions. This study aimed to examine the role of vitamins in hearing and balance and the effects of deficiencies in these nutrients on ear and balance health. Materials and Methods: This review examined the effects of vitamins on hearing. We identified 71 studies published since 2000 through searches of Medline (PubMed), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, ASHA, Thieme, and ProQuest. Results: Evidence suggests that Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E are associated with auditory and vestibular health. Vitamin deficiencies have been linked to hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and impaired inner ear function. In particular, vitamins A and E support hair cell integrity and protect against oxidative stress, while vitamins B and C contribute to neural function. Vitamin D is also important for vestibular health through its role in calcium regulation. Conclusion: Ensuring adequate intake of these vitamins through diet or supplementation may help prevent hearing and balance disorders and improve quality of life
Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a cornerstone of secondary prevention following coronary revascularization; however, its utilization remains suboptimal in underserved regions. This study aimed to evaluate referral, participation, and completion rates of CR and their associated factors in Birjand, Iran. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 758 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between April 2022 and May 2023. Data on demographics, insurance status, education level, and physician CR familiarity were collected using a structured checklist and phone follow-up. The CR program was defined as 36 supervised sessions. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with referral, participation, and completion. All reported odds ratios were derived from fully adjusted models. Results: Among 749 eligible patients, 19(26.3%) were referred to CR, 103(52.3% of referred) participated, and 69(67.0% of participants) completed the program. Multivariate analysis showed that higher education was the strongest predictor of referral (odds ratio [OR]=9.50, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.9%, 18.27%, P<0.001), followed by male gender (OR=2.12, 95% CI, 1%, 4.49%, P=0.005). Furthermore, physicians familiar with CR had approximately a 3-fold higher referral rate compared to less-familiar colleagues. Insurance coverage was significantly associated with program completion (78% of insured vs 59% of uninsured completers; P=0.018). Conclusion: Referral is the main systemic barrier to CR utilization in this underprivileged region. Participation and completion among referred patients reflect a selected group with adequate access, highlighting the need for system level interventions focused on physician referral practices—particularly for women and less educated patients—and improved insurance coverage to enhance equitable access to CR.
