Background: Muscle dystrophy and sarcopenia involve progressive muscle wasting and functional decline. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and irisin are key myokines regulating muscle growth and metabolism. Changes in their levels may reflect disease and aging effects. To evaluate the role of IGF-1 and irisin in muscle dystrophy. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in Baghdad hospitals (Dec 2024–Feb 2025) involving 55 patients with muscle dystrophy and 35 healthy controls. Serum IGF-1 and irisin were quantified utilizing ELISA, and data were analyzed with SPSS v26 (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Patients had significantly lower IGF-1 (75.18 ± 3.16 vs. 112.14 ± 8.75 ng/ml, p = 0.0001) and irisin (5.19 ± 0.22 vs. 9.92 ± 0.78 ng/ml, p = 0.0001) levels. Irisin declined with age, especially >70 years (p = 0.0481). No correlation was found between IGF-1 and irisin. Conclusion: This study suggests a potential role of IGF-1 and irisin in muscle dystrophy progression
The research objective to improve and apply a functional competency scale for physical education teachers from the concept of sports activity departments in Iraqi education directorates and to identify the functional competency of physical education teachers from the perspective of these departments. The researcher used the descriptive questionnaire method as it was acceptable for the nature of the issue The research population consisted of (319) directors of sports and scouting activity departments in Iraqi education directorates. There were also (3) individuals from the sports and scouting activity units in the districts and sub-districts of Iraqi education directorates The research sample consisted of (319) individuals representing (100%) of the research population. The researcher designed a questionnaire for the scale to determine the validity of the statements which included (25) statements. The researcher adopted the Liker method in constructing the scale questionnaire. Based on this, a five-point scale was used to express the degree of agreement with each statement: (Strongly Agree, Agree, Sometimes Disagree, Strongly Disagree). The researcher then conducted a pilot study with a acceptable timeframe before the final study application, using a sample of 25 individuals. Following this, the scale was administered to a construction sample of 150 individuals. To complete the steps of constructing this study's scale the researcher performed statistical analysis of the scale statements This statistical process ensured the availability of the scientific requirements for the scale namely validity and reliability Subsequently the researcher administered the functional competency scale, consisting of 25 statements to a control sample of 130 individuals. The results were then statistically analyzed and discussed.
The research aims to identify the values of physical variables and their differences according to the Player-Maker device for the performance of midfielders and attackers in matches of the Iraqi Youth League Under (19) years old. The main experiment was conducted in the Iraqi League on a sample of Al-Karkh Sports Club youth players, including the midfield and attack positions. The researcher used a descriptive approach with a comparative approach. The statistical package (SPSS) was used to extract the results (Mean), (Std-Deviation), and (One-Way ANOVA). The researchers concluded that there were no significant differences in the playing levels of Al-Karkh Club in terms of the value of the physical variables studied. This indicates that playing levels and performance did not improve during matches against Al-Ittihad, Al-Kahraba, Al-Zawraa, Al-Talaba, and Amanat Baghdad clubs. The researchers recommend using the Player-Maker device in futsal to extract other physical variables, and to use the device in many other games, such as basketball, handball, and others, to extract many physical variables.
The study aimed to design cross-training exercises to develop performance and selected special physical abilities of the muscles involved in Strongest Man competitions in the advanced weight category (100–105 kg). The researcher adopted the experimental method because it suited the research problem and objectives. The research population comprised 20 advanced athletes from the Iraqi national Strongest Man team selected intentionally. The research sample included 12 athletes whose body weights ranged between 100 and 105 kg representing 60% of the original population. The remaining 8 athletes were excluded because of their lack of homogeneity in body weight. The research procedures involved identifying the study variables through consultation with experts and specialists in sports training and exercise physiology, selecting appropriate tests, establishing their scientific foundations and conducting a pilot experiment. pre-tests were administered before implementing the proposed training program. The program lasted 8 weeks comprising 3 training sessions per week. Following completion of the intervention post-tests were conducted to evaluate changes in the selected variables. The results revealed that the cross-training exercises positively affected the development of physical abilities among the experimental group, including maximal strength, explosive power and muscular endurance as well as competition achievement. The exercises produced noticeable improvements in the electrical activity of the investigated muscles particularly peak electrical activity. These findings demonstrate the potential effectiveness of structured cross-training programs in enhancing physical performance and neuromuscular function among advanced Strongest Man athletes in the 100–105 kg weight category.
The purpose of this study was to explain the contribution of the training process level scale to the explosive power of the high spike skill in volleyball and to enhance and standardize a training process scale for volleyball coaches from the perspective of their players. The researcher used the illustrative survey method and correlational analysis as these were suitable for the research problem. The research population was described as the players of the Iraqi Elite Volleyball League in the 2024-2025 season, totaling (13) clubs (Peshmerga, Police, South Gas, Industry, Habbaniyah, Hit, Erbil, Nu'maniyah, Northern Refineries, Dagharah, Muqdadiyah, Nineveh, and Haditha), with a total of (158) players. The researcher picked the sample from the whole population, resulting in a total sample size of (145), representing (91.77%) of the original population. Thirteen players could not be reached or were therefore excluded. The sample was divided into (8) players for a pilot study, illustrating (Industry Club). (50) players were selected to develop and determine the scientific basis for a training process level scale. Subsequently, (62) players were chosen for the standardization sample, and (25) players were selected for the main experimental sample. The findings of the relationship and contribution percentage between the training process level scale and explosive skill power were presented and discussed. The researcher attained many conclusions: the scale demonstrates the level of the coach's training process and to develop performance accurate assessment of the training process demands continuous knowledge of the components of the training situation, identifying training needs, designing the training program, implementing the training and finally evaluating the training program. Explosive power plays a important role in the success of the volleyball spike skill.
