Resilience and Emotional Reactions to Failure Mediated by Self-compassion and Emotion Regulation in Martial Artists

Introduction: The present study aimed to examine a proposed model for the relationship between resilience and emotional reactions to failure, mediated by self-compassion and Emotion Regulation (ER) among martial artists. Materials and Methods: A total of 286 athletes (191 males & 95 females; Mean±SD age: 20.98±3.30 years) from different disciplines of martial arts (taekwondo, karate, Judo, & wushu) engaged in league championship participated in the study. Athletes completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). The proposed model was evaluated using structural equation modeling. Results: The obtained results revealed that resilience has direct and indirect effects on emotional reactions to failure. Furthermore, self-compassion and maladaptive ER play a partial negative mediating role between resilience and emotional reactions to failure. However, the mediating role of adaptive ER was not significant. Conclusion: The study data predicted negative emotional reactions to failure based on resilience, mediated by self-compassion and ER among martial artists; thus, these data indicate the necessity of paying attention to the development of resilience in martial artists. This method emphasizes self-compassion and the reduction of maladaptive ER for better recovery of failure and reduces its effects.

Effects of Aerobic Exercises on Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Prescribing the Adrenergic beta-Antagonists is very common in treating cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training in patients with coronary artery disease, prescribed two different types of beta-blockers (selective and non- selective) on the patient's lipid profile (Lipoproteins) and FBS (Blood Glucose). Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with coronary artery disease, aged 45-65 years, were compared in two groups of selective (n=36) and non-selective (n=24) users of beta-blockers. The training program consisted of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise on the treadmill (3 sessions per week, about 50 minutes per session, with an intensity of 40% to 60% of the heart rate reserve). Each study patient’s lipid profile and FBS level were obtained before the onset of the study and after the end of the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: In the selective group, lipid profile and FBS did not significantly change. In the non-selective group, FBS and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced after the intervention; however, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels were not significantly changed (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that aerobic training in patients with CAD who used non-selective beta-blockers has more positive effects.

Comparing the Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck Between the Teachers of Physical Education and Other Majors in High Schools of Tehran City, Iran

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MDs) largely contribute to occupational diseases in the workplace. Prevention from these disorders requires their evaluation in different occupations. This study aimed to compare the MDs of the neck between the teachers of Physical Education (PE) and those of the other majors in the high schools of Tehran City, Iran. Methods: The study sample included 180 teachers of mathematics, PE, and the religion and lifestyle in the high schools of Tehran (with the Mean±SD age of 42.11±6.65 years, and the Mean±SD weight of 72.28±12.98 kg). The participants were selected from 19 districts of the Tehran Departments of Education using multistage cluster sampling. The standard Nordic questionnaire was administered to investigate MDs among the teachers. The obtained data were analyzed with the Chi-square test to compare the MDs of the neck between the three groups of teachers. Results: A significant relationship was observed between the neck problems of the female (P=0.016) and male (P=0.017) PE teachers and the other teachers. Moreover, the neck problems were associated with the teaching experience (P=0.024) and teaching major (P=0.004). Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems that regular exercise can reduce the developing risk of MDs in the neck. Thus, this study recommends the performance of regular exercise and the correction of job-related postures to all teachers.

Effects of Hypoxic and Normoxic Training in Altitude on HIF-1α and PGC-1α Levels in Elite Endurance Runners

Introduction: Training at altitude or in a hypoxic environment has gained attention among athletes, coaches, and scientists to enhance sea-level performance. However, the efficacy of “Living-Low, Training-High, Training-Low” (LLTHTL) strategy to escalate the mechanisms associated with enhancing performance in the human athletes is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the LLTHTL on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-Gamma Coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) levels in elite endurance runners. Methods: The study has a crossover design in University laboratory. Eight elite male runners (Mean±SD age: 24.50±3.96 years; Mean±SD height: 179.75±4.62 cm; Mean±SD body mass: 67.37±3.42 kg; Mean±SD body mass index: 20.85±1.11 kg/m²) took part in the research. After 4 weeks of Living-Low (LL), the athletes performed 4 weeks Training-High (TH) and then, 3 weeks training-low (TL). Main Outcome Measures: Anthropometric parameters, time trial (1500 m), PGC-1α, and HIF-1α levels were measured in four different time points: pre-LL, post-LL, post-TH, and post-TL. Results: There were no significant differences between the 4 time points for body mass and body mass index (P>0.05). The time trial was improved significantly (p <0.001) at post-TH as well as post-TL compared with the pre-LL and post-LL. TH decreased HIF-1α level but did not affect PGC-1α. Besides, TL increased both HIF-1α and PGC-1α. Conclusion: Training at altitude reduces HIF-1α and training at sea-level increased PGC-1α and HIF-1α levels. Both types of training induced an improvement in the time trial. Athletes and coaches seek advice on the effective training strategy to enhance performance at different altitudes.

Effect of a Four-week Core Stability Training Program on the Kinetic Parameters in Athletes With Functional Ankle Instability During Single-leg Drop Landing

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 4-week core stability training program on landing kinetic parameters in athletes with functional ankle instability during a single-leg drop landing exercise. Methods: This study used a pre-post quasi-experimental design and was conducted in the biomechanics laboratory. A total number of 24 athletes with functional ankle instability participated in two experimental (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. The experimental group performed core stability training for 4 weeks. The kinetic variables (maximum vertical Ground-Reaction Force [GRF], maximum shear GRF, and time to peak vertical GRF) were measured with force plate at the frequency of 400 Hz, in the pre-test and post-test. The obtained data were compared using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance MANCOVA in SPSS V. 18. Results: In the experimental group, all variables significantly differ between the pre-test and post-test. Also, the ANCOVA and MANCOVA indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. Conclusion: The results indicated that the core stability training improved the kinetic parameters of landing in people with functional ankle instability; thus, it can reduce the re-injury risk of the ankle.

Effects of Hip Muscle Resistance Training With and Without Feedback on Trunk, Pelvis, and Lower Extremity Motions

Introduction: The present study aimed to compare hip muscle resistance training with and without feedback on trunk, pelvis, and lower extremity motions in frontal and sagittal planes among active females with dynamic valgus. Materials and Methods: Twenty-Nine active females (Mean±SD age: 22.8±2.4 years, height: 1.70±0.6 m, weight: 69±7.1 kg) were randomly assigned to a hip muscle resistance training with feedback group (n=15) or a hip muscle resistance training without feedback group (n=14). Both training programs lasted 6 weeks (3 sessions/week). The peak angles of lateral trunk flexion, contralateral pelvic drop, hip flexion, knee flexion, and valgus during single-leg drop landing and single-leg vertical drop jump were assessed in the research participants at baseline and 6 weeks post-training. Unipodal functional screening tests were captured with two standard digital video cameras. Results: After 6 weeks, significant differences were observed in knee valgus and lateral trunk flexion, contralateral pelvic drop, and knee flexion angles, i.e., compared between hip muscle resistance training with feedback and hip muscle resistance training without feedback (P<0.05), except for non-dominant leg hip flexion in single-leg vertical drop jump (P>0.05). Conclusion: In the explored active females with dynamic valgus, hip muscle resistance training with feedback seems to be better at improving trunk, pelvis, and lower extremity motions in frontal and sagittal planes, compared to hip muscle resistance training without feedback; however, no significant difference was observed concerning hip flexion during single-leg vertical drop jump between the study groups.

The Effects of School-based Physical Exercise With Different Cognitive Loads on Executive Functions

Introduction: The present study aimed to compare the effects of 3 school-based physical exercises with different levels of cognitive engagement on executive functions. Materials and Methods: In total, 47 students aged 13-14 years were randomly divided into 3 groups, as follows: the Integrated Physical and Cognitive (IPC) exercise, peer physical exercise group (with the same physical challenge), and control group (the routine physical education program). A Continuous Performance Test (CPT), the N-back test, and the Stroop test were used to evaluate executive functions in pretest and posttest. Results: The obtained results indicated that the IPC group significantly improved more than the other groups on the executive functions. Accordingly, physical exercise with a higher cognitive load benefitted both speed and accuracy on cognitive tasks significantly more than the same physical activity alone. Conclusion: Therefore, in the integrated physical and cognitive exercise, the cognitive and physiological effects of this training style interact with each other; therefore, their beneficial effects can be gradually increased, while interventions that only focus on the physical dimension would be less effective in promoting cognitive functions.

Longitudinal Kinetic and Kinematic Changes in Functional Tasks After Reconstructing Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The return to sport after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) is among the main issues encountered by rehabilitation medicine, injured athletes, and coaches. A main factor preventing safe return to sports is a biomechanical asymmetry between the limbs during reconstruction, which plays a significant role in the risk of re-injury. Accordingly, injury-related biomechanical changes were systematically examined in individuals with ACLR as performed functional tasks. Materials and Methods: Articles relevant to biomechanical asymmetries between (ACLR & uninjured) limbs in English were searched in the Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed MEDLINE, and Scopus databases without time limit until 2021, using the following keywords: “Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction”, “ACL reconstruction”, “biomechanical”, “Kinetic”, “Kinematic”, and “Asymmetry”. Results: In total, 122 articles were found, of which 18 met the inclusion (PRISMA) criteria. Most of the kinetic and kinematic parameters were observed in the intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after ACLR between the athletes’ vertical Ground Reaction Force (vGRF), peak hip abduction moment, peak knee valgus angle, peak knee flexion moment and angle, during the functional tasks; also changes were detected in the articles up to 28 months, although research in this area was limited. Conclusion: The present systematic review suggested that biomechanical variables may vary among the limbs of patients with ACLR, between 18 and over 28 months. Accordingly, an asymmetry between the limbs increases the risk of re-injury. Therefore, a better understanding of the biomechanics of the limbs in the time intervals after ACLR can provide a safer and sooner return to sports activities.

Effect of Kangoo Jump on Posture Balance and Postural sway of Children with Autism

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is among the most common childhood disorders. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Kangoo Jump (KJ) exercises on dynamic balance and overall postural oscillations in children with ASD. Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. Among children with ASD in the Autism Association and Autism Schools in Tehran City, Iran, 20 subjects were selected using screening tests; after assessing the dynamic balance and general postural sway as a pretest, they were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. The experimental group performed KJ exercises for 8 weeks; eventually, all individuals were tested for dynamic balance and postural control as a posttest. The obtained data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: This study suggested that performing KJ significantly improved the dynamic balance in children with an ASD disorder. There was a significant difference between the mean scores of the control and experimental groups in the posttest stage in dynamic equilibrium (P<0.001); however, no difference was observed between the study groups in postural control. Conclusion: Using KJ to improve dynamic balance in children with ASD is beneficial. Therefore, these interventions can improve various aspects of development and balance in children with ASDs.

Relationship Between the History of Injury and Functional Movement Screening Scores in Iran National Team Wrestlers

Introduction: Wrestling is one of the most popular Olympic sports in Iran. Therefore, preseason screening and the prevention of sports injuries are very important. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the history of injury and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of the national team wrestlers and determine the cut-off point. Methods: The statistical sample included 136 national team wrestlers. The obtained data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, ROC curve, and contingency table. Results: The results showed that FMS scores were higher in the wrestlers without previous injury compared to the injured ones. The t-test results demonstrated no significant difference between deep squat, straight and active leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotatory stability. According to the results, there is a poor negative, but statistically significant, the relationship between the number of previous injuries and FMS scores. Based on the ROC curve for FMS, the cut-off point of 16.5 was reported with the sensitivity and specificity values of 0.587 and 0.658, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that FMS can be used for fast and accurate control of injury probability in wrestling athletes. Therefore, besides the medical tests, FMS tests should be employed by wrestling coaches as a valid tool for injury prevention and the identification of athletes prone to injury.