Journal of

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Introduction: The proportion of older adults in the population continues to grow in the developing countries. In addition, persons at or over the age of 60 years have decreased quality of life in geriartrics because of several factors, such as low physical activity and impairment in mobility. This study was performed to assess the effect of group-based exercise program on physical functional independency in order to finally increase the quality of life in older adults. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in old women and men in 2005-2007. In this study, 50 elderly men and women were randomly divided into two groups experimental (25) and control (25).Group-based exercise program was administrated to the individuals of experimental group for 8 weeks (3 time a week) and subsequently using SF-36 questionnaire, the level of quality of life was measured in the two groups at the beginning and the end of the study. The data was analyzed using manvitni , chi-square and nonparametric tests. Results: Using group-based exercise program, increase in mean level of quality of life in different dimensions physical functional, role functional, pain, general health, emotional well-being, social functional , emotional functional and mental health was statistically significant(p<0.01),whereas in the control group ,these parameters, were unchanged(p>0.01). Conclusion: Our study results showed that use of a regular and prolonged exercise program can increase the level of quality of life in older adults in different dimensions.

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Introduction: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common strain resulting during therapeutic exercise with eccentric contractions. This pain can result in loss of interest by the patient and eventually in cancellation of the routine. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether vibration could have an affect on delayed onset muscle soreness. We hypothesized that the vibration training would decrease DOMS. Methods: Subjects comprised of 30 male athletes aged 18-26 years. The athletes were involved in regular sports activities since at least three years. Subjects were assigned randomly into two VT (n=15) and Non-VT (n=15) groups. The measurements included the flexed knee angle (FANG), pressure pain threshold (PPT), muscle soreness (SOR) of right quadriceps muscle and maximal isometric force (MIF) of both quadriceps muscles together (Base-line). A vibrator was used to apply 50 Hz vibration on the left and right quadriceps muscles for 1 min in the VT group. Then both groups trained eccentric exercise. All parameters were determined again 24 hours post-exercise (After- activity). Results: All subjects showed a loss in MIF, decrease in PPT, FANG and increase in SOR 24h after eccentric exercise (p=0/000). But the parameters were statistically significantly different in the VT and Non-VT groups [MIF (p=0/000), PPT (p=0/001), FANG (p=0/02), SOR (p=0/003)]. Conclusion: Therapeutic exercise with eccentric contractions results in DOMS, but vibration training before exercise is effective and beneficial in decreasing DOMS.

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Introduction: It is believed that prolonged and intensive exercise training may induce tissue damages due to production of free radicals and other reactive oxygen radicals. Antioxidant capacity status in Zourkhaneh (traditional wrestling) sportsmen has not been studied to date therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare of antioxidant characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors of Zourkhaneh sportsmen and non-sportsmen. Methods: In the study, 17 male Zourkhaneh sportsmen who were active in the last 6 months for at least 3 sessions per week and each session of at least 45 minutes, and 20 male sedentary individuals who did not have any regular physical activity during the same time period participated in the study. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), supreoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and lipid status was determined through standardized and valid methods in the biochemistry laboratory of Birjand university of medical sciences. T-tests were used to compare groups and statistical significance was also considered where P<0.05. Results: The TAC and anaerobic power of the legs of Zourkhaneh sportsmen was significantly higher than non-sportsmen (P<0.05). In addition, it was observed that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their lipid profile, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent (P>0.05). Conclusion: Zourkhaneh special trainings result in beneficial antioxidant status and better anaerobic power as compared to non-sportsmen and these factors make them more resistant against cardiovascular diseases.

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Introduction: Electrical stimulation has been used for many years in rehabilitation medicine to prevent atrophy or to increase muscle strength, but the use of electrical stimulation for muscle strengthening in research and clinical practice has become increasingly popular in recent years. The quadriceps femoris is the thigh muscle group that suffers the greatest amount of atrophy. This study aimed to compare the effects of electrical stimulation and voluntary isometric contraction for increasing the quadriceps strength and the girth of thigh in middle aged and old patients after removal of cast immobilization. Methods: 87 patients whose knees were immobilized following lower extremity fracture were randomly allocated into two groups: the electrical stimulation and voluntary isometric exercise group. The patients trained for 20 minutes, 3 days a week over a period of 6 weeks. The subject's thigh circumference and muscle power were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: The increase in quadriceps strength of the electrical stimulation group (28%) was significantly less than that of voluntary isometric exercise group (40%). However, there was no significant difference between the two treatment modalities in increasing circumference of thigh (1.42 ± 0.27 & 1.41 ±0.36, P=0.96). Conclusion: This study showed that although electrical stimulations is an alternative and potentially effective means to increase the strength of quadriceps following knee immobilization in middle-aged and old patients, it is not more effective than voluntary isometric exercise.

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Introduction: The cause of many metabolic diseases is a progressive increase in fasting insulin levels that is generally associated with inflammatory status. In such conditions, circulating resistin hormonal levels and CRP levels also increase. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of 2 months aerobic training on insulin resistance and inflammatory markers. Methods: In the study, 30 middle aged healthy men volunteered (Age=38.56±4.77, BMI=25.14±2.16) to participate and based on their body fat percentage were assigned in two equal groups. Experimental group was asked to perform 2 months of aerobic exercise, 4 sessions a week with 60-80% maximum heart rate, while the control group was sedentary during the same period. Blood samples were collected 48 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last session under similar conditions. Results: Plasma insulin (p≤0.001) and glucose (p≤0.001) levels decreased and consequently insulin resistance index also decreased (p≤0.001) in the experimental group as compared to controls. Also, resistin concentrations increased (p≤0.001), while CRP concentrations decreased (p≤0.001), respectively in the experimental group. Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that regular aerobic exercise due to improved insulin resistance and plasma levels of two inflammatory markers (CRP and the resistin) reduces risk factors of metabolic disease and atherosclerosis and can be used as an effective strategy to prevent such diseases.

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Introduction: Ghrelin is a peptide which is secreted from human stomach. It has an important role in the secretion of growth hormone, energy balance, obesity, food intake behavior, and some cardiovascular functions. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an eight-week of aerobic exercise on plasma concentration of ghrelin and GH in non-athletic young women. Methods: Twenty young non-athletic women with mean age of 22±2/1 years and mean BMI of 21±1/07 Kg/m2 voluntarily entered the study and they were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental group conducted an aerobic exercise program three sessions each week and 60 minutes in each session with 70-80% of maximum heart rate for 8 weeks. Control group didn’t exercise. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before the first and after the last session of exercise. Plasma concentrations of ghrelin and growth hormone were measured by ELISA and radioimmunoassay methods, respectively. Data was analyzed by independent samples T test and Pearson correlation test by SPSS(version16). Results: The eight-week period of aerobic exercise caused a significant increase in plasma concentration of ghrelin and a significant decrease in plasma concentration of GH. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that exercise-induced increase in plasma ghrelin in response to negative energy balance didn’t stimulate GH secretion, so other mechanisms may be effective in this regard.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a ten week period of aerobic exercise training on serum alkaline phosphates and osteocalsin in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In a quasi-experimental trial study twenty one male patients with type 2 diabetes(40-50 years) were randomly divided into exercise(n=11) and control(n=10) groups. The exercise group underwent a 10-week aerobic exercise program(three sessions per week, 45-60 minutes each session, at 50-65% of heart rate reserve). VO2max, BMI, fasting blood glucose and serum insulin, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were measured at baseline and after exercise program. Results: Exercise program resulted in a significant increase in VO2max and a significant decrease in BMI, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in exercise group however, no significant changes were found in the insulin concentration, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. The bone formation markers and other measured variables did not show significant change in control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that aerobic exercise leads to glycemic improvement in type 2 diabetic patients, but does not affect serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin.

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Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a common disease in the world. Exercise has consistently been shown to improve glucose control. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a single-session aerobic and resistance exercise on blood glucose in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Twenty four women with type 2 diabetes were voluntarily and randomly selected and divided into aerobic exercise, resistance exercise and control groups. Aerobic exercise(rhythmic exercise) was performed for 40 min at 60% HRmax and resistance exercise(weight lifting) for 40 min utilizing 60% of 1-RM. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise. Results: Results of paired sample t-test showed a single-session aerobic and resistance exercise significantly decreased blood glucose(p<0.05). ANOVA test found a significant difference in blood glucose among three groups(p<0.05). Conclusion: A single-session aerobic and resistance exercise could decrease blood glucose in women with type 2 diabetes. However, a single-session aerobic exercise is more effective than resistance exercise on decreasing blood glucose.

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Introduction: Atherosclerotic heart diseases are the most important causes of mortality in most countries. ABCG1 transporter is responsible for making and forming of HDL particles and therefore probably plays a crucial role in prevention of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of two types of a single-session exercise (aerobic and resistance) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMN) ABCG1 gene expression in female athletes. Methods: Twenty four female athletes from Khorasan were randomly selected and assigned into three groups: control (N=8), aerobic (AE) (N=8), and resistance (RE) (N=8). Blood samples of subjects were collected before and after exercise sessions. PBMN cells were separated and m-RNA purification was performed by semi-quantitative PCR. Data was analyzed by paired sample T test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests by SPSS software (version 16). Results: Results showed that expression of PBMN ABCG1 m-RNA was significantly increased following a single-session exercise in RE and AE groups, but the increase in the RE group was higher than AE group (P ≤0.001 vs. P ≤0.014). Conclusion: It can be concluded that either resistance or aerobic exercise increases the expression of ABCG1 gene on PBMN cells in female athletes which leads to an improvement in reverse cholesterol transfer and cardiovascular benefits.

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Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders, which imposes a large burden on the health care system. Due to increasing frequency of depression, present research was performed to evaluate the frequency of depression and its relationship to exercise in women in Yazd. Methods: This was a descriptive study. In this study, 200 women over 20 years old entered the study. One hundred subjects were athletes and100 were non-athletes. They were selected by stratified random sampling. Beck Depression Inventory was used to determine the frequency of depression in women. T-test was used for data analysis. Results: Results showed that the frequency of depression was different between athletic and non-athletic women. Mean depression scores for athletic women were lower than non-athletes. There was a significant difference regarding the frequency of depression between women in individual and team sports. Athletic women with higher duration of exercising showed less depression than other athletes. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the study that exercise in everyday life can be effective in reducing the frequency of depression in women.

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Introduction: This study aimed at determining the impact of strength training on the rate of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor(nAChR) at fast and slow twitch skeletal muscles of rats. Methods: Ten Wistar rats were divided into two groups randomly: control group(n=5) and strength-training group(n=5) which the latter group participated in a 10-week strength-training program. The strength training program consisted of climbing a 1-meter–long ladder set at 85° angle, with a weight attached to the rats’ tails. The attached weight was gradually increased from 35 g during the first session, to 600 g at the last session of the training program. Forty-eight hours after 10-week training, animals were anaesthetized with a mixture of Ketamine TM and Xylazine and the soleus and anterior tibialis were removed under sterile condition. After removal, tissues were quickly frizzed in liquid nitrogen and then were kept at -70 ° C for later usage. For nAChR assay, ELISA kit(Accurate Chemical, USA) was utilized. Results: The study results revealed that there was a significant difference between control and strength training groups in nAChR rate in both slow and fast twitch muscle (respectively, P= 0.00 and P=0.03 ). The results also showed that there was a significant difference among fast and slow twitch muscle’s nAChRs in strength(P=0.02), though such difference was not observed in control group(P= 0.07). Conclusion: Regarding significant increase of nAChR in both slow and fast twitch muscles following strength training, strength training seems to play a crucial role in increase of nAChR in fast and slow twitch muscle through neurotrophic factors that contribute to synthesis and clustering of nAChR.

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Introduction: One of the most common mental disorders is eating disorders that have high comorbidity with psychological factors and is observed in the teenage and young girls more than others. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of regular aerobic training on eating disorders in non-athlete female students. Methods: In this experimental study, the eating attitudes questionnaire was completed by 458 female students of University of Guilan, and 38 students were diagnosed with eating disorders. From these 38 students, 25 ones took part in the study. Finally, subjects were assigned into two groups randomly: experimental (n=13) and control (n=12) group. Both groups were homogeneous in regard to standpoint age, weight, and marriage and didn’t show statistical significant differences. Experimental group trained for 8 weeks and 2 times per week. After training program, two groups recompleted EAT-26 questionnaire. Because of exclusion of 2 individual from experimental group for discontinuing training program, 23 subjects were analyzed. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, t test and ANCOVA. Results: Findings showed that there were significant differences between experimental and control groups in regard to their eating attitudes (p<0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded that regular exercise training such as aerobic training may reduce eating disorders in female students

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Introduction: Exercise is a factor that influences endocrine system. Effect of exhaustive exercise in the hypothalamus is still vague and changes in hormones are dependent on the extent, duration, type, and previous exercises. Methods: In this experimental study, 14 volunteered runners participated. All subjects ran on a treadmill until they reached the endurance level and then blood samples were obtained in three phases (before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after exercise). The data was analyzed by ANOVA. All the results below P value of 0.05 (P < 0.05) were considered to be significant. Results: Mean and standard deviation of testosterone in three phases of before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after exercise were respectively 10.6±1.25, 10.62±2.82, and 10.64±2.57. Moreover, regarding progesterone, measures were 0.61±0.41, 0.99±0.53, and 1.08±0.44. Therefore there was no significant difference between testosterone level before exercise with immediate, and 10 minutes after exercise, but progesterone level revealed a significant difference among before, immediately, and 10 minutes after exercise. Conclusion: Results showed that one session of exhausting exercise could not significantly change testosterone level, whereas increases progesterone level significantly.

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Introduction: Cinnamon as an herbal medicine has the ability to reduce blood glucose and lipoproteins in diabetic patients. Based on the positive effects of exercise on diabetic patients, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Four weeks Period aerobic exercise alongside using cinnamon on lipoprotein parameters and blood glucose in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Thirty diabetic women were voluntarily selected and were randomly divided into three groups: 1) aerobic exercise group 2) aerobic exercise alongside using cinnamon and 3) control group. Aerobic exercise took four weeks with 60 percent of maximum heart rate. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study. Results: Blood glucose, the fat percentage and HDL, and the ratio of LDL to HDL in the first group significantly decreased and in the second group increased (P<0.05). Also the first group showed a significant reduction in triglyceride. The only significant change observed in the control group was a significant increase in the level of LDL. Comparing the first and second group, it was observed that in the second group the level of total cholesterol decreased and the ratio of LDL to HDL increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Using cinnamon alongside aerobic exercise is likely to be beneficial in regulating the concentration of blood glucose and lipids in diabetic patients.

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Introduction: Elderly population is growing in developing countries and sleep quality is one of the most common problems facing the elderly. The present study investigated the effect of an aquatic exercise on sleep quality in male elders. Methods: Thirty elderly male subjects randomly participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided in two control and experimental groups. First, all subjects completed Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Questionnaire then, experimental group participated in aquatic exercise three days a week for six weeks. The control group were asked to continue their daily activity. After the training, both groups again completed the Pittsburgh Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by paired and independent samples t-test. (P≤0/05). Results: The results showed that aquatic exercise had significant effect on sleep quality of the experimental group (P<0/001), while in the control group who had not participated in aquatic exercises, no significant changes were observed (P=0/55). The results also showed that there is a significant difference (P<0/001) between the average score of mental general health of experimental and control group after the exercise while in the pre test no significant changes were observed (P = 0/648). Conclusion: As the study results reveal, it appears that aquatic exercise is effective in improving sleep quality in older men and can be considered as an effective intervention.

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Introduction: In recent years, a number of researches have been carried out regarding the relationship between atherosclerosis and serum levels of GH and IGF-1 and different results were obtained. This study aimed to determine the effect of a six-month aerobic exercise on levels of GH, IGF-1 and GH/IGF-1 ratio serum in sedentary middle-aged women Methods: Nineteen healthy females, who were selected by convenience sampling method, were divided into two [active (n=11) and non-active (n=8)] groups. The exercise protocol included aerobic exercise training lasted for 6 months and 3 sessions per week. Every session lasted for 60 minutes with intensity of 55-65 percent of heart rate reserve. Blood samples were taken and Serum IGF-1 and GH were measured before and after six months of aerobic training. To make intra and intergroup comparisons as well as to investigate the interactive effect, repeated measure analysis of variance were used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: This study demonstrated that the level of serum IGF-1 in middle-aged women decreased significantly (P=0.016). However, the levels of GH didn't change significantly during this period. Moreover, GH to IGF-1 ratio increased significantly (P=0.007). Conclusion: The study results indicated that six-month aerobic exercise led to a decrease on the levels of IGF-1 and did not make a change in GH serum in sedentary middle-aged women. In other words, doing aerobic exercises reduced IGF-1 levels that have a significant relationship with severity of a coronary disease and thus can prevent the atherosclerosis disease.

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Introduction: Influence of physical activity with supplement consumption on the decrease of free radicals effects is not well known during exercise. Purslane is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acid. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week exercise with Purslane consumption on peroxidant and antioxidants indicators (MDA, SOD, CAT) in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: 28 sedentary women with type 2 diabetes participated in this study with average age of 50 years and with no history of regular exercise that were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), exercise (E), supplementation (S) and exercise + supplementation (E+S). Training programs were 60-75 minutes of aerobic exercise, 3 times in week with 50-70% of maximal heart rate. S and E+S groups consumed 5gr of Purslane seeds with lunch and performed aerobic exercise after 3 hours. Also, 2/5 gr Purslane was consumed with dinner. Blood samples were taken in two phases (before and after 8 weeks) following 12 to 14 hours of being fasted. Results: MDA decreased significantly, but SOD and CAT levels increased significantly in E, S, E+S groups after 8 weeks (P> 0/05). Also there was a significant difference between MDA in E and E+S groups after 8 weeks (P=0/015). Conclusion: The results showed that regular aerobic exercise with Purslane consumption can improve peroxidant and antioxidant balance in women with type 2 diabetes and prevent exercise-induced oxidative stress and also diabetes.

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Introduction: After resistance and aerobic training session are decreased mean resting blood pressure. Therefore is expected that concurrent training session had additive effects on hypotension. The aim of this study was to investigate hemodynamic responses after aerobic training session (ATS), strength training session (STS), and concurrent training session (CTS) in untrained, overweight young men. Methods: Twelve healthy men (age: 25 ± 3.3 years, weight: 87.21 ± 2.1 kg, body mass index: 28.02 ± 1.4 kg.m-2) performed STS (3 sets, 10 repetitions at 80% 1RM for 8 exercise, including upper and lower limbs), ATS (50 minutes of running on treadmill exercise at 65% Heart rate reserve), and CTS (2 sets, 10 repetition at 65% 1RM for 6 exercise among those which composed the STS, plus 25 minutes of running on treadmill exercise at 65% Heart rate reserve) with 72 hours interval in counterbalanced crossover design. Blood pressure, heart rate and rate pressure product were measured before, and after the exercise. Results: Systolic blood pressure in ATS was significantly lower than STS during 90 minutes after the exercise (p<0.05), and comparison to CTS the decrease was found significantly only at 15 minute (p<0.05). Although No difference was observed for diastolic blood pressure at between trials and any trial at any time. Heart rate in ATS was significantly lower than STS and CTS (p<0.05). Rate pressure product in STS was significantly upper than ATS and CTS (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that CTS induced hypotension similar to ATS but it had additive effects compare to STS.

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Introduction: Progressive natural history and complications of diabetes emphasize the need to adopt appropriate therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of yoga on body composition, blood glucose, HbA1c, Cutaneous fat percentage, and VO2max of type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 men with mean age of 49/30±5/40 years in Yazd were purposefully selected via a convenience sampling and divided into two groups of experimental and control(15 each). Experimental group began the yoga exercises for 12 weeks and 3 sessions per week for 60 minutes, whereas the control group did not receive any regular physical activity. In this study, several variables were measured before and after 12 weeks in both groups including fasting blood sugar (fbs), 2 hour glucose (IIh.pp), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aerobic power (VO2max) and Cutaneous fat percentage. In order to measure fbs, IIh.pp, HbA1c, 10 cc of fasting blood and 10 cc of blood 2 hours after breakfast were collected from the subjects in Yazd Diabetes Center. Racopurt test was used to measure VO2max and Lange caliper was applied to measure Cutaneous fat percentage. Moreover, in order to compare the changes between the two groups, mean differences were analyzed using T-test. Results: No significant difference was observed in levels of fbs, IIh.pp, HbA1c, VO2max and Cutaneous fat percentage in the experimental group compared with the control group (p< 0/05). Conclusion: Yoga exercises (for 12 weeks) can be effective on controlling the blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients.

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Introduction: Chemerin is a new Adipokine which is dependent on autocrine and paracrine signals for the differentiation and maturation of fat cells it also regulates glucose uptake in fat cells and stimulates lipolysis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of two kinds of anaerobic and aerobic exercise programs on changes of chemerin levels in female Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: In this study, 55 rats were randomly divided into two experimental (aerobic and anaerobic) and pre-test groups. Based on the training program, the experimental group rats did aerobic and anaerobic exercises for eight weeks. Dependent t-test was used to investigate the effect of exercise on chemerin levels and independent T-test was utilized in order to determine significant differences among changes of chemerin level in the experimental group. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in chemerin levels after eight weeks of aerobic exercise (p=0/0001), while no significant difference was observed in the anaerobic group (p=0/11). Furthermore, there was also a significant difference between the amount of chemerin plasma levels in the aerobic and anaerobic groups (p=0/0001). Conclusion: It was found that chemerin levels are influenced by activities of endurance types. Regarding the same period of time for both exercises (8 weeks), it may be stated that the duration of each training session (starting from 15 minutes and continued for 60 minutes in aerobic exercises) is a significant factor in changing the production of this hormone.