Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences
Year:2020 | Volume: | Issue: |Papers Count:46

Introduction: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of perceptual-motor training on neuropsychological skills in children with visual impairment. Materials and Methods: A single-case experimental study was conducted on three children (2 boys and 1 girl, aged between 4 and 7 years old) with visual impairment (20/70 and 20/200) who referred to Department of Social Welfare of Isfahan, Iran. The participants were selected through convenience purposive sampling method for the perceptual-motor training. The Language Development Scale, Guzel perceptual-motor Scale, Stanford-Binet scale, and Conner’, s Neuropsychological questionnaire were used to collect the data. The multiple baseline design (MBA) was used in the present study, followed by the perceptual-motor intervention. The baseline position for the first, second, and third participants lasted three, five, and seven weeks, respectively, and the intervention duration for each participant was eight weeks as three sessions per week with each session lasting for one hour. Exit of the participants according to their entry into the training program was made in the step by step manner. The data were plotted and then the stability envelope and the trend of all three participants in the baseline and intervention positions were plotted and compared. Results: The perceptual-motor training was effective on neuropsychological skills [percentage of non-overlapping data (PND) = 87. 5%] in three participants. Conclusion: The perceptual-motor exercise may be an appropriate training method to improve neuropsychological skills in children with visual impairment.

Introduction: A quiet eye is a key predictor in the efficient implementation of the inhibitory tasks and targeting. This study aims to investigate the effect of quiet eye training on improving the performance of pistol shooters. Materials and Methods: This was a controlled clinical trial study in which the participants included 20 male and female shooters with an average age of 22 years and a record between 545 and 555 m. The subjects were purposively selected from among 60 male and female shooters who participated in the 10-meter pistol race and in the country’, s top competitions. Ater completing the consent form, the subjects were classified from the highest score to the lowest score based on the pre-test scores and were placed in two groups as one in between (ABBA method) (10 in quiet eye training and 10 in technical training). The participants performed 10 attempts at each of the pre-test, post-test, and retention tests. The training protocol of the quiet eye group was in accordance with the pattern obtained from the elite shooter pattern along with the verbal instruction for 8 sessions and in 6 blocks of 10 consecutive shoots. Data was analyzed through the independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Bonferroni post-hoc test in the SPSS software (version 20, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) at the level P < 0. 050. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA results of the study groups (from pre-test to retention) showed that these changes were significant for the quiet eye training group (P ≤,0. 001). According to the results of the Bonferroni post-hoc test, the quiet eye training group had a better shooting function in the post-test (P ≤,0. 010) and retention (P ≤,0. 020) stages compared to the pre-test. The results of the independent t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between the quiet training and technical groups in the pos-test (P ≤,0. 007) and retention phases (P ≤,0. 004). Conclusion: The findings suggested that the quiet eye training can improve the learning of pistol shooting skills through external guidance of visual attention.

Introduction: Schoolchildren have to carry their backpacks every day on routes with different characteristics and slopes. However, the knowledge available on its effects on walking biomechanics is very limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of backpack carriage in different weights and gradients on the kinetics of schoolchildren’, s gait. Materials and Methods: 18 primary schoolchildren living in Tehran City, Iran, with age range of 10-12 years completed 7 randomized trials of walking on a treadmill (three tasks on a flat surface, including without a backpack and with backpacks with 10% and 15% of body weight load as the control group, two tasks on a 15% positive gradient, and two tasks on a 15% negative gradient). The values of the vertical ground reaction force parameters including the first force peak, second force peak, mid support force, loading rate, push-off rate, and time-to-peak (TTP) were extracted. Results: The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the effect of gradient on the first and second peaks, loading rate, rate of push-off, and TTP of gait was significant (P ≤,0. 001), but the effect of backpack weights on the kinetics was not significant. Conclusion: Carrying backpacks downhill will has more impacts on the children’, s motor system, so that it seemed to have a different motor control strategy. The modification of backpack carriage methods can be one of the leading strategies to reduce the negative effects of stress on the musculoskeletal system of children.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to compare the anticipation accuracy and visual search behavior of handball players in three different defensive positions of 1 × 1, 2 × 2, and 3 × 3. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 handball players aged 16-19 from among national youth team and Pishgaman team of Isfahan, Iran, and were selected via purposive sampling method. At first, videos of different game situations were recorded by the researcher in three situations (1 × 1, 2 × 2, and 3 × 3). Then, handball players observed the three attack-defense positions by eye-tracking device. Then, the players’,anticipation of the outcome of the ball position (Fint, Shot, Pass) that was told verbally, was recorded by the researcher and the players’,visual search behavior was recorded by the eye-tracker. Results: The result of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test illustrated that there was a significant different in the anticipation, number, and total duration of visual fixation of the skilled players in the three situations. The anticipation, number, and duration of fixation in the 3 × 3 position were better than the two other positions (P = 0. 05). The players looked at the opponent’, s head, trunk, and hands for position recognition. Conclusion: In the present study, defensive handball players focused on the background information on the player’, s head, trunk, and hand in order to anticipate and identify the attacking player’, s pattern in position three versus three relative to position two versus two in position two and position one in front of one. In addition, the visual search behavior in position three versus three was better for the player than the other two positions.

Introduction: Muscular fatigue can interfere with the proper functioning of postural stability strategies, hence decreasing stability and increasing the risk of injuries in athletes. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of training on head and neck stability against Tsuki punch during the neck muscle fatigue in male athletes. Materials and Methods: 24 professional male karate athletes were selected and randomly divided into the experimental [n = 12, age: 20. 92 ±,2. 62 (y), weight: 71. 00 ±,11. 68 (kg), height: 1. 77 ±,0. 05 (m)] and control [n = 12, age: 22. 08 ±,2. 21 (y), weight: 72. 15 ±,13. 24 (kg), height: 1. 78 ±,0. 06 (m)] groups. The experimental group performed a training program for eight weeks, three times per week. Moreover, the angular displacement and acceleration of head and neck in Tsuki punch during muscular fatigue were measured by motion analysis system before and after the training protocol. Data were analyzed by paired t-test, independent t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at the significance level of 0. 05. Results: There was a significant difference in angular displacement (Experimental: 2. 95 ±,1. 85, Control: 4. 15 ±,2. 15) and acceleration before (Experimental: 16. 29 ±,9. 62, Control: 70. 17 ±,12. 23) and after (Experimental: 24. 69 ±,15. 98, Control: 70. 86 ±,14. 92) hitting the punching bag. Conclusion: The outcome of this study showed that proprioception training can improve head and neck postural stability during muscular fatigue against external perturbation in Karate athletes. Therefore, these exercises can be used to reduce the effect of external perturbation on the head and neck of these athletes.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hopping exercises on the feedback and feedforward activity of selected lower limb muscles in single leg jump landing task in athletes with functional ankle instability. Materials and Methods: 24 male athletes (12 in the control group and 12 in the training group) with functional ankle instability participated in this randomized clinical trial. Hopping exercises were given for six weeks, three times a week to the experimental group. The control group continued their routine exercise three sessions per week. The electric activity of Peroneus Longus, Tibialis Anterior, Medial Gastrocnemius, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus muscles in the jump landing, before and after the hopping exercises were collected. Results: The results of this study showed that after six weeks of hopping exercises, there was a significant effect on the onset of activity of the Peroneus Longus and gluteus medius muscles (P ≤,0. 001). There was a significant increase in the activity of Peroneus Longus (P ≤,0. 003), Medial Gastrocnemius (P ≤,0. 005), and gluteus medius (P ≤,0. 001) muscles in 100 milliseconds before the first contact of the foot on the ground. In addition, Peroneus Longus (P ≤,0. 001) and gluteus medius (P ≤,0. 001) activity increased significantly between 100-200 milliseconds after the first contact of the foot on the ground. However, no significant difference was observed in muscle activity of the untreated control group (P > 0. 050). No significant change was recorded in the activity of the Tibialis Anterior, Medial Gastrocnemius, and gluteus maximus muscles (P > 0. 050). Conclusion: Six weeks of hopping exercises seem to reduce the time interval before the onset of activity and increase the activity amplitude for aforementioned muscles in single leg jump landing in athletes with functional ankle sprain. Therefore, while planning therapeutic exercise programs for athletes with functional ankle instability, it may be beneficial to have a look at hoping exercises.

Introduction: Cultural competence is an important component for rehabilitation students as they have a particular job position in health centers in dealing with people of different cultures. The purpose of this study is to assess the cultural competencies of students at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods: The present study was quantitative in terms of nature, applied in terms of objective, and descriptive-survey in terms of data collection. The statistical population of this study included all the students of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. There were 350 students studying at this school in 2018, 184 of whom were selected using stratified sampling method using Cochran formula. The data was collected using Standard Cultural Competence Questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the professors and experts and its reliability was approved using Cranach’, s alpha of 0. 871. For data analysis, correlation test, single sample t-test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to compare the mean of cultural competence dimensions. Results: Cultural competencies amongst the students were in a good condition. This means that the merits of cultural knowledge and cultural sensitivity were above the average level and the merit of cultural skills was at a moderate level. Moreover, the competency in cultural skills was the dominant competency among the students of Rehabilitation Sciences of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Another finding of this study regarding the prioritization of these competencies also showed that cultural skills were the most important and cultural sensitivity was the least important in terms of ranking. Conclusion: It is imperative that the medical practitioners take the necessary measures to increase the cultural competence of the students of the rehabilitation sciences by organizing workshops to promote students' cultural competency.

Introduction: The stressors of the studentship may negatively change the health and quality of life (QOL) of students. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the stressors and their consequences as well as to adopt appropriate strategies for improving them. Access to public sport facilities, as an imperative factor in students’,leisure time, plays an essential role in their physical and mental health that ultimately improves their QOL. The purpose of this study is to present the model of “, sport for all”,for Iranian students of universities of medical sciences. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out based on the systematic grounded theory. The study participants were sports management experts, sports pioneers and faculty members who were included through purposive snowballing sampling method for semi-structured interviews. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation. At the same time as the data were collected, analysis was performed using the Strauss and Corbin method. The validity of the findings was determined by member matching methods, peer review, and experimental interviews. Results: The results indicated 450 initial conceptual propositions with 14 categories and 41 concepts in the form of six dimensions of the paradigmatic model. The model included causal factors, main phenomenon, strategy, underlying features, environmental conditions, and outcomes with respectively 1, 1, 2, 5, 4, and 1 categories that constructed the paradigm of “, sport for all”,model for Iranian students of universities of medical sciences. Conclusion: Improving attitude and awareness, motivation, interest, and increased vitality and joy leads to the increased participation of studenst in the “, sport for all”,activities and improve the health and wellbeing among them.

Patients with a tracheostomy for any reason usually do not have speech or swallowing. Lack of communication and swallowing problems negatively affect all aspects of the patient's life. By attaching a speaking valve on the tracheostomy tube, patient's speech, swallowing, and cough can be facilitated, and aspiration would reduce. The use of a speaking valve also restores patient's sense of smell and taste, and usually facilitate decannulation process. In developed countries, most physicians and clinicians are familiar with and prescribe speaking valves, but Iranian medical community is still unfamiliar with the speaking valve and its benefits. At present, this tool is not available in Iran for patients and even medical staff, and is not practical. It seems that by conducting clinical studies, advertising, and holding training workshops for clinicians, the level of awareness of medical community and patients about the use of speaking valves and its benefits can be increased.

Introduction: Applying bibliometric indicators, this study aims at investigating the status of Persian sports medicine research based on the records in the Islamic World Science Citation Database (ISC). Materials and Methods: This was a scientometric applied study in which the bibliometric techniques and social network analysis were used in conducting the investigations. The study population consisted of 1566 Persian articles published in the field of sports medicine indexed in ISC database until 2018. BibExcel, UCINet, Netdraw, and VOSviewer were among the software that were used for analyzing data and drawing maps in the study. Results: Initial analysis of the data showed that 1566 articles under study received a total of 266 citations, with an average of 0. 17 citations per article, which is a very low level. “, Sadeghi H”, , “, Alizadeh M”, , and “, Rajabi R”,were considered to be the Iranian top researchers in the field of sports medicine in terms of the number of articles. “, Ebrahimi Takamjani E”,owned the best position in the network. Finally, the results uncovered that 8 thematic clusters were formed in sports medicine research. Conclusion: The results showed a relatively steady growth in the number of sports medicine articles indexed in ISC in 2010s. Moreover, according to the authorship patterns, it seems that sports medicine researchers are very interested in participatory activities. Moreover, given the subject clusters of co-word analysis, research in this field seems to cover a wide range of topics.

Introduction: Deadlift is an effective exercise to increase the strength of knee and hip extensors. The aim of the present study is to compare the electromyographic activity record during one repetitione maximum (1RM) movement in the sumo and conventional deadlifts in national power-lifting athletes. Materials and Methods: Eight elite male powerlifters were selected from the Iran’,national team. The selected subjects performed Sumo and conventional deadlift motions with an intensity of 80% of 1RM. While performing each exercise, surface electromyographic activity of Gluteus maximus, Vastus medialis and lateralis, and Erector spinae muscles were recorded using wireless electromyography (EMG). For intra-group comparison of muscle activity in two states, paired t-test was administered at a significance level of 0. 05. Results: The results of the present study showed that the muscle activity was not significantly different between muscle co-contraction pattern in the dominant and non-dominant lower exterimities in the Sumo and conventional deadlifts (P > 0. 05). There was a significant difference between the muscle contraction pattern in 1RM in the Sumo and conventional movements for vastus medialis (dominant leg P ≤,0. 038, non-dominant leg P ≤,0. 047) and erector spine muscles (dominant leg P ≤,0. 032, non-dominant leg P ≤,0. 037), in contracst to that of vastus lateralis and gluteus maximus (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: According to the results, both vastus medialis and erector spi e muscles can be specifically strengthened in the Sumo and conventional deadlift movements. To design a training protocol for corrective and rehabilitation purposes in the deadlift movement, trainers and therapists must pay attention to these changes in the electromyographic activity of the muscles.

Introduction: The Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) questionnaire is a self-administrable outcome tool designed to measure adverse childhood experiences. The aim of this study is to translate the ACE questionnaire into Persian and cross-culturally adapt it to athletes. Materials and Methods: The English version of the 10-item ACE was translated into Persian and completed by a sample of 210 athletes along with Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to evaluate the validity. Additionally, to measure reliability, Cronbach’, s alpha and split-half coefficients were used. Convergent validity was also measured using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The validity of the Persian version of the CAE questionnaire was confirmed. The reliability values obtained in term of Cronbach's alpha and split-half coefficients were higher than 0. 7. The correlation between ACE and CTQ was positive (r = 0. 68, P < 0. 001). Conclusion: The Persian version of ACE is a reliable and valid measure in athletes.

Introduction: The present study is conducted with the aim to investigating the effect of carrying backpacks and modified packs (with three bags that distribute the load equally in front and back of trunk) in two heights of placement including lumbar and thoracic, on craniovertebral angle, trunk angle, and the angle of hip and knee joints among the 8-11-year-old schoolboys during walking. Materials and Methods: Considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 schoolboys participated in the study and fulfilled five tasks including walking without a pack, carrying backpack on lumbar area, backpack on thoracic area, modified packs on lumbar area, and modified packs on thoracic area. Then, the photogrammetry of the right side was performed by a camera (Panasonic, Japan). The target angles were measured as single-blind with Kinovea motion analysis software. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare tasks. Results: The results showed significant decrease in craniovertebral angle (increased forward head posture) in the task of carrying backpacks on thoracic area in contrast with the lumbar area, as well as increase in trunk forward lean while carrying packs (P < 0. 05) that was significantly higher in the backpack carrying tasks (P < 0. 05). But in craniovertebral angle, significant difference was not seen while carrying modified packs in contrast with the control group (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: Carrying packs on lumbar area caused less postural variations, thus seeming better. Changing the position of the load concentrated on the back can more affect the kinematic parameters of schoolboys. The modified pack carriage only caused a little trunk forward lean which was lesser than that of backpack carriage, so it can be a good alternative for students’,backpack.

Introduction: The importance of implicit learning and ways to achieve it in learning motor skills is increasing. However, little research has been carried out on children and the effects of analogy on children’, s compressive performance are unclear. This study is performed aiming to compare analogy and verbal learning on accuracy and angular velocity of dart-throwing skills in children. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed using a semi-experimental design in 24 children with a mean age of 11. 06 ±,2. 2 years. The subjects were selected by the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into three groups: verbal training, analogy, and control. After the dart throw test (10 attempts), the participants underwent 8 rehearsal sessions (including 50 attempts per session). Retention and transfer tests were taken 3 weeks after the last session and 10 attempts were made on the variables of radial error and angular velocity. Data were analyzed using mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) (3 × 4 in performance and 3 × 3 in angular velocity). α,= 0. 05 was considered as the significance level. Results: The results showed that the verbal group had a significant decrease in radial error in the acquisition (P < 0. 001), retention (P ≤,0. 003), and transfer (P ≤,0. 025). However, an increase in error was observed in the learning (P ≤,0. 001) and transfer stages (P < 0. 001) in the control group, and in the transfer stage in the analogy group (P ≤,0. 038). Moreover, the verbal group had a significant increase in elbow angular velocity (P ≤,0. 005), while in other groups there was no significant difference between the test phases (P < 0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that verbal instruction increases the angular velocity, improves accuracy and performance compared to analogy, and is more effective in children's performance.

Introduction: Falling is a serious concern among elderly which have made a lot of discussions between gerontologists and physical therapists. Falling is common, dangerous, and costly among the elderly population. Fear of falling again among elderly faller leads to decrease self-confidence, loss of life quality, and inability. The purpose of this study was to find the effects of core stability exercise on balance and functional mobility among elderly with a history of falling. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly people with a history of falling were randomly divided into control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. The experimental group performed a 40-minute core stability exercise for eight weeks and three sessions per week. Before and after eight weeks of exercise program, static balance with open and closed eyes, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for dynamic balance, and 10-meter walking were taken in both groups. The control group only have the daily activities. The two-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean differences between groups. Results: Central stability training had a significant effect on static balance with open and closed eye, TUG, and 10-meter walking (P = 0. 001). The control group did not show a significant effect on the factors of static balance with open eyes, static balance of closed eyes, TUG, and 10-meter walking. Following training period, the experimental group showed significantly better status in all variables compared to control group (0. 91 ≤,η,2 ≤,0. 94, P = 0. 001). Conclusion: It seems that strengthening the muscles in the central area of the body leads to maintaining balance in the elderly during daily activities. Since independency is very important in people with a history of falling, it can improve their independence and active participation by performing these exercises as simple, low-cost, and appropriate activities for home exercise.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to design a double blind randomized clinical trial in order to investigate the effect of dry needling of gluteus medius muscle on pain and function of women with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 22 women with PFPS were randomly divided into the two treatment and control groups. Both groups received a conventional knee physiotherapy program that included two exercises for quadriceps muscle (15 minutes total) and high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) two times a week for three weeks. The treatment group also received dry needling once a week for three weeks with a fast-in and fast-out technique 10 times in the active trigger point of the gluteus medius muscle. The outcomes included pain and physical function, with the pain intensity and physical function measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Kujala questionnaire, respectively. The Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to check the distribution of data and based on the result of this test, the independent t-test was used if the data was of a normal distribution and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the control and treatment groups if the data distribution was not normal. Conclusion: Today, the use of dry needling technique in the treatment of musculoskeletal problems has a growing trend in physiotherapy clinics. Given the role of the gluteus medius muscle in PFPS, the results of this study may help plan treatment programs for these patients as part of their rehabilitation.

Introduction: Dealing with a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is often accompanied by numerous limitations and troublesome parenting and long-term rehabilitation services may impose high pressure on parents. The therapists should understand the needs and expectations of parents to provide appropriate services to them. So, this study is conducted aiming to explore the experiences of parents of children with CP about therapists’,rehabilitation services in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, 10 parents of children with CP were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used for data gathering. Interview questions were about the experience of parents about therapists’,rehabilitation services. The data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis through constant comparative method. Results: The data analysis led to a category named “, characteristics of therapists providing rehabilitation services”,that was divided into three subcategories including “, clinical competency, adherence to professional duties, and adherence to professional ethics”, . Clinical competency consisted of being scientifically certified, being experienced in the field, and masculine attitude and adherence to professional duties included parent training, understanding the parents’,conditions, and attention to parents’,therapeutic priorities. Finally, the adherence to professional ethics was comprised of consideration of ethical issues regarding children and parents. Conclusion: Parents of children with CP stressed the need for therapists with clinical competencies, perform professional duties, and adhere to professional ethics. Therefore, therapists could provide better services through applying and implementing these principles.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of virtual reality (VR) on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lower limb muscles during gait on the treadmill in the elderly. Materials and Methods: 12 elderly male subjects participated in this study voluntarily. Using an EMG-USB2+ multichannel system (Bioelettronica, Italy) (sampling frequency of 1000 Hz) and bipolar surface electrodes, the electrical activity of tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were recorded bilaterally during walking with the preferred speed with and without VR environment on the treadmill. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) method was used for the normalization of signals. The gathered signals were processed using OT BioLab software with a bandpass filter of 10-350 Hz and a notch filter of 50 Hz. The data were processed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired sample t-test in SPSS software at a significance level of 0. 050. Results: The findings showed that during walking in VR environment, the EMG activity of bilateral RF muscles and right TA muscle of the elderly subjects were significantly higher than normal walking with about 1. 97 (P ≤,0. 005), 1. 91 (P ≤,0. 003), and 2. 03 (P ≤,0. 002) times, respectively. But the differences between EMG activity of right (P ≤,0. 280) and left (P ≤,0. 990) BF and left TA (P ≤,0. 080) muscles were not significant during walking with and without VR. Overall, VR had the main effect on the muscle activity of the elderly subjects (P ≤,0. 007). Moreover, there was a significant interaction between VR and muscle factors (P ≤,0. 036). Conclusion: The results indicated that VR increases the EMG activity of lower extremity muscles among the elderly, thus it can be recommended strongly in the rehabilitation of lower extremity muscles in the elderly.

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common problem that particularly affects active young people. In these patients, dynamic knee valgus causes hip and knee kinematic changes. Therefore, the reduction of dynamic valgus angle is one of the rehabilitation strategies in people with PFPS. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of a medial wedge insole and knee orthosis on the knee pain and knee movement during walking and squat on involved side in people with PFPS. Materials and Methods: 15 volunteers with PFPS participated in this crossover clinical study. All participants signed the consent form and then were evaluated in four random conditions (without orthosis, medial wedge, medial wedge in combination with knee brace, and knee brace). The kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb were studied during walking and single-leg squat. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The knee brace, knee brace with medial wedge, and medial wedge significantly reduced the pain of affected leg after single-leg squat (P = 0. 001). The walking speed (P = 0. 067) and dynamic knee valgus angle (P = 0. 490) did not significantly change in four different modalities of intervention. The peak moment of the knee in frontal plane was significantly increased in three conditions [medial wedge (P = 0. 001), knee brace (P = 0. 008), and knee brace in combination with medial wedge (P = 0. 033)] compared with the control condition. Conclusion: Use of medial wedge and neoprene knee brace can decrease pain and improve the biomechanical performance of people with PFPS. The use of these interventions can cause positive biomechanical effects on the lower limb.

Introduction: Global aphasia due to extensive lesions in cortical, subcortical, and white matter of the left hemisphere is a severe acquired language disorder which disrupts all aspects of aural and written language. In the global aphasia, individual’, s interaction and his social community is generally affected and he needs ongoing rehabilitation, especially speech therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the common speech therapy methods for global aphasia and dissuss them based on exsiting evidence to introduce the most effective treatment. Materials and Methods: An electronic search in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, SID, Google Scholar, Ovid, and Magiran databases for reviewing the common speech therapy methods was performed to obtain relevant articles published from 1980 to 2020. The keywords used included “, Global aphasia”, , “, Treatment methods”, , “, Intervention”, , “, Speech therapy”, , “, Communication”, , and “, Therapy”, . Results: Among 19 related articles, 9 speech therapy methods have been reviewed to improve communication, expression, and comperhensive language in global aphasia. The results showed that some of them were effective and some were ineffective. Conclusion: The review suggests that alternative nonverbal, augmentative, and complementary communication methods in the people with global aphasia will produce better results and techniques such as remnant books, the Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), and SIPARI methods have been more effective than other methods.

Introduction: Stuttering is a multifactorial disorder. So far, numerous findings have been reported regarding various deficits in auditory processing components in the people who stutter. Despite studies on correlation of auditory processing deficits and stuttering, this assumption has not been proven yet. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and collect the results of studies regarding the auditory processing deficits in the people who stutter. Materials and Methods: This study was a narrative review to collect research on auditory processing deficits in people who stutter. ISI, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and PsycINFO databases were searched to reterive English articles that were published from 1995 to 2020. For studies conducted in Iran in Persian, SID and Magiran databases were searched. “, Stuttering”, , “, auditory feedback processing”, , “, neurophysiology”, , and “, brain maturity”,were the keywords of interest. Results: In the first stage, 211 articles were found. Finally, after reviewing the inclusion criteria, 86 articles in English and Persian were included. In addition to reviewing articles concerning the existence of auditory processing deficits, the present study emphasized that auditory processing problems in the people who stutter altered the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Conclusion: Although there is no evidence of anatomical abnormalities in the auditory system of people who stutter, numerous studies have reported unstable evidence of central impairments in their auditory processing. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies showed involvement of the central and peripheral areas of auditory processing.

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of social networks on sport participation approach among female students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This correlation-causal study was done through survey method. The statistical population consisted of female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2018 (n = 5633). Based on Krejcie and Morgan table, 380 female students were selected randomly. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. Results: The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated 0. 94 using Cronbach's alpha. Social networks had a significant effect on girls' sport participation (t = 28. 19, P ≤,0. 001), which was influenced by obtaining financial support, increasing information, forming personal identity, and improving social interactions. It was also shown that social networks mainly affected the personal identity dimension of sport participation (R 2 = 0. 891) and then had the most prominent influence on the dimensions of social interaction, information, and financial support attraction, respectively. All of these factors were the constituents of sport participation approach for female students in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Conclusion: The results of this study show that using social networks may increase female students' knowledge about sport, facilitate their communication and social interaction, improve their personal identity, and help them get financial support for sports activities,therefore, the female students’,contribution in sports activities can be improved.

Introduction: Theoretically, stiffness is effective in the stability and can subsequently reduce the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vertical stiffness and time to reach stability during landing. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy active men participated voluntarily in this study. Vertical hopping tests were performed bilaterally, unilaterally on dominant leg, and unilaterally on non-dominant leg with self-selected, controlled (frequency: 2. 2 Hz), and maximal strategies during which vertical stiffness variables were determined. Single-leg landing test from platform was performed to determine the variables of time to reach stability in vertical, anterior-posterior (AP), and medio-lateral (ML) directions on the force plate. The relationship between vertical stiffness and time to reach stability variables was determined by Pearson correlation test (P ≤,0. 05). Results: A significant positive relationship was observed between maximum unilateral vertical stiffness on dominant leg (r = 0. 45, P = 0. 048) and non-dominant leg (r = 0. 52, P = 0. 012) with time to reach stability in AP direction. Conclusion: These findings suggest that high level of vertical stiffness increases the AP time to reach stability and consequently increases the risk of associated injuries.

Introduction: In professional sports, increasing desires to win and achieve high-level goals are common causes for competitive stress. However, some players seem to manage stressful situations better than others. The purpose in this study is to determine the effect of childhood adverse experiences on change in outlook and hardiness of athletes. Materials and Methods: The participants in this study included 201 (99 girls, 112 boys) athletes aged 18-22 years old from different sports in Isfahan, Iran, who participated in national competitions. To collect the data, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire, the Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CiOQ), and short hardiness scale were used. The direct and indirect effects of the variables were examined to investigate the mediating role. Results: The results showed that adverse childhood experiences affect positive (P = 0. 048) and negative (P = 0. 001) outlook on life and positive (P = 0. 021) and negative (P = 0. 003) outlook affect hardiness. Adverse childhood experiences did not have a direct effect on hardiness (P < 0. 05), but through mediation, the effect was significant (P = 0. 02). Conclusion: Adverse childhood experiences affect the athletes' outlook, with positive and negative outlook increasing and decreasing hardiness, respectively.

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS) and may affect all activities of the individual. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation package based on executive performance on signs of child behavior in class, participation and group cooperation, and attitude towards authorities of primary school children with ADHD. Materials and Methods: The research project was a randomized clinical trial with the control group. 30 subjects were selected from primary school children with ADHD who were referred to Isfahan health centers and clinics using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent training in 11 2-hour sessions with the intervention of Dawson and Guare training package (target behavior, goal setting according to behavior, goal setting steps, monitoring, process evaluation, and gradual elimination of monitoring). The control group did not receive any parallel treatment process during the study (with the agreement of the child and the parents). Child behavior in the classroom, group participation and cooperation, and attitude towards power authorities were assessed by the Connor Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Dawson and Guare educational package significantly improved the signs of ADHD including child behavior in the classroom, participation and group cooperation, and attitudes towards power authorities (P ≤,0. 001 for all variables). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, Dawson and Guare educational package may be effective in improving the signs of children suffering from ADHD like child behavior in the classroom, group participation and cooperation, and attitudes toward power authorities.

Introduction: Due to the nature of the martial art of judo, injuries are very common. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study sports injuries in male and female judokas of Iranian national teams. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study in which the subjects included judokas of Iranian national teams (51 and 46 women) who were selected using the purposive and convenience sampling method. The Australian Sports Medicine Injury Standard Questionnaire was used to assess sports injuries. For analysis of information, descriptive and chi-square tests were used. Results: The results showed that 95. 09% of all male and female samples experienced at least one injury. The incidence of injury in all Judokas was 46. 39 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E). Additionally, the incidence of injury was 54. 9 injuries per 1000 A-E in men and 36. 95 injuries per 1000 A-E in women. Knee joint (female: 16. 18%, male: 26. 78%), shoulder (female: 27. 94%, male: 13. 39%), and fingers (female: 10. 92%, male: 17. 86 %) suffered the most from sports injuries, but there were no significant differences between male and female genders in this regard (X 2 = 16. 15, P = 0. 30). The most common types of injuries were ligament (female: 19. 12%, male: 31. 25%) and tendon (female: 19. 12%, male: 11. 60%) injuries, but there were no significant differences in terms of gender (X 2 = 20. 90, P = 0. 10). The severity of injury in national male and female judokas was moderate and also the most common mechanism of injury in judokas was trauma to the opposing player (female: 23. 53%, male: 50. 00 %) and high traction (female: 35. 29%, male: 19. 64%). Conclusion: Based on the above findings regarding the high incidence of injury, especially in the knee and shoulder joints, it is necessary in future research to try to use injury prevention strategies to control the mechanisms of injury in national judokas.

Introduction: The production of free radicals during exercise is involved in the development of muscle damage and the development and spread of inflammation following exercise. Studies have confirmed the positive effect of Hydroxy-beta-Methyl Butyrate (HMB) in reducing oxidative stress indices. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of HMB supplementation and boxing training on oxidative stress indices in male boxers. Materials and Methods: 40 male boxers were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 participants per group) of boxing training, HMB supplementation, combination, and placebo. The participants in the boxing training group performed boxing exercises for eight weeks, 3 sessions per week every other day. At the same time, the participants in the HMB supplement group consumed 7 g HMB per each kilogram of body mass. The group refrained from boxing while studying. The combined group performed boxing exercises and took HMB supplements at the same time, and the control group performed boxing exercises and placebo. Blood samples were taken to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and carbonyl protein 24 hours before the first day of intervention and 24 hours after the last day of intervention. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). P value less than 0. 05 was considered significant. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the effects of HMB supplementation, boxing training, and combination of HMB supplementation and boxing training on MDA in male boxers (P = 0. 436). However, there was a significant difference between the effect of HMB supplementation, boxing training, and the combination of HMB supplementation and boxing training on the protein carbonyl (P = 0. 02). The mean of protein carbonyl in the boxing athletes with supplement was significantly better than the other groups (P = 0. 013). Conclusion: In general, due to the effectiveness of HMB supplementation and boxing training on some indicators of oxidative stress, supplementation with the appropriate dose is recommended to athletes.

Introduction: Glare is an unusual light condition that may alter the visual function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of glare on binocular evaluation tests. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 44 healthy students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran were selected. Binocular evaluation tests were direct tests such as cover test, near point of convergence, and fusional reserves, and the indirect tests included binocular accommodative facility and relative accommodation, which were performed in the standard and glare light conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired sample t-test. Results: The findings showed the negative fusional reserves at blur, break, and recovery point was significantly different in the two light conditions (P < 0. 049). Moreover, other tests of binocular evaluation had no significant difference under the glare and normal light conditions (P > 0. 050). Conclusion: Given this study, glare seems to have a negative impact on negative fusional reserves. Therefore, given the limited range of negative fusional reserve, effect of unusual lighting condition should be considered, especially in people with intermittent esotropia or decompensated esophoria.

Introduction: The ability to read is one of the most critical skills in today’, s modern world. Since many people have reading problems, the early and correct diagnosis and effective treatment seem necessary. The present study aims to determine the effectiveness of perceptual enrichment on the self-efficacy in the third grade children suffering from dyslexia in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: 5o children participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial, all of whom were suffering from dyslexia and studying at the third grade of primary school in the city of Hamadan in the school year 2019-2020. The subjects were selected using the purposive method and randomly divided into the two experimental and control groups. The intervention consisted of 21 sessions. The control group, with the agreement of the child and the parents, did not have any parallel treatment process during the study. In the experimental and control groups, the Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was used. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that the native pattern of perceptual enrichment had a significant effect on improving self-efficacy in children with dyslexia (P > 0. 01). Conclusion: The study findings suggested that the native pattern of perceptual enrichment is effective in improving self-efficacy in the children with dyslexia.

Introduction: Dyslexia is a combination of problems that affect the learning process in one or more areas, including reading, writing, and spelling and may be associated with problems with processing speed, memory, visual-auditory perception, motor skills, and speech. Skills like comprehension and distinction of letters and sounds, communication between phonograph and writing, naming and representing letters, memory, movements, and visual and cognitive factors are concomitantly involved in this complex cognitive process. The aim of this study is to review the research available on the effectiveness of convergence, accommodative facility, and saccades on reading failure. Materials and Methods: The articles concerning dyslexia, reading disorder, phonological processing, effectiveness of convergence, saccade, and accommodative facility published between 2010 and 2020 at Google Scholar, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect databases, as well as in Persian dissertations and journals indexed in Scientific Information Database (SID) and Magiran. “, Reading disorder, Dyslexia, Convergence, Accommodative facility, Saccade, Visual function, Visual perception, Visual processing, Adaptive effectiveness, Phonology recognition”, , and their combinations according to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were used as the main keywords. The results of 18 articles were analyzed in the present study. Results: There was a significant relationship between the disorder of accommodative facility and eye movements, saccade, and dyslexdia, in a way that improving visual interventions, visual and motor perception skills, rehabilitation of basic visual functions, and saccades enhanced the accommodative facility of visual functions and reading function of students. In other words, to prevent problems or poor performance of children and students with dyslexia, more attention should be paid to these skills. Version Conclusion: It seems that processing of the vision perception plays an important role in reading impairment, and people who have received convergence exercises, accommodative facility, and saccade movements, including training in visual-motor perception skills, perform better in reading.

Introduction: As a result of insufficient neuromuscular adaptation, dynamic lower extremity alignment is exposed to biomechanical deficits in loading tasks. Therefore, in addition to neuromuscular retraining and decreasing risk of injuries, sport performance indices should be considered while designing injury prevention programs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 10-week soccer-specific functional training (SSFT) on risk factors of lower extremity injuries and sport performance indices concurrently in young male soccer players. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 27 young male soccer players were randomly allocated into a control group (n = 13) and experimental group (n = 14). The control group continued their regular soccer training. For experimental group, 3 sessions of SSFT were weekly introduced whitin their regular soccer training program for 10 weeks. SSFT included strength, balance, core, plyometrics, speed and agility exercises as well as the soccer-specific drills. Measurements consisted of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and general and sportspecific performance tests including sprint, agility, power, balance, strength, and best and average time of Shuttle Sprint and Dribble Test (SDT) before and after SSFT in both groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for statistical analysis (P < 0. 05). Results: From the pre-test to post-test, LESS score, time in 30-m test, arrowhead test, and average SDT in experimental group decreased significantly compared to control group (P < 0. 001). Similarly, the improvement in experimental group was statistically significant for the countermovement-jump test, Y-Balance Test (YBT), and onerepetition maximum (1RM) tests (P < 0. 001) compared to that in control group. The best SDT time was not significantly better in experimental group (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: SSFT designed based on functional capacity can be effective in reducing some risk factors of lower extremity injuries and improving sport performance in young male soccer players.

Introduction: Sensory information is essential for controlling and modulating muscle force. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the lower leg sensory feedback on the force sense of the knee extensor muscle. Materials and Methods: 22 healthy young men participated in this cross-sectional study through simple random sampling. Before and immediately following manipulation of skin sensory information, the mean error of three times of reproducition of the target force [50% of Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)] of the knee extensor muscles was measured using a special dynamometer and reported. The force sense of the knee extensor muscles was examined at an angle of 60 degrees of flexion. The test was conducted in three conditions: normal (control) state, after using a thick sponge on the distal end of the dominant leg, and after placing a bag of small ice blocks on the distal end of the dominant leg for 20 minutes. To evaluate the force sense, the force reproduction methods were used in ipsilateral and contralateral knee. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test were used to compare different conditions. Results: By manipulating the leg sensory information, no significant change was observed in the force reproduction error (absolute, constant, and variable errors) of the ipsilateral leg (P > 0. 05). However, a significant change was observed in the force reproduction error in contralateral side (P < 0. 05). Conclusion: It seems that the leg sensory information plays an important role in accurate perception of the force at contralateral knee joint. Therefore, signals delivered by the sensory afferents are important in understanding and controlling force.

Introduction: Working memory (WM) is a limited-capacity processing resource, which includes storing information when processing information. However, children with dyslexia have difficulty remembering this limited amount. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to predict WM based on selective attention and phonological awareness of elementary school children with dyslexia. Materials and Methods: This study was a correlational study in which the samples consisted of 203 male students aged 8-12 years studying at schools in the fifth district of Tehran Metropolitan, Iran, who were selected using multistage random sampling method. Dyslexia checklist, Andre Rey's Spatial Visual Memory Test, Stroop test, and Phonological Awareness Survey were applied to collect information. In addition to descriptive statistical methods, simultaneous multiple regression analysis method was used. Results: The results showed that 36. 5% of the variance of WM in the selective attention test can be explained, with the highest mean related to the cognitive control level. Moreover, 35. 5% of the variance of visual WM can be explained in the phonological awareness test, with the highest average associated with the final phoneme removal. Conclusion: Selective attention and phonological awareness seem to play a significant role in predicting visualspatial WM in boys with dyslexia.

Introduction: Prevention is the best way to effectively deal with COVID-19. Planning to prevent COVID-19 depends on information such as the extent to which health protocols are respected. For this purpose, the present study aimed to assess the extent of compliance with health protocols to prevent COVID-19 incidence given the demographic characteristics of population in Isfahan metroplolitan, Iran. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was designed by the researcher, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. The questionnaire was distributed through social media, and filled in by 380 Isfahani citizens. Data were analyzed using independent t, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Women complied with the health protocols significantly more than men (P < 0. 001), but the extent of compliance with health protocols showed no significant difference between individuals at different ages (P = 0. 473), with different levels of income (P = 0. 725), different education levels (P=0. 284), and the presence or absence of underlying diseases (P = 0. 987). Moreover, in complying with health protocols, less attention was paid to timely replacement of masks. Conclusion: Findings from this study show that how people comply with health protocols depends on factors such as gender. Moreover, the participants attached different levels of importance to different health guidelines.

Introduction: Numerous studies have shown attenuating effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and highintensity interval exercise (HIIT) training on reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the effect of HIIT and NMN supplementation on the oxidative stress markers in cardiac tissue of rats. Materials and Methods: 48 sprago dauli rats with an average age of 8 to 10 months were randomly divided into 6 groups of pretest control, control, sham (normal saline), HIIT, NMN supplementation, and combination (HIIT + NMN). The HIIT and combination groups performed HIIT on the treadmill for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. NMN with a dose of 500 mg per kilogram body weight was administered intra-peritoneally in the NMN and combination groups. 24 hours after the last training and NMN administration, the animals were sacrificed, and their hearts were removed for evaluating oxidative stress factors [malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)]. One-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The expression of GPx gene in the groups receiving NMN, HIIT, and combination was significantly higher compared to the pretest control, control, and sham groups (P < 0. 050). Moreover, the levels of MDA and PC were lower in NMN, HIIT, and combination groups compared to the pre-test control, control, and sham (P < 0. 050). The highest reduction was seen in the combination group (P < 0. 001). Conclusion: It seems that regular consumption of NMN and/or HIIT may attenuate oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue,however, combinations of NMN and HIIT significantly improves the effects of sole interventions.

Introduction: Social problems are one of the most prominent features of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of parental education based on Field’, s Verbal Information Model and play therapy based on parent-child interaction on increasing social skills of children with AHDH in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial in which the statistical population consisted of 5 to 6-year old children with ADHD and their mothers in 2018-2019 who were selected via the purposive and convenience sampling method from counseling and psychological services centers. The subjects were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4) was employed for screening children and Social Skills Rating System (SSRS,Gresham & Elliott, 1990) for data collection. Data were analyzed using the analysis ofcovariance (ANCOVA) test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in social skills of children with ADHD, between the group of intervention based on verbal information and parent-child interactive play and control group (P = 0. 0001). In addition, there was a significant difference between the group of intervention based on field verbal information and interactive play (P = 0. 0001). Given the mean scores of social skills, the effect of interactive play was higher than (M = 60. 23) interventions based on the Field’, s verbal information. Conclusion: The results indicated that both interventions were effective on increasing social skills of children with ADHD. Therefore, the abovementioned methods can be used in counseling and psychological services and parentchild training workshops to enhance the social skills of children with attention ADHD.

Introduction: Motor skills deficits are of the problems that children with learning disabilities face. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor skills and academic achievement in children with learning disabilities mediated by executive functions. Materials and Methods: Participants were 182 children with learning disabilities from Isfahan City, Iran, who were included using convenient sample strategy. Fine and gross motor skills were evaluated using Bruininks-oseretsky-2 Test, academic achievement was measured using Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, and executive functions was assessed using Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function 2 (BRIEF2). The analysis was performed by structural equation modeling. Results: The results showed the significant direct effect of gross motor skills on academic achievement (P = 0. 001) and the lack of direct effect of fine motor skills on academic achievement (P = 0. 735). The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis showed that gross (P = 0. 001) and fine (P = 0. 048) motor skills had a positive effect on the academic achievement of children with learning disabilities through an indirect path and through executive functions. Conclusion: The fundamental importance of motor skills in the academic achievement of children with learning disabilities can be emphasized. The present study also emphasizes the importance of executive functions in the academic achievement of children with learning disabilities, as executive functions mediate the relationship between motor skills and children's academic achievement with learning disabilities.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different rates of rowing stroke on kinematics of lower extremity joints related to overuse injuries in professional teenager rowers. Materials and Methods: 15 elite young rowers volunteered to participate in this study. Lower extremity kinematic data were recorded during incremental rowing test on ergometer with seven Vicon cameras at a sampling rate of 200 Hz. Seven rowing cycles were selected from each stroke rate and the kinematic data were compared between different rowing stroke rates using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) method. Results: Increase in rowing rate resulted in significant increase in foot plantarflexion (P = 0. 048) and knee (P = 0. 018) and hip (P = 0. 036) extension during late drive phase. Moreover, hip and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) (P = 0. 001) in all recovery phase, and foot dorsiflexion ROM (P = 0. 001) in first 70% of recovery phase significantly increased with increase in rowing stroke rate. Conclusion: Increasing rowing rate may increase knee flexion in late recovery phase and increase knee, hip, and ankle extension in late drive phase that may put the knee at the risk of injury.

Introduction: Applying rehabilitative exercise instructions before surgery is fundamental to minimize surgery complications and rehabilitation period as well. The aim of this research was to study the effects of 8 weeks of selected exercises on knee muscle torque and proprioception among the athletes with injured meniscus. Materials and Methods: This was an applied research with quasi-experimental method. Subjects were 24 athletes with injured meniscus who were selected through convenience judgmental sampling. Based on the orthopedic surgeon’, s decision and their availability, subjects were divided equally into two experimental and control groups. Subject’, s muscle torque and proprioception of the injured knee was recorded at the beginning and after eight weeks of selective exercises. The intervention was performed one hour a day on daily basis. Repeated measures variance ANOVA, within the 0. 05 level of significance, was used for inferential data analysis and the probable differences between group means. Results: In both groups, maximum knee flexion and extension muscle torque and proprioception changed significantly (P < 0. 001 for all three variables). Moreover, between groups differences were significant (P < 0. 001). Conclusion: In this study, positive effects of exercise on torque and proprioception of knee in athletes with injured meniscus were reported. It seems that applying proper exercises challenging functional system can be an effective means of progressing knee motor function preoperatively.

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to compare the coordination variability of lower extremity segments in men with genu varum and healthy men during treadmill running at different speeds. Materials and Methods: Among sports and physical education students, 15 healthy men and 15 men with genu varum voluntarily participated in this research. Each participant ran on treadmill for 60 seconds at preferred speed and 25% faster and 25% slower than preferred speed. The kinematics data of lower extremities were collected by MyoMotion motion analysis system at 200 Hz sampling frequency. Coordination calculations were done by continuous relative phase (CRP) method for three segments coupling and compared between two groups. Results: The results of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) between groups showed that coordination patterns of segments did not differ significantly between the groups during running at different speeds (P ˃,0. 05). However, the change in running speed caused significant differences in coordination and coordination variability of segments in some phases of running in two groups (P ≤,0. 05). Conclusion: Coordination pattern of segments during running seems the same between genu varum and healthy groups,however, significant differences in these patterns and different running speeds were evident in both groups. On the other hand, coordination variability of segments was not different between groups, but the increase in running speed reduced the coordination variability during early and late swing and mid-stance phase of running in both groups. This finding may imply higher risk of overuse injuries at these phases.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurs in sports that require rotational and shear movements. Dual tasks during sports maneuvers increase the risk of injuries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effect of dual tasks on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities in athletes. Materials and Methods: Articles published between 2000 and 2021 were searched using Google Scholar, and PubMed, Magiran, IranDoc, SPORTDiscus, Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), PEDro, and Scopus databases using a combination of keywords “, Biomechanics”, , “, Landing”, , “, Dual task”, , “, Anterior cruciate ligament”, , “, Divided attention”, , “, Decision-making”, , “, Kinetics”, , and “, Kinematics”, . A total of 58 articles were found. After the exclusion of non-English and non-Persian articles and those with damaged samples, 12 articles were reviewed in this study in full text. Results: In all studies, dual tasks or divided attention were used during jumping, shear, and landing movements, but the type of cognitive and motor interventions and measured variables was different. Adding a secondary task to the movements associated with jumping and landing significantly increased the ground reaction force and dynamic knee valgus (DKV), and reduced hip and knee flexion, which can ultimately increase the risk of ACL injury. Conclusion: Doing injury prevention exercises with cognitive tasks at the same time may cause variability in the central nervous system (CNS) and reduce the incidence of kinematic and kinetic patterns associated with ACL injury.

Introduction: Romberg test is one of the balance screening tests. Since this test does not require special equipment, it is widely used in the evaluation of people suffering from balance disorders. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity of the Romberg test for the diagnosis of peripheral vestibular dysfunction compared with the caloric test that is the gold standard for the diagnosis of horizontal semicircular canal/superior vestibular nerve disorders. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional-comparative study and the sample was selected from those who referred to the audiology clinic of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Romberg test with closed eyes was performed in 47 people suffering from unilateral or bilateral peripheral vestibular disorders (25 women and 22 men, mean age: 43. 80 ±,4. 46 years) whose lesion was confirmed by caloric test. The results were recorded in the participants’,history files and the files were reviewed. Chi-square test was used to compare the results. The sensitivity of Romberg test was determined in comparison with their caloric test results. Results: Only 5 participants had abnormal Romberg results, while 35 patients showed unilateral caloric weakness and 12 had bilateral deficits. Therefore, Romberg's sensitivity was 10. 64%. There was no significant correlation between Romberg results and duration of disease. Conclusion: Romberg test seems to have low sensitivity in diagnosis of peripheral vestibular disorders. Therefore, vestibular tests with higher sensitivity are recommended for the diagnostic purposes and caloric test may not be replaced by Romberg test.