Journal of Motor Control and Learning
Volume:5 Issue: 4, Autumn 2023

 Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, is a significant concern in geriatric medicine. Avicenna, a prominent figure in Persian medicine, emphasized healthy living and provided detailed instructions for the elderly.

 This review aims to evaluate the potential effectiveness of Avicenna's recommendations in preserving and improving motor control in the elderly population.

 A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases using relevant keywords to identify studies discussing Avicenna's recommendations for individuals over 65 years old. Avicenna suggested maintaining instinctive heat and essential body moisture through a balanced diet, including fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. He also emphasized the importance of physical activity, moderate massage, and herbal remedies.

 Comparing Avicenna's recommendations with current research on age-related sarcopenia reveals significant overlap. Studies support Avicenna's emphasis on milk and meat consumption for muscle health. Avicenna's recommendations for physical activity align with current exercise guidelines for older adults.

 Incorporating Avicenna's recommendations into geriatric medicine may lead to improved outcomes for elderly individuals at risk of sarcopenia and motor control issues. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying Avicenna's recommendations and their impact on sarcopenia prevention and management, as well as motor control improvement.

 Vision provides 80% of human sensory perception. Hence, loss of the visual sense can cause severe motor problems.

 The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the total score of functional movement screening test (FMSTM) and its components in three groups B1, B2 and B3 in female athletes who are visually impaired.

 Seventy-three female athletes with visual acuity at different levels of blindness (B1, B2 and B3) were selected as participants. Functional movement were measured by FMS tests including deep squat, hurdle step, in-line lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, and rotary stability. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22, using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05.

 The finding showed that the quality of performing functional movements declined with blindness acuity, but it was not significant statistically in total score of functional movement screen (FMS) test between groups. However, there was a significant difference between B1 with B2 group only at the inline lunge.

 Therefore, coaches are recommended to include FMSTM in the programs for screening, pre-participation, and assessments of athletes with visual impairments to improve functional movements.

 Hip flexor tightness is a common problem affecting both active and sedentary individuals and can lead to the development of movement deficiencies potentially resulting in altered muscle activity around the hip joint. The overhead squat, inline lunge, and single leg step-up are common functional movements used to asses for movement deficiencies. The purpose of the study was to compare surface electromyography (sEMG) in the rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (RF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles and GM:BF co-activation ratio during the over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up between healthy females with and without hip flexor tightness.

 Participants were screened for hip flexor tightness using the modified Thomas Test and classified into a tight hip flexor and non-tight hip flexor group. Muscle activity data was collected using sEMG on the RF, GM, BF, and ST muscles during three functional movements: The over-head squat, in-line lunge, and step-up.

 There were no statically significant differences in muscles between those with hip flexor tightness and healthy controls during the three tested movements. However, those with hip flexor tightness displayed greater hamstring utilization during all movements (Hedges g = 0.37 - 0.73).

 Those who have hip flexor tightness appear to adopt a more hamstring-based movement strategy to complete functional movements. More research is warranted to determine the extent to which hip flexor tightness affects functional movement patterns and muscle activity surrounding the hip joint.

 This study aimed to present a model of structural equations between psychological well-being, religious beliefs, and adherence to recreational sports activities.

 The research method is descriptive-correlation, and the statistical population included all women participating in parks and recreation-sports centers in 2021 - 2022. Based on the population volume and using the Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample size of 348 individuals within the age range of 20 - 40 years was selected. Data collection tools were 3 questionnaires: Allport Religious Orientation, Reef Short Form of Psychological Welfare, and Exercise Adherence Questionnaire. The Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression findings showed that psychological well-being and internal religious orientation could predict adherence to sports.

 The coefficient of explanation of prediction of adherence to sports based on psychological well-being indicators (0.511) is about 6 times higher than the coefficient of explanation of prediction of adherence to sports from internal religious orientation (0.084). These findings indicate that personal growth and positive communication with others can significantly impact women's religious orientation more than internal religious orientation.

 However, in examining the results, if the culture and religious beliefs in a country or region are opposed to women's sports and even consider women's sports impaired, psychological well-being will no longer affect women's commitment, so cultural and religious factors can be both a threatening factor in non-compliance and an encouraging factor in adhering to women's recreational sports activities.

 This study aimed to investigate the impact of table tennis exercises on the working memory of educable intellectually disabled students.

 Thirty intellectually disabled students aged 9 - 15 in Galikesh City were randomly selected and assigned into 2 groups: An experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received table tennis exercises for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week), each lasting 60 minutes. The control group engaged in regular daily activities. Working memory was assessed using the Daneman and Carpenter's Working Memory Test. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

 The results of ANCOVA indicated a significant difference in the mean of working memory performance between the 2 groups after the intervention (P < 0.05). Thus, table tennis exercises had a significant effect on improving the working memory of intellectually disabled students.

 Table tennis exercises are effective in enhancing the working memory of intellectually disabled students and can be used as an appropriate intervention.

 Postoperative complications decrease muscle strength and balance. Thus, managing the complications is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and promoting speedy recovery. This case study explores the use of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and electrotherapy in managing postoperative complications in a patient with excessive ankle stiffness, addressing balance and muscle strength, as they are essential components of functional mobility in patients with ankle stiffness.

 A 41-year-old female athlete with Achilles tendon contracture participated in this study. A 12-week IASTM and electrotherapy was implemented. Isokinetic muscle strength, balance, and quality of life were investigated.

 The results showed significant improvement in the stability index, path length and area, dorsiflexion/plantarflexion peak torque, range of motion (ROM), total work, and reduced passive stiffness. The results of all domains of quality of life (SF-36), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), , Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) improved. The intervention was successful in improving balance, muscle strength, sagittal plane ROM, and quality of life and reduced pain during balance in the patient. Conclusions These findings suggest that the intervention may be an effective treatment option for individuals with excessive ankle stiffness and related balance and strength deficits.