aliasghar norasteh

This study aimed to review the scientific literature on the effect of repeated rotations on the lumbar spine in professional tennis players and to provide a comprehensive summary of previous research.

A literature review was conducted using the following databases and motor searches: Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SID, Iranmedex, and Magiran. The search terms included “spinal curvature”, “lumbar rotation”, and “tennis”. The search was limited to studies published between 2000 and January 2024.

Out of 2,500 studies initially identified, 95 abstracts were selected for review, and 12 studies were ultimately included in this research. These studies investigated the effects of repeated rotations on the lumbar spine in professional tennis players. The findings indicated that various tennis techniques increased the intensity of lumbar rotation over time, predisposing players to low back pain and other lumbar spine injuries.

Repeated rotations of the lumbar spine over time could lead to low back pain in professional tennis players. This was likely due to the gradual increase in flexibility of the lumbopelvic segments relative to the stiffness of the hip joint segments, resulting in excessive premature movement in the lumbopelvic region. Therefore, interventions focusing on controlled physical activity, core muscle strengthening, proprioceptive improvement, and the correction of repetitive movement patterns in tennis players might effectively reduce the incidence of low back pain.

Since the foot is vital for maintaining stability and posture, knowing the difference between dominant and non-dominant knees can help reduce the risk of knee injury. Basketball players with dynamic knee valgus (DKV) following fatigue application were the subjects of the current study, which compared the angle and pattern of knee valgus in dominant and non-dominant feet.

In this cross-sectional study, our selection process involved choosing 27 basketball players with a knee dynamic valgus pattern (mean age=20.77±3.06 years, mean height=188±9 centimeters, and mean weight=79.68±18.35 kilograms) in a non-random, targeted manner. To assess the knee valgus angle in the frontal plane, we performed imaging using a digital camera positioned at 366 centimeters and a height of 105 centimeters relative to the subject. Furthermore, the subjects performed three countermovement jumps. Data were analyzed using “KINOVEA” software, version 0.9.5. In this study, players engaged in a 40-minute basketball game, conducted under regulations and including all scheduled rest periods.

No significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test in the dominant foot initial contact valgus variable (P=0.900), non-dominant foot initial contact valgus variable (P=0.134), dominant foot maximum flexion valgus variable (P=0.237), and non-dominant foot maximum flexion valgus variable (P=0.188), according to the results of the paired t-test for within-group comparison of the study’s mean variables. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was observed in the first contact valgus between the dominant and non-dominant foot prior to the test (P=0.485) or between the two groups after the test (P=0.066). However, a significant difference was found in the maximum flexion valgus between the dominant and non-dominant foot before the test (P=0.012) and after the test (P=0.018), indicating that the dominant foot had a greater valgus angle than the non-dominant foot in both instances.

The current study’s results indicate that functional exhaustion, as employed in this investigation, does not raise the knee valgus angle; however, among basketball players, the dominant foot’s valgus angle was larger than the non-dominant foot. Therefore, the basketball players’ dominant foot is probably more vulnerable to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

 Pre-participatory evaluation is an effective strategy for predicting and preventing injuries in athletes before participating in organized sports. This research aims to assess whether the functional movement screening (FMS) test can predict the musculoskeletal injuries of running athletes in Iran.

 This is a correlational prospective study. The participants were 100 male runners from athletics clubs in north-east Iran. The screening was done using the seven subtests of the FMS test. The prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries was measured weekly and prospectively for 20 weeks using Fuller’s accident report form. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to analyze the data in SPSS software, version 26 and the logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between pre-test scores of the FMS test and musculoskeletal injuries. The significance level was set at 0.05.

 The standardized incidence rate of musculoskeletal injuries was 3 in 1000 person-hours. Athletes with lower FMS test scores suffered 3.5 times more injuries than others. The ROC curve and Youden’s index showed a score of 16 as the cut-off point. The FMS test’s sensitivity, specificity and precision were 78.6%, 75.5% and 78%, respectively and the area under the ROC curve was 0.839.

 Considering the high sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the FMS test in musculoskeletal injury detection, it seems that the FMS test score can predict the musculoskeletal injuries of running athletes in Iran, and it can be used to prevent their sports injuries.

Past research supports the hypothesis that the position of basketball players affects their susceptibility to injury; however, there is disagreement among researchers regarding which positions are at greater risk of injury. The current study compares the lower limb joint angles in basketball players with dynamic knee valgus deficiency across different positions.

In this study, 27 basketball players with dynamic knee valgus deficiency were purposefully selected in three groups as follows: Guards (mean age=19.77±2.68 years, mean height=1.77±0.04 cm, and mean weight=63.40±5.10 kg), forwards (mean age=20.22±2.90 years, mean height=187±0.04 cm, and mean weight=76.80±2.94 kg ) and centers (mean age=22.33±3.27years, mean height=1.99±0.04 cm, and mean weight=98.84±18.42 kg), within the age range of 16 to 26 years. The anthropometric characteristics of the players, including height, weight, shoulder width, hip width, anterior superior iliac spine distance, lower limb length, Q angle, knee width, and ankle width, were measured. To evaluate the lower limb angles in the sagittal and frontal planes, imaging was performed using two digital cameras at a distance of 366 cm and a height of 105 cm relative to the subject, and the subjects performed three countermovement jumps. The analysis was conducted using the Kinovea software. To compare the mean variables of the study, mixed-design analysis of variance (2×3), one-way analysis of variance, and the Bonferroni post hoc tests were utilized. All hypothesis tests were conducted at a significance level of  P≤0.05.

There was no significant difference in the initial contact angle of the hip joint (P=0.537), maximum hip flexion (P=0.891), initial contact angle of the knee joint (P=0.264), maximum knee flexion (P=0.321), initial contact angle of the ankle joint (P=0.116), and maximum ankle flexion (P=0.393) among the three groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the initial contact angle of the knee joint in dominant (P=0.059) and non-dominant (P=0.490) legs, as well as in the maximum knee flexion in dominant (P=0.872) and non-dominant (P=0.552) legs.

No significant differences were observed in the lower limb joint angles among the three groups of guards, forwards, and centers. Therefore, different basketball positions may not be a significant risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Deficient movement patterns can alter the kinematics of lower limb during landing jump tasks, potentially leading to non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of an eight-week kinematic feedback training program on male athletes exhibiting selected movement control issues during jumping tasks.

This study is a randomized clinical trial conducted before and after the intervention. Thirty-four male recreational athletes with movement control deficiencies were chosen based on predetermined criteria and randomly assigned to either a control or feedback group in a 1:1 ratio. Kinematic variables were recorded in the sagittal and frontal planes while participants performed jumping and landing tasks before and after a two-month jump training program, with feedback provided to the feedback group and not to the control group. Data analysis utilized two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni tests for each movement task, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results from the statistical analysis revealed that the eight-week feedback training program significantly influenced hip, knee, and ankle kinematics in athletes with motor control deficiencies during jump-landing tasks. Additionally, feedback was effective in reducing knee valgus.

 The findings demonstrate that feedback effectively impacts kinematic parameters in both sagittal and frontal planes, suggesting its potential utility in correcting incomplete movement patterns during jump-landing tasks.

The beginning of metabolic exhaustion may have an impact on the knee joint’s dynamic stability when playing sports, which could raise the risk of knee injury. The present study aimed to examine the effect of a fatigue program on the kinematics of lower limb joints in basketball players with a dynamic knee valgus pattern in various positions. In this study, 27 basketball players with dynamic knee valgus patterns were purposefully selected and divided into three groups: guard (mean age= 19.77±2.68 years, mean height= 177±4 cm, and mean weight= 63.40±5.10 kg), forwards (mean age= 20.22±2.90 years, mean height= 187±4 cm, and mean weight= 76.80± 2.94 kg) and centers (mean age= 22.33±3.27 years, mean height= 199±4 cm, and mean weight= 98.84±18.42 kg), within the age range of 16 to 26 years. To evaluate the angles of the lower limb in the sagittal and frontal planes, we used two digital cameras. We placed them at a distance of 366 centimeters and a height of 105 centimeters relative to the subject. The subjects performed three counter-movement jumps. We conducted the analysis using KINOVEA software. In this study, the fatigue protocol consisted of 40 minutes of basketball play, carried out legally and considering all rest periods. To compare the means of the research variables, we used mixed analysis of variance (2*3), one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni post hoc tests. We conducted all hypothesis tests at a significance level of 0.05 or less. The results showed that the application of the fatigue protocol during landing in the sagittal plane led to a significant decrease in the maximum knee flexion angle in the guard group (p= 0.035), initial ankle contact in the forward group (p= 0.044), initial ankle contact in the center group (p= 0.016), and maximum ankle plantar flexion in the center group (p= 0.018). In the frontal plane, the fatigue protocol also caused an increase in maximum knee valgus in the dominant leg of the center group (p= 0.039) and in the non-dominant leg of all three groups: guard (p= 0.019), forward (p= 0.002), and center (p= 0.009). Between-group comparison, there was a significant difference in initial hip joint contact between the guard and forward groups (p= 0.031) and maximum knee valgus of the dominant leg between the forward and center groups (p= 0.041). From alternative perspectives, researchers did not find any appreciable variations, though. The functional exhaustion employed in this study impacted a few factors related to the patient’s lower limb joints, according to the study's findings. The valgus angle of the non-dominant leg increased in all three groups, and the valgus angle of the dominant leg increased in the center group in the frontal plane. Guards and forwards frequently perform the lay-up movement during the game, which could contribute to this. In a lay-up, the last foot to leave the ground is the player’s non-dominant foot, which places more stress on it. On the other hand, center players often perform jumps and landings with both feet under the hoop in the paint area for rebounds, which could increase the valgus angle in both legs.

 Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the injuries that can permanently end the professional courier of an athlete. Almost half of athletes cannot return to their competitive levels before injury, even after successful rehabilitation. For this reason, there is another factor besides physical factors in not returning to sports practice, which in most studies is attributed to psychological factors. Fear of re-injury and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) are factors that prevent athletes from returning to sports activities after the reconstruction of the ACL. Many studies have examined the psychological factors after reconstruction and injury of the ACL. However, no study has so far examined and concluded about kinesiophobia after ACL reconstruction. 

 In this study, we searched published studies from 2000 to 2020 examining the effect of kinesiophobia on return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In this study, we searched the relevant articles considering specialized English and Persian keywords, including «fear of movement,» «fear of re-injury,» «kinesiophobia,» «psychological factors of exercise,» «return to sport,» and «anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction» in academic Persian and English databases: Google Scholar, TRIP, PEDro, PubMed, Irandoc, SID, and Magiran. 

 After the search, 162 articles were initially found. After reviewing the abstracts, 57 articles were remained. Then, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were finally selected for inclusion in this study. 

 According to research findings, fear of movement and fear of re-injury in athletes after ACL reconstruction can delay their return to sports activities. This setback can reduce the quality of life and participation in sports and recreational games and causes depression and stress. Different rehabilitation approaches are highly effective in gaining various results after the reconstruction of ACL. Because physical and psychological improvement do not advance in parallel, it seems necessary to establish a new approach in sports rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

Shoulder arthroplasty, a dependable and successful method to relieve pain and restore joint mobility, is increasingly chosen by a large number of individuals. The recent rise in interest in a return to sport (RTS) after shoulder arthroplasty prompts a comprehensive review of RTS outcomes in this context.

This systematic review was conducted to extensively examine RTS elements following shoulder arthroplasty. The review included searches from various databases, including Web of Science, PEDRO, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and CINAHL, spanning from January 2000 to May 2023. Additionally, a thorough manual search was undertaken, including a comprehensive review of article sources.

Among 18 articles, we found significant RTS rates (>80%), level (high/excellent), time to RTS (5.3 months to 9.1 months), and a high number of RTS patients in swimming after shoulder arthroplasty. After shoulder arthroplasty, patients returned to some sports activities, such as swimming, tennis, golf, leg sports, skiing, and so on.

This systematic review showed significantly high RTS rates, levels, and number of patients among different arthroplasty types, such as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The most prevalent sport was swimming among patients. We hope this comprehensive systematic review provides insight into coaches and trainers to help patients increase their quality of life and have successful RTS after shoulder arthroplasty.

 Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) and impaired static and dynamic balances are the risk factors of the anterior cruciate ligament injuries in football players. This study aims to investigate the effect of the knee control program on knee valgus angle and static and dynamic balances in young male football players with DKV. 

 This is a quasi-experimental study. Of 156 young male football players, 48 with DKV were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention group (n=24, Mean age=12.70±0.62 years, height=1.52±0.07 m, weight=48.87±6.67 kg, BMI=21.10±2.18 kg/m2) and control group (n=24, mean age=12.58±0.65 years, height= 1.52±0.08 m, weight= 50.45±6.79 kg, BMI=21.88±2.92 kg/m2). The drop-jump test, Stork test, and Y balance test were used to measure dynamic knee valgus angle, static balance, and dynamic balance, respectively. The intervention group received the knee control program as a warm-up exercise for 8 weeks, while the control group performed their routine warm-up exercises during this time. Analysis of covariance and the paired t-test were used to evaluate differences in the study variables.

 In the intervention group, there was a significant reduction in knee valgus angle (P=0.001) and significant improvements in static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.001) in the post-test phase compared to the pre-test phase, but there were no significant differences in the control group (P>0.05). Moreover, the results showed significant differences between the two groups in knee valgus angle (P=0.001), static balance (P=0.001) and dynamic balance (P=0.002).

 The knee control program is effective in reducing dynamic knee valgus angle and improving static and dynamic balances in young football players with DKV. Thus, it seems that this program can reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young male football players.

Background and Aims Faulty movement patterns can lead to dysfunctional and uncoordinated mobility. A proper pattern can cause better movement. In fact, an efficient movement provides more energy for endurance and power with less effort and more mobility and agility. Many studies have reported the effect of feedback on improving faulty movement patterns as a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament injury. This study aims to investigate whether feedback can affect the performance of people with abnormal lower extremity movement patterns or not.Methods This is a systematic review study. Related articles published from 2000 to 2020 were found by searching in international (Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect) and national (MagIran, IranDoc) databases using the keyword videotape augmented feedback, augmented feedback, feedback, jump-landing, immediate effect.Results Out of 10 reviewed studies, two were systematic review studies, one was a systematic meta-analysis study, and seven were interventional studies. In all studies, feedback methods had a positive effect on the biomechanics of the lower limb. Three studies examined the impact of feedback on performance, of which two studies stated that feedback caused a decrease in performance, while one study stated that feedback did not affect performance.Conclusion In many studies, feedback methods improved movement patterns, but further studies are needed to understand the effect of feedback on the performance of people with abnormal lower extremity movement patterns.

Understanding the relationships between exercise and performance tests is crucial for the sports rehabilitation expert.

To comprehensively review functional tests and their reliability for return to sport (RTS) after shoulder injuries.

During this research, a comprehensive review of the functional tests for RTS after shoulder injuries was performed by searching the Web of Science, PEDro, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases with the keywords shoulder RTS, return to play, upper limb and shoulder functional tests from 2000 to June 2021. English was used in this search. After gathering the research results, first, the titles and then the summary of the research papers were studied. If the research papers meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, their results will be utilized in the study of review otherwise they will be excluded.

When searching the texts, 123 research papers were found, after deleting 11 identical titles, 112 abstracts were chosen for review. After analyzing the abstracts, 79 research papers were removed and 33 research papers were selected for full study. After reviewing the full-text research papers, 21 research papers were removed and 12 research papers were selected from among the research papers that were very closely related to the subject under study. Many functional tests exist, but few have been studied to evaluate the RTS after a shoulder injury. 

Functional tests can assist in estimating when an athlete will RTS or exercise without restrictions. Therefore, according to the results of the current research, functional tests can be an effective tool to assess RTS after shoulder injuries, but due to the limitations and lack of information in this area, further studies are required to be conducted. Therefore, caution should be taken and a general rule should not be drawn for all shoulder injuries.

Background and Aims

The present study aims to investigate the effect of a neuromuscular training program on knee valgus angle, and range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength of hip and ankle in male adolescent football players with dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Valgus knee is one of the most common neuromuscular abnormalities that is involved in causing non-contact damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

This is a quasi-experimental study. Participants were 25 adolescent male football players with DKV who were purposefully selected from Shahin Football Academy in Amol, Iran and randomly divided into two groups of control and training. The existence of DKV was assessed by Squats test and the valgus angle were assessed by jump-landing test and Kinovea software. The abduction and external rotation strength and ROM of hip and the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength and ROM of ankle were evaluated with Manual Muscle Testing and a goniometer, respectively. After performing the pre-test assessments, the subjects in the training group performed neuromuscular training for 8 weeks, while the control group also participated in the physical fitness program of Shahin Football Academy. At the end, assessments were performed again in two groups. To examine the differences, repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test were used in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05. 

The results showed a significant difference in knee valgus angle (P=0.001), abduction ROM of hip (P=0.01), external rotation ROM of hip (P=0.01), dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee extension (P=0.001), dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee flexion (P=0.001), hip abduction strength (P=0.002), hip external rotation strength (P=0.01), and plantarflexion strength of ankle (P=0.03) between the control and training groups. However, the results showed no significant difference in plantarflexion ROM of ankle and dorsiflexion strength of ankle (P>0.05). After one month, the results showed the sustainability of the effect of training on abduction and external rotation ROM of hip, dorsiflexion ROM of ankle with knee extension and flexion, and dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength of ankle.

The neuromuscular training can reduce the risk of non-contact ACL injury in male football players with DKV by improving strength and ROM of hip and ankle.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles, as well as Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test scores in young male soccer players with poor landing mechanics. The study identified how increased knee valgus, decreased knee flexion and poor landing patterns contribute as risk factors for these young athletes' anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

The present study utilized a quasi-experimental design. A total of 47 soccer players with poor landing mechanics were purposefully recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=23 players, age= 12.69±0.70 years, height= 1.53±0.06 m, weight= 49.91±6.76 kg) or the control group (n=24 players, age= 12.55±0.64 years, height= 1.51±0.08 m, weight= 51.25±7.73 kg). The study measured Knee Valgus angle, Knee flexion angle, and LESS test scores at the baseline and the end of the 8-week study period. During the study, the intervention group used the Prevent Injury and Enhanced Performance (PEP) program as a warm-up routine, while the control group continued with their regular warm-up routine. The researchers used ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) and paired-sample t-test statistical analyses to evaluate the changes.

the intervention group significantly reduced knee valgus angle (p=0.001). Additionally, there were significant enhancements in knee flexion angle (p=0.003) and the LESS test scores (p=0.001). In contrast, the control group did not show significant improvements in knee valgus and knee flexion angles (p>0.05), except for LESS test scores (p=0.001), where they also demonstrated improvement. Moreover, the study found significant differences between the intervention and control groups in knee valgus angle (p=0.001), knee flexion angle (p=0.025), and LESS test scores (p=0.001).

This study demonstrated that the PEP program effectively reduced dynamic knee valgus angles, increased knee flexion angles, and improved LESS test scores in young male soccer players. Therefore, it appears that this program can reduce the risk of ACL injuries in this population.

The study of retirement of professional athletes and its consequences in recent years has attracted the attention of researchers. Disease monitoring and epidemiological studies are one of the basic elements of comprehensive efforts to protect the health of athletes.

A researcher-made questionnaire was used to record musculoskeletal diseases in volleyball, football and basketball sports. In this questionnaire, important and severe musculoskeletal diseases were recorded based on priority. Registration of diseases was according to the region and type of disease.

The rate of musculoskeletal diseases per 1000 hours of training among the studied groups showed that veteran basketball athletes per 1000 hours of training (2.40±1.30) were less than volleyball athletes (3.46±1.17) and football (3.98±0.84), had musculoskeletal diseases. The most common area of the disease in all three disciplines studied was the knee (9.4% of all recorded diseases). Musculoskeletal pain was also shown as the most common disease in athletes (15.69% of all recorded diseases).

The changes that occur in the muscular-skeletal structure of people with age can make people prone to musculoskeletal diseases, and this possibility is more in people who engage in sports for the elderly than in other people. Considering that the data collection of the present study included 2 years of the corona disease pandemic, it is possible that this had an effect on the results of the research and caused changes in the type of activities and even the lifestyle of the athletes. Brought therefore, the need to study the epidemiology of musculoskeletal diseases in the post-corona era is felt.

Posture is an important factor in assessing the health of people, because any deviation in posture can lead to many disorders. The women in rural areas, due to certain characteristics, may be more affected by postural changes. This study aims to study the prevalence of postural abnormalities in rural women in Markazi Province, Iran based on age and body mass index (BMI).

Participants were 420 rural women at three age groups of 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 years who were selected using multi-stage sampling method from 20 villages of Markazi province. The instruments included a wall-mounted stature measuring tape (Seca, model 206), a digital scale (model 2003D), the New York Posture Rating Chart, and an optical Pedoscope (model DSI). The nearest posture observed by the researcher was recorded using the New York Posture Rating Chart and a checkerboard from various perspectives. The arch height of the foot was determined using the Pedoscope. Data analysis was done in SPSS software using descriptive statistics and chi-square test for comparison of postural abnormalities based on BMI and age. The significance level was set at 0.05.

Among the postural abnormalities, hyperlordosis (54.6%), forward head (50.8%), uneven shoulders (39%), genu varum (34%), scoliosis (28%), kyphosis (27.4%) and hallux valgus (25.2%) were more common among rural women. In the age group of 15-30 years, forward head was the most common abnormality. In the age group of 30-45 years, hyperlordosis was more prevalent, and uneven shoulders was the most common abnormality in the age group of 45-60 years. Based on BMI, forward head was more common in women with obesity class I, and hyperlordosis was more common in overweight women. According to the chi-square test results, the difference based on age was significant in forward head, hyperlordosis, knock knee, and pes cavus.

Th increase of age and BMI can impair postural control in rural women. Proper training of different correct postures and increase of physical activity can be effective for improving the posture of rural women.

 Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder whose study on adolescents is important because it causes chronic, severe, and recurrent back pain in adulthood. This study aims to compare the trunk endurance and strength and balance in female high school students with and without chronic LBP in Qazvin, Iran.

This is a comparative study. Participants were 196 female high school students including 98 without LBP (Age=16.22±2.79 years, Height=1.60±0.05 m, Weight=54.83±10.17 kg, BMI=21.06±3.35 Kg/m2) and 98 with LBP (Age=16.01±0.84 years, Height=1.62±0.06 m, Weight=56.76±10.50 kg, BMI=21.59±3.57 kg/m2). To measure static and dynamic balances, we used the Stork and Star balance tests, respectively. The flexion and extension strength of trunk were measured by Manual muscle test. The flexion and extension endurance were measured by 60-degree flexion test and modified Biering-Sorenson test, respectively. Data analysis was done using independent t-test done.

 There was a significant difference in the flexion strength and endurance of the trunk (P=0.005), the trunk endurance ratio (P=0.004), trunk extensor strength (P=0.02), static balance (P=0.004) and total dynamic balance (P=0.02) between the two groups.

 Strengthening of trunk muscles is recommended to prevent or reduce LBP in female high school girls. Periodic examination of postural disorders and imbalance in trunk muscles is also recommended to avoid postural problems and the resulting pain.

Dynamic knee valgus, as a poor movement pattern, may increase the risk of injury in the knee joint. This condition, which is related to a deviation in the lower limb alignment, can cause serious damage to the knee joint during tasks such as jump-landing, especially when bearing weight. The present study aims to investigate the role of dynamic knee valgus (DKV) in occurrence of knee injuries.

This is a review study. A search was conducted for the related articles published in English or Persian using the keywords Dynamic Knee Alignment, Dynamic Knee Valgus, Knee Joint Kinematics, Medial Collapse, Medial Knee Displacement, Frontal Plane Knee Excursion, Projection Angle, Dynamic Lower Extremity Valgus and Knee Injury in Science Direct, Scopus, PEDro, Google Scholar, PubMed, SID, ISC, Medlib, MagIran and IranDoc databases published from 2005 to May 2021. Initial search yielded 230 articles. After examining their full texts, 67 related articles were remained. Finally, 34 articles in the field of the role of DKV in occurrence of common knee injuries were selected for the review. 

Most of the studies were conducted on women and young people (aged 16-25 years). The DKV cause knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament injury (21 studies), patellofemoral pain syndrome (7 studies), tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (4 studies) and patellofemoral osteoarthritis (one study) as well as other cases such as osteoarthritis of the inner knee, chronic pain injuries in the hip and knee joints, and cartilage injuries. 

DKV, as a poor movement pattern, put a person at risk of lower limb injuries. Muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, and impairment in the static alignment and its effect on dynamic alignment are among the most important mechanisms of DKV. Due to the structural and biomechanical characteristics, the most injuries caused by DKV occur in women.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of a postural education program for teachers and parents on their awareness and the condition of students' spines. The sample of this quasi-experimental study was 100 students (8-10 years old), Their parents and teachers who were divided into three experimental and one control groups. Awareness (by questionary) and spine alignment were assessed before, after and six-month follow-up. The program consisted of six 45-minute sessions. In the statistical analysis multivariate analysis was used. The results were shown that training has gotten significantly different between groups on knowledge and spine status. But the divisions within the group were not significant. Regarding the awareness variable the difference between the control group and the other three groups was significant (control/teachers P=0.01, control/parents P=0.07, control/parents-teachers P=0.00)about forward head and kyphosis the control group with the group of teachers (p= 0.00 head forward, kyphosis p= 0.00) the group of parents with the groups of teachers (p= 0.00)forward head , kyphosis p= 0.00), and parents-teachers (p= 0.02)forward head- kyphosis p=0.04)and the group of teachers with the group of parents-teachers (p=0.05 forward head - kyphosis p=0.00) there was a significant difference. About the lordosis the follow-up test showed that the control group in addition to the teachers' group (p=0.00), also had a significant difference with the parents' group (p=0.02). The program had a significant positive effect on spinal health and awareness, which shows the effect of education on prevention. Therefore, to prevent malalignments, it is recommended to use an educational program.

Balance is one of the basic factors of sports and proper balance increases the efficiency of athletes. The aim of this study was to compare the balance of beach with indoor volleyball athletes.

The present study is a quasi-experimental study. For this purpose and according to the research criteria, a total of 100 male professional athletes were selected as the research sample, and in two groups of indoor volleyball (n = 50) with body mass index (20.51+2.45), age (16.02=1.42), training history (5.42–1.26) and beach volleyball (n = 50) with body mass index (20.51–1.80). Age (15.86+1.52), training history (5.161.31). Y test was used to evaluate the balance. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 24 software at the significant level of "P=0.05."

The results of the research showed that there is a significant difference between the average value of the dynamic balance variable between the two beach volleyball and indoor volleyball groups, and beach volleyball has obtained better scores in the balance test. "P=0.01"

The balance of beach volleyball players in this research was much better than the balance of indoor volleyball players. Therefore, coaches of different sports can perform some exercises on object surfaces to improve the balance of their athletes. Also, coaches can use these levels for pre-season training where athletes need more preparation to continue competing.

Due to the mobility problems of the elderly, it is better to use low-cost and applicable methods in any place, which do not require expertise to measure gait. One of these ubiquitous methods is functional gait assessment (FGA).

The purpose of this study was to collect and evaluate FGA in the elderly.

This study conducted a comprehensive study of FGA in the elderly by searching the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Google Scholar, Scopus, MAGIRAN, IRANDOC, Iran Medex, MedLib, and SID from 1996 to November 2020. After compiling the search results, we first studied the titles and then the abstracts. If an article matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria, its results were used in the review study; otherwise, it was excluded.

Based on the research criteria and objectives, from 23 different tests, the results of 19 articles that studied FGA in the elderly were selected and reported.

Studies seem to attempt FGA in the elderly using different methods and for different purposes. For example, studies to assess gait velocity, normal gait, and gait, along with functional and cognitive tasks, have measured FGA in the elderly. Besides, the two main features of a valid test including sensitivity and specificity have been less studied. Therefore, more studies should focus on these test features in measuring FGA in the elderly.

The present study aims to compare the effects of two types of hopping and strength-balance exercises on the balance and strength of selected muscles in athletes with chronic ankle instability.

Participants were 30 male athletes with chronic ankle instability, who were selected using a purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of hopping and strength-balance exercise. A questionnaire was used to record demographic characteristics and the information about the history of sports. To measure strength, a dynamometer was used. The Standing stork test and Y balance test were used to measure static and dynamic balances, respectively. Analysis of covariance and the Least Significant Difference post hoc test were used to compare the means.

There was a significant difference in the static balance (P<0.001) and the total dynamic balance between the two groups (P<0.001). The strength-balance exercise group in all directions of the Y balance test performed better than the hopping exercise group. Moreover, hip abduction strength (P=0.02) and the inversion (P=0.005) and eversion strengths (P=0.002) of ankle were significantly different between the two groups after training, where the strength-balance group had higher scores. There was no significant difference between the two groups in other factors.

Both hopping and strength-balance exercises can be effective in improving the balance and strength of male athletes with chronic ankle instability, where the strength -balance exercise program seems to be more useful due to its comprehensiveness and given that it emphasizes the improvement of balance, proprioception, trunk strength, and lower limb strength, and can have a greater effect on the fast recovery of athletes.

Daily living activities require the composition and coordination of scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints. In athletes, the position of the scapula have a direct effect on their athletic performance due to its relationship with shoulder function. This study aims to investigates the scapulohumeral rhythm, kyphosis and forward shoulder in Iranian Wushu athletes and non-athletes.

This is a quasi-experimental study. Participants were 27 wushu athletes (Age: 23.29±1.72 years, height: 1.72±0.20 m, weight: 69.50±11.50 kg, body mass index: 22.25±3.29 kg/m2) and 27 non-athletes (Age: 25.92±2.85 years, height: 1.75±0.07 m, weight: 69.36±11.73 kg, body mass index: 22.53±3.08 kg/m2) which were selected using a convenience sampling method. The kyphosis angle was assessed with a flexible ruler and the forward shoulder was assessed using the photographic method. The distance of the scapula from the spine was assessed using the lateral scapular slide test. Independent t-test was used to examine the differences between the groups, and Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the study variables. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05.

The angles of kyphosis and forward shoulder had a significant relationship with the distance of the scapula from the spine at 0, 45 and 90 degrees of arm abduction (P≥0.05) such that with increasing kyphosis and forward shoulder angles, the distance increased. In non-athletes, there was a significant difference between the distances of dominant and non-dominant scapula from the spine in 0 degree (P=0.01) and 45 degrees (P=0.02) of arm abduction; in 90 degrees, no significant difference in non-athletes was observed. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference in kyphosis and forward shoulder angles and in the distance of the scapula from the spine at different degrees of arm abduction between the two groups (P≤0.05), which were greater in athletes than in non-athletes.

The kyphosis and forward shoulder angles have a relationship with the position of the scapula on the spine in professional Wushu athletes. More attention should be paid to these changes and their evaluation in terms of injury and musculoskeletal disorders.

The aim of this study was to compare the range of motion of lower limb joints in overweight and obese individuals.

The statistical population of the present study consisted of 25 to 45 years old working and available women in Zanjan province. These people, who included 57 people, were divided into two groups: 30 people with normal weight (mean age 31.86±6.03 years and body mass index 21.61±1.71kg / m2) and 27 people with overweight (With an average age of 35.35±6.03 years and a body mass index 27.86±1.40kg / m2). A goniometer was used to assess the range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle. After determining whether the data were normal or abnormal by Shapiro Wilk test, the normal data were analyzed through independent parametric T-test and the data which were not distributed normally were analyzed via non-parametric U Man-Whitney test.

The results showed that among the range of motion of the hip in both legs in flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation, the range of motion of the knee in both legs in flexion and the range of motion of the ankle in both legs there was a significant difference between dorsiflexion and plantar flexion movements in the two groups, but the difference between the two groups in range of motion in both legs was not significant in hip abduction and knee extension movements.

According to the present results, it seems that being overweight can reduce the range of motion in some movements in the lower extremities. Regarding the causes researchers have proposed various factors that need further studies.

Landing mechanics, lower limb muscle strength and central stability are risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young football players. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the knee control injury prevention program on landing mechanics, strength of selected lower limb muscles and central stability in adolescent male soccer players. 

The statistical population of this semi-experimental research included teenage soccer players with poor landing mechanics, 50 of whom were purposefully selected as a statistical sample and then randomly divided into two groups of experiment (number = 25 people, age = 62/ 12.70 ± 0 years, height = 1.52 ± 0.07 meters, weight = 48.87 ± 6.6 kg) and control (number = 25 people, age = 12.58 ± 0.65 years, height = 08 1.52 ± 0.0 m, weight = 50.45 ± 6.79 kg). In this study, landing mechanics were evaluated with the landing error test, thigh abduction and external rotation strength with MMT, and central stability with McGill tests at the beginning and end of the study. The subjects of the experimental group used the knee control program in the warm-up section for 8 weeks. While the control group did their usual warm-up during this time. Yeoman-Whitney and ANOVA tests were used to compare the differences between the two groups.

The results showed that the experimental group compared to the control group after the test had a significant decrease in the landing error test scores (Z = -5.62; P = 0.001) and a significant improvement in thigh abduction strength ( F = 14.26; P = 0.001), thigh external rotation strength (F = 10.74; P = 0.002) and central stability tests (F = 26.39; P = 0.001).

This study showed that the implementation of the knee control injury prevention program can improve the landing mechanics, abduction and external rotation strength of the thigh, and central stability in teenage soccer players. Therefore, it seems that the knee control program can be effective in preventing the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in young male football players.

Snooker is a kind of cue sport in which skill plays an important role. To reach a professional level, snooker players must acquire many physical and mental skills. Strengthening the core muscles, which provide a foundation for a successful limb function in skill sports such as snooker, can be achieved by performing Pilates exercises.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of core muscle training on skill and balance for snooker players.

In this study, 30 male snooker players were divided into Pilates (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15) by randomization. The Pilates group performed the mat Pilates exercises three sessions per week consisting of 30 minutes of Pilates training in addition to one hour of routine snooker training per session for six weeks. The control group performed one-hour routine snooker training three sessions per week at the same time period. To assess the players' skills, the line-up test was used to measure the break score, and the foul number test was used to calculate the foul number. Players' balance was evaluated by the stork balance test. All tests were performed pre and post 6 weeks of exercise for between and within- group comparisons.

Line-up and stork test scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Pilates group compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the foul numbers between groups after Six weeks of Pilates exercises.

Six weeks of mat Pilates exercises improves the snooker players' balance ability and break scores.