foad seidi

Ankle injury is one of the most common sports and daily life injuries. Usually, in 15%–60% of cases, Functional Ankle Instability (FAI) occurs after the initial sprain of the ankle. People with FAI have different muscle recruitment patterns and neuromuscular firing rates than healthy people. The human body relies on three sensory systems to maintain balance: vision, somatosensory, and vestibular. Information obtained from weight can be united by all three systems in the central nervous system, and balance can be established. Virtual reality technology is a new way to create more visual impairment and instability. By providing unreal visual cues, virtual reality makes the central nervous system rely on somatosensory and vestibular to maintain balance. This study aims to investigate the electromyographic activity of selected lower limb muscles in feedback and feedforward phases with and without using virtual reality in male badminton players with and without FAI.

The current research method was quasi–experimental. The statistical population of this research comprised Badminton athletes aged 15 to 18 who were playing at the professional level. Thirty Badminton players were divided into two groups with and without ankle instability, and each group included 15 subjects. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (Hiller et al., 2006) was used to diagnose FAI. The group with FAI received a Cumberland questionnaire score of 0 to 27, and the control group received a score of 27 to 30. The Anterior Drawer of the Ankle Test was performed to ensure the absence of mechanical instability, and if the participants showed mechanical instability, they were excluded from the research. Motion Lab System MA400 (DTU) device was used to measure the electrical activity of muscles, and the F–RG model electrode was made by Skintact. The electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles in the feedforward and feedback phases was studied using virtual reality. After checking the normality of the data, the independent t test and Man–Whitney U test were used to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 27.

The independent t test and Man–Whitney U test results showed a significant difference in the feedforward and feedback phases between the groups with FAI and without FAI regarding the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus muscles activities (p<0.05). When using Virtual Reality in the feedforward phase, there is a significant difference between the tibialis anterior (p=0.003) and lateral gastrocnemius muscles (p<0.001) in the group with and without FAI when using virtual reality. It should be noted that the activity of the tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscle in the group without functional instability of the ankle in the feedforward phase was higher than the group with FAI. Also, a significant difference was observed in the feedback phase in the tibialis anterior (p=0.006) and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle (p<0.001) between the group with and without ankle functional instability. It should be noted that the activity of the tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscle in the group without ankle functional instability in the feedback phase was higher than in the group with ankle functional instability. Also, there is no significant difference between the FAI and non–FAI groups regarding peroneus longus. 

According to the results, virtual reality can change the electromyography activity of the ankle muscles. There are changes in the electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscle when using virtual reality between athletes with and without FAI, indicating the effect of virtual reality on the electromyographic activity of ankle muscles in these people.

Hyperlordosis is one of the deformities in the lumbar spine, which causes changes in the forward center of gravity and increases the movement of the pelvis. It also changes the stability of the trunk, lumbo-pelvic-hip core complex, and lower limbs. This study aims to compare the changes in the center of pressure (COP) and the time to stabilization (TTS) in male football players with and without hyperlordosis during a single-leg jump-landing task.

 This is a causal-comparative study with a cross-sectional design, conducted on 28 male football players (14 with hyperlordosis and 14 without hyperlordosis), with a mean age of 24±2.42 years, a mean height of 178±6.06 cm and a mean weight of 72±4.93 kg. First, the Sargent jump test was taken to determine their maximum vertical jump. Then, they were asked to jump with two legs and a half maximum vertical jumping height and land on the force plate with the dominant leg. The independent t-test analysis was used to analyze the data in SPSS software, version 23.

 A significant difference in the COP fluctuations in the mediolateral (ML) direction (P=0.015), the maximum and minimum COP displacements in the ML direction (P=0.021, P=0.001), the TTS in the ML direction, and the total TTS (P=0.001), was observed between two groups, but no significant difference was found in the amount of COP variability in the anterior-posterior (AP) and ML directions, the amount of COP fluctuations in the AP direction, the minimum and maximum COP displacements in the AP direction, and the TTS in the AP and vertical directions (P>0.05).

 It seems that changes in the sagittal plane in the area of the lumbar spine and pelvis cause instability and loss of balance in the frontal plane in the lower limbs. Therefore, football players with hyperlordosis should pay more attention to the changes in the proximal region to prevent instability and injury in the lower limb.

Being prone to Low Back Pain (LBP) is a concept in the field of back pain prevention. In this context, it is necessary to identify the differentiating factors of people prone to back pain who are currently without symptoms, but have the potential to develop back pain. Therefore, this study aimed to compare postural sway and duration of the stance phase of gait between female low back pain developers and non-pain developers. Purposefully and based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 33 females In the age range of 18 to 30 years participated in the study. Participants assigned to two groups of pain developers (n=15) and non- pain developers (n=18) according to the results of the active hip abduction test and prolonged standing protocol. The Biodex Balance System and the foot medisense device were used to measure the postural sway and the duration of the stance phase of gait. Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the groups (P≤ 0.05). The results showed that there is no significant difference in duration of the stance phase of gait and postural sway (P> 0/05). According to the results of the research, it seems that postural sway and duration of the stance phase of gait are not different in low back pain developers and non-pain developers, and the measurement of these two factors before the prolonged standing protocol and in the absence of pain cannot help us identify pain developers.

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to investigate the effect of warming up on knee position sense.

The keywords of this systematic review and meta-analysis study were searched on December 1 by two authors in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The Downs and Black checklist checked the quality of articles. Statistical analysis was performed using CMA software. The I-square statistic was used to examine the data heterogeneity and estimate the percentage of heterogeneity. Besides, the Funnel Plot method was used for assessing the risk of bias in articles, and the trim-and-fill method was used in case of observation of possible bias.

Out of 5,133 studies found in selected databases, 31 were selected after reviewing the title and abstract, and seven articles were included in the study after reviewing the full text. The results indicated that warming up has a significant effect on reducing the active absolute angular error (P<0.05) and increasing the active relative angular error (P<0.05) but has no significant effect on the passive absolute angular error (P>0.05).

Warming can reduce absolute and relative angular error. Therefore, it has a significant effect on improving proprioception.

 The injury significantly disrupts the performance of the individual and the team and the prevention should be the priority of training programs. To design prevention programs, the first step is to identify risk factors. The joint position sense is one of these factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of muscle stretching interventions on the sense of the position of the lower limbs with an injury prevention approach.

 The keywords of this review were investigated on 24 September by two researchers in the electronic databases of Pub Med, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, elmnet, Magiran, SID. The quality of the articles was checked by the Downs and Black checklist. Statistical analysis was done with the help of CMA software and Q- test was used to check the homogeneity of data and I2 was used to estimate the percentage of heterogeneity. Also, Funnel Plot and Egger - test were used to evaluate the risk of bias in the articles, and trim - and - fill method was used if the was a possibility of bias.

 Out of 7487 studies found in selected databases, 25 ones were selected after reviewing the title and abstract, and 10 articles were included in the study after reviewing the full text. The results indicated that stretching exercises do not affect the joint position sense of the knee and ankle.

 It seems that stretching does not have a significant effect on the ankle and knee joint position sense. Considering that the duration of stretching in most studies was short, duration of stretching was one of the important reasons for the non - significance of the stretching. Therefore, more studies with longer periods of time are needed.

Postural sway is evaluated based on changes in the body's center of pressure and is directly related to postural control and balance. Several factors are involved in the proper control of postural sways and, as a result, proper maintenance of balance, the most important of which is core stability. Weakness of core muscles causes an interruption in the transfer of energy from the trunk and limbs to each other, and this leads to decreased sports performance and increased risk of injury. Hyperlordosis is one of the disorders that can affect the endurance of core muscles. In some sports, such as taekwondo, this is of great importance. The present study aims to assess whether there is any difference in postural sway and core muscle endurance between taekwondo female athletes with or without hyperlordosis in Iran.

The study population consists of all professional Iranian female taekwondo athletes, of whom 60 were purposefully selected and divided into two groups of 30: With hyperlordosis (Mean age: 22.17±2.35 years, mean height: 166±3.95 cm, mean weight: 55.37±5.53 kg) and without hyperlordosis (Mean age: 20.63±2.38 years, mean height: 165±4.23 cm, mean weight: 53.7±4.91 kg). Postural sway was measured by the foot pressure distribution on a single leg. The core muscle endurance was measured by the McGill test. Independent t-test was used for examining the difference in the results. The significance level was set at 0.05.

Independent t-test results showed a significant difference between the two groups only in endurance of abdominal flexor muscles (P=0.013). No significant difference in endurance of other core muscles (P>0.05), postural sway based on two factors of path length (P=0.30) and movement area (P=0.16) were observed between the two groups.

The endurance of the abdominal flexor muscles in taekwondo female athletes with hyperlordosis is poor. Considering the possibility of further changes in the core muscles which can affect other areas of the body, longitudinal and follow-up studies are recommended on this group of athletes.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the spinal deformities with unknown causes that contributes to 80-85% of scoliosis cases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an integrative corrective exercise program on the severity of scoliosis in girls with AIS.

This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest/posttest/follow-up design. Thirty-two girls (Mean age: 13.97±2.25 years; mean height: 153.97±7.978 cm, mean weight: 52.03±6.23 kg) with AIS (C-shaped thoracic deviation in the frontal plane) participated in the study. They were randomly divided into the exercise and control groups. The Cobb angle was measured by the radiography method. All measurements were performed before, immediately after, and 12 weeks after the exercise. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine within-group differences, and analysis of covariance was used for between-group differences.

The mean Cobb angle at the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases were 15.8, 16.60, and 16.85 degrees in the control group and 16.04, 11.26, and 11.01 degrees in the exercise group, respectively, indicating a significant improvement in the Cobb angle in the exercise group compared to the control group over time (P<0.05); this improvement maintained for 12 weeks.

The integrated corrective exercise program, by using selected exercises, can reduce the degree of Cobb angle in females with AIS. The use of this program is recommended for adolescents.

Non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP) is the most common type of chronic LBP and a common debilitating condition, especially in athletes, that can also affect performance. The core muscles are necessary to create a stable level of support for sports performance and appropriate movements of all organs, and its deficiency is related to complications, such as LBP. This research aims to investigate the effect of a fatigue protocol on core muscle endurance in athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP.

A controlled laboratory study was conducted; 42 female athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP were selected through convenience sampling method and divided into two groups with non-specific chronic LBP and without non-specific chronic LBP. McGill’s core endurance test was used to measure core muscle endurance. The measurements were done before and after the implementation of the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP). SPSS software, version 22 and dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate mean differences obtained in the two groups. The significance level was considered 95%, and the α level was ≤0.05.

The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a significant difference between the two groups with and without non-specific chronic LBP after performing the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP) in McGill’s test scores in isometric flexion exercise (P=0.001), isometric extensor exercise (P=0.001), right side bridge (P=0.001) and left side bridge (P=0.001). In the post-test measurement, the endurance of the core muscles decreased in the LBP group.

The findings revealed that fatigue can affect the core stability and reduce the core muscles endurance of female athletes with non-specific chronic LBP. Therefore, core muscle weakness can be recognized as a risk factor for chronic LBP, and in order to prevent this damage, it is recommended to strengthen this area in rehabilitation programs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of Suspension exercises with TRX On static and dynamic balance and landing mechanics in female athletes. The number of 30 young female athletes with the age range of 15 to 18 years from the fields of handball, futsal, basketball and volleyball were selected from the schools of 4 districts of Tehran and they were randomly placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group performed suspension exercises with TRX for 6 weeks and 3 sessions per week. In order to measure static balance, stork test was used and for dynamic balance, Y balance test was used. Also, Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was used to check landing mechanics. The results showed that the static balance, dynamic balance and landing mechanics of the TRX training group were better in the post-test than the pre-test (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between static balance, dynamic balance and landing mechanics of the control group in pre-test and post-test (P>0.05). Also, the results of covariance analysis showed that there is a significant difference in all variables between the two groups in the post-test (P<0.05). So that the static and dynamic balance and reduction of the landing error score of the TRX training group were better than the control group. It seems that 6 weeks of suspension training with TRX can improve static and dynamic balance and reduce landing errors in female athletes.

 Exercise therapy is one of the most effective methods for dealing with low back pain. The present study aimed to compare to examine the effects of two protocols, i.e., six weeks of lumbar stability exercises (LSE) and global postural reeducation exercises (GPR), followed by a subsequent period of non-training on hip muscle flexibility in men with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) with lumbar movement control impairment (MCI).

 In this randomized clinical trial, 46 men suffering from NSLBP with lumbar MCI were selected and randomly divided into three groups (i.e., two exercise groups - one control group). Training intervention groups were allowed to perform exercises for 6 weeks, three sessions per week. Universal goniometer was used to measure the flexibility of hip muscles (i.e., hamstring, rectus femoris, external rotator, and tensor fasciae latae). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the effect and durability of the two training protocols on the dependent variables at a significant level.

 The results showed that both training methods increased hamstring muscle flexibility (P=0.001). GPR method was found superior in increasing the flexibility of the right hip of the subjects in the post-test (P=0.032) and follow-up (P=0.024). However, no significant differences were observed in the other hip muscles flexibility.

 It was concluded that the GPR method, compared to the lumbar stabilization method, had a greater potential to increase the flexibility of shortened muscles by enhancing the contraction of the antagonist muscles to avoid postural asymmetry. It seems both training protocols were effective in improving hamstring muscle flexibility in people with NSLBP suffering from MCI and this result was observed after both training and 4 weeks of inactivity.

 Changes in the optimal alignments of the lumbar spine can affect function, and correcting these adverse changes may improve function. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of corrective exercises on the Tarara functional test scores in non-athlete men with lumbar hyperlordosis.

 In the present study, 26 men aged 18 to 25 years in Tehran city with lumbar hyperlordosis (greater than or equal to 51 degrees) were purposefully selected as study samples. Then the samples were randomly divided into two groups (experimental: 13 N, control: 13 N). The lumbar lordosis angle was assessed using a flexible ruler and movement function through Tarara functional tests scores were evaluated in two stages, pre-test, and post-test. The paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to examine the within-group changes and the independent sample t-test and Mann Whitney - u test was used to compare the between-group differences.

 The results of this study showed that the corrective exercises group had significantly better performance in full Scott, one-legged Scott, downward dog, jump, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), lower limb Y balance test, Triple hop for distance, Lumbar Endurance, side plank abduction, Side Plank Adduction, Nordic hamstring, Lateral Lunge for Distance, In-Line Lunge for Distance and Straight Leg Raise (P <0.05).

 Based on the results of this study, we conclude that corrective exercises are useful in improving movement function in people with lumbar hyperlordosis.

Background and Objectives: Changes in the lumbar spine can affect the function of other parts of the body, including the lower limbs, and correcting these adverse changes may be able to improve function. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of corrective exercises on the lumbar lordosis angle and lower limb function in non-athlete men with lumbar hyper lordosis.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 26 men aged 18 to 25 years in Tehran city with lumbar hyper lordosis (greater than or equal to 51 degrees), with a mean age of 21.69±2.58 years, weight 70.56±8.66 kg and height 177.35 ± 8.01 cm was purposefully selected as study samples. Then the samples randomly divided into two groups (experimental: 13 N, control: 13 N). The lumbar lordosis angle was assessed using a flexible ruler and lower limb function through Triple hop for distance, Sargent jumping and Sixmeter timed hop was assessed in two stages, pre-test and post-test. The paired sample t-test SPSS was used to examine the whit in-group changes and the independent sample t test was used to compare the between group differences. Results: The results of this study showed that the corrective exercises group had significantly better performance in lumbar lordosis angle and lower limb function in the post-test compared to the pre-test (P <0.05) but in the control group there was no significant difference between the two test stages (P> 0.05). Also, the comparison of lumbar lordosis angle and lower limb function in post-test, indicated a significant difference between experimental and control groups (P <0.05).Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we conclude that corrective exercises are useful in improving lumbar lordosis angle and lower limb function in people with lumbar hyper lordosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower extremity strength and active range of motion of the ankle with static and dynamic balance in deaf athletes and non-athletes and compare them. 30 adolescent boys with congenital sever deafness were recruited according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria and allocated into athlete and non-athlete groups. A Biodex Stability System, dynamometer and goniameter used. The results revealed that the athlete deaf subjects showed significantly better static and dynamic balance when compared to non-athletes deaf and significant difference between lower extremity strength (ankle plantar flexor and hip extensor muscles strength) of athlete and non-athlete deaf. There was a significant relationship between lower extremity strength and ankle active ROM with static and dynamic balance. It seems that higher strength of hip extensor and plantar flexor muscles in deaf athletes resulted in better static and dynamic balance.

Being prone to Low Back Pain (LBP) development is a concept in the field of back pain prevention. Those prone to develop LBP show differences in motor control patterns compared to those who are not. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare postural sway and duration of the stance phase of gait between 18-30 years old men prone to LBP and non-prone to LBP.

The current study was observational and comparative. The statistical population comprised all the students living in the University of Tehran dormitory. Of whom, 33 individuals were selected purposefully based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were as follows: being 18-30 years old men; having body mass index of 18-30 kg/m2; not working in a job in the last 12 months that required prolonged standing, lacking apparent musculoskeletal disorders in the trunk, upper and lower limbs; lacking any visual, vestibular, nervous, muscular, or pain problems affecting the balance; lacking LBP that causes any of the following outcomes: receiving medical interventions, absence of work for more than 3 days, and surgery in the waist, pelvis, and lower limbs. The exclusion criteria were as follows: report of low back pain at the beginning of long standing protocol, not able to complete the study questionnaire, score more than 13 in the Baecke physical activity questionnaire, score more than 13 in Borg scale (almost heavy work), and reluctant to finish the test. The study participants were divided into two groups: prone to develop low back pain (16 patients) and non-prone to develop LBP (17 patients) by performing active hip abduction test and reporting their pain based on the visual analog scale during the prolonged standing protocol. Postural sway and duration of the stance phase of gait were measured using the Biodex balance system and Foot Medisense device. Data analysis was done using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney U test in SPSS version 28 software, at a significance level of α=0.05.

The results showed no significant difference between the prone to LBP group and the non-prone group regarding the anterior-posterior stability index, the medial-lateral stability index, and the overall stability index( in both static and dynamic positions for all indexes) and duration of the stance phase of gait between low back pain developers and non-pain developers.

It seems that people prone to develop LBP do not experience any changes in postural sway and duration of stance phase of gait before the onset of low back pain, and these variables may not be able to help identify those who are prone to develop low back pain.

Functional ankle instability is one of the most common sports injuries and causes disruption in neuromuscular control and intensity of muscle activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected lower extremity muscles in badminton players with functional ankle instability in the feed forward and feedback phases during single leg landing with that of healthy players.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 male badminton players (15 people with ankle functional instability and 15 people without ankle functional instability). First, their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured. Then, they stood on a platform of 30 cm height, and took several steps to reach the jumping place, from there they landed on one leg with the dominant leg, and the electrical activity of the selected muscles was recorded in a feedforward and feedback manner. Independent t-test and Man-Whitney U test were used to analyze the results.

The independent t-test and Man-Whitney U test results showed that EMG activity in the feedforward phase in the tibialis anterior (P = 0.001), gastrocnemius (P = 0.001), and peroneus longus (P = 0.001) muscles, and in feedback phase in the tibialis anterior (P = 0.001), gastrocnemius (P = 0.001) and peroneus longus (P = 0.006) muscles were significantly higher in the group without functional ankle instability than the group with functional ankle instability.

Decreased activity of the lower extremity muscles in the ankle is one of the main reasons for ankle sprains. The EMG activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and peroneus longus muscles in the feedforward and feedback phases is lower in people with functional ankle instability compared to people without ankle instability. Therefore, there are many differences in the intensity of muscle activity between people with functional ankle instability and healthy people.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the main cause of occupational or work–related diseases. Occupational illnesses and especially chronic non–specific low back pain account for the majority of musculoskeletal disorders and cause long–term physical conditions and related treatments for the affected person. These individuals may even leave their jobs due to pain and illness. So this condition is very important. These diseases, due to their physiology, cause numerous problems, like pain and imbalance in the affected patients, resulting in increased healthcare costs and declined quality of life. Therapeutic exercise interventions in people with chronic non–specific back pain can be effective to a great extent, and for this purpose, various exercise programs have been proposed. However, some contradictory results are also observed in previous research investigating the effect of core stability exercises on patients with chronic low back pain. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a stable weekly exercise program on static and dynamic balance in patients with chronic non–specific low back pain.

The present quasi–experimental study was conducted on 40 medical staff with low back pain working at Shariati Hospital in Isfahan City, Iran. The study subjects were randomly divided into two groups of control and intervention (each group of 20 subjects). The control group performed the routine exercises and the intervention group performed the stability training for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, the static and dynamic balance of the patients was measured by the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and Star Balance Test. In the BESS, the static balance of each subject on two stable and unstable surfaces was assessed. Moreover, they were evaluated in three physical states, including a standing position on two legs, standing on one leg with 90–degree knee flexion, and the tandem stance with non–dominant foot behind dominant foot in heel–toe fashion, with closed eyes and hands on hips. Additionally, each situation was preserved for 20 seconds. The subject receive 1 negative score for each of these mistakes: opening the eyes, removing the hands from the hips, laying the foot at the time of standing on one leg on the ground, stepping leakage or any movement of the legs, lifting the toe or heel, a flexion or abduction of>30 degrees in the pelvis, and staying>5 seconds. Also, a standard RA was recorded in the off–state. The star test (dynamic balance) was performed 8 times for each subject in 8 directions, as follows: anterior, anterolateral, anteromedial, posterior, medial, posteromedial, posterolateral and lateral. In this test, 8 directions with a 45–degree angle were drawn as a star on the ground. Before initiating the test, the dominant leg of the study subject was determined; if the right leg were dominant, the test would have been performed in the clockwise direction, and if the left leg were dominant, the test would have been performed in a counterclockwise direction. The obtained data were analyzed by the t–test, Chi–squared test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney U test at a significance level of 0.05 in SPSS version 23 software.

The results showed that, in the examination of dynamic balance, in the core stability group, significant progress was made in the anterior (p=0.001), anteromedial (p=0.001), medial (p<0.001), posteromedial (p=0.001), posterior (p<0.001), posterolateral (p<0.001), lateral (p<0.001), anterolateral (p<0.001) and the combination of eight directions (p=0.011), after eight weeks of general exercises. However, in the control group, no significant improvement was observed in the anterior, anteromedial, medial, posteromedial, posterior, posterolateral, and lateral before and after eight weeks of general exercises (p>0.05). Nevertheless, there was a significant decrease in anterolateral direction (p=0.016). In the analysis of static balance, in the core stability group, a significant improvement was achieved in different situations of unstable level (p=0.001) and stable level (p=0.008). However, no significant progress was observed for the control group in different situations of unstable level and stable levels (p>0.05).

Based on the present study’s findings, the core stability training intervention affected the static and dynamic balance of medical personnel suffering from chronic non–specific back pain and improved the physical performance of these patients.

Defects in the alignment of head and shoulder and consequently shoulder girdle are highly prevalent with a variety of negative effects such as cervicogenic headache. The present study aims to investigate the effect of a 12-week corrective exercise program on head and shoulder alignment and balance in women with cervicogenic headache and Forward Head and Rounded Shoulder Posture (c).

Participants were 32 women with cervicogenic headache and FHRSP who were selected purposefully. The sample size was determined using GPower software, considering a test power of 80%, a confidence interval of 95%, and an effect size of 0.9. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of exercise (n=16, Mean±SD age= 42.4±36.12 years; Mean±SD height= 49.5±162.93 cm, and Mean±SD weight=69.3±25.6 kg) and control (n=16, Mean±SD age= 44.4±93.35 years; Mean±SD height=84.3±162.12 cm, and Mean±SD weight: 58.62±68.3 kg). The balance was evaluated in four modes using the Biodex device and imaging method (lateral view) was used to measure the angles of forward head and rounded shoulder. The intervention was presented for 12 weeks. All tests were repeated after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 24 software using paired t-test and independent t-test to evaluate the within-group and between-group differences, respectively.

After completing the exercises, head and shoulder angles and balance in both groups improved significantly (p < 0.05). Between-group comparison of post-test scores showed that the three variables improved more in the exercise group compared with the control group (P=0.0001).

The corrective exercise program can improve the head and shoulder alignment and balance of women with cervicogenic headache. Therefore, these exercises are recommended to patients with cervicogenic headaches and FHRSP.

The global postural reeducation (GPR) method seems to be an effective method for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders; therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect and durability of 6 weeks of GPR and lumbar stability exercises on movement control, pain and disability in men with chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) with lumbar movement control dysfunction.

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 46 men with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP) with lumbar movement control dysfunction were selected and randomly divided into three groups (two exercise groups - one control group). Training intervention groups practiced for six weeks, three sessions per week. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Roland Morris questionnaire, and movement control test were used to measure pain, level of physical disability, and lumbar movement control, respectively. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the effect and durability of the two training protocols on the dependent variables at a significant level.

Results from this research showed that both types of exercises reduced pain (P=0.001) and improved disability index (P=0.001) and lumbar movement control (P=0.001). Our findings suggested that a GPR intervention for 6 weeks (P=0.040) and inactivity for 4 weeks (P=0.001) resulted in a greater improvement in disability compared to the lumbar stabilization exercises (LSEs).

Both types of exercises seem to be effective in improving lumbar movement control, pain, and disability in people with movement control dysfunction after both training and inactivity. The GPR method improved disability more than the LSEs.

Changes in the natural sapular position in wrestlers can affect the spine and their shoulders alignment and the combination of these changes affects the wrestlers’ performance. However, there is little scientific evidence for the effectiveness of training in the scapular position of these atheletes’ performance. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of 10 weeks of corrective exercises on scapular position and elite wrestlers performance with trunk and shoulder girdle disorders.

The statistical population of the study included the elite male 18-27 year-old wrestlers in Mazandaran province. Totally, 34 wrestlers with  forward  shoulder greater than 55° and increased kyphosis greater than 45° were selected purposefully and divided into two control groups (age: 21.35±3.27 years, height: 1.76±0.87 cm, weight: 78/94±13.00 kg) and exercise group (age: 20.29±2.11 years, height: 1.72±0.80 cm, weight: 71/11±16.70 kg). Increased thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler and forward shoulders angle was measured via photogrammetry as an indicator of trunk and shoulder girdle disorder. Also, scapular position and wrestling performance were measured using the LSST and YBU-UQ functional test, respectively. The experimental group performed a standard training program for 10 weeks; the control group performed their daily activities. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis and t-test at the significance level of 0.05.

The results showed that the corrective exercise program had a significant effect on the improvement of scapular position in zero degree (p = 0.001), 45 degree (p = 0.001), and 90 degree (p = 0.001) lateral movements, forward shoulder angle (p = 0.001), kyphosis angle (p = 0.001), and performance of wrestlers (p = 0.001).

According to the results of the current study, it seems that targeted corrective exercises can have a positive effect on their performance by improving the position of scapula in wrestlers with trunk and shoulder girdle disorders. Improved scapular position can be effective in improving the performance of wrestlers.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect and sustainability of eight weeks of corrective exercises, postural reeducation, and their combination on lumbar hyperlordosis in young females.

A semi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, and two months follow up design was carried out. Participants included 55 female students, aged 18 to 25 years old, with increased lumbar lordosis, having an angle equal to or greater than 54 degrees. Then, they were randomly divided into four groups (corrective exercise, postural reeducation, combination of exercise and postural reeducation, and control). Exercise and combined groups participated in three training sessions for eight weeks, and postural reeducation and combined groups received education sessions twice a week for eight weeks, while the control group received ordinary daily living activities. The degree of lordosis was measured using a flexible ruler before and after eight weeks of intervention, and then after two months of follow-up. All statistical tests were performed at the significant level of P

The results of repeated measure of ANOVA indicated a significant difference between pre test and post-test in the three groups of exercise, reeducation, and their combination in reducing lordosis. The post hoc test results showed that posttest and follow up of exercise groups, postural reeducation, and combination program, compared with the control group, had a significant difference in lordosis compared with pre-test, a sign of improvement of the complications. The sustainability effect of exercise, postural reeducation, and combined program showed that all three types of programs had similar effects on the lumbar hyperlordosis and had no significant differences.

According to the results, it can be argued that the use of corrective exercises, combined, and postural reeducation program are likely to be effective in improving hyperlordosis, but the effect of the corrective exercise program was more than those of the other interventions and it is suggested that those with this disorder can use any of these corrective protocols to improve this complication.

Increased joint stability as well as the ability to maintain balance during typical daily activities and exercise is an important factor in improving performance and preventing injury. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight-weeks of Self-Myofascial Release therapy (SMR) on knee joint position sense (KJPS) and dynamic balance (DB) in collegiate male athletes with hamstring shortness (HS).

In this quasi-experimental study (randomized control trial), 24 collegiate male athletes with HS were randomly selected and randomly divided into experimental (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. KJPS was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer and DB using the Y balance test before and after 8 weeks of SMR. The results were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 as well as dependent T-tests and covariance analysis. The significance level was considered 95% and alpha equal to or less than 0.05.

The outcomes of the dependent t-test showed that dynamic balance test scores (in all three directions of anterior, Posteromedial, Posterolateral and overall Y-score) increased in the SMR group compared to the control group (P = 0.001) but no significant difference was observed in KJPS values between the two groups (P = 0.493).

Based on the results, it seems that SMR foam rolling is not suitable for increasing KJPS accurateness of athletes with a short hamstring, but these exercises can be used to improve dynamic balance.

Adolescent scoliosis is defined as a spinal deformity in a skeletally mature patient with a Cobb angle of >10° in the coronal plane. Scoliosis is a condition that occurs in the spinal column at three–plane, involving the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. It ultimately affects the biomechanics of body movements, such as walking, running, and jogging. Muscular imbalance in different parts of the spine is among the causes of interstitial scoliosis; it can appear as weak and short patterns on the sides of the spine, causing side–and–sided anomalies in the spinal column of the individual. Different approaches are available to correct this condition. In this regard, the Schroth approach claims to provide a favorable effect on the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of Schroth corrective exercise on straight length in adolescents with scoliosis.

This was a quasi–experimental study with a pretest–posttest and a control group design. This research was performed on 30 adolescents with scoliosis. The mean±SD age of the study subjects was 14.85±3.73 years; their mean±SD Body Mass Index (BMI) equaled 20.41±1.34 kg/m2, and their mean±SD Cobb angle was measured as 16.54±2.12 degree. The inclusion criteria of the study included having triangular thoracic scoliosis, having a thoracic arch angle of 10–20 degrees respecting the scale of Cobb angle and the radiograph in the patients’ medical records, and an age range of 12–18 years. The exclusion criteria of the study were non–participation in two consecutive training sessions and three non–consecutive sessions, the lack of proper cooperation, pain, and dissatisfaction to continue research. The 8–week training program of the intervention group was considered as an independent variable. The step length, i.e., measured using video recording by a camera, was considered as a dependent variable. For investigating differences between the control and intervention groups, we used the Independent Samples t–test. Besides, the differences between pretest and posttest stages were examined applying Dependent Samples t–test at the significance level of 0.05 in SPSS.

The results of the Dependent Samples t–test revealed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of the intervention group (p=0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of the control group (p=0.106). The results of the Independent Samples t–test suggested a significant difference between the control and intervention groups (p=0.002). The stride length of the intervention group has increased by 8.3 cm. The effectiveness of this intervention on Cohen’s D scale was calculated as 1.66, indicating the high efficacy of this exercise intervention.

According to the present study data, there was an increase of about 8.3 cm in the stride length of the study subjects. Thus, Schroth corrective exercise significantly impacted the stride length of adolescents with triple–curve thoracic idiopathic scoliotic.

Scoliosis the spinal anomalies, if not detected in advance and progressed, can create problems in the appearance of the person. In the severe cases may even cause respiratory impairment. Different methods have been developed such as surgery, brace and physical activity to correct this abnormality. Today, in scoliosis abnormalities, different approaches and styles related to physical activity have been proposed all of which are designed to correct their abilities according to the type of abnormality. Recently, an approach has been developed that claims to have a good effect on this index; hence the purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of the Evminov training program with SEAS on abnormalities of nonstructural scoliosis in boys aged 10 to 14 years. 

The present study was semi–experimental. The statistical population was all primary and secondary school students from the 4th to 8th grades who participated in the movement correctional centers of Karaj (Alborz province, north of Iran), including 752 people. The statistical sample of the study consisted of 45 boys 10 to 14 years old with non–structural scoliosis with curvature less than 20 degrees, which were identified by random sampling into three groups of 15 experimental subjects (2 groups of SEAS and Evminov exercises) and a control group. Inclusion criteria included 1) 10 to 14 years old boys with non–structural scoliosis with lateral curvature of less than 20 degrees; 2) non–use of other therapies for treatment; 3) lack of employment for specific work or regular exercise. Exclusion criteria included 1) had any pathological symptoms, history of fractures, surgery or joint diseases in the spine, shoulder and shoulder belt; 2) regular weekly physical activity, membership in sports teams, and lack of completion of a training program based on the goals of the research or the lack of interest of the subject; 3) structural or functional shortness of more than 2 centimeters in one of the lower limbs 4) scoliosis convulsion or structural and protic scoliosis, including spinal rotation and apparent deformities of the trunk during the Adams test in forward folded forward position 5) weight outside normal range or BMI less than 18 or more It was 25. The research tools included the standard Evminov board, the EOS700D digital camera, and the corresponding tripod, digital astronomy, digital scale for the subjectschr('39') weight, Corel Draw 110, and a small and large training platform ladder. The training program for SEAS and Evminov was for 12 weeks and three sessions per week. In the Evminov training group, each move with 3 to 5 repetitions between 10 to 12 seconds and the rest of 12 to 15 seconds and a 10 to 20 gradient degree Evminov board. In the SEAS training group, six different types of exercises ranged from 10 to 12 seconds and three to five repetitions with a rest time of 12 to 15 seconds. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test used for normality investigation, data analysis, and t–test and ANOVA test and LSD post hoc test used for data analysis. Also, the statistical significance of 95% confidence level with alpha less than or equal to 0.05 considered at all stages of the test. After data collection, using SPSS software version 24, the results were interpreted.

The results of this study showed that 12 weeks of Seas and Evminov exercises had a significant effect on the malformation of nonstructural scoliosis in boys aged 10 to 14 years (p≤0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference between the results of SEAS and Evminov exercises on nonstructural scoliosis abnormalities. 

It seems that corrective exercises, especially exercises based on the principles of SEAS and Evminov practices, can be effective in reducing the angle of lateral deviation of the spine, and it is suggested that further research be conducted to increase the external validity of the study.

Hallux valgus is a common disorder, leading to the external deflection of the first bone of the foot and internal thumb displacement with its external rotation, which highlights the first the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP joint). This abnormality is more common in women and causes the formation of a hallux valgus to interfere with the first MTP joint and muscle imbalance between the adductor and the abdomen of the thumb. The main reasons for the development of the hallux valgus can divide into two categories; A) The underlying causes include: flat foot, which can be effective in creating a hallux valgus; and foot pronation introduced as the main agent;  B) Outer causes that include: wearing inappropriate footwear, which is one of the main factors in the creation of a hallux valgus; in the case of muscle weakness its destructive effects will be greater; inheritance; other factors including fracture, discontinuation of the second finger, gout, rheumatism, and infection. Studies on the effect of protective methods on the crooked thumb are scant and at the same time, contradictory. Therefore, the aim of this study was the effect of a combined exercise–bandage protocol on the hallux valgus angle in women with hallux valgus deformity.

The research was semi–experimental and the research design was a pretest–posttest with the experimental and control group. The statistical population of the study consisted of women aged 18 to 45 years old who referred to the Baneh city (Kurdistan province, Iran) school of rehabilitation. In this study, 30 women with mild and moderate toes (15 to 30 degrees) with a mean and standard deviation of age: 30.83±8.26, 161.63±4.41, 61.77±5.47, the target group was selected and randomly divided into two groups: training–bandages and control group. First, the angle of the shoulder was determined using radiographs. The training group–bonding for 8 weeks and 24 hours with Kinesio tape and daily two repetitive exercises of the thumb. The control group did not receive intervention. After 8 weeks, radiography was performed using the angle of hallux valgus. The training group –Bondage used a Kinesio tape for 8 weeks and 24 hours, and twice–daily exercises were performed on the hallux valgus, while the control group did not receive the intervention. The exercises include seven exercises, which should be performed for 8 weeks and twice daily. Between each repetition, 5 seconds rest and each move are restrained for 20 seconds. Experimental group exercises included mobility, stretching, tensile strength, strength, tensile strength, strength, strength, strength in each session. When exercising, the subjects were asked to use the muscles of the shoulder and to prevent the creation and production of force by the muscles of the wrists or legs. The angle of hallux valgus was measured in both groups at the beginning and end of the eighth week by radiography. Independent t–test (intra–group comparison) and independent t–test (inter–group comparison) were used to compare the results at 95% significance level and the alpha value smaller or equal to 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between the pre–test and post–test scales angle in the training group (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between the scores of pre–test and post–test of angle of thumb in the control group. In addition, the difference in post–test scores between test–band and control group was significant (p<0.001). In other words, the combined exercise–bandage program can reduce the angle of the thumb.

It seems that in order to correct hallux valgus in women, we can use the training program–bandage program. Results showed that practicing lumbar spine could have a positive effect on the improvement of angles and in women with hallux valgus.

Forward head and round shoulder posture (FHRSP) is believed to be related to scapular dyskinesis (SD), placing increased stress on the neck and shoulder, leading to pain and dysfunction. Therefore, a clinical method with sufficient reliability to distinguish normal and abnormal scapular position and motion among people with FHRSP is called for. This study aims to evaluate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and agreement of the scapular dyskinesis test (SDT) in people with FHRSP.

This reliability study included 60 young men who were identified as having FHRSP, having been measured by the photogrammetry method. The clinical examination included a Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT), which is a dynamic and visually based test to classify the presence of SD. It was performed by two raters who were blinded to each other’s test results on two different days. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were determined using the Kappa coefficient with linear weighting for the ordinal classification of SD by SDT.

Inter-rater agreement values ranged from 90.8% to 92.1%. Furthermore, the inter-rater reliabilities presented an almost perfect reliability (k > 0.82). For intra-rater agreement, raters presented high percentage values of agreement between the two measurements (88.9% to 92.5%). Intra-rater reliability for raters was substantial to almost perfect (k >0.77).

The intra- and inter-rater reliability and agreement of the SDT obtained by two raters was substantial to almost perfect among young men with FHRSP. Therefore, it seems that SDT is a simple method to distinguish normal and abnormal scapular position and motion in order to screen or assess before developing prevention programs.