rahman sheikhhoseini

Body posture in children has been a focus of research for decades. Posture refers to the way the human body is positioned against the force of gravity. When musculoskeletal structures are still developing during childhood, establishing good postural habits is crucial for long-term health [1]. Studies have shown that good posture is associated with appropriate physical performance in children. For example, research indicates a correlation between good posture and improved athletic performance.

the aim of this study was to compare the immediate effects of a session of Reactive Neuromuscular Training (RNT) with warming up exercises on shoulder proprioception and dynamic balance in female handball players with shoulder impingement.

In this controlled laboratory study, 18 female adolescent handball players from 14 to 18 years old were recruited from Samen City. The participants participated once in the warm-up routine program and once in the RNT program. Before and after each exercise program, shoulder proprioception was measured by photogrammetry, and dynamic balance of the upper limb was measured using the Wye balance test. The paired t-tests, with a significance level of 0.05, were employed to compare pre-test and post-test data.

both exercise protocols had no significant effects on shoulder repositioning error (P>0.05). However, participation in both exercise programs resulted in a significant improvement in the dynamic balance score of the upper limbs of the athletes (P<0.001). Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the effect of routine handball exercises with the effect of RNT exercises on shoulder repositioning and dynamic balance in female handball players (P>0.05).

It seems that routine warm-up exercises and RNT could not improve proprioception in the shoulders of student-athletes with round shoulders. However, both training methods caused a significant improvement in the dynamic balance of the upper limb, although there was no significant difference between the effects of the two methods.


Keywords: Students, Female, Proprioception, Shoulder, Therapeutic Exercises

Among female athletes, dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is one of the most common injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study aims to compare lower limb coordination in athletes with and without DKV during walking.

In this case-control study, 32 recreational female athletes were recruited in two groups, 17 with DKV and 15 without DKV (WDKV). A motion analysis system was used to gather kinematic data at 200 Hz. The participants were educated to walk barefoot on an 8-meter pathway comfortably. The segmental angles in each motion plane were then calculated using MATLAB software, version 9.14. The mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were extracted for the pelvic-thigh, thigh-shank, and shank-foot segments. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the mean values ​​of the MARP and DP ​in the gait stance and swing phases. The significance level is 95% (P<0.05).

Female athletes with DKV displayed distinct intersegmental coordination patterns between the thigh-shank, pelvis-thigh, and shank-foot in their lower extremities during walking, which were different compared to athletes without DKV (P<0.05). 

This study showed that female athletes with DKV exhibit distinct intersegmental coordination patterns in the pelvis-thigh, shank-foot, and thigh-shank during walking. These results indicate that for corrective protocols or risk reduction measures for athletes with DKV, significant attention should be paid to the intersegmental coordination patterns of the lower extremity joints. Establishing stability and coordination between the proximal and distal segments of all lower limb joints is crucial to address the intersegmental coordination patterns at the knee to decrease the risk of ACL injuries in DKV-afflicted athletes.

Visualization is a practical method to determine a scientific field’s underlying intellectual framework. This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis of selected scientific literature to assess research trends regarding the association between physical activity exercise, and cognitive function domains. The objective is to present a summary of the findings and identify the trending topics between 1970 and 2023 for this field of study.

In the current bibliometric analysis, relevant documents based on a reliable search strategy taken from the Web of Science (WOS) database were checked and evaluated using Excel, VOSviewer, and the bibliometrix R-package.ss

The hot topics included Physical Activity, Exercise, Cognition, Aging, Dementia, Depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Rehabilitation. “Frontiers in Psychology” and “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” were the most active journals in this research area. Also, developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany were the most productive countries. In addition, the top organizations which produced the most scientific documents were from Europe, Oceania, and North America. In the same vein, Arthur F Kramer was identified as the most active author. The study results will greatly contribute to future interdisciplinary articles by showing common trends in this research area.

The combination of PA and cognitive function is still a hot zone of future research. According to this study, the majority of literature on PA and cognitive function is from developed countries, and other cognition topics such as executive function, memory, and anxiety have obtained less attention from researchers.

Children with visual impairments often face challenges in developing motor skills compared to their sighted peers. Understanding these differences is crucial for designing effective interventions to support their development. 

This study aimed to compare the gross (locomotor) and fine (object) motor skills of children with visual impairments to those of sighted children through a comprehensive review and meta-analysis. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to a registered protocol on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) and in adherence with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three reliable databases were thoroughly searched for original and peer-reviewed articles. The included studies assessed motor skills using different methodologies, contributing to data heterogeneity. Egger’s regression test was used to assess publication bias. 

A significant difference was found between low vision and visual groups in locomotor skills (P<0.001, 95% CI, 0.706%, 1.384%). In addition, the pooled analysis for object motor skills indicated a significant difference (P<0.001, 95% CI, 0.727%, 1.488%) among the considered groups. Evidence of publication bias was detected for locomotor skills comparisons (P=0.04). However, no significant publication bias was found for the meta-analysis of object motor skills (P=0.056) among the considered groups. 

The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in locomotor (gross) and object (fine) control skills between sighted and visually impaired children. A possible explanation for these findings is that children with visual impairments, such as blindness or low vision, are more likely to experience difficulties in motor skills performance, such as locomotor and object control skills. Future studies should examine variables affecting the motor skills of visually impaired children, such as different medical conditions and interventions and some social and psychological factors.

Aging is associated with changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system, which can lead to impairments in balance. This study compares the effects of aerobic and core stability exercises on healthy older men’s static and dynamic balance.

In this study, 30 adults aged 60 to 70 years were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into three groups as follows: aerobic exercises, core stability exercises, and a control group. The interventions were carried out separately for the two experimental groups over 6 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the Romberg and Sharpened Romberg balance tests, while dynamic balance was assessed using the functional reach and timed up-and-go tests. The data were analyzed using the one-way multivariate analysis of covariance test with the SPSS software, version 26.

The mean scores of post-tests for the balance tests in the two experimental groups improved compared to their pre-test scores and the post-test scores of the control group. Moreover, both aerobic and core stability exercises had a significant effect on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly (P=0.001). When examining the effects of exercises on dynamic balance, the findings showed a significant difference in favor of aerobic exercises compared to core stability exercises (P=0.017). However, no significant difference was observed concerning static balance (P=1.00) when comparing the effects of the exercises.

Aerobic and core stability exercises have a positive impact on the static and dynamic balance of the elderly. Furthermore, for improving dynamic balance in older men, aerobic exercises appear to be more effective than core stability exercises.

This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis centered on recent advancements in injury prevention for female athletes.

The study employed Excel, VOSviewer, and the bibliometric R-package tools to analyze and evaluate relevant records obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) database, using a reliable search methodology.

From the WOS database, a collection of 10 560 scientific records was acquired using specific keywords, covering the period between 2010 and 2023. These records were subjected to content analysis, revealing the prevalent themes in this research area. Noteworthy topics included risk, risk factors, prevention, women, exercise, physical activity, epidemiology, injuries, performance, injury, strength, and health. The investigation also indicated that the journals “American journal of sports medicine” and “journal of athletic training” demonstrated the highest level of activity in this field. Regarding research productivity, developed countries, such as the United States and Canada stood out as the most prolific contributors. Moreover, the study recognized Gregory D Myer as the most active author in this area.

The convergence of injury prevention in female athletes continues to be a subject of significant research attention. This study highlights that the bulk of the literature on this subject originates from researchers in developed countries. However, it is crucial to recognize that a substantial segment of the global population, particularly in developing nations, lacks sufficient representation in research related to early life psychology concerning exercise and physical activity.

This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis focusing on recent developments in psychology about physical activity and exercise during early life. 

Excel, VOSviewer, and the bibliometric R-package tools were used to examine and assess pertinent records from the Web of Science (WOS) database between 2010 and 2023, following a dependable search approach. 

We obtained 31,618 scientific records from the Web of Science database. These records were retrieved using specific keywords and covered and analyzed for their content. The most popular topics in this research area included Children, Physical activity, Adolescents, Health, Quality of life, Exercise, Depression, and Stress. The research also revealed that the journals "Frontiers in Psychology" and "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health" were the most active in this field. Developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands were the most productive regarding research output. Additionally, the study identified Serge Brand as the most active author. 

The intersection of early life psychology and physical activity and exercise remains an area of active research interest. This study indicates that researchers in developed countries produce the most literature on this topic. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that a considerable portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries, needs to be adequately represented in the research on early life psychology related to exercise and physical activity.

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.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder is the most important occupational disease that threatens the health of employees.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between workers' posture and musculoskeletal disorders.
Eighty-two male and female workers working in a home appliance factory participated in this cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal disorders were investigated using Nordic questionnaires. Posture evaluation was performed to measure the angles of forward head, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis using photogrammetry. Craniovertebral, shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis angles were photographed during the work and then measured using ImageJ software. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26 and Spearman's correlation test at a significance level of 0.05.
A significant relationship between the craniovertebral angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months was observed in the cervical region (P<0.001). Also, a significant relationship was observed between the kyphosis angle and musculoskeletal disorders in the last twelve months in the upper back and lower back (P<0.001).
The results showed that the workers’ posture during work is correlated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, it is suggested to pay attention to ergonomic principles during work to maintain and improve the physical health of workers.

Muscle flexibility is a component of physical fitness. Using traditional tools in muscle length evaluation tests creates challenges. Therefore, the use of smartphones and health-related software as an alternative method has become widespread. This study aimed to investigate smartphones' intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity for measuring hamstring muscle length. In a blinded study design, two researchers measured hamstring flexibility through four types of tests on each of the 22 asymptomatic participants with a total of 44 lower limbs. The measurements were compared between the traditional goniometer method and the practical smartphone application method. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the reliability of each smartphone measurement, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to check the measurement errors. The validity of the two methods was also investigated. Intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC≥0.8) were good to almost perfect. In intra-rater reliability, PSLR angle showed consistent imprecision; other tests were free of systematic error and measurement error. The inter-rater reliability revealed a constant error in the right leg's PKE angle. A good to excellent correlation (r = 0.817–0.699) was observed in all the measured values, indicating the two methods' validity. These findings support from intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of both instruments when measuring hamstring muscle length.

The use of push-ups has been suggested to strengthen the scapular stabilizers, while incorporating unstable surfaces is recommended to enhance the involvement of the neuromuscular system. However, the impact of this instability on electromyography (EMG) activity in the periscapular muscles during push-ups in individuals with Scapular dyskinesis remains uncertain. Consequently, the objective of the current study was to assess the influence of unstable surfaces on EMG activity in the trapezius and Serratus anterior muscles among individuals with scapular dyskinesis during push-ups.

A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering articles published from the inception of these databases until September 25, 2021. The search strategy utilized three main keyword categories: Scapular dyskinesis, electromyography, and push-up. Initially, 5,249 articles were identified through this search process. After a thorough assessment of the full text of these articles, four studies were deemed suitable for inclusion in the final review. Data extraction and evaluation of methodological quality were carried out as part of the review process. The Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated to perform the meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) Software, Version 3. Statistical significance was determined by a p-value less than 0.05.

The findings of the study revealed that the utilization of unstable surfaces among individuals with scapular dyskinesis led to an increase in the activity of the upper trapezius (P= 0.011; SMD= 0.807 [95%CI 0.188, 1.427]). Conversely, it reduced the Serratus anterior's activity (P= 0.000; SMD= -0.665 [95%CI -1.023, -0.307]). However, the electromyography activity of the Lower trapezius was not significantly affected (P= 0.176).

Due to the imbalance between the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles in individuals with scapular dyskinesis, caution should be exercised when using unstable surfaces. Incorrect utilization of unstable surfaces may worsen these individuals' muscle imbalance. Therefore, it is advisable to approach unstable surfaces with heightened caution in individuals with scapular dyskinesis.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most prevalent disease of the knee. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of various warm-up methods on several performance measures and pain intensity in athletes with and without PFPS.

This clinical trial study included 18 to 24-year-old professional female athletes with or without PFPS. Both groups performed warm-up protocols, including general stretching, foam rolling, and Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ warm-up exercises in three test sessions simultaneously. The data collection procedure was implemented on three separate days in one week. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) to measure the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) were examined before and after each session.

No significant difference was observed between the effect of different warm-ups in groups with and without PFPS regarding the use of the SSC (P = 0.185), while there were significant differences in the effect of various warm-up protocols on LESS (P < 0.001) and pain scores (P < 0.001).

Using the foam roller as a warm-up method can decrease the pain intensity in athletes with PFPS but may increase their LESS score. In addition, there was no difference in the effect of various warm-up methods on the SSC between athletes with and without PFPS. Finally, it seems that foam rolling should be used with more caution as a part of warming up in athletes with PFPS.

One of the most significant contributors to lower extremity degeneration alterations and its effects on balance and sports performance is dynamic knee valgus (DKV) as a faulty movement pattern. Different exercise interventions have been conducted to improve DKV. Extensive research and meta-objective analysis were conducted to assess how exercise interventions affected people with lower extremity functional indicators of DKV. 

The electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases SID and Magiran were systematically searched from inception to September 2021. Only full-text articles published in English/Persian peer-reviewed journals that met this study criterion were tracked. Two researchers evaluated the methodological quality of research findings separately, employing the Downs and Black Checklist. After collecting significant data from eligible studies, the results were integrated by applying a random-effects meta-analysis approach. 

The final systematic review and meta-analysis comprised seven of the 3470 papers deemed potentially relevant. The outcome illustrates that different exercise interventions may be effective in improving dynamic balance (SD=0.93 degrees, 95%CI: 0.54-1.32, P<0.001) and functional performance (Hedge’s g=1.695, 95% CI=1.22-2.17, Z=6.99, P<0.001) in 250 DKV participants.

Exercise interventions appear to be an effective method to enhance dynamic balance and functional performance in individuals experiencing DKV; nevertheless, these results should be regarded as preliminary due to the limited number of studies and their limitations.

In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic urged governments to take unprecedented precautions to restrain the rapid spread of the disease. Those precautions included home quarantine, banning all public gatherings, closures of all recreational and sports facilities, and many other measures, which significantly impacted the global community. The present study aims to evaluate physical and mental health problems ensuing the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in athletes.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 501 male and female athletes aged 18 to 35 years. To collect data, we used three standardized online questionnaires: sports injury, SF-36 quality of life (QoL), and Goldberg’s general health questionnaire.

In this cross-sectional study, 501 participants were recruited (375 female and 126 male athletes). Most injuries were related to the ankle (23%) and the knee (12.82%). The Mean±SD score of the QoL questionnaire was 30.43±3.79. The Mean±SD score of the general health questionnaire was 36.81±4.19.

The prevalence of physical injuries, especially in the knee and ankle joints, was high. Physical inactivity, lack of exercise, and psychological conditions governing society could cause changes in athletes’ physical performance and might be accompanied by musculoskeletal disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to compare the postural control between female athletes with and without ACL reconstruction during a single-leg landing maneuver. In this cross-sectional study, twenty female athletes (10 healthy (without history of knee injuries or surgery): age=20.89±0.21 years, height=164.81±0.69 cm, weight=62.80±0.92 kg, and 10 ACLR: age=21.57±0.41 years, height=165.48±0.37 cm, weight=61.56±0.76 kg) performed a single-leg landing on a 30-centimeter platform on the center of the force plate (40×60 Bertec) and held their balance for 20 seconds. The data analysis was performed by SPSS version 25. Independent t-tests were used to examine possible between-group differences at the significance level of 95% (P ≤ 0.05).The results of the study showed that the mean of postural control index (Confidence Ellipse Area) in the control group was higher than in the ACLR group. In other words, the mean of postural control index was 68.47 cm2 in the healthy group and 60.08 cm2 in the ACLR group. Although the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament restores its mechanical role, it is not very successful in restoring sensory function; And this factor may lead to poor postural control, lack of sense of joint position, and finally secondary injury of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Excessive anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is a common condition that can lead to musculoskeletal problems in females. Pilates and TRX exercises have been suggested as potential interventions to address APT.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of these exercises on the pelvic tilt angle (PTA) in females with excessive APT.

The current study utilized a pre-test post-test design and was conducted as a quasi-experimental study. Twenty females between the ages of 35 and 55 were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The pelvic tilt angle (PTA) was measured using an inclinometer. The study participants were randomly assigned to the two groups. Then 8-week TRX and Pilates exercises were carried out. The data was analyzed by paired-sample t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of P<0.05 using SPSS V. 16.

The results showed a significant decrease in PTA in both Pilates (t(9)= 16.74, P= 0.001) and TRX (t(9)= 9.73, P= 0.001) exercises groups. But, there was no a significant difference between the two groups (F(1, 17)=0.01, P= 0.922, partial eta squared= 0.001).

The results of the study demonstrated a significant decrease in the pelvic tilt angle (PTA) of participants with excessive anterior pelvic tilt (APT) following 8 weeks of Pilates and TRX exercises. These findings highlight the importance of these exercise interventions in correcting postural deformities.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most important occupational diseases. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between company ergonomic situation and anthropometric dimensions with musculoskeletal disorders in workers.

82 female and male volunteer workers participated in this cross-sectional study. The musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic situation, and anthropometric dimensions were examined using the Nordic and Dutch musculoskeletal questionnaires and tape meters. The study protocol was approved by the Committee for Ethics in Biomedical Research of the Allameh Tabataba’i University with obtaining ethics. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver.26 software and running Spearman and Chi-Square tests at the significance level of 0.05.

Significant correlations were found between the company ergonomic situation with musculoskeletal disorders in the neck (P=0.001), shoulder (P<0.001), elbow (P=0.004), wrist (P=0.004), upper back (P<0.001), lumbar (P<0.001), thigh and buttock (P=0.028), knee (P<0.001), and ankle (P=0.036). Moreover, there were significant correlations between the ratio of chair height to popliteal height with musculoskeletal disorders in lumbar (P=0.026), thigh and buttock (P=0.015), knee (P<0.001), and ankle (P=0.038), also between the ratio of chair depth to thigh length with shoulder (P=0.043), upper back (P<0.001), lumbar (P<0.001), thigh and buttock (P=0.001), and knee (P=0.004), and between the ratio of chair height to shoulder height with shoulder region (P=0.002).

It seems that there is a correlation between company ergonomic situation and the proportion of anthropometric dimensions with chair dimensions with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in workers.

Work-induced musculoskeletal pain disorders are among the most common problems among workers. This study aimed to compare fatigue and trunk and neck postures during work in tailors with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain.

In this cross-sectional study, 30 sewing machine operators participated voluntarily in two groups of people with (15 persons) and without (15 persons) chronic nonspecific neck pain. The craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angles were calculated three times (at the start of work, after 2 hours of continuous work, and after 4 hours of continuous work) using the photogrammetric method.   Borg scale was used to examine work-induced fatigue. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance at the significance level of 0.05 was used for data analysis.

There were significant differences in craniovertebral, cranial, and shoulder angle changes (P<0.001) between the two groups while working. So postural trunk and neck changes were more evident in the nonspecific chronic neck pain group. However, there were no significant fatigue differences between the two groups (P=0.639).

The upper quarter posture of workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain may be negatively affected more during working. So it is suggested that maintaining proper posture should be more emphasized among these workers.

Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is considered as the most prevalent problem in women. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of eight-week yoga exercises in water on the intensity and duration of pain in female students with primary dysmenorrhea.

In this clinical trial study, we recruited 40 female students aged 18 to 26 years old with primary dysmenorrhea. They were divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups completed the pre- and post-test questionnaires. The experimental group participated in an eight-week yoga exercise plan in water. Shapiro-Wilk test was used for the assessment of the normality of the data. The Wilcoxon test was employed to compare the data. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Also, this clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code of IRCT20120215009014N245.

After eight weeks of yoga practice in water, a significant decrease was observed in the severity of pain (P=0.001), pain duration (P=0.001), and the number of painkillers used in the experimental (P=0.001) group whereas no significant changes were found in the controls.

Doing yoga exercises in water can be an appropriate strategy to help reduce the severity and duration of pain and the number of pills used by females with primary dysmenorrhea.

Students in different levels use schoolbags to carry books and other educational tools. Various studies showed that schoolbag affects musculoskeletal system and posture in children and adolescents. This systematic review study aimed to examine the relationship between schoolbag characteristics with musculoskeletal pain syndromes and posture in Iranian students.

The search strategy was run in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Magiran, and SID databases. The Persian or English-written original papers that were published in peer-reviewed journals were selected without any time limit. The eligible studies were classified based on pain location and postural alignment.

A total number of 2426 records were found in the databases. Thirteen studies were eligible for this study. The results showedthat musculoskeletal disorders and postural abnormalities had a relatively high prevalence among Iranian students, and their prevalence was significantly higher in girls. Generally, it seems that carrying a schoolbag, carrying time, type of bag, and weight have a significant effect on the low back, wrist, shoulder, upper back, and neck pain. However, the carrying time and relative weight of the bag have a significant effect on thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and forward head posture.

The factors such as weight of bag or backpack, carrying time, unilateral bag carrying, female gender, location of the schoolbag, and walking to school with a bag can affect musculoskeletal pain and posture in Iranian students.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of corrective-plyometric training with and without visual feedback on landing biomechanics and dynamic balance in adolescent female athletes with dynamic knee valgus (DKV).

A total of 26 adolescent female athletes were randomly divided into feedback (n=10), exercise (n=8), and control (n=8) groups. Six weeks of training with and without visual feedback were prescribed for feedback and exercise groups, respectively. Biomechanical data were measured at initial contact (IC) and maximum knee flexion (MAX) using 8 motion analysis cameras (Vicon) and a Kistler force plate. Y-balance test was employed to evaluate dynamic balance.

Based on the between-group outcomes, knee flexion-extension moment at IC (P=0.026), hip internal rotation angle at IC (P=0.016), and MAX (P=0.028) significantly changed during double-leg landing. Ankle dorsiflexion angle (P=0.05), tibial external rotation angle (P=0.012), and anterior-posterior ground reaction force (P=0.05) at IC, maximum tibial external rotation angle between IC to MAX (P=0.042), and hip internal rotation angle at MAX (P=0.022) significantly changed during single-leg landing test. Y-balance significant improvements were recorded in anterior (P=0.000), posteromedial directions (P=0.000), and composite (P=0.023).

Corrective-plyometric exercises without visual feedback effectively improve landing biomechanics and dynamic balance in adolescent female athletes with DKV.

Context: 

Carrying a backpack with an inappropriate weight and non-optimal postures play a pivotal role in developing musculoskeletal pain. Studies have shown that school bags affect muscle activity and biomechanical variables in children and adolescents. Accordingly, the present study aimed to systematically review the effect of school bags on electromyographic activity of muscles and kinematic and kinetic parameters during walking in Iranian students.

 Relevant articles were searched through Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, MagIran, and SID databases. Original articles in Persian and English published in peer-review journals were selected without time limitation. Eligible studies were divided based on various biomechanical factors that were examined.

 A total of 1975 articles were found in the mentioned databases. Twelve studies were eligible based on the inclusion criteria in this study. In general, it seems as though weight, type, the height of placement of schoolbag, slope of the surface, and the manner of carrying the schoolbag had significant effects on the trunk, neck, ankle, and knee angles, length and frequency of steps, symmetry index, and vertical forces. Additionally, the weight and type of the bag had significant effects on the electromyographic activity of rectus abdominus, paraspinal, and lower limb muscles.

 Factors such as weight, the slope of the surface, method of carrying, and schoolbag height of placement could affect the kinetic and kinematic variables whereas the weight of the bag and the type of school bag could affect the electromyographic activity of the muscles in Iranian students.

Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is believed to be a prevalent deformity among female beauticians. This study designed to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of corrective exercises on the postural angles, namely, forward shoulder, forward head, and kyphosis of female beauticians with UCS.

In this clinical trial study, 40 females were selected through purposive sampling. This study was conducted in Tehran between September 2020 and March 2021. Photogrammetric method was employed to measure forward head and forward shoulder angles. Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using flexible ruler. The participants were assigned to two groups employing simple randomization. The intervention group carried out corrective exercises for 12 weeks. Paired-sample t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), at the significance level of p <0.05, were used for data analysis. The clinical trial registration number of this study is IRCT20180626040244N2.

The within group comparisons revealed significant changes in all of the postural variables (P=0.001), including forward head, forward shoulder, and thoracic kyphosis of the intervention group. The between group comparisons indicated that a 12-week corrective exercise program significantly decreased forward head (P=0.001) and shoulder (P=0.001), and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001) angles.

The substantial reduction in forward shoulder, forward head, and thoracic kyphosis angles after corrective exercises indicated the effectiveness of these exercises in correcting the postural abnormalities in the beautician females.

Postural defects are increased among students due to inactivity. Their unwillingness to perform traditional activities, requires finding appropriate ways to increase physical activity. This study was done to compare the effect of selected Xbox Kinect games and normal on the posture in low activity students.

In this quasi-experimental study, 26 sedentary fourth and fifth grade students were non-randomly divided into two groups. During the 6-week period, one group engaged in 3 sessions per week of selected Xbox Kinect games and the other group engaged in routine school physical education activities during school hours. The photogrammetry and Kinovea software was used to study the posture of the joint angles.

In static posture, head position angle, thoracic arrow, horizontal scapula alignment, horizontal pelvic alignment, and body alignment were found positive effect in Xbox Kinect group in compared to  normal physical activity (P<0.05). There was not any significant difference between the two groups in Lumbar Arrow, Lumbar Angle, pelvic Tilt Pelvis, Knee Position, Quadriceps Angle and Foot Pronation.

Xbox Kinect games are a good way to correct postural deviations in sedentary students in low activity student.