Journal of Sport Sciences and Health Research
Volume:7 Issue: 15, 2016

Body image like other aspects of mental section is a part of our personality which has evolution procedure and is disturbed and weakened in situations such as obvious disfigurement. The aim of this study was to compare body image between individuals with idiopathic scoliosis and healthy ones. This study was descriptive – comparative. 54 subjects (mean age 18.1) with idiopathic scoliosis completed Mendelson Body Image Questionnaire. Then, a control group was compared with scoliosis group. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.82 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Scoliosis was diagnosed and measured by radiography. The collected data were analyzed by independent t test. The results showed a significant difference in body image between idiopathic scoliosis and healthy groups (P=0.01). Also, there was a significant difference in subscales of appearance satisfaction and attribution satisfaction between these two groups (P=0.03, P=0.00). There was no significant difference in weight subscale between these two groups (P= 0.17). Trunk deformity and secondary changes in shoulders and scapulas in those with idiopathic scoliosis may weaken their body image and may lead to some psychological impacts.

Ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries of the ankle joint. Recurrent and chronic ankle sprain can cause balance impairment. Recurrent injury is a consequence of inadequate rehabilitation and instability of ankle joint will follow. In this quasi-experimental study, 30 women with chronic ankle sprain participated and were randomly assigned to three groups: exercise therapy in water, land and control. Pain, motor function, static and dynamic balance were measured before and after the exercise program. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-21 software (P=0.05). Findings demonstrated a significant difference in pain, motor function, static and dynamic balance in each training group after 8 weeks of exercise therapy (P˂0.05). There were no significant differences between the two training groups in pain, motor function, static and dynamic balance (P>0.05). Although there were no statistically significant differences between the two exercise groups, the difference between the two groups in the mean percentage of changes can indicate that the clinical effects of aquatic therapy are higher than exercise in land.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the Berg balance test scores and strength of hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors in elderly women. 32 elderly females (mean age: 66.20±5.98 yr, weight: 62.60±5.78 kg, height: 159.94±7.8 cm) voluntary participated in this study. Berg Balance Test (BBT) functions were divided into four categories: 1. Position maintenance, 2. movement within base of support, 3. Movements out of base of support, 4. Movements in and out of base of support. Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) of hip abductor and ankle plantar flexor muscles were measured by Manual Muscle Test (MMT). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between Berg functions and muscle strength at significance level of 0.05. Results showed a significant relationship between hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors strength and BBT scores in elderly women (P≤0.05). Also, the correlation values between hip abductors and BBT functions (r=0.54-0.62) were higher than plantar flexor strength and BBT functions (r=0.35-0.53). In conclusion, it can be concluded that there were significant relationships between hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors strength and BBT functions and decreased ankle plantar flexors and hip abductors strength was associated with decreased BBT functions

The present study aimed at investigating musculoskeletal condition of neck and shoulder girdle in active and inactive male employees who worked with computers. 120 male employees were selected by cluster sampling method and divided into two groups (first group with physical activity and second group without physical activity). Their musculoskeletal condition of their neck and shoulder girdle were assessed by Nordic standard questionnaire. This study was descriptive, correlational-comparative with an application nature. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS21 and descriptive statistics and Chi Square test (α≤0.05). Results showed a significant difference in musculoskeletal condition of neck and shoulder girdle between the two groups (P=0.001) and the group with physical activity enjoyed a better condition. As physical activity and fitness may decrease musculoskeletal disorders, training and regular physical activities can affect the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders of neck and shoulder girdle and can prevent enormous costs.

athletes. Researches show that pronation of ankle affects the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury but no researches have been conducted on neuromuscular control related to ACL injury in athletes with increased pronation of ankle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate some neuromuscular risk factors of ACL injury in athletes with ankle pronation deformity. 15 athletes with increased pronation of ankle and 15 normal athletes were purposively selected as the ample of the study. Electromyographic signals were recorded with surface electrode from four muscles (gluteus medius, lateral hamstring, vastus lateralis and soleus). MANOVA results showed a significant difference between the two groups in feed forward phase of gluteus medius (P=0.029) and biceps femoris (P=0.001) and in feedback phase of gluteus medius (P=0.005) although there were no significant differences in feed forward and feedback activities of vastus lateralis and soleus between the two groups (P≥0.05). So pronation of ankle can be a risk factor in ACL injury incidence through a change in neuromuscular function of gluteus medius and lateral hamstring muscles.

The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness of ankle joint in individuals with normal feet, flat feet and pes cavus in gait initiation. 30 female students (10 subjects with flat feet, 10 subjects with pes cavus, 10 subjects with normal feet, mean age 23±1.7 yr, height 165±2.5 cm and weight 53±2.5 kg) participated in this study. Stiffness was calculated using the ratio of muscle torque to the angular displacement of the joint. Navicular-drop test was used to measure the arch rate of the foot. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses (P<0.05). The statistical results showed a significant difference among three groups in the stiffness of the ankle joint (P<0.001). Results of Tukey post hoc test showed that mean stiffness of ankle joint in subjects with pes cavus was 61.97% more than those with flat feet and 43.9% more than those with normal feet and mean stiffness of ankle joint in subjects with normal feet was 41.72% more than those with flat feet. Findings showed that a change in the arch of foot change changed the stiffness as well. Since the stiffness can affect the incidence of vulnerability of soft and hard tissues, coaches are recommended to pay attention to this biomechanical factor in training programs for individuals with foot deformities.

Diabetes is associated with disorders in different body organs and its consequences are considerable. Pilates is a beneficial way to manage this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of selected Pilates exercises on muscle strength, balance and HbA1c in patients with diabetes type 2. 30 diabetic female patients (age range: 30-45) were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 8 weeks of Pilates exercises. Strength was measured by dynamometer set, static and dynamic balance by OSLR and TUG tests and HbA1c by HbA1c test before and after 8 weeks. For data analysis, covariance analysis test was used. The findings showed that muscle strength, static balance and HbA1c significantly improved in experimental group after 8 weeks but no significant changes were observed in control group (P≤0.05). Also, the findings showed no significant changes in dynamic balance in both groups (P≤0.05). This study showed that the Pilates exercises can be used as a beneficial complementary treatment method for these patients.

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of effleurage sports massage on some immune indices in elite wheelchair basketball players after one session of specific intensive exercise. 16 physically disabled subjects were homogenized based on the disability rating (IWBF) and divided into two groups of control and experimental (each group 8 subjects). Subjects performed a session of specific intensive basketball exercise with wheelchair for 40 minutes with maximum intensity (heart rate control). Then, the experimental group received massage for 20 minutes and control group rested at the same time. Blood serum samples were taken by laboratory experts at four steps. Results indicated no significant differences in the immunoglobulin A (IgA) between the experimental and control groups immediately after massage and after 24 hours (P>0.063) (P>0.057) respectively. The number of neutrophils significantly decreased immediately (P<0.008), and 24 hours after the massage (P<0.030). Overall, due to a decrease in the neutrophils, it seems that 20 minutes of effleurage sports massage can have beneficial effects on the immune system of wheelchair basketball players. Therefore, coaches and athletes are advised to use effleurage sports massage following intensive workouts.