Asian Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume:15 Issue: 4, Dec 2024

With the widespread use of electronic devices, visual fatigue has become a prevalent issue in modern society. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as facial massage and exercise, have been proposed as effective methods for alleviating visual fatigue. However, the specific effects and mechanisms behind these interventions require further exploration.

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of facial massage and exercise in reducing visual fatigue and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these interventions.

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials and crossover experiments were included for both quantitative and qualitative analyses of relevant studies.

The findings suggest that both facial massage and exercise can reduce visual fatigue. Facial massage alleviates eye strain by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, relaxing muscles, and improving blood circulation. Exercise alleviates visual fatigue through two mechanisms: (1) enhancing overall blood circulation, reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and overall health; (2) directly exercising eye muscles through eye yoga, which helps relieve visual fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that facial massage, full-body exercise, and eye yoga hold potential as non-pharmacological interventions for visual fatigue. Eye yoga has experimental support for its ability to strengthen eye muscles and improve focus. Massage stimulates parasympathetic activity and boosts blood circulation, while full-body exercise enhances systemic circulation to relieve eye fatigue. Future research should focus on investigating the mechanisms of these interventions in more detail and comparing the effects of various types, intensities, and durations to provide more precise clinical recommendations.

Context: 

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of metabolic disorders, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which collectively heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The global prevalence of MetS is steadily increasing, paralleling the rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Pharmacological treatments for MetS often face challenges such as inadequate blood pressure (BP) control and limited improvements in cardiovascular outcomes. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on non-pharmacological interventions, particularly exercise. Among various exercise modalities, isometric resistance training (IRT), which involves static muscle contractions without joint movement, has emerged as a promising strategy for effectively lowering BP and enhancing endothelial function, both of which are critical for cardiovascular health.

Evidence Acquisition: 

This comprehensive literature review synthesizes existing research on the effects of isometric exercise on BP regulation and endothelial function in individuals diagnosed with MetS. The review examines studies sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Key discussion areas include the underlying physiological mechanisms of IRT, comparisons with other exercise modalities, clinical implications, and recommendations for future research. Articles were selected based on qualitative and descriptive reviews.

Evidence indicates that isometric resistance training effectively reduces both systolic and diastolic BP, achieving results comparable to other exercise forms like aerobic and dynamic resistance training. Furthermore, IRT has significantly improved endothelial function, particularly among populations with MetS. These physiological benefits are attributed to mechanisms such as enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, reduced oxidative stress, and improved autonomic regulation.

The review supports the integration of isometric exercise into hypertension management protocols, especially for individuals with MetS. Isometric resistance training offers a viable non-pharmacological alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments, with the added advantages of accessibility and adaptability for diverse populations. However, further research is necessary to optimize exercise protocols, determine long-term outcomes, and fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of IRT.

Context: 

The correlation between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disorders has been extensively documented. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream have been demonstrated to impair memory function and heighten susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, elevated quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, known as oxidative stress, exacerbate neurodegenerative illnesses and negatively affect learning and memory. Neuroprotection prevents neuronal cell death by intervening and blocking the pathogenetic process that leads to cellular malfunction and death.

We evaluated several studies in the WEB of SCIENCE, SCOPUS, and PubMed. Furthermore, we identified the central genes and signaling pathways associated with neurogenesis, the neural system, and neuroplasticity through data mining, a literature review of artificial intelligence, and an in-silico study.

Physical exercise (PE) benefits various physiological systems, including the central nervous system. The beneficial impacts of physical activity on cognitive performance, neural well-being, and safeguarding neurons against different brain injuries are extensively documented. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that PE is a powerful non-pharmacological intervention that enhances cognitive function, including learning and memory, while decreasing the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, engaging in moderate physical activity that does not result in extreme fatigue has a beneficial impact on reducing inflammation and promoting antioxidant effects. According to the hormesis theory, physical inactivity and extreme overtraining can decrease physiological function.

In summary, a combination of moderate aerobic exercise, HIIT, and resistance training, performed at appropriate intensities, is most beneficial for neuroprotection and cognitive health. Regular engagement in these activities can help mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and enhance overall brain function.

Previous research has individually investigated how different types of training affect the physical, physiological, and training characteristics of distance runners. However, there is a lack of studies that collectively examine the effects of interval and power training programs on these factors in trained distance runners.

This study aims to provide a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of how combined training approaches may impact the physical, physiological, and training characteristics of competitive distance runners.

A census sampling approach was used, with all 108 athletes (100%) participating in the study. Participants were divided into three parallel training groups: The interval training group (ITG), the power training group (PTG), and the control training group (CTG). Each group contained 36 participants, and a randomized block design was implemented within each group, with 12 athletes in each block. The intervention lasted for 32 weeks, with three training sessions per week, on non-consecutive days, lasting 45 - 60 minutes per session. The intensity of the training sessions was maintained between 50 - 70% of the participants' exercise capacity. The measured physical characteristics included demographic and anthropometric variables such as age, sex, height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), fat and fat-free mass, and various circumferences. The physiological characteristics assessed included resting heart rate, exercise heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, measures of leg strength (LS) and power, endurance performance metrics such as time trials (TTs), and aerobic thresholds. The training characteristics assessed included living and training altitude, training habits, training experience, training volume, training sessions, recovery practices, and nutritional intake. Statistical significance was determined with a P-value of < 0.05, and effect size was calculated (η² > 0.14).

Interval and power training led to improvements in several physical characteristics, including chronological age (P = 0.02), Body Mass Index (P = 0.03), fat-free mass (P = 0.000), and maximum thigh circumference (P = 0.000). However, no significant changes were observed in certain physical characteristics such as sex, field, and weight (P = 1.000). Interval and power training also resulted in significant improvements in various physiological characteristics, including 400 m sprint performance (P = 0.000), 1.5 km Kosmin test (P = 0.000), 3 km maximum speed TT (P = 0.000), LS (P = 0.000), Sprint Bounding Index (SBI) (P = 0.000), and maximum exercise heart rate (P = 0.000). In contrast, the post-test (POT) results for the ITG and PTG groups, when compared to the CTG, showed no significant differences in certain areas of physiological characteristics, including Balke V̇O 2Max (P = 0.000), leg press (P = 0.000), and squat (p = 0.000). Regarding the third subgroup analysis of training characteristics, all POT results showed a decrease, except for the habit of sleeping (P = 0.04). In general, the POT results of the CTG demonstrated less change in all subgroup analyses of performance indices compared to the ITG and PTG.

Our key findings emphasize the importance of combined interval and power training in improving V̇O 2Max , overall strength endurance, speed endurance, running economy (RE), and muscle adaptation compared to the control group. These factors are vital for enhancing physical and physiological characteristics. Future research should explore additional factors, such as nutrition and psychological needs, which may influence athletic performance.

Both coding and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as vital regulators in almost every cellular process, and their expression can be modulated by external stimuli, such as physical exercise.

The current research aimed to investigate the effects of different volumes of TABATA-high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises combined with royal jelly (RJ) supplementation on the NLRP3 inflammasome and lncRNA-H19 expression in obese males.

Forty-two healthy men [Body Mass Index (BMI) = 30 kg/m², waist-to-hip ratio = 0.95, age range: 40 - 60 years] volunteered to participate in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into five experimental groups (N = 35) and one control + placebo group (N = 7). The high-volume (HV) or low-volume (LV) TABATA exercise programs were performed twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants in the RJ supplementation groups received a 1000 mg capsule once a day for 8 weeks. The expression of NLRP3 and lncRNA-H19 genes was evaluated using the real-time PCR method.

The NLRP3 gene expression in the Bruce test, measured before and after the 8-week exercise interventions and RJ supplementation, showed insignificant changes across the different groups. However, the H19 gene expression in the Bruce test showed a significant reduction in the HV-TABATA HIIT intervention groups, which was more pronounced than in the LV groups after 8 weeks: HV group (P = 0.004), RJ group (P = 0.001), HV + RJ group (P = 0.007), and LV + RJ group (P = 0.002). After 8 weeks of non-pharmacological interventions involving exercise training and supplementation, a significant decrease in NLRP3 and a significant increase in H19 gene expression were detected in the HV group compared to the LV group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.010). Significant improvement was also found in the resting H19 levels between the RJ and LV groups (P = 0.011) and the LV + RJ group (P = 0.44). Moreover, a significant reduction in resting NLRP3 gene expression was observed between the RJ + LV and LV groups (P = 0.038).

Chronic HV TABATA HIIT exercise, when combined with RJ supplementation, is effective in attenuating inflammatory responses to acute stress.

Beginner gymnasts face challenges when performing roundoff and back handspring skills, particularly in connecting the final stage of the roundoff with the initial stage of the back handspring. These difficulties arise when there is a lack of clarity in the mental image of the performance sequence, leading to inconsistent execution and, ultimately, failure.

This study investigates the effect of seven mental training sessions on beginner gymnasts learning the roundoff and back handspring skills.

Sixty-two beginner gymnasts, aged 21 - 22 years, participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Control and experimental. The mental training sessions were provided to the experimental group during the instructional sessions, with each session lasting 14 minutes and 30 seconds. The sessions consisted of three parts: Relaxation exercises, controllable control exercises, and mental imagery exercises for performance. These sessions were conducted over a period of seven weeks. The roundoff and back handspring skills were assessed using the Kinematic Coherence Scale for body parts.

The Kinematic Coherence Scale demonstrated a significant difference and greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group.

We concluded that the seven mental training sessions improved the kinematic coherence of the experimental group in performing the roundoff and back handspring skills, enabling them to connect the two skills with a higher degree of movement coherence.

Vision plays a crucial role in human movement and posture control. Impaired vision can lead to significant challenges in maintaining balance and postural stability among visually impaired individuals. Various approaches have been explored to address these challenges.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an eight-week Pilates program on posture control, fall risk, and proprioception of the knee and ankle joints in non-athlete, visually impaired female students.

A total of 22 visually impaired, non-athlete female students from Tehran voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group completed an eight-week Pilates program (three one-hour sessions per week), while the control group maintained their regular daily activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included posture control and fall risk, measured using the Biodex Stability System, as well as proprioception (position sense and kinesthesia) of the knee and ankle joints, measured with a Biodex Dynamometer. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.

The Pilates intervention significantly improved knee position sense at 20° and 45° (P ≤ 0.05), although no significant changes were observed at 60° (P > 0.05). A significant improvement was also noted in knee kinesthesia between the two groups (P ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the ankle position sense during dorsiflexion or plantarflexion (P > 0.05). Regarding posture control, significant improvements were observed in overall balance and anteroposterior balance in the Pilates group compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05), while no significant differences were noted in mediolateral balance (P > 0.05). The fall risk index also showed significant improvements in the Pilates group (P ≤ 0.05).

The eight-week Pilates program positively affected posture control, reduced fall risk, and improved knee proprioception in visually impaired female students. These findings suggest that Pilates could be an effective addition to exercise programs aimed at enhancing functional performance and reducing injury risk in visually impaired individuals.

Fear of re-injury is a common psychological challenge in athletes that can negatively impact the rehabilitation process and return to sport.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of fear of re-injury among elite Iranian male and female handball players.

In 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving elite handball players from Iran's Premier League and Divisions One and Two. Participants were distributed an online questionnaire, including the Re-injury Anxiety Inventory (RIAI) and a Sports Injury History Questionnaire. Two hundred twenty players (164 men and 56 women) completed the survey. Data on injury type, location, and timing were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using independent ttests with SPSS22 software.

Most handball players had a history of serious sports injuries, with higher rates in women (98.21%) than men (93.90%). Non-contact injuries were more common in men (60.36%), while contact injuries were slightly more common in women (51.78%). Injuries occurred more frequently during training in women (53.57%) and competition in men (49.39%). Men had a significantly higher fear of re-injury than women (P = 0.002), and this fear was greater in athletes with a history of injury (P = 0.014).

Fear of re-injury is prevalent among elite handball players, especially men and those with prior injuries. Injury patterns differ between men and women, and protective equipment prevents injuries. These insights can aid in creating intervention programs to reduce re-injury fears and enhance return-to-sport outcomes in handball players.