International Journal of Preventive Medicine
Volume:4 Issue: 2, Feb 2013

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The health‑promoting perspective of ginger is attributed to its rich phytochemistry. This study aimed to review the current evidence on ginger effects as an anti‑inflammatory and anti‑oxidative. We searched MEDLINE for related publications using “ginger” and “anti‑oxidative” and “ginger” and “anti‑inflammatory” as keywords. This search had considered Papers that had been published between 2000 and 2010 without any filter. The anticancer potential of ginger is well documented and its functional ingredients like gingerols، shogaol، and paradols are the valuable ingredients which can prevent various cancers. This review concludes to favor ginger but some ambiguities necessitate further research before claiming its efficacy.

Exercise can lead to acute oxidative stress, which can result in oxidative damage and induce inflammation. Resveratrol may reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, we investigated the effects of this compound on the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‑a (TNF‑a) and interleukin 6 (IL‑6) in male professional basketball players. Twenty healthy male professional basketball players were randomized into two groups (10 each). For 6 weeks, they received daily either 200 mg of polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) standardized to contain 20% trans‑resveratrol equivalent to 40 mg trans‑resveratrol or placebo. Indices of inflammation were measured before and after 6 weeks of supplementation. There was a significant reduction in plasma levels of TNF‑a and IL‑6 after 6 weeks of supplementation; while no change was observed in these markers in the control group. Present study shows that 6 weeks of PCE containing resveratrol supplementation reduces the inflammation in male professional basketball players.

After exercise, recovery is very essential in professional sport. Athletes use sport beverages to enhance endurance and physical performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Dough versus non‑alcoholic beer and carbohydrate (CHO) fluid on performance, lipids profile, inflammatory biomarkers after Running‑based Anaerobic Sprint Test (R.A.S.T) in Taekwondo players. This study was conducted as repeated measures crossover design with 22 men Taekwondo player. Subjects completed standard protocol R.A.S.T so that immediately and 1 h posterior R.A.S.T protocol received number 1 beverage. Subjects spend 2 h recovery periods. Second and third sessions trial were similar to prior trial, separated by at least 4 days, instead of number 1 beverage, participants received number 2 and number 3 beverage. Data showed that average pre‑ and post‑recovery in C‑reactive protein (CRP) or Dough significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while for CHO drink and non‑alcoholic beer, were not statistically significant. Moreover, the mean pre‑ and post‑recovery in VO2 max for Dough and non‑alcoholic beer significantly increased, but for other beverages, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). About mean pre‑ and post‑recovery in low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) there were no significant differences in all three beverages. Besides, amount of CRP was significant between three beverages (P < 0.05). There were no other within‑subject differences for any of the other variables measured, including HDL, LDL, and VO2max. In addition, no significant different (P > 0.05) in dietary intake were observed between three treatment periods. Dough was effective in reducing LDL and reducing inflammatory biomarkers including CRP with little effect on performance in subjects.

Ginger rhizomes (rich in gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone) have been used in Asia for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and pain, and have shown potent anti‑inflammatory attributes. Common spices such as Cinnamon (including cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehydeis) are used in food and many studies have focused on its anti‑inflammatory components. Intense exercise can result in an inflammatory response to cell damage and also muscle soreness. The efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as anti‑inflammatory agents and their effectiveness in reducing muscle soreness has been investigated in limited studies on humans. Therefore, we have studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on inflammation and muscle soreness in Iranian female taekwondo players. Sixty healthy, trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the six‑week investigation and randomly categorized into three groups (cinnamon, ginger or placebo) and received 3 g of ginger, cinnamon or placebo powder each day, depending on the group they belonged to. The IL‑6 level and Likert Scale of Muscle Soreness were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and compared among the groups. Forty‑nine of the participants completed the six‑week intervention. There were no significant changes in the IL‑6 cinnamon and ginger group when compared with the placebo group, whereas, there was a significant fall in muscle soreness in the cinnamon group and placebo (P < 0.1) and ginger group and placebo (P < 0.01). Administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women for six weeks did not show any significant change in the IL‑6 level, but showed a decrease in muscle soreness in the cinnamon and ginger groups.

The need for energy in strenuous exercises necessitates an increase in oxygen consumption and production of reactive oxygen species. It seems that supplementation of vitamins C and E reduces exercise‑induced oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress in female athletes. The study was a four‑week randomized, double‑blind clinical trial, conducted on 64 trained female athletes recruited in the Isfahan sports club. They were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups: (a) vitamin C (250 mg/day), (b) vitamin E (400 IU), (c) vitamin C + vitamin E, and the control (placebo). Aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for assessing muscle damage, and malondialdehyde, were measured before and after the intervention. In the between‑groups comparison, only creatine kinase significantly changed at the end of the period (P = 0.03). However, in the intergroup comparison creatine kinase was significantly decreased in group 1 (P = 0.002). As for Aspartate aminotransferase, no significant difference was spotted in any of the comparisons. Lactate dehydrogenase was significantly decreased in group 2 (P = 0.02). Finally, this study revealed a significant decrease in oxidative stress markers in groups 1, 3, and 4 (P < 0.05). It is induced from the results that vitamin C and E supplementation plays a role in reducing muscle damage markers of aerobic exercises.

Due to the special training conditions and lifestyle athletes require an antioxidant system that is more efficient than others. To keep this system optimal, many of them use antioxidant supplements. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamins C and E supplementation on muscle damage, performance, and body composition in athlete women. The study was a 4‑week randomized, double‑blind clinical trial conducted on 64 trained female athletes recruited in Isfahan sports club. They were randomly assigned to one of the following four groups; A: vitamin C (250 mg/day), B: vitamin E (400 IU), C: vitamin C + vitamin E and control (placebo). Harvard Step Test was used to measure maximal oxygen consumption for performance, body composition, and damage marker (myoglobin) were measured before and after the intervention. Comparing the result of the test in performance of sport, there was no significant difference between groups in VO2 max. Also, vitamin supplements had no significant effect on subcutaneous fat between the groups, however, in the intergroup comparison, were significantly increased in group control (P = 0.03). But, there were no significant differences, change in myoglobin between the groups. There was a significant increase in group A (P = 0.04). Vitamins C and E supplementation had no significant effect on any of the studied parameters.

Ginger (rich in gingerols and shogaols) rhizomes have been widely used as dietary spices and to treat different diseases in Asia. Cinnamon (containing cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehyde) is used as spices and as a pharmacological agent in ancient medicine. Intense exercise can result in oxidative damage to cellular compounds and also muscle soreness. Efficacy of dietary ginger and cinnamon as antioxidant agents and their effectiveness in exercise performance and reducing muscle soreness have been investigated in limited studies on humans. So we studied the effects of dietary ginger and cinnamon on oxidative stress and exercise performance and body composition in Iranian female taekwondo players. Sixty healthy trained women, aged 13-25 years, were enrolled in the 6 week investigation and randomly categorized in three groups (cinnamon, ginger, or placebo) and received three grams of ginger, cinnamon, or placebo powder each day depending on the group they belonged. Human malondialdehyde (MDA) level, exercise performance, and body composition were evaluated in the beginning and at the end of the study and compared among the groups. Forty‑nine of the participants completed the 6 weeks intervention. There was minor decrease in MDA in cinnamon and ginger group compared with the placebo group and significant increase in exercise performance in ginger group (P < 0.01), and considerable increase in skin fold in cinnamon groups (P < 0.01), whereas there were significant accretion in BMI for ginger group (P < 0.1) and cinnamon group (P < 0.05). No significant changes in MDA, EP, and BMI were observed between groups over time. But there were specific changes in skin fold between cinnamon and placebo group (P < 0.05) and cinnamon and ginger groups (P < 0.05). Six weeks administration of ginger and cinnamon in athlete women did not show any significant change in MDA level, body composition, and exercise performance as compared with the placebo group.

Quercetin is a health‑enhancing antioxidant bioflavonoid (1‑3). This flavonoid occurs in variety of natural fruits and vegetables such as apple, cranberry, onion, broccoli, and teas. Many studies have shown that quercetin has possible positive effects on exercise performance. The aim of this study is the evaluation of effects of quercetin supplementation on VO2max and exercise performance in female athletes. This study was done on 26 young female swimmers. Participants were assigned in to groups and supplemented orally for 8 weeks with either Quercetin (Solaray®, USA, Inc) or placebo (dextrose). Before and after intervention, athletes performed a continuous graded exercise test (GXT) on an electronically braked cycle ergometer (Lode, The Netherlands) to determine VO2max and time to exhaustion (TTE). Participants in the quercetin group consumed higher energy and protein and lower carbohydrates and fats. There was no significant differences in VO2max, TTE, lactate, and body fat between pre‑ and post‑supplementation neither in the placebo group nor in the quercetin group. It is concluded that quercetin supplementation (1000 g/day) for 8 weeks in female athletes didn’t show any significant association with exercise performance.

Young athletes have more nutritional needs than other adolescents because of physical activity and physical development. Optimal athletic performance results from a combination of factors including training, body composition, and nutrition. Despite the increased interest in nutrition and use of dietary supplements to enhance performance, some athletes might be consuming diets that are less than optimal. In wrestling it is common practice to optimize one’s body composition and body weight prior to a competition season. This often includes a change in dietary intake or habits. Twenty‑eight wrestlers, between the ages of 17 and 25 years, participated in this study. Dietary intakes of micro and macro nutrients were collected by face‑to‑face interview, structured food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary intake of energy, carbohydrates, fats and proteins and micronutrients was evaluated. Mean intakes of energy, carbohydrates, proteins and fat were higher than recommended dietary allowances (RDA). The mean intakes of all vitamins and minerals were higher than the RDAs in these wrestlers, except for vitamin D, biotin, zinc, iodine, chrome and molybdenum. On the basis of our results, nutritional education should be given to these subjects and their families for promoting healthy eating habits.

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid which occurs in many food items. Some previous studies on quercetin showed inconsistent results on exercise performance, muscle damage and body muscle in athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of eight weeks of quercetin supplementation on exercise performance, muscle damage indices and body muscle in badminton players. This placebo‑controlled, double‑blind clinical trial was conducted on 26 badminton players for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive quercetin (1000 mg) or placebo (1000 mg dextrose). VO2 and time to exhaustion (TTE) for measuring performance and body fat percentage (BFP) were measured before and after intervention. Plasma sample swere obtained for the determination of plasma lactate before and after intervention. Lactate concentration, body fat percentage and VO2 max did not show any significant difference (P > 0/05) after eight weeks of supplementation with placebo and quercetin between two groups and within one group. There was a significant increase in TTE after intervention in the quercetin group (P < 0/05) but a significant change was not observed in the placebo group (P > 0/05). The current study shows that intake of quercetin may improve endurance exercise performance but may not reduce the body fat percentage.

Quercetin, which is considered as a health‑promoting antioxidant, belongs to the broad flavonoids group. Numerous experimental studies have proved that quercetin and vitamin C provide anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of both quercetin and vitamin C on lipid profile and muscle damage in human subjects. A randomized, placebo‑controlled, double‑blind clinical trial was carried out on 60 males for eight weeks. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: 1) quercetin + vitamin C (500 mg/day quercetin + 200 mg/day vitamin C) 2) quercetin (500 mg/day quercetin + 200 mg/day placebo) 3) vitamin C (500 mg/day vitamin C + 200 mg/day placebo) and 4) placebo (500 mg/day placebo + 200 mg/ day placebo). Blood samples, body weight and percent of body fat were measured before and after intervention. In addition, dietary intake was estimated using 24‑h recall. No significant changes occurred in high‑density lipoprotein levels between groups and in the four groups before and after supplementation. Low density lipoprotein values decreased significantly (P = 0.048) in the “Quercetin + Vit C” group but decrease was not considerable in other groups before and after intervention and among groups. Fat‑soluble vitamins’ intake was significantly high among 4 groups. Quercetin and vitamin C supplementation may not be beneficial in lipid profile improvement, although it may reduce induce muscle damage and body fat percent.

The prevalence of obesity and associated chronic disease such as diabetes is rapidly increasing in all part of the world. The World Health Organization has predicted that between 1997 and 2025 the number of diabetic patients will increase from 143 million to about 300 million. In diabetic patients, oxidative stress leads to non‑enzymatic glycosylation of proteins such as hemoglobin and albumin, these proteins can play a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes and development of chronic disorders in diabetic patients. Antioxidant nutrients can reduce the chronic disorders and complications of diabetes by inhibiting the oxidative reactions. Some important antioxidant such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium occur in vegetables and fruits. Our objective of this study was investigation of the relationship between vegetables and fruits intake ssand glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values in diabetic patients. One hundred and five diabetic patients participated in this cross‑sectional study. The patients were referred to health center in Khomeini shahr. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values were measured by chromatography method. Data on dietary intake and vegetables and fruits consumption were obtained from validated food frequency questionnaires. The unadjusted mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is significantly associated with the amount of vegetables and fruits intake (P = 0.014), but the relationship between consumption of fruits and HbA1C is not significant and the relationship between consumption of vegetables and HbA1C was roughly significant (P = 0.049). There were no significant relationship between vegetables and fruits intake and lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and 24 h urinary protein (P > 0.05). Intake of vegetables and fruits may reduce the glycosylated hemoglobin, therefore choosing the appropriate diet with high fruits and vegetables may help to develop antioxidant defense and reduce the HbA1C in diabetic patients but it did not have any impact on lipids profiles, BUN/creatinine and urine protein 24 h.

The consumption of nutritional supplements is high in various sports, whereas, there are not enough documents supporting the beneficial effects of supplements in athletes. In addition, there is no information about taking supplements by Iranian students who participate in sports. Therefore, the goals of this study were to assess the type and prevalence of supplement use, the frequency of use, and relationships between consumption and age, body mass index, training load and type of sport. One hundred ninety two male students from “Isfahan University of Medical Sciences” participated in this study, voluntarily. A questionnaire that included questions about type and effects of supplements, recommendation resources, place of obtaining, and type of sports were sent to students. Descriptive data were calculated as frequencies (%). Chi‑square (χ2) analysis was used to analyze the correlation between supplement use and the study variables. Forty‑five percent of respondents used some forms of supplements. Supplement users consumed 14 different supplements and each used as many as 1.8 ± 1.2 various supplements during the past six months. Multivitamins (64%) and vitamin C (42%) were the most popular supplements. Students, who participated in individual sports, were more likely to consume dietary supplements (P < 0.05) and ergogenic aids (P < 0.01), but “team sports” athletes, took more recovery nutrients (P < 0.01). Fifty seven point five percent of student bought their products from pharmacies, 40% from “sport supplements stores” and 2.5% from their friends. It can be concluded that less than half of these students consumed supplements and their information resources were inappropriate.

The investigation and comparison of the effects of acupuncture and isometric exercises on pain and quality of life in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA).OA is the most common form of joint disease and one leading cause of disability in the elderly. The symptoms of OA are pain, morning stiffness, and joint limited motion. Different treatments have been proposed for management of OA, but the results are not clear. We studied the effects of acupuncture and isometric exercises on symptoms of the knee OA. Forty patients with knee OA according to, American college of rheumatology criteria were recruited using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were randomly divided into two groups (A and B).The acupuncture group (A) received only acupuncture at selected acupoint for knee pain. The exercise group (B) received isometric exercise of the knee. Each group received treatment 12 sessions for 4 weeks. Evaluating measuring tools were pain intensity and function was measured with knee injury and OA outcome score (KOOS) questionnaire. After treatment, acupuncture and in isometric exercise groups reported that KOOS increased significantly (improvement) in Quality of Life score as shown (P value <0.05). VAS of acupuncture group changed from 7.25 ± 0.91 to 5.41 ± 1.23.In additions, VAS in isometric exercise group changed from 7.85 ± 1.35 to 5.34 ± 1.26. Total KOOS scores have not shown significant difference in comparative with exercise group (P value > 0.11). Both acupuncture and isometric exercises decrease pain and increase quality of life in patients who suffer from OA.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has a predominant role in progression of some cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes. It interferes with L‑arginine in production of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibition of NO synthase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training on plasma NO and ADMA concentrations in type 1 diabetic male rats. Thirty‑six male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control; (2) diabetic; (3) diabetic trained, and (4) control trained (n = 9 each). In the trained groups, the animals undertook one training session per day, 3 days/week, for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment, blood samples were taken and the concentrations of plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, NO and ADMA concentrations were determined. plasma ADMA concentration showed a significant increase in diabetic rats compare to control group (0.73 ± 0.07 vs. 0.62 ± 0.04 μmol/l; P < 0.05). The plasma ADMA level in the trained diabetic and control were lower than the sedentary groups, although it was not statistically significant. Plasma NO concentration in diabetic group was lower than control (P < 0.05). Resistance training significantly increased plasma NO concentration in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). Elevated ADMA level in diabetic animals can normalize during resistance exercise. Reduced ADMA level and increased NO level following resistance training might improve cardiovascular risk in diabetic subjects.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major knee structures. It consists of anteromedial bundle (AMB) and posterolateral bundle (PLB). Rupture of the ACL is one of the most prevalent traumas among athletes. There are two ways to reconstruct the rupture; Single–bundle and double–bundle (DB) reconstruction. Precise study on bundles anatomy, the exact number of attachments and knee flexion angle with an appropriate place of bundles and also choosing the best angle for the grafts are so important in successful reconstructing of the bundles. In this research, the general attempt was to assess anatomy and the act of the ACL is and bundles in Iranian population. We obtained twelve fresh‑frozen cadaver knees (two females, ten males). The average age of them was 30 years; they were mostly between 27 and 34 years old. Initially, skin, muscles, and patellar and articular capsule were removed. Then, bundle attachments, knee movements in flexion angle, extension and stiffness of both bundles were evaluated. Thereafter, on 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180° angle knee flexion the bundles degree stiffness evaluated in different directions. During the process, to measure bundles size, digital camera for photography, oblique for measuring the angles, and micrometer were utilized. From all next of kin written consent testimonial form was obtained. In all knees, two bundles were identified as distinct. AMB attachment location in the anterior region observed as semi‑lunate and in one case, it was rounded. In all cases, two bundles of full knee extension were paralleled, and the AMB was anterior to the PLB; with increasing flexion angle, femoral attachment location of AMB was in back direction and femoral attachment location of PLB moved toward the front direction. Two bundles were in the most amount of cross state, which the angle was 90°. From the stiffness point of view in all 6 samples, the PLB had the most tension in extension state, and the AMB had the most tension in 120° flexion. In the current study, we realized that the ACL is a DB ligament in Iranian population. The AMB in full extension has the least stiffness and in 90° flexion has the most; the PLB also in full knee extension and in 160° flexion has the most and least stiffness, respectively.

The present study was done in order to compare balance and footprint parameters in two groups of normal and overweight children. This semi‑experimental study included randomly selected 22 male children (11 normal and 11 overweight boys). To measure the footprint parameters, an ink paper system was used, i.e., after putting their feet in the ink, the subjects were asked to stand comfortably on paper and their footprints were recorded. Then, with the use of ImageJ software, the areas of anterior, middle, and posterior parts, the total area, and the arch index parameter were calculated. For measuring balance in three posterolateral, posteromedial, and anterior directions as well as the total balance, Y‑balance test was done. Finally, to analyze the data, mean and standard deviation were calculated and ANOVA test was used to compare the parameters. Data analysis showed a significant difference between normal and overweight subjects in the anterior and posterior areas, whereas, in balance test, only the anterior areas showed significant difference (P < 0.05). It seems that area parameters in these two groups do not have significant difference; hence, it cannot be used as the criteria for analyzing the effects of being overweight on these parameters. In addition, it is probable that, in a dynamic situation, recorded footprints are more valid parameters for analyzing foot structure.

To review a single‑surgeon series of 616 athletic patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in order to evaluate the relationship between the timing of the reconstruction and the incidence of meniscal and chondral injuries. Six group of patients were categorized based on the time interval from their injury to surgery in the following manner: <3 months, 3‑6 months, 6‑9 months, 9‑18 months, 18‑36 months, and >36 months. The presence of meniscal tears was documented and chondral pathology was scored based on the Outerbridge classification. Incidence of medial meniscus tear was significantly higher in patients undergoing reconstruction after 3 months from their injury (P = 0.032). The opportunity of patients with chondral pathology was recorded to be significantly higher in the groups operated on after 6 months from their injuries time (P = 0.008). Considering the effect of time on the rate of having meniscus injury and chondral pathology, reducing the time between the injury and surgery could improve the long‑term health outcomes in this population.

Athletic performance in many sports depends on two‑legged vertical jump. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different pre‑jump height exercises on two‑legged vertical jump and to determine the best pre‑jump height(s). Subjects included 35 females and 42 males. By matched randomized sampling, subjects of each sex were assigned into four groups, namely, control, 10‑cm hurdle, 20‑cm hurdle, and 30‑cm hurdle. They participated in the same training program for 6 weeks. Statistical analyses were based on one‑way and repeated‑measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Analysis of the data showed that practice over hurdles of 10 cm was better than no hurdle and hurdles of >10 cm. Also, jump attempts over hurdles were efficient for trained athletes, but not for untrained athletes. For both sexes, the rate of spike improvement was much better in the experimental groups than in the control groups; it was independent from the rate of progress in jump, which was relatively less evident. It is likely that rather than increasing jump height, training over hurdle enabled the players to use a higher percent of their jump potentials.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disabling chronic disease of the nervous system in which the myelin system of the central nervous system is deteriorated. The objective of this study is to understand the effect of Pilates exercises and aquatic training for a 12 week period on the dynamic balance of MS patients. The research method is semi-experimental. As a result, among the female patients visiting the MS clinic of Kashani hospital in Esfahan, 57 patients with disease intensity levels between 0 and 4.5 were taken as samples. The average length of the disease was 8 ± 2 years, 20;40 years old, and they were randomly divided into three groups of Pilates exercise group, aquatic training group, and the control group. The exercise schedule for the experiment groups consisted of 12 weeks, three sessions per week, and 1 hour for each session. The dynamic balance of the patients, before and after the exercises was measured by Six Spot Step Test. The adjusted mean differences of Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) scores of the experimental groups are significantly different (P<0.05). Therefore, it can be said that Pilates exercise interventions and aquatic training can significantly increase the dynamic balance of the examinees in the post-experiment stage. Performing the Pilate exercises and aquatic training increases dynamic balance of the MS patients. Considering the role of dynamic balance on physical fitness and enabling the person in doing is daily chores and routines, and its direct effect on the quality of life, it leads the specialists in applying these exercises as a supplementary treatment along with the medicinal treatments for MS patients.

Obesity is a threat to the health of modern urban citizens, especially women. Aerobic is an effect of exercise which rapidly is developing among urban women. This study was designed to examine the effects of light and moderate aerobic intensity on body composition and serum lipid profile in obese/overweight women living in Isfahan. Forty‑five middle‑aged obese/overweight volunteer women (25‑40 years, and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 to 30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned into three groups: 1. Light aerobics [45‑50% heart rate reserve maximum (HRRmax)], 2. Moderate aerobics (70‑75% HRRmax), 3. No exercise training (control). Training program lasted for 10 weeks and included three sessions of 60 minutes aerobics per week. The intensity of aerobics was controlled by monitoring heart rate. Body composition was measured using skin fold thickness method. Serum lipid was measured. Both light and moderate aerobics significantly improved weight (P < 0.000), fat percent (P < 0.045), BMI (P < 0.000), fat weight (P < 0/031), lean body weight (P < 0.02), waist‑to‑hip ratio (WHR) (P < 0.000), High‑density lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.000). Our findings showed that both light and moderate aerobics improved body composition and serum lipid profile in obese/ overweight women. Our findings support the application of aerobics for obese/overweight women. Initially, they can start with light programs and proceed to more intense programs.

There are some auspicious records on applying aerobic exercise for asthmatic patients. Recently, it is suggested that rebound exercise might even increase the gains. This study was designed to compare the effects of rebound therapy to aerobic training in male asthmatic patients. Sample included 37 male asthmatic patients (20‑40 years) from the same respiratory clinic. After signing the informed consent, subjects volunteered to take part in control, rebound, or aerobic groups. There was no change in the routine medical treatment of patients. Supervised exercise programs continued for 8 weeks, consisting of two sessions of 45 to 60 minutes per week. Criteria measures were assessed pre‑ and post exercise program. Peak exercise capacity (VO2peak) was estimated by modified Bruce protocol, Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1% were measured by spirometer. Data were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant interactions were observed for all 4 criteria measures (P < 0.01), meaning that both the exercise programs were effective in improving FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, and VO2peak. Rebound exercise produced more improvement in FEV1, FEV1%, and VO2peak. Regular exercise strengthens the respiratory muscles and improves the cellular respiration. At the same time, it improves the muscular, respiratory, and cardio‑vascular systems. Effects of rebound exercise seem to be promising. Findings suggest that rebound exercise is a useful complementary means for asthmatic male patients.

The purpose of this research was to study the effects of 8 weeks of Hata yoga exercises on women with knee osteoarthritis. Studies about effects of Yoga on different chronic diseases show that these exercises have positive effects on chronic diseases. As knee osteoarthritis is very common among middle age women we decided to measure effectiveness of these exercises on knee osteoarthritis. Sample included 30 women with knee osteoarthritis who voluntarily participated in this semi‑experimental study and were divided into a control group (15) and a yoga group (15). The yoga group received 60 minutes sessions of Hata yoga, 3 times a week and for 8 weeks. Pain, symptoms, daily activities, sports and spare‑time activities, and quality of life were respectively measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) questionnaire. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method for repetitive data was used to analyze the results (P = 0.05). Findings showed that pain and symptoms were significantly decreased and scores of daily activities, sports, spare‑time activities, and quality of life were significantly increased in the yoga group. It seems that yoga can be used as a conservative treatment besides usual treatments and medications to improve the condition of people with osteoarthritis.