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Background and Objective: Skeleton abnormalities have adverse effect on skeleton structure and natural shape of hight. This study was done to compare the postural position and body mass index in elementary male students in public and private elementary schools. Methods: This descriptive - analytic study was done on 1254 boys (627 subjects of elementary public school and private elementary schools Abhar city in North West of Iran. Weight and height and body mass index of students were measured. Stature abnormalities measured with Bob, Kayfometer, Goniometer, Caliper and Padscope. Results: BMI of students was more in private school (18.23±3.76) in compare to public schools (17.4±3.46) (P<0.05). Scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back, lordosis, flat foot and pescavus abnormalities was more in students of public schools in comparision with private school (P<0.05). Conclusion: Physical inactivity and lack of adequate exercise space in private schools cause over weight and stature abnormalities.

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Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases in the central nervous system, caused by damage to myelin sheath. This study was done to compare the effect of eight weeks of core stabilization, theraband resistance and combined training on functional endurance and postural control in male patients with MS. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 40 male patients with MS were non- randomly divided into three experimental and one control groups (each group, n = 10, age range 25 to 35 years, BMI between 20 and 25, and physical disability scale of 1 to 5.4). Core stabilization, theraband resistance and combined training, balance berg test and 6-minute walk test were performed in order to exercise protocols. Results: Capacity movement and postural control were significantly improved in experimental groups in comparison with control group (P<0.05). The most variability was related to the combination of training program. Conclusion: Eight weeks of core stabilization, theraband resistance and combined training improves functional endurance and postural control in men with MS.

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Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common progressive neurologic disorder among young adults. This disease leads to lesions regarded to as demylinating plaques which are scattered in the white matter of CNS hence create various neurological problems. This study was done to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks selective training program with instructions focus of internal and external attention on statical balance of MS patients. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 23 MS patients were non-randomly divided into, two interventional and one control groups. Training program for two interventional were carried out in 8 weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted about one hour. Pre and post test to evaluate the fall risk of subjects using Biodex system was performed in three groups. Results: Statical balance was significantly improved in the two interventional compared to control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The training program with instructions focus of internal and external attention significantly improves statical balance of MS patients.

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Background and Objective: Adiponectin is one of the adiposaitocines which secret from adipose tissue and is very effective in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated disorders, especially in elderly people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of endurance and resistance training on adiponectin level, insulin resistance index in inactive elderly men. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 inactive elderly men were non-randomly divided into interventional and control groups. The combined training included endurance training (with intensity of 60-70% of maximum heart rate reserve) and resistance training (with intensity of 70% one repetition maximum). The training performed 3 times per week (one hour session) for 8 weeks. Results: The eight weeks of combined training increased the adiponectin level in interventional group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Insulin and FBS levels, insulin resistance index, and body fat percentage significantly reduced in interventional group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: The eight weeks of combined training increases the adiponectin level and reduces insulin resistance in elderly men.

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Background and Objective: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Core stability exercises have been recommended to improve neuromuscular skeletal system function in order to increase the protection of vertebral column and improve functional activities. This study was done to evaluate the effect of core stability and general exercise on functional activity in non- specific low back pain patients.

Methods: In this clinical trail study, sixty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into general exercise (n=30) and core stability (n=30) groups. The protocol of intervention included 4 weeks (3 sessions in week) of designed exercise for each group. The functional activities were measured before and after intervention.

Results: Functional activity indicators were significantly increased in core stability exercise compared to general exercise (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Core stability exercise is more effective than general exercise to improve functional activities in patients with non-specific low back pain.

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Background and Objective: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetic micro-vascular that causing sensory loss of the legs, pain and disorder in proprioception after destroying of the lower limbs nervous system afferents consequently leads in balance disorder. This study was done to determine the effectiveness of reflexology and Yumeiho massages on lower limb pain and keep balance in females with diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: In this semi-experimental study, thirty-four patients with diabetic neuropathyin lower limb non-randomly divided into reflexology, Yumeiho and control groups. Pain and balance were measured using the visual analogue scale, Sharpened Romberg and berg test respectively that were completed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Six weeks of Yumeiho and reflexology massaging were applied over 3 days in week for 30 minutes on the experimental groups.

Results: Pain and balance of patients singnificantly improved in reflexology and Yumeiho groups in compared to controls (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between reflexology and Yumeiho groups.

Conclusion: Reflexology and Yumeiho massages have a same impact on the pain rate and balance of lower limb in women with diabetic neuropathy.

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Background and Objective: Heel spur is a common rearfoot syndrome in more than 45 aged people which accompanied with pain. This study was done to assess the effect of silicon insole on plantar pressure distribution in subjects with heel spur.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 12 female and 3 male with heel spur were recruited. Plantar pressure in five areas of foot was measured by Pedar-X insole when wearing standard shoe only; shoe with foot orthosisimmediately after 9 meter walking.

Results: Silicon insole reduced pressure in medial forefoot (P<0.05) and heel (P>0.05). Silicon insole increased force (P<0.05), contact area (P<0.05) and pressure time integral (PTI) (P<0.05) in medial midfoot and reduced PTI in medial forefoot (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Silicon insole reduced mean peak pressure in medial forefoot and mean peak pressure in five area of foot.

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Background and Objective: Proprioception an important role in shoulder joint function. Exercise and throat of the upper extremity are complex and skinny movements that apply a great deal of stress on the shoulder joint. This study was done to evaluate the relationship between proprioception and rotator muscles strength in dominant and non-dominant side with shoulder pain of wheelchair basketball athletes.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 50 wheelchair basketball athletes were selected in non-random sampling way from wheelchair basketball gyms from Alborz and Tehran in Iran. WUSPI, MMT system and repositioning error test with felexometere were used for assessment of shoulder pain, rotator muscles strength and proprioception respectively.
Results: There was a significant difference between dominant and non-dominant side rotators strength and proprioception (P<0.05). There was a significant relationship between internal rotators strength and proprioception in dominate side with shoulder pain (P<0.05). There was not a significant relationship between external rotators strength and proprioception in non-dominate side with shoulder pain.
Conclusion: Repeated pattern of movements in the wheelchair basketball athletes at the long time causes muscle imbalance in strength shoulder joint. It is known as a risk factor in shoulder injuries.

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Background and Objective: The trigger point is the irritable point associated with a tight band of skeletal muscle which is painful against stress and strain. The real goal in treating trigger points is to achieve a degree of pain relief so that the sufferer can return to his usual activities and functions in spite of some pain. This study was carried out to compare of two methods of sports massage and cold stretch on the threshold of pain in passive trigger points in shoulder girdle muscles of the female volleyball players.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 32 females national volleyball palyer who has a latent trigger point in the shoulder girdle region were non-randomly divided into to three groups of sports massage (n=11), stretching along the cold (n=11) and control (n=10) groups. Threshold of pain test was carried out in two steps, prior and immediately after sports massage and stretching along the cold.
Results: The mean of pain threshold prior and immediately after the study in control group was 38.84±11.348 and 35.16±9.311, respectively. The mean of pain threshold prior and immediately after the study in sports massage group was 39.40±9.88 and 43.54±9.63, respectively. This differernce was not significant. The mean of pain threshold prior and immediately after the study in stretching along the cold group was 39.22±10.57 and 41.10±10.95, respectively. This differernce was not significant.
Conclusion: Sports massage and stretching along the cold did not significant effect on the threshold of pain in passive trigger points in shoulder girdle muscles of the female volleyball players.

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Background and Objective: Breast cancer and related treatments induce various physical symptoms. One of suggested method for preventing or reducing physical symptoms is exercise training. This study was done to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks Pilates exercises physical fitness indices in breast cancer patients.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study 30 female breast cancer patients were divided into intervention (n=15) and control (n=15) groups by block randomization method. Pilates exercise for 8 weeks, 3 days a week for 60 min in every session was performed in Patients in interventional group but patients in control group did not participate in any regular physical activity. Flexibility, coordination, back and hand strength and muscular strength were determined using Wells, alternate hand wall toss, one leg –stance, back and handgrip dynamometer, sit up tests, respectively.
Results: Pilates exercises significantly increased flexibility, balance, coordination, back and hand strength, muscular endurance and sit up in interventional group in compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Pilates exercise improves physical fitness indices in women with breast cancer.

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Background and Objective: Hysterectomy is stressful in women operation, due to increased release the level of catecholamines some physiological reactions including increase in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure are clinically observed. Massage therapy helps to improve the nervous and cardiovascular system and modifies physiological responses. This study was done to determine the effect of foot massage on the vital signs of patients after hysterectomy.
Methods: In this clinical trial study 60 women underway hysterectomy were randomly divided into intervention (n=28) and control (n=29) groups. Subjects in intervention group were received a
20 minute foot massage according to the mentioned method in two sessions first and second day after surgery, with 24-hours interval. Before and 30 minutes after intervention , vital sign including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, breathing were recorded for each subject.
Results: In the intervention group, all of the signs of vital signs before and after massage in the first and second days after the operation showed a significant decrease (P<0.05). The number of pulses and diastolic blood pressure in the first and second day after surgery and systolic blood pressure on the second day in the control group showed a significant reduction (P<0.05). At the end of the first day after the intervention group, the systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate showed a significant decrease compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Foot massage improves systolic blood pressure and breathing at the first day after hysterectomy, which may indicate an increase in parasympathetic activity.

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Background and Objective: The phenomenon of aging is one of the evolutionary stages of life and it is an inevitable part of human society that can lead to poor balance and consequent harm, loss of independence and early death. This study was done to determine the effect of Pilates exercise on functional balance of elderly men.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 28 elderly men with an average age of above 60 years. Subjects were non-randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Eldely men in intervention group were received Pilates training for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. To measure the functional balance was used of the timed up and go test. Pre-test and post-test of was done for functional balance in intervention and control groups.
Results: The functional balance significantly reduced in intervention group (10.11±0.53 sec) in compared to controls (12.61±1.14 sec) (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Pilates training have an important role in improving the performance balance of elderly men.

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Background and Objective: Recent conservative management of sub-acromial shoulder impingement (SSI) includes general strengthening exercises, especially for internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotators. Despite various studies, so far, there is no directly investigated for indicating the difference in muscle strength between patients with SSI and normal subjects. This study was done to compare the shoulder joint muscles’ strength in male students with and without SSI.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on  Twenty-four students with SSI as case group and 24 normal students as controls.The subjects in both groups matched for hand dominance and physical activity level, completed isokinetic shoulder IR and ER testing. In the case group, 18 patients had the symptoms in their dominant and 6 patients in their non-dominant side. Both sides IR and ER of shoulder were measured separately using continuous reciprocal concentric and eccentric contraction cycles at speed of 60 and 120 degrees per second, respectively. Values of peak torque were compared between the case and control groups.
Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups only when the symptomatic SSI shoulder was the dominant shoulder. Eccentric and concentric ER peak torque at 120 degree per second (22.20±7.01, 11.36±3.36), eccentric ER peak torque at 60 degree per second (20.53±6.15) and eccentric IR peak torque at 60 degree per second and 120 degree per second were significantly lower in the symptomatic dominant shoulder case group in compared to the dominant shoulder control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Changes in eccentric and concentric peak torque in SSI group may be related to limb dominance, which may have implications for strengthening regimes. Therefore, clinicians and therapeutic exercise expertise may benefit from eccentric isokinetic exercises for shoulder IR and ER rotators in order to design a treatment plan for patients with SSI.

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Background and Objective: The asymmetry index during walking can be used for clinical treatment. This study was done to determine the immediate and long-term effects of foot orthoses on asymmetry of ground reaction forces frequency spectrum in male children with flat foot during walking.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on fifteen children with flat foot. Subjects were randomly divided into without foot orthoses, immediate and long term usage of foot orthoses groups. The kinematic and kinetic data during three without foot orthoses, immediate and long term use of foot orthoses conditions were recorded by the motion analysis and force platform systems, respectively.
Results: Asymmetry index of medio-lateral frequency spectrum component during walking without foot orthoses, immediate and long term use of orthoses in median frequency and band width were greater than 4 percent. There were not any significant differences in asymmetry index of ground reaction force frequency spectrum components, asymmetry index of essential harmony numbers, asymmetry index of essential harmony total powers, and asymmetry index of fundamental harmony number in vertical, anterior-posterior,  and medio-lateral axes between without foot orthoses, immediate and long term use of foot orthoses conditions. However, asymmetry index of essential harmony total power in medio-lateral axis during immediate use of foot orthoses tend to be reduced than that walking without foot orthoses. However, this difference was not significant.
Conclusion: Despite the high asymmetry index of the ground reaction force frequency spectrum in the medio-lateral component during walking without foot orthoses, immediate and long-term effects of foot orthoses in the median and bandwidth frequency variables, the acute or long term use of foot orthoses did not show any significant effect on improvement of asymmetry index of ground reaction force frequency spectrum components.

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Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disease which leads to nerve conduction velocity (NCV) reduction and finally reduction of functional abilities. This study was executed to determine the effect of six weeks resistance training on NCV, strength, balance and walking speed in Multiple Sclerosis patients.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 23 MS patients were nonrandomly divided to control (n=10) and resistance training (n=13) groups. Two days before and after training program, NCV, strength, balance and 25 foot walking tests was executed. Resistance training protocol was included tree sessions per week for six weeks and intensity of training was 55% of 1RM.
Results: Six weeks of lower body resistance training significantly increased nerve conduction velocity (NCV) (P<0.05), strength (P<0.05), balance (P<0.05) and walking speed (P<0.05) in MS patients.
Conclusion: Controlled resistance training can improve Multiple Sclerosis patient’s nerve conduction velocity which finally can lead to improve functional abilities, such as strength, balance and walking speed.

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Background and Objective: Reducion of efficiency of the muscles after long duration training increases the probability of injury after the occurrence of fatigue. Sprain lateral ankle is one of the most common injuries occurs during sport activities. This study was done to compare the effect of two types of hopping and combined balance - strength training on the balance of static and dynamic balance and strength of selected muscles in soccer men with unilateral chronic ankle instability.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study 36 soccer men with unilateral chronic ankle instability non-randomly divided into the three groups including: control, hopping and combined balance - strength training groups. Check list was used to collect demographic information, for the measurement the balance of the static, dynamic balance and strength respectively of the tests bass stick and Y balance and manual muscle test were used.
Results: There was significant increasd of the balance of the static and the total result of dynamic balance in the two training groups in compare to controls (P<0.05). The subjects of the group trianing balance - strength in the all directions of the test Y performance were better than training hopping group (P<0.05). After training, the strength of abduction, adduction and inversion of ankle significantly increased in the two training groups in compare to controls (P<0.05). According to invertion test the ankle of subjects in balance - strength training group had beter function in compare to training hopping group (P<0.05). However, other factors such as strength, extension and flexion of the knee and dorsi and plantar flexion of the ankle were not significant between the two intervention groups.
Conclusion: Both the balance - strength and hopping training can be effective in improving the balance and strength soccer men with chronic ankle instability unilateral. However, it seems the training selected balance - strength training due to the comprehensive nature of it and the reason as to strengthen each of these factors for conduit and have a greater effect on athletes with chronic ankle instability to have faster recovery.

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Background and Objective: There are few studies that highlighted the effectiveness of exercise on unstable surfaces in eldely subjects. This study was done to evaluate the effect of training on stable and unstable surfaces on walking kinematic and timed-up-and go (TUG) test variables in elderly wemon.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 75 elderly women were non-randomly assigned to exercises and control groups. Cadence, step length, stride length, step width, walking speed, and TUG were measured. Gait kinematics (cadence, stride length, walking speed, step width) was recorded by an image recording camera. Gait kinematics variables were measured. The average of three repetitions was recorded for analysis for each subject.
Results: Exercise training had a significant effect on the step length, stride length, step width, walking speed, and time of TUG (P<0.05). Although, there was a significant difference in gait kinematics after exercise training, training on foam with (9cm height) created the highest mean difference in TUG, cadence, step length, and training on sand resulted in the greatest mean difference in step length and walking speed variables.
Conclusion: Training on stable and unstable surfaces improves walking kinematic and TUG time variables in elderly wemon.

 

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Background and Objective: One of the most common malalignments of the knee joint is valgus. This study was done to determine the effect of using graded knee brace at two angles of 60 and 30 degrees on the ground reaction force components in males with genu valgus during landing.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on twenty males with genu valgus with age range of 21.70±2.12 years. The graded knee brace was used in two flexion angles of 60 and 30 degrees. Landing from a platform with 40 cm height on a force plate was done during three conditions including without brace, with a brace at flexion angles of 30 and 60 degrees.
Results: A significant reduction was observed in the vertical force during contact phase while landing with brace at a 60-degree angle compared with landing without brace by 15.21% (P<0.05). Also, the peak of medio-lateral force during the heel contact phase while landing with knee brace at 30 degree was significantly greater than that landing with knee brace at 60 degree by 27.18 % (P<0.05).
Conclusion: By reducing the knee flexion angle, the forces of the lower extremities increase and this issue could possibly increase the risk of injury in the knee joint. Therefore, the use of this type of brace is recommended for individuals with genu valgum at a 60 degrees limiting angle.

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Background and Objective: Genu varus deformity is associated with changes of lower limb muscle co-contraction and running economy. This study was done to evaluate the effect of using of brace in three different knee flexion angles on running economy and lower limb muscular co-contraction in individuals with genu varus.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on active soccer male students including 15 healthy subjects (average age of 22.86±1.55 years) and 15 subjects with genu varus (average age of 22.13±1.80 years). The amount of electrical activity of the muscles (tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semi-tendinosus) were recorded by electromyography system during four conditions of with and without using knee brace. After that, directed and general co-contraction was computed during running. The angles of brace were 15, 30, and 60 degrees. The values of VO2 max were recorded using of gas analyzer system to compute running economy.
Results: The ratio of respiratory exchange was significantly more in the genu varus group than healthy group (P<0.05). However, the acute effect of brace was not significant on running economy and ratio of respiratory exchange. The main effect of brace was significant for general co-contraction of knee joint during the loading phase (P<0.05). Paired wise comparison revealed significant greater general knee co-contraction during brace conditions (P<0.05). However, the general knee co-contraction during loading phase reduced while using brace 15 degree. The main effect of “brace” for ankle joint general co-contraction during the push-off phase was significant (P<0.05). Paired wise comparison revealed significant greater general ankle co-contraction during brace conditions at push-off phase (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Knee brace did not change running economy. However, the using of brace 15 degree improved general knee joint co-contraction during loading phase.

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Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. MS is more common among women. Gait pattern dysfunction is a relevant symptom in these patients. This study was conducted to compare the electromyography activity of selected lower extremity muscles and the ellipse area of center of pressure during unplanned gait termination in female patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals.
Methods: This case-control study was performed on 10 female patients with MS (classified based on the EDSS scale) and 10 healthy subjects matched for height, age and weight. Electromyography activity of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (SM), gastrocnemius medius (GM) and tibialis anterior (TA) and center of pressure (CoP) recorded using foot pressure system during unplanned gait termination. Subjects were instructed to stop, as soon as possible, in response to an auditory cue delivered when the heel strike phase accidentally.
Results: Vastus Lateralis muscle activity was significantly higher in able-bodied group than patients (P<0.05), whereas in the patient group gastrocnemius medius muscle activity increased significantly (P<0.05). Also, the ellipse area of center of pressure significantly reduced in MS group in compered to able-bodied group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Increased gastrocnemius medius muscle activity in MS patients may be due to their attempt to slow down the displacement of the center of mass to limit the tibia forward translation consequently, attempting to control balance as a strategy to limit the ellipse area of center of pressure to prevent fall.