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Saeed Norinasab, Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Marefat Siahkouhian , Aydin Valizadeh Orang , Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
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.
Sara Moghadasi, Mehrdad Anbarian , Seyed Hossein Hosseinimehr, Mehrdokht Mazdeh , Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
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.
Mahla Ramezani Ozineh, Amir Letafatkar , Malihe Hadadnezhad , Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most serious knee injuries and it happens frequently during sports activities. Appropriate muscle activity is essential to provide joint stability and prevention of ACL injury. This study was performed to determine the effect of external focus instructions and functional training on basketball knee stabilization muscle activity timing.
Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 48 healthy male basketball players of the Iranian Provincial League in the age range of 19-25 years. The basketball players were randomly divided into 3 groups of 16 people including control group, functional training group with feedback and group without feedback. The timing of the onset of electrical activity in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and Gluteus medius muscles of individuals before and after eight weeks in the single-leg landing task was examined by electromyography.
Results: There was a significant difference between the groups at the onset of Biceps Femoris, Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Medial Hamstring muscles. There was a significant decrease in muscle activity onset between functional groups with and without feedback in compared to control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the training groups at the beginning of the activity of the mentioned muscles.
Conclusion: Functional basketball training with and without feedback can optimize the activity time of the knee stabilizing muscles, during exercises such as jump-landing, increase the stability of the knee joint and possibly reduce ACL injury in athletes.
Arefeh Mokhtari Malekabadi, Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Mohsen Barghamadi , Abbas Memarbashi , Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proprioceptors of the plantar surfaces of the foot have less efficiency and the stimulation and reinforcement of them may be lead to reduction of falling risk. One of the methods to reinforce proprioceptor receptors in these individuals is using textured foot orthoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of textured foot orthoses on frequency spectrum of lower extremity muscles, stance time and comfort in individuals over age of 55 years during walking.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on the 14 females and 14 males age ranged of 56-70 years with the ability to walk independently and with physical and mental health status. Subjects were compared during five conditions including without foot orthoses and using four foot orthoses (including small and large foot orthoses with two types of flexible and rigid), flexible and rigid large textured foot orthoses. The 8 electrodes were located on tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, semitendinisus, gluteus, and erector spinae in 3 lumbar vertebrae region muscles.
Results: Frequency content of tibialis anterior and vastus medialis was significantly increased in males than female (P<0.05). Vastus medialis frequency during walking with large foot orthoses was more than walking without foot orthoses (P<0.05). The comfort level was different during flexible large textured foot orthoses condition compared with flexible small textured foot orthoses condition (P<0.05). The stance time was not significant between all conditions.
Conclusion: Increased frequency content of the vastus medialis muscle can increase the absorption and decrease the vertical loading rate imposed on the foot, which in turn reduces the risk of injury of the lower limb in older adults.
Maya Behmaram, Farideh Babakhani , Rahman Sheikh Hoseini , Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Xbox Kinect games are a good way to correct postural deviations in sedentary students in low activity student.
Aynollah Sakinepoor, Amir Letafatkar , Aynollah Naderi , Amir Hossein Hashemian , Zhara Nourozi, Mohmmad Alimoradi, Volume 23, Issue 2 (7-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the most common complications of mild cognitive impairment is increased body sway and falls. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of Pilates training on control posture in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 30 women with mild cognitive impairment who referred to elderly Research Center in Kermanshah city, north-west of Iran during 2019. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups including Pilates Training and control groups. Pilates training group was trained for eight weeks, 3 sessions per week and duration for each session was one hour. The control posture of the subjects before and after the exercise was evaluated.
Results: There was significant difference in obtained scores in the size and distance of the center of pressure area range with open and closed eyes in the intervention group, prior and after training (P<0.05). The mean postural control (the size and distance of the center of pressure area range with open and closed eyes) reduced after 8 weeks of Pilates exercises in the intervention group in compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Pilates training is effective in improving postural control in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Amir Hosien Jani , Hamid Tabatabaei , Najmeh Alsabah Alavizadeh , Volume 23, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common progressive neurological diseases affecting the motor pathways leading to muscle fatigue. This study was done to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of aquatic exercises on fatigue, balance and functional training in male patients with multiple sclerosis.
Methods: This clinical trial study was done on 15 men with multiple sclerosis in Zahedan, south-east of Iran. The subjects selected by available and purposeful sampling method participated in research. After primary screening and reconnaissance person of bona fide, subjects randomly divided into intervention group (n=8) with average age 42.62±6.67 height 171.87±2.47 weight 69.62±12.39 and control group (n=7) with average age 30.28±7.11, height 171.57±8.05 weight 66.68±17.26. During study the patients used and follow medicinal drugs according to prescription. Subjects in interventional group were received aquatic exercises program. Aquatic exercises program consisted of 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. The level of fatigue, balance and functional movement respectively evaluated with fatigue assessment battery for MS, Y balance and side hop jump tests.
Results: The mean of functional movement was significantly increased in interventional group in comparison with controls (P<0.05). The mean of fatigue was significantly reduced in interventional group compared to controls (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of aquatic exercises improves functional movement and reduce fatigue in male patients with multiple sclerosis.
Arash Nasiri , Ramin Shabani , Mohammad Reza Fadaei Chafy , Elham Bidabadi , Volume 23, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is a movement disorder originating from brain injury before, during, or immediately after birth. Exercise plays an important role in motor recovery. This study was performed to determine the effect of high-intensity circuit training on balance and activity daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods: In this clinical trial, 34 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into two groups of 17 including occupational therapy (control group) and circuit training group with occupational therapy as interventional group. Berg balance scale and activity scale for kids were used to assess changes in balance and activity of daily living before and after 12 weeks of exercise, respectively. High-intensity circuit training consisting of 3 rounds and each round consisting of 6,
30-second stations and a 30-second break between stations, which were performed three times a week for 12 weeks. Occupational therapy was performed one session per week.
Results: The rate of balance and activities of daily living and its components in the circuit training group with occupational therapy showed a significant improvement compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Circuit trainings with occupational therapy can further improve the performance of balance and activity of daily living in children with Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy compared to occupational therapy.
Farshad Ghorbanlou , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Volume 23, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Genu valgum is one of the most common lower limb malformations that affects on walking mechanics. This study was done to evaluate the effect of corrective exercise with Thera-band on the lower limb muscles’ co-contraction in males with genu valgum during walking.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 24 male students with genu valgus with age range of 20-30 years were randomly divided into two control (n=12) and intervention (n=12) groups. Using the caliper, the intensity of the genu valgum was measured by assessing the distance between the medial malleolus of the subjects. Corrective exercises were performed for 8 weeks using Thera-band in interventional group. The electrical activity of selected muscles was recorded by electromyography system (biometrics ltd, UK).
Results: In the interventional group, the knee joint flexor/extensor directed co-contraction was increased significantly during the heel contact phase in the post-test than that in the pre-test (P<0.05). There was also a significant increase in knee joint general co-contraction during heel off phase (P<0.05). In the interventional group, directed co-contraction of vastus lateralis / vastus medialis muscles during the swing phase was significantly increased during the post-test in compared to the pre-test (P<0.05). During post-test, knee joint flexor/extensor directed co-contraction during the heel, knee joint general
co-contraction during heel off phase and directed co-contraction of vastus lateralis / vastus medialis muscles during the swing phase were more in the interventional group in compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The increase of general co-contraction in the knee joint during the heel off phase reflects an improvement in activity of the knee support muscles after corrective exercises and increases balance and stability. There was also an increase in the knee joint flexor / extensor direction co-contraction, which increase the distribution of the load and pressure between the femur and tibia in the knee joint.
Milad Piran Hamlabadi , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Back pain is a common orthopedic disease that affects up to 80% of the population at some point in life. Brace is one of the tools that used to reduce pain. The relationship between brace application and gait parameters in people with low back pain is not well understood. This study was done to determine the effects of simple and sensor thoracolumbosacral braces on gait kinetics in patients with low back pain.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 15 men and women with low back pain in the biomechanics laboratory of Mohaghegh Ardabili University Health Center in nort-west of Iran during 2020. Each participant performed three gait conditions including without brace, with sensory brace and with simple brace. Ground reaction forces were recorded and compared by a force plate while walking.
Results: The average walking speed during no brace, simple brace and sensor braces were not significant different. Also, results did not demonstrate any significant effect of simple or sensor braces on ground reaction force amplitudes, their time to peak, and free moment values.
Conclusion: Simple and sensory thoracolumbosacral brace did not effect on gait kinetics in low back patients.
Afshiin Orouji, Seyed Sadrodin Shojaodin , Amir Letafatkar , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The scientific evidence related to the effectiveness of rehabilitation on electromyographical activity of trunk muscles is limited. This study was performed to determine the effect of movement-pattern training on frequency of selected trunk muscles during single-leg landing in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 28 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The control group did not receive treatment. The intervention group performed treatment as a movement-pattern training. Subjects performed single leg landing from 30 cm height. Trunk muscle activity was assessed using an 8-chanel EMG system. The assessments were completed in pre-test and after six weeks.
Results: Frequency content of right rectus abdominus and right lumbar erector spinae in intervention group were lower than control group (P<0.05). In other muscles ant there was not any significant significant differences between interventional and control groups.
Conclusion: The movement-pattern training can be used in rehabilitation of individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain.
Milad Piran Hamlabadi , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Volume 24, Issue 3 (10-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the ways to correct kyphosis is to use braces. This study was done to determine the effects of two types of simple and sensor thoracolumbosacral braces on ground reaction force components during walking in males with kyphosis.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 15 males with kyphosis did three walking trials on the force platform without a brace, with a simple brace and with a sensor brace. Ground reaction force data were collected using Bertec force plates.
Results: There was no difference in peal forces, free moment and loading rate values during walking with and without braces.
Conclusion: Using a brace does not affect walking kinetics in males with kyphosis.
Narmin Ghani Zadeh Hesar , Behnam Moradi , Sevinj Azarpur , Volume 24, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Genu recurvatum deformity shifts the mechanical axis of the lower extremity posteriorly, which may disturb balance and stability. The goal of this study was to compare the balance and core stability of female students with and without genu recurvatum.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 25 female students with genu recurvatum (mean age: 14.88±0.6 years) and 25 healthy counterparts (mean age: 15±0 years) in city of Salmas (Iran). The criterion for genu recurvatum was a 5-degree knee hyperextension. To measure static and dynamic balance, we used the stork balance stand test and Y test, and to measure core stability, we used the Sorensen, plank, side plank, and 60-degree sitting tests.
Results: The mean values of static balance of dominant (19.86±3.64) and non-dominant (17.16±4.67) leg of healthy students were significantly higher than that of students with genu recurvatum (14.44±2.03 and 10.53±1.66, respectively) (P<0.05). The median values of the dynamic balance of the dominant (32.04) and non-dominant (31.84) leg of healthy students were significantly higher than that of students with genu recurvatum (18.96 and 19.16, respectively) (P<0.05). The median values of central stability for the Sorensen (30.40), plank (30.58), lateral plank (31.04), and sitting (34.12) tests in healthy students were significantly better than the median values of central stability for the Sorensen (42.60), plank (20.20), lateral plank (19.96), and sitting (16.88) tests in students with genorcorvatum (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The balance and core stability of female students with genu recurvatum deformity is poor compared to their healthy counterparts.
Ebrahim Piri , Mohsen Barghamadi , Reza Farzizade , Volume 24, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The ankle is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body in terms of weight bearing. The pronate foot is the most common complication of the lower limbs that causes a decrease in the height of the internal longitudinal arch when bearing body weight. This study was conducted to compare the effect of exercises in water and with thera-band on loading rate, impulse, and free torque in people with pronation immediately and after eight weeks.
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 45 male students with pronate foot at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups of 15 people including control, thera-band, and water training. The intervention groups performed the exercises for eight weeks and the immediate and long-term effects of the exercises were compared.
Results: The positive and negative peaks of free torque, vertical loading rate, and vertical impulse in the water training group after eight weeks decreased significantly compared to the pretest and immediately after exercise (P<0.05). Also, the internal-external direct impulse in the water training group increased significantly after eight weeks compared to the pretest and immediately after exercise (P<0.05). In addition, the positive peak of free torque and vertical impulse decreased significantly in the thera-band group after eight weeks compared to the pretest and immediately after exercise (P<0.05). Moreover, the loading rate decreased significantly immediately and after eight weeks in the thera-band group compared to the pretest (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Eight weeks of exercise in water and with thera-band can improve loading rate, free torque, and impulse in people with pronate foot during walking.
Milad Piran Hamlabadi , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Volume 25, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Using lumbar orthoses changes the running mechanics. An essential biomechanical factor in rehabilitation and injury prevention is the co-contraction of the knee and ankle joints. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of 2 types of thoracolumbosacral braces on ankle and knee joint co-contraction in people with kyphosis during running.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 15 men aged 18-25 years suffering from kyphosis greater than 40 degrees in the Biomechanics Laboratory of the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Health Center during the summer of 2020. Each participant randomly performed 3 running tests in each condition: without a brace, with a sensor brace, and with a simple brace. The test consisted of electromyographic data of the selected lower limb muscles, which also recorded the contraction of the knee and ankle muscles in the right leg when running at a constant speed.
Results: The results showed a reduction of the general knee co-contraction while using a sensory brace compared to without the brace by 6% during the loading phase (P<0.05). Additionally, using a simple brace compared to the condition without a brace, the ankle-directed contraction during the push-off phase decreased by 38% (P<0.05). Directed vastus medialis and lateralis co-contraction while using a sensory brace increased by about 49% compared to without the brace at the loading phase and increased by about 47% at the mid-stance phase without a brace condition compared to the simple brace condition (P<0.05).
Conclusion: General knee co-contraction after using a sensory brace was lower than when a simple brace was used.
Ebrahim Piri , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Hamed Ebrahimpour , Volume 25, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Foot pronation, as one of the prevalent foot abnormalities, can influence the biomechanics of the lower limbs. The use of various foot orthoses, including insoles and braces, is very common in eliminating this problem. The results obtained regarding the effect of orthoses on pain and biomechanics of individuals with foot pronation are different. The present review study was conducted to evaluate the effects of foot orthoses and shoes on the biomechanics of the lower limbs and balance in individuals with foot pronation. The articles were searched in Persian and Latin languages during 2004-22 in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Islamic Science Citation (ISC), and Google Scholar search engine. Moreover, the types of the searched studies were original research, review studies, and clinical trials. Using keywords of Foot pronation, Foot orthoses, Medical soles, and Motion-control shoes, 52 relevant articles were selected, and 22 articles regarding the effects of orthoses and shoes on foot pronation were finally analyzed. Eight articles also reported that reducing forces imposed on the joints, absorbing shock, preventing pronation-related running injuries, and improving muscle activity occurred when using orthosis. Furthermore, 4 articles reported improving sports performance in athletes, reducing the ground reaction forces, and changing the frequency of muscle activity. Finally, 2 articles showed that motion-control shoes prevented intensifying the injury due to increased fatigue and subsequently increased mechanical loading during running. The results of the present study demonstrated that foot orthoses and motion-control shoes could have positive effects on balance, improving the activities of the lower limbs and reducing foot pronation and force imposed on the foot and lower limb joints.
Hamed Ebrahimpour , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero, Ebrahim Piri , Ehsan Fakhri Mirzanag, Volume 26, Issue 2 (7-2024)
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools in individuals with genu valgum. To ensure a comprehensive review, a search for original research, review articles, and clinical trials in both Persian and English was conducted using databases such as WOS, SID, ISC, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search covered publications during January 2008 to March 2023. A total of 76 relevant articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 22 articles ultimately reviewed and analyzed regarding the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools on genu valgum. Findings from one study indicated that aerobic exercises had a significant impact on reducing body mass index (BMI) and the severity of genuvalgum. Other studies reported positive effects of resistance and corrective exercises on improving muscle electrical activity and knee stability. One study demonstrated that the use of orthotic insoles could significantly enhance knee joint support during stair descent. Six studies highlighted the positive effects of using orthoses, wedges, and braces in individuals with genu valgum. Conversely, one study pointed out the negative impact of these tools, citing the reduced limiting angle of the brace, increased applied forces, and, ultimately, greater injury risk. However, findings from three studies overwhelmingly supported the positive effects of using kinesiotape in individuals with genu valgum, providing optimism about the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, our review underscores the promising potential of corrective exercises, particularly resistance exercises with TheraBand, and the combination of these with supportive tools such as insoles for arch support and kinesiotape. These interventions show significant promise in reducing the degree of knee valgus in individuals with genu valgum. This hopeful outlook can inspire healthcare professionals and individuals seeking evidence-based interventions for genu valgum, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care.
Raziyeh Alizadeh , Amir Ali Jafarnezhadgero , Davood Khezri , Heidar Sajedi , Ehsan Fakhri Mirzanag , Volume 26, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are at a higher risk of re-injury compared to healthy individuals. ACL-injured patients exhibit weaker longitudinal arches and increased foot pronation compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to determine the effect of short-term use of anti-pronation insoles on plantar pressure variables following ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with a pronated foot during gait.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 15 male participants who had undergone ACLR with a pronated foot (mean age= 23.2±4.5 years) and 15 healthy males (mean age= 22.7±4.3 years) in Ardabil, Iran during 2022. Plantar pressure values during gait with and without the use of anti-pronation insoles were recorded and compared using a foot scanner (sampling rate: 300 Hz).
Results: The effect of the group factor on the big toe plantar pressure variable was statistically significant (P<0.05). Pairwise comparison results demonstrated a significant increase in pressure in the ACLR group (154.63±41.71 N/cm²) compared to the healthy group (126.54±26.57 N/cm²) (P<0.05). Intragroup comparison results revealed a significant decrease in pressure on the second to fifth toes (215.73±60.74 N/cm²) and the first plantar (420.58±107.56 N/cm²) when using anti-pronation insoles compared to the non-insole condition (the second to fifth toes (201.57±76.21 N/cm²) and the first plantar (400.78±118.20 N/cm²) in the ACL reconstruction group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of anti-pronation insoles can effectively reduce plantar pressure after ACLR in individuals with a pronated foot during gait.
Ali Shafizadeh , Farhad Shourie , Behnam Ghasemi , Sajad Bagherian , Volume 26, Issue 3 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Restrictions imposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a decrease in physical activity levels across various age groups, particularly among students. This study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of corrective exercises on musculoskeletal pain levels in 13-15-year-old students.
Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 101 students (44 girls and 57 boys) aged 13 to 15 experiencing musculoskeletal pain in various body parts in Bandar Mahshahr, Khuzestan Province, during the second half of the academic year 2021-2022. Participants were selected based on the Adolescent Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), considering only the first question regarding the presence or absence of pain in each of the nine body regions (neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, upper back, lower back, pelvis, knee, and ankle) in the past seven days. A score of 1 was assigned to the presence of pain and 0 to the absence of pain. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of 60: A control group and an intervention group. The intervention group performed corrective exercises at home for eight weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 40 minutes. No intervention was provided to the control group. Musculoskeletal pain levels in the neck, shoulder, upper back, elbow-arm, wrist, lower back, knee, and ankle were then compared in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of the total pain scores for the intervention and control groups were 1.32±0.41 and 1.33±0.46 in the pre-test, 1.01±0.08 and 1.34±0.46 at the post-test, and 1.17±0.36 and 1.11±0.31 at follow-up, respectively. Results revealed that eight weeks of corrective exercises significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain levels in the students’ neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, pelvis, and thigh (P<0.05); however, this improvement was not sustained at the follow-up.
Conclusion: Performing corrective exercises reduced musculoskeletal pain levels in the neck, shoulder, upper and lower back, elbow, knee, wrist, ankle, and pelvis and thigh of 13-15-year-old students; however, the benefits were not sustained when the exercises were stopped.
Saeed Shahrani , Mohammad Rabiei , Volume 27, Issue 4 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Genu varum is one of the most prevalent postural deformities resulting from the deviation of the knee alignment from its natural state. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of eight weeks of conventional corrective exercises and corrective games on agility, power, and dynamic balance in male students with genu varum.
Methods: This field trial was conducted on 42 male students, aged 10–13 years, with genu varum in Koohrang County, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, during the 2021–2022 academic years. Genu varum was diagnosed using a caliper based on a femoral intercondylar distance exceeding 2 cm. Participants were assigned via a simple randomization method into three groups (n = 14 per group): A control group (no intervention), a conventional corrective exercises group (a selected program consisting of 7 exercises), and a corrective games group (a selected program consisting of 4 games). Agility, power, and dynamic balance variables were assessed using the 4×9 m shuttle run, Sargent jump, and Y-balance tests during the pre-test and post-test phases, respectively.
Results: The degree of genu varum correction in the corrective games group (10.57±4.18 mm) was significantly higher than that of the conventional corrective exercises group (5.43±2.65 mm) (P<0.05). Indicators of agility, power, and dynamic balance of the dominant lower limb showed significant statistical improvement in both the conventional corrective exercise and corrective games groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant statistical difference was observed between the two groups regarding the improvement rate of these indicators.
Conclusion: While both conventional corrective exercise and corrective game interventions led to a relative reduction in genu varum deformity, the degree of improvement was significantly more pronounced in the corrective games intervention.
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