Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)28(109)pp. 401-407
Background: Exercise is commonly reported as a factor for decreasing dysmenorrhea symptoms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of six weeks flexibility training on symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Methods: Thirty-four students of The University of Isfahan suffering from primary dysmenorrhea (Age: 20.47 ± 1.54 years, Weight: 54 ± 8.22 Kg, Height: 161 ± 5.34 cm, Body Mass Index: 20.72 ± 2.76) were divided in two exercise (n = 20) and control (n = 14) groups. Exercise group engaged in a 6 weeks flexibility training program include abdomen, back, hamstring and hip adductors stretches. They performed 10 movements, each 3 times, lasting 10 seconds, 4 days per week. One second was added to those movement times each week. Prior and after 6 weeks of flexibility training, all subjects completed menstrual distress questionnaire. Severity of pain evaluate with Visual Analogue Scale. The descriptive and inferential statistic tests like Man-Withney U, Wilcoxon, and independent and paired sample t-test were used for analyzing the statistical information. Findings: After 6 weeks flexibility training, experimental group indicated significant increase in flexibility measurements (back, hamstring, hip adductors) and significant decreases in their mood symptoms (from 14.20 ± 7.42 to 5.35 ± 3.00), physical symptoms (from 15.90 ± 5.93 to 8.75 ± 6.09) and severity of pain (from 6.37 ± 2.69 to 3.79 ± 2.39) (P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in flexibility measurements and dysmenorrhea symptoms in control group. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that selected flexibility training in 6 weeks would decrease dysmenorrhea symptoms.
International Journal Of Preventive Medicine (20088213)1(2)pp. 124-130
Objectives: Supervised exercise cardiac rehabilitation programs have been suggested to all patients specially patients with postmyocardial infarction (MI) for many years. However, limited information is available on the usefulness of exercise rehabilitation programs in chronic MI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of supervised exercise training on MI patients by measuring both physical and physiological factors. Methods: This was a semi-experimental randomized study. Itincluded seventy two (35 cases, 37 controls) post-MI patients aged 40 to 67 years. They were randomly selected from those with MI based on WHO criteria who were referred to cardiac rehabilitation unit of Isfahan Shahid Chamran cardiovascular research center. After initial measurements including weight, height, functional capacity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in both resting and exercise states, patients were randomized into either the training group (n=35) or the control group (n =37). The training group had supervised aerobic training program, three times a week, with 60-70% of the maximal heart rate (HR) reserve for two months. After the training program was completed, all measurements were repeated in both groups. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. Results: Patients in exercise group showed statistically significant improvement in resting HR (81.27±7.75 bpm vs. 74.17±10.11bpm, p≤0.001), resting SBP (125.92±9.30 mmHg vs. 123.54±6.82 mmHg, p≤0.01), SBP peak (150.22±7.12 mmHg vs. 133.54±6.82 mmHg, p≤0.001), HR peak (132.51±3.06 bpm vs. 142.00±3.14bpm, p≤0.001), and exercise capacity (8.49±1.18 METs vs. 9.42±1.19 METs, p≤0.01). Conclusions: The results from the study showed that a 2-month exercise rehabilitation program in post-MI patients is useful for improving both blood pressure and exercise capacity and should be encouraged more commonly.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)28(108)pp. 327-338
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare four resistant training protocols on level of human growth hormone secretion in beginner male athletes. Methods: In a semi-excremental study, 12 healthy male subjects were chosen randomly among beginner athletes with mean age: 22.3 ± 2.2 years, height: 178.5 ± 4.03 cm, weight: 73.9 ± 3.02 kg and body mass index: 23.26 ± 1.1 kg/m2. Bilateral knee extension exercise used as the exercise movement. Each of athletes was participated in four training protocols and concentration of human growth hormone was measured before and immediately after each exercise. Interval between executing each of exercise protocols was one week. Before implementing the exercise protocol, 1RM of bilateral knee extension was measured. Protocol 1 included 5 set at 90% of 1RM, with 3-min rests until tired. In second, third and fourth protocols, after doing last set (fifth set) and 30-seconds of rest, an additional set with 50%, 30% and 20% of 1RM until tired was performed. The obtained data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for differences among training protocols, Scheffe post hoc comparison and students paired t-test for differences between correlated means. Findings: The executing second protocol (T50) and third protocol (T30), increased human growth hormone concentrations after exercise significantly (P < 0.001); whereas firs protocol (T1) and fourth protocol (T20) caused no significantly change in human growth hormone concentrations after exercise (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of present research showed that adding a set of 50% or 30% of 1RM until tired to a training program done by high intensity and low repetition will increase amount of hormone secretion significantly after exercise.
Introduction: Muscle-Skeletal disorders are the most common problems in hemophilia patients that can affect the quality of life and psychological factors in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a period of aquatic exercise therapy on the quality of life, depression and anxiety in hemophilia patients. Materials and Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 20 patients who referred to Isfahan Sayedo-Shohada hospital voluntarily were selected and then randomly in two experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Subjects of aquatic exercise therapy group started their activity in water for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week about45 to 60 minutes, while the control group was only followed-up and during this period they did not experience any exercise. The quality of life, depression and anxiety variables of patients were measured by standard questionnaires in the beginning and end of eight week aquatic exercise therapy. Results: The results showed significant improvement in quality of life, depression and anxiety variables in aquatic exercise therapy group patients, compared with the control group after 8 week aquaticexercise therapy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that aquatic exercise therapy can be used as an effective and helpful method to prevent and treat hemophilia patients because it leads to improve multi-dimensional variable quality of life, depression and anxiety in hemophilia patients.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(151)
Background: The aim of present research is to compare the effects of exercise therapy and physiotherapy that are two common treatments for pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods: In this research 30 patients with chronic low back pain (history of low back pain for at least 3 months) were selected. Patients allocated in two treatment groups: exercise therapy (n = 17) and physiotherapy (n = 13). Disability was evaluated using oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (ODQ) and pain intensity was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS).Two groups underwent treatment for 6 weeks. Post-test was performed at the end of treatment period. Following collection of primary information and determination of different variable, covariance test with the variety factor (pre-test) in the level of α < 0.05 was used to analyze the data. Findings: Research findings did not show statistical significant difference in pain (P > 0.05) but the difference in functional disability between two groups was significant (P < 0.03). Conclusion: Our results indicate that exercise therapy is better than physiotherapy for disability improvement in patients with low back pain. Finally, this study recommends that exercise therapy can be an effective modality to management patients with chronic low back pain.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(149)
Background: Epidemiological studies indicate that elevated serum levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP) is independently associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks aerobic training on levels of serum homocysteine and CRP levels in obese women. Methods: 20 healthy obese female students with similar age and weight were randomly devided in intervention and control groups. The intervention group was trained in an aerobic exercise program for 12 weeks (3 sessions weekly). This program was a treadmill exercise with 50-65 percent maximum heart rate intensity for 30-45 minutes in each session. Weight, body fat percentage, body mass index and waist to hip ratio were measured in the beginning and the end of the study for all of the subjects by using the analysis of body composition. In addition homocysteine and CRP levels in the fasting state were evaluated with ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method before and after the exercise program. Data were analyzed by the Paired t-test and covariance analysis test. Findings: The mean age in both groups were 25 ± 5 years. The results showed a significant decrease in weight, fat percentage, body mass index, waist to hip ratio parameters and homocysteine and CRP levels in exercise group after 12 week exercise period. At the end of the study we found statistically significant differences in weight, fat percentage, body mass index, waist hip ratio parameters and homocysteine and CRP levels between 2 groups. Conclusion: According to our result, a 12 week regular aerobic exercise program, with moderateintensity play an important role in weight control in obese individual and decrease their cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Kargarfard, M., Basati, F., Sadeghi, M., Rouzbehani, R., Golabchi, A.
Publication Date: 2011
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(131)
Background: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention is an integral part of the treatment of patient with cardiovascular disease to date, however the effect of this programs on systolic and diastolic function is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program on diastolic function and functional capacity in patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: twenty-nine post myocardial patient enrolled in this study, which was completed in cardiac rehabilitation group (15 men) and control group (14 men). Echocardiographic measures of diastolic filling and functional capacity by symptom limited exercise test based on naughton protocol on treadmill were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using repeated analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in P < 0.05 level. Finding: After 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program, diastolic filling indicators did not change significantly (E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio and deceleration time). But functional capacity increase significantly in cardiac rehabilitation group. But, functional capacity, resting HR and maximal HR improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study revealed that Cardiac rehabilitation program for 8 weeks significantly improves functional capacity in post myocardial patients but diastolic function did not change significantly. It seems likely that the improvement in functional capacity largely pertain to non cardiac effects.
Introduction: The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is nearly 8% in the first quarter, 12% in the second quarter and 29% in the third quarter based on hemoglobin levels. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a selected aerobic exercise period on hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells count in pregnant women after delivery. Materials and Methods: This Study was a quasi-experimental. From all women who were referred to the maternity unit of the clinic in Shahreza, 40 inactive pregnant women in second trimester aged 20-35 years were selected and then randomly divided in two experimental (n=20) and control (n = 20) groups. The women in the experimental group had selected aerobic exercise under an experienced instructor for 8 weeks (three sessions of 45 minutes per week with the intensity of 40-75 percent of maximum heart rate reserve), while the control group was only followed up. Blood hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels and also red blood cells count were measured before and after exercise in both groups. Results: A significant improvement were observed in the blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and also the number of red blood cells in the women of the experimental group following 8 weeks exercise with compared to the baseline levels of those variables and also to the control group (P<0.01). Unlike the control group, the experimental group showed an increase in blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and also number of red blood cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the selected aerobic exercise program is an effective and safe method in reducing disease of anemia in pregnant women in second trimester.
Azamian jazi, A., Faramarzi, M., Salesi, M., Shapoorabadi, Y.J.
Publication Date: 2011
Koomesh (23453699)12(2)pp. 181-188
Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more prevalent in women than men and its incidence is in all age group. Patient with RA significantly experience more disability and co-morbidities including cardiovascular diseases in compared with people without RA and this is due to reduced physical activities in the patients. The effect of aerobic training on patients with RA is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks aerobic training in patients with RA. Materials and Methods: Twenty three women (mean age 51.96±7.73 yr and mean weight 72.37±10 kg) with a diagnosis of RA for more than three years and without any known cardiovascular and brain symptoms were voluntarily enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into aerobic training (n=11) and control groups (n=12). The patients in the aerobic group performed an aerobic training using a stationary bike (3 d/wk for 8 weeks). All subjects in this group were administered the same medicine at the same dose. A fasting blood sample was collected prior to and after 8 weeks of aerobic training from the patients. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured using standard methods. Results: There was a significant difference in CRP, fibrinogen and body mass index before and after 8 weeks of aerobic training in the experimental group (P≤ 0.001), but not in the control group. Moreover, no significant difference between the control group and experimental group with respect to all studied variables. Conclusion: These findings showed that aerobic training could reduce inflammation in patients with RA and consequently plays an important role in preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in these patients. Therefore, we recommend the use of aerobic exercise training as a safe therapeutic method for reduceing the dosage of the anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with RA.
Kargarfard, M., Poursafa, P., Rezanejad, S., Mousavinasab, F.
Publication Date: 2011
International Journal Of Preventive Medicine (20088213)2(3)pp. 145-150
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of exercise on the aerobic power, serum lactate level, and cell blood count among active individuals in the environments with similar climatic characteristics differing in their level of air pollution. Methods: This trial comprised 20 volunteer students of Physical education in The University of Isfahan, Iran. Two places with the same climate (altitude, temperature, and humidity), but low and high level of air pollutants air were selected in Isfahan, Iran. Participants underwent a field Cooper test with a 12-minute run for fitness assessment. Then the aerobic power, serum lactate, and cell blood counts were measured and compared between the two areas. Results: The study participants had a mean (SD) age of 21.70 (2.10) years and body mass index (BMI) of 24.44 (2.32) Kg/m2. We found a significant decrease in mean Vo2 max, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, as well as significant increase in mean lactate level, white blood cell count and mean corpuscular volume in the higherpolluted than in the lower-polluted area. No significant difference was documented for other parameters as platelet counts or maximum heart rate. Conclusions: Exercise in high-polluted air resulted in a significant reduction in the performance at submaximal levels of physical exertion. Therefore, the acute exposure to polluted air may cause a significant reduction in the performance of active individuals. The clinical importance of these findings should be assessed in longitudinal studies.
International Journal Of Preventive Medicine (20088213)2(1)pp. 20-23
Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of high-intensity intermittent exercise and carbohydrate supplementation on cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in soccer players. Methods: Twelve elite soccer players were selected and divided equally into three groups of carbohydrate (CHO), placebo (P) and control (C). Blood samples were taken in six phases and were analyzed with the chemiluminescence method. Results: Results showed that three bouts of 90-min exercise along with carbohydrate supplementation did not have any significant effect on the level of cTnI indices. However, there was a significant difference in CK-MB values after the second and third sessions compared with the first day (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, exercises with less duration and intensity like soccer do not seem to be effective on cTnI and CK-MB. When the overall intensity of exercise was moderate, it appeared that carbohydrate supplementation had less effect on the alteration of biochemical markers of the myocardial muscle.
Sinaei, M., Kargarfard, M., Sharifi g.r., G.R., Rouzbehani, R., Arabzadeh, A.
Publication Date: 2011
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(136)
Background: Most previous studies were concentrated on plasma beta-endorphin (ß-EP) and cortisol responses following sub-maximal or maximal exercise; however, little researches have been conducted on the efficacy of sports specialized exercise sessions in ß-EP and cortisol secretions. The aim of this study was to assess changes in plasma beta-endorphin and cortisol levels in male sprint swimmers after one session of swim exercise training. Methods: 15 healthy male elite swimmers as purposefully and voluntarily participated in an semiexperimental study. After a practice session for 2 hours long swimming, participants were swimming in a 50 meters standard pool with an intensity equivalent to 80-85 percent of maximal oxygen consumption. Venous blood samples were taken from the right arm of the subjects to measure levels of beta-endorphin and cortisol in the three steps: 1. Basic conditions, 2. Immediately after specialized training, and 3. 30 minutes after exercise. Serum blood samples separated immediately in refrigeratored centrifuge in +4 °C and then were transferred to assess the variables to the refrigerator -70 °C. Beta-endorphin and cortisol were measured by ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA test. Finding: There are significant differences between levels of beta-endorphins of male sprint swimmers in the three periods of time before, immediately after and 30 minutes after exercise (P < 0.05). The paired comparison test showed a significant difference between the mean beta-endorphin before and recovery period in the swimmers (P < 0.05). Also, results showed that the changes of cortisol levels in three steps were not significantly different. Conclusion: The results showed that an acute exercise session increase only serum beta-endorphins hormones in sprint swimmers.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(148)pp. 988-996
Background: The role of physical activities in control and recovery of diabetes type II and increasing insulin sensitivity was always considered. Doing sport activities in watery environments with regard to these patients' physical and mental conditions was much less studied. So, the goal of present research was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks aquatic training on lipid profile in patients with type II diabetes. Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 30 volunteer men with type II diabetes were studied. The subjects were devided in two groups: experimental group (15 patients) and control group (15 patients). The patients in experimental group had an aquatic exercise program for 8 weeks (3sessions in week, each session 45-60 minutes, the intensity of exercise was 60 to 80 percent of maximum heart rate), whereas control group had no regular physical activity. Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured in 2 groups before and after the exercise program. Data collected were analyzed by ANCOVA test in the end of the study. Findings: Findings of this study showed a significant difference in LDL, HDL, TG, TC and VLDL between two groups. Conclusion: According to our findings a regular aquatic exercise can improve lipid profile in patients with type II diabetes.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(142)
Background: Although the role of physical activities in control and recovery of diabetes type II and increasing insulin sensitivity was always considered, doing sport activities in water is welldocumented. So, the goal of present research was to test the effect of eight-week aquatic training on selected physiological factors and blood sugar of patients who suffer from type II diabetes. Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 30 men with type II diabetes in Khomeinishahr township, Iran, were put in two groups of intervention (15 patients) and control (15 patients). The intervention was an eight-week aquatic training (3 sessions in week, each session 45-60 minutes and with intensity of 60-80 percent of maximum heart rate). Whereas the control group had no regular or systematic physical activity. Weight, body mass index (BMI), maximum consuming oxygen, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and also glycated hemoglobin were measured before and after the intervention in both groups. These data was analyzed by ANCOVA test. Findings: A significant difference was observed in maximum oxygen consumption, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin between intervention and control groups, whereas this difference in weight and BMI in the two groups was not significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that an aquatic training program causes a significant improvement in blood sugar of patients with type II diabetes.
BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) as a means to improve functional status of patients after coronary revascularization. However, research supporting this recommendation has been limited and positive effects of CRP on diastolic function are controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week CRP on left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS: This randomized, clinical trial included 29 men with ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) who had received reperfusion therapy, i.e. coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They were randomized to a training group (n = 15; mean age: 54.2 ± 9.04 years old) and a control group (n = 14; mean age: 51.71 ± 6.98 years old). Patients in the training group performed an 8-week CRP with an intensity of 60-85% of maximum heart rate. Exercise sessions lasted 60-90 minutes and were held three times a week. At the start and end of the study, all patients performed symptom-limited exercise test based on Naughton treadmill protocol. Pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography was also used to determine peak velocity of early (E) and late (A) waves, E/A ratios, and the deceleration time of E (DT). RESULTS: Left ventricular diastolic indices (E, A, E/A ratio, DT) did not change significantly after the CRP. Compared to baseline, patients in the training group had significant improvements in functional capacity (8.30 ± 1.30 vs. 9.7 ± 1.7) and maximum heart rate (118.50 ± 24.48 vs. 126.85 ± 22.75). Moreover, resting heart rate of the training group was significantly better than the control group at the end of the study (75.36 ± 7.94 vs. 79.80 ± 7.67; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: An 8-week CRP in post-MI patients revascularized with PCI or CABG led to improved exercise capacity. However, the CRP failed to enhance diastolic function.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(175)
Background: Intensive physical exercise influences physical and psychological stress which in turn causes hormonal and immune variations. This study assessed the effect of three water immersion methods on salivary immunoglobulin A (S-IgA), heart rate (HR) and fatigue. Methods: In this study 10 elite female swimmers with at least 3 years of athletic experience (aged 17.8 ± 2.2 years) were selected through convenient purposeful sampling. On 3 different days with 48-hour intervals, they performed a 100-meter front crawl. They then completed a 15-minute recovery method contrast water therapy (CWT) (2 minutes in hot (40°C) water and 1 minute in cold (23°C) water), cold water (23°C) immersion (CWI), or hot water (40°C) immersion (HWI). S-IgA levels and HR were recorded before and after the test and also after the recovery. The effects of each recovery method on fatigue were evaluated by a questionnaire. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the collected data. Findings: The results showed that S-IgA levels increased after recovery methods. In addition, a significant difference was observed between HWI and CWI (19% vs. 8.9%) in terms of S-IgA levels. HR decreased significantly following CWI compared with HWI. Conclusion: Generally, CWI reduced fatigue and increased muscle relaxation. HWI can increase S-IgA secretion. It can thus improve quality of recovery and is suggested after the sprint swimming.
Basati, F., Kargarfard, M., Sadeghi, M., Golabchi, A., Rouzbehani, R.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(187)
Background: The positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) on cardiovascular patients have been demonstrated. However, their effectiveness in improving systolic function and preventing remodeling process needs to be further evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week CRP on left ventricular systolic function and mass in patients after myocardial infarction. Methods: A total number of 29 male patients with myocardial infarction were allocated into cardiac training group (n = 15; mean age = 54.2 ±9.04 years) and control group (n = 14; mean age = 51.71 ± 6.98 years). Patients in the training group performed an 8-week CRP with an intensity of 60-85% of maximum heart rate. The program was performed 3 times a week and each session lasted 60 minutes. Before the CRP and at the end of the study, all patients underwent 2-dimentional echocardiography for left ventricular systolic function and mass to be assessed. Findings: Our findings showed that the 8-week CRP improved left ventricular systolic function in the patients. At the end of the CRP, left ventricular end diastolic dimension increased in the control group. On the other hand, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume decreased significantly in the training group. In addition, ejection fraction and stroke volume increased significantly in the training group. Although left ventricular mass decreased in the training group, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: An 8-week CRP in post-myocardial infarction patients can lead to improved systolic function and decreased left ventricular mass and thus prevent cardiomegaly.
Basati, F., Sadeghi, M., Kargarfard, M., Yazdekhasti, S., Golabchi, A.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal Of Research In Medical Sciences (17357136)17(1 SPL.1)
BACKGROUND: Supervised exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) have been suggested to all patients, especially after myocardial infarction. However, the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on systolic function are controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation on left ventricular systolic function and left ventricular mass in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and revascularization. METHODS: This study included 29 men with MI after reperfusion therapy, i.e. coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The patients were randomized into a training group (n = 15, mean age: 54.2 ± 9.04 years) and a control group (n = 14, mean age: 51.71 ± 6.98 years). The training group performed 8 weeks of CRP with an intensity of 60-85% of maximum heart rate, 3 times a week. Each session lasted for 60 minutes. Before and at the end of the study, all patients underwent 2-dimentional echocardiography for left ventricular systolic function and left ventricular mass to be assessed. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of CRP, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased significantly in the training group (48.53 ± 10.41 vs. 59.13 ± 5.90; p < 0.001). Moreover, the difference in LVEF between the training and control groups were significant after the course (59.13 ± 5.90 vs. 55.90 ± 9.60; p < 0.001). In addition, stroke volume increased significantly (57.22 ± 7.84 ml vs. 64.03 ± 12.80 ml; p < 0.001) while left ventricular systolic volume decreased significantly (42.89 ± 17.32 ml vs. 31.00 ± 8.34 ml; p < 0.001) in the training group. CRP was decreased left ventricular mass in the training group (229 ± 42 vs. 196 ± 34; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A 2-month CRP in post-MI patients led to improvements in systolic function and reductions in left ventricular mass and thus cardiomegaly.
Abadi, N.G.B., Marandi, S.M., Mojtahedi, H., Esfarjani, F.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(183)
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on serum leptin levels in obese/overweight women. Methods: A total number of 45 obese/overweight women (body mass index ≥ 25-30 kg/m2) were selected from patients who referred to the Iranian Health Clinic (Isfahan, Iran). Serum leptin levels of patients were evaluated before eating breakfast. Their body fat percentage was also measured. Participants were randomized into 3 groups of moderate aerobic exercise [45-50% maximum heartrate reserve (HRRMAX)], intense aerobic exercise (70-75% HRRMAX), control group (without training). Training included three 60-minute aerobic exercise sessions a week and lasted for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the variables were reassessed. Pre- and post-test data was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's test. Findings: Our results showed that moderate and intense aerobic exercise had significant effects on body weight (P < 0.001), body fat percentage (P < 0.03), body mass index (P < 0.001), and serum leptin levels (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This research suggests that aerobic exercise training with higher intensity can better reduce serum leptin levels and body fat percentage.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(178)
Background: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common central nervous system damaging diseases which mainly affects the elderly. The variety of disorders and complications associated with the disease puts the patients in so much trouble. Some of these problems include difficulty in walking and taking steps, veer, displacement, imbalance, and bent posture. Such problems have a negative effect on patients' daily functions like sitting and getting up, dressing, and personal hygiene. The purpose of this study was to survey the effects of an exercise training program in water on balance among patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: The present quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical society included all Parkinson's disease patients who had referred to neurologists in Isfahan, Iran. A total number of 20 female patients were purposefully and voluntarily selected and randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups (n = 10 in each group). Subjects in the experimental group performed three 60-minute sessions of aquatic exercise therapy per week for 8 weeks. During the same period, the control group only received medications and was followed up. In the beginning and at the end of the period, the patients' balance was assessed by Berg balance score. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. Findings: In this study, balance scores of the experimental group significantly improved after the exercise period (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant change in the control group (P ≥ 0.05). In addition, after 8 weeks of aquatic exercise training, balance scores of the experimental group showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that exercise therapy in water can be used as a useful and effective method to improve balance and in turn daily functioning of Parkinson's disease patients.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(204)
Background: Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter with an important role in regulating brain processes involved in movement. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps the transmission of messages throughout the nervous system. This neurotransmitter performs many functions including mood, appetite, and the sleep/wake cycle regulations. Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise increases brain serotonin and dopamine function in humans. Therefore, it has recently been suggested as an alternative to treat drug addiction. This study aimed to assess the effects of an eight-week aerobic exercise program on the concentration of DA and serotonin in addicted women in the central prison of Isfahan (Iran). Methods: Thirty addicted women in the central prison of Isfahan (mean age: 32.6 ± 8.0 years) were randomly divided into two groups of aerobic exercise training (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The aerobic training group performed a supervised 60-minute aerobic exercise training session three times a week for eight weeks. The control group was only followed-up without any effective physical activity. Blood samples of the subjects were tested both at baseline and after eight weeks. Data was analyzed by SPSS16. Findings: After eight weeks, the aerobic training group demonstrated significant improvements in serotonin and DA levels compared to the baseline values (P < 0.01). Significant differences were also observed between the two groups in serotonin and DA levels after eight weeks (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that aerobic training program is an effective intervention in addicted women.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(171)
Background: Massage therapy is one of the methods used to improve and prevent sports injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an athletic massage after acute eccentric exercise on physical performance and perceived recovery in male body building athletes. Methods: Thirty male body building athletes were selected and randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). They performed 5 sets of ten maximal eccentric contractions at a level of 80 ± 5% of a one-repetition maximal contraction of the knee flexors and extensors at maximal angular velocity. The experimental group received athletic massage using massage techniques for 30 minutes immediately after exercise, whereas the control group was instructed to maintain their current lifestyle. Physical performance and perceived recovery were assessed using the Sargent jump test and perceived recovery questionnaire before and immediately after exercise, and at 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise. The obtained data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings:: Significant reductions in physical performance as well as significant increments in uscle soreness were observed in both groups after acute exercise. However, the results showed significant improvements in physical performance and perceived recovery in the experimental group compared with the control group 24 hours after massage therapy (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a massage therapy session may improve the physical performance and perceived recovery following acute eccentric exercise in male body building athletes. However, it may not be beneficial in the treatment of strength and functional declines.
Mehrabi, E., Kargarfard, M., Kelishadi, R., Mojtahedi, H.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)30(183)
Background: Obesity is a major public issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of obesity and overweight would increase to 1.5 million individuals by 2015. Obesity is an important risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, some cancers. In addition, obesity and percent of body fat seem to be associated with respiratory problems, although the mechanism of this correlation is not very clear. The purpose of this study was examining the relationship between anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and lung function in obese, overweight, and normal students. Methods: In this study, 283 secondary school students in Isfahan, Iran [age: 12.79 ± 0.88 years old, body mass index (BMI): 20 ± 39.9 kg/m2] were selected using cluster random sampling. Subjects were divided into 3 groups of obese (BMI ≥ the 95th percentile; n= 50), overweight (the 85th ≤ BMI ≤ the 95th percentile; n = 62), and normal (the 15th percentile ≤ BMI ≤ the 85th percentile; n = 171). Pulmonary function was assessed using Spirometric methods. In addition, anthropometric characteristics and body composition were measured. Findings: Our results showed the three groups of normal, overweight and obese students to be significantly different in terms of the average lung capacity and volume. Moreover, significant negative correlations were observed between anthropometric characteristics and indicators of body composition and lung function. Least significant difference post hoc test results also showed that lung function in normal students was greater than overweight and obese students. In addition, the prevalence of normal weight, overweight, and obesity among the studied students were 60.4, 21.9, and 17.7, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our results, obesity has a specific effect on lung function and reduces lung capacity and volume. However, the exact mechanism has not been well understood. Therefore, further studies in this field are required.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(167)
Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of heavy resistance exercise on the circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol in male body building athletes. Methods: In this balanced, crossover study, 15 healthy resistance-trained men (mean age, weight and height: 21.45 ± 1.10 years, 76.50 ± 4.20 kg, and 178.30 ± 3.60 cm, respectively) with three years of previous experience in resistance exercise were selected. At the time of study, the subjects were involved in a resistance training program of at least three sessions per week. The testing period included two test days per week, incorporating a total of two days of rest and two days of exercise. Subjects were randomly selected to participate on the rest and exercise days. The heavy resistance exercise protocol consisted of three, ten-repetition sets using 75% of one repetition maximum (1RM). Saliva samples were obtained every two hours for a maximum of 16 hours during each testing day. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was followed by post-hoc LSD test. The significance level was considered as P ≤ 0.05. Findings: There was a significant increase in the level of salivary cortisol immediately after the heavy resistance exercise session (P ≤ 0.05). There were no significant differences between the exercise and control days in circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that heavy resistance exercise had a significant effect on cortisol release immediately post exercise, but did not significantly affect the waking circadian rhythm in male body building athletes.
Sinaei, M., Kargarfard, M., Talebi, A., Sharifirad, G.R., Arbzade, A.
Publication Date: 2012
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(166)
Background: Previous studies have often focused on plasma beta-endorphin (?-EP) and cortisol responses to either sub-maximal or maximal exercise. However, little research has been conducted on the effects of professional exercise sessions on? -EP and cortisol secretion levels. The aim of this study was to assess changes in plasma?-EP and cortisol levels in male sprint runners after one session of 200 meters run exercise training. Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 14 healthy male elite runners (mean age: 21.38 ± 2.76 years, mean weight: 69.78 ± 6.76 kg, mean height: 182.21 ± 5.22 cm, and mean body mass index of 20.99 ± 1.62 kg/m2) purposefully and voluntarily participated in this study. After a two hour exercise session, the subjects ran 200 meters in 23 seconds with an intensity equivalent to 80-85% of maximum oxygen consumption. Venous blood samples were taken from the right arm of the subjects to measure levels of?-EP and cortisol before exercise, immediately after specialized training, and 30 minutes after exercise. Serum blood samples were separated immediately in a refrigerated centrifuge at +4°C. They were then transferred to a -70°C refrigerator for future assessments.?-EP and cortisol were measured using enzyme -linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings: Levels of?-EP among male sprint runners significantly differed between the three measurements (P ≤ 0.05). The paired comparison test showed a significant difference between the Mean?-EP level before training and in the recovery period (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, no significant differences in cortisol levels were observed (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that an acute exercise session caused significant increases only in levels of serum?-EP hormones among sprint runners.
Journal of Isfahan Medical School (10277595)29(169)
Background: Chronic neck pain is one of the most common problems among computer users. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of an eight-week selected therapeutic exercises course and self-treatment with pamphlet programs on the rate of chronic neck pain and disability among computer users. Methods: Out of a total number of 196 bank staff members, 66 men with chronic neck pain (mean age: 39.19 ±3.1 years) voluntarily recruited in this study. they were randomly allocated into three groups of selected exercise therapy (N = 18), self treatment with pamphlet (N = 23) and control (N = 25). Chronic neck pain and disability were measured by the Neck Pain and Disability Scale. For analyzing data, pretest-posttest measures were calculated. Then, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe post hoc test were used to analyze the obtained data. Pearson's correlation coefficient test was used to determine the relationship between work experience and neck pain and disability rate of subjects. Findings: The results of this study revealed 42.85% of the subjects to be suffering from chronic neck pain. There were significant differences between decreased values of neck pain and disability between the three groups (P < 0.01). There was no significant relationships between neck pain, disability and work experience (P =0.086; r = 0.21). Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that compared to self- treatment by pamphlet program, the selected therapeutic exercises course under supervision of a trainer was beneficial in reducing chronic neck pain and disability.
