hossein samadi

Sports performance is influenced by many cognitive, psychological, and physical factors. Reaching peak performance is one of the most important goals of athletes and coaches. Many studies show that it is possible to improve the performance of athletes by enhancing the executive functions of the brain. Executive functions impact motor learning because people progress by learning better motor and cognitive skills, and faster learning leads to faster progress in performance. Professional sports are characterized by constantly developing and reaching higher skills in their sport, which can affect their neuropsychological performance. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the nervous function and the ability of the brain to achieve optimal sports performance. So, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on working memory and sports performance of teenage gymnast girls.

This study method was quasi–experimental with a pretest–posttest design and a control group. Among the 12– to 15–year–old skilled female gymnasts in Yazd Province, Iran, 24 qualified volunteers were included in the study in a simple random manner. Then, 12 were assigned to the intervention group and 12 to the control group. The inclusion criteria were as follows: the girl is a professional gymnast, aged 12 to 15 years, and lacks a chronic sports injury. The exclusion criteria included an absence of one session from tDCS and not completing the questionnaire during the study. Moreover, based on the individual report of the subject's companion and the subject herself and her medical record, it was ensured that they do not have any other convulsive and psychiatric diseases. The working memory by N–back Test (Kirchner, 1958) and sports performance by Sports Performance Questionnaire (Charbonneau et al., 2001) were assessed before and after electrical brain stimulation treatment. Data analysis was done using covariance analysis in SPSS version 17 software. The significance level of the tests was set at 0.05.

The data analysis showed that the score on working memory test and sports performance among teenage gymnasts in the intervention group and after treatment increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001).

According to the findings, transcranial direct current stimulation of the brain can be used as a rehabilitation tool along with other training methods to improve athletes' working memory and sports performance.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder linked to physical and mental illnesses, impacting cognitive-motor skills and daily functioning.

This study aims to assess the influence of body mass, functional balance, and motor coordination on the quality of life among male military personnel with PTSD.

The descriptive-correlational study involved male military personnel aged 30 to 55 with PTSD from medical centers of FARAJA, SEPAH, and the Ministry of Defense, in 2021. A Convenience sample of 60 subjects participated voluntarily. Quality of life (SF-36), Berg functional balance, and tandem gait tests were utilized. Data analysis included Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression.

Pearson correlation revealed significant associations between quality of life and functional balance (r=0.790), motor coordination (r=0.672) and body mass index (r=0.640). Linear regression indicated that functional balance (23%), motor coordination (10%), and body mass (10%) scores could predict quality of life in male military personnel with PTSD (P≤0.01).

Body mass index, functional balance and movement coordination motor coordination are predictive factors for quality of life of male military personnel with PTSD. Changes in body mass index affecting physical stability, balance loss posing a fear of falling, and reduced movement coordination impacting physical skill execution efficiency can significantly influence quality of life.

Reactivity to stress is the basis of individual differences in mental, emotional, and physiological responses to stressful situations and is a valid indicator for current and future adverse health outcomes. Despite the importance of stress reactivity and its consequences, the conventional physiological calculation of reactivity is time-consuming, costly, and invasive. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale for Adolescent Athletes (PSRS-AA).

The research method was a descriptive-correlational type. The statistical sample was made up of 290 athletes (130 girls and 160 boys) of different sports fields with an age range of 12 to 20 years who participated in the present study using the available sampling method. First, the correctness of the translation of the Persian version of the questionnaire was confirmed using the back-translation method, and then confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modeling was used to determine the validity of the questionnaire, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency.

The results showed that the goodness of fit index and the comparative fit index are higher than 0.9. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for perceived stress reactivity scale for adolescent athletes and its dimensions were obtained above 0.7 (acceptable index value).

Based on the results, based on the results, the Persian perceived stress reactivity scale for adolescent athletes has good and acceptable construct validity and internal reliability, and it can be used as a valid and reliable tool.

In recent years, new approaches such as physical activity hold promise as non-pharmacological interventions that have gained popularity in improving information processing and cognition. Besides examining the positive effect of long-term activities, researchers have recently noticed the advantages of one session of physical activity on cognitive performance. Considering the importance of this subject, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of one session of aerobic and resistance training with low and moderate intensity on working memory and selective attention of young girls.

This quasi-experimental study, with a pre-test and post-test design, was conducted in 2019-2020. A total of 16 women (age range of 25-30 years old) were selected by the available sampling and participated in the training sessions of aerobic exercise (with low intensity of 45%-55% and moderate intensity of 60%-65% of heart rate reserve) and resistance training (low intensity with 40%-50% of one repetition maximum (1RM) and moderate intensity with 60%-70% of 1RM) in the counterbalance method. The Stroop and n-back tests were measured in the pre-test and post-test. The study was conducted on the subjects sitting at the table, and the material’s content was psychologically neutral. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis of data. 

Short-term aerobic and resistance exercise with low and moderate intensity positively and significantly affects working memory (P≤0.05). However, no significant difference was found between training groups in working memory (P≥0.05). Also, the findings showed that physical activity does not significantly affect selective attention (P≥0.05). 

One session of aerobic and resistance exercise appears to positively affect working memory, but it does not significantly affect selective attention. Thus, it can be said that the mechanisms involved in improving working memory and selective attention are probably different.

Numerous research have attempted to examine how teachers’ interpersonal behaviors are relevant to variability in students’ emotions, behaviors and cognitions within the Physical education context, that most of them have been based on contemporary motivational theories, including self-determination theory. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Physical educator’s Interpersonal Behavior Scale (IBQ-PE) with high School Students. The method of the current research was descriptive and correlational. For this purpose, 536 first- and second-year high school students with an age range of 13 to 17 years completed a 24-question scale of interpersonal behaviors in physical education. First, the correctness of the translation of the Persian version of the questionnaire was confirmed using the open translation method, and then confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modeling was used to determine the structural validity of the questionnaire, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency. The results showed that the goodness of fit index and comparative fit index are higher than 0.90. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale of physical educator’s interpersonal behaviors and its dimensions was above 0.7 (acceptability index value). Based on the results, the Persian version of the IBQ-PE questionnaire has good and acceptable construct validity and internal reliability, and it can be used as a valid and reliable tool for evaluating physical educator’s interpersonal behaviors with high School Students.

Paying attention to physical activity and regular exercise in the military forces can control physical and mental disorders and thus maintain the health of personnel and increase efficiency. The present study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Pilates exercises on self-efficacy and psychological well-being of armed forces personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

 The research was semi-experimental in a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Based on the objective, 40 armed forces personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder were selected purposefully and available in 2021 and were randomly divided into two groups of Pilates interventions and control (20 people in each group). The experimental group performed Pilates exercises for eight weeks (3 one-hour sessions per week), while the control group received no intervention. Sherer's (1982) standard self-efficacy and Ryff's (1989) psychological well-being questionnaires were used in both pre-and post-tests. The findings were analyzed through dependent and covariance t-tests. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 25 software, and a significance level 0.05 was considered.

In this research, 20 people in the experimental group with an average age of 45.11±5.37 and a history of suffering from 26.0±5.3 disorders, and 20 people in the control group with an average age of 43.32±5.09 and a history of suffering from disorder 23.0±9.2 were participated. The results of the research showed that eight weeks of Pilates exercises significantly improved the scores of both self-efficacy (p=0.02) and psychological well-being (p=0.01) in the experimental group of armed forces personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to the results obtained regarding the effect of Pilates exercises on psychological well-being variables and self-efficacy, these exercises are suggested as a cost-effective, accessible, and practical program to improve the psychological factors of male personnel of the armed forces.

Paying attention to factors affecting mental health in military forces can control mental disorders, maintain the health of employees, and increase their efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of physical activity on reactivity to perceived stress and mental toughness of male police officers.

The research method is descriptive-correlation type. The statistical population of this research was formed by all the male employees of police in Yazd City in Iran in 2022, of which 174 people participated in the research as available. The research data collection tool was Sharkey’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (1997), Scholtz et al.’s Stress Reactivity Questionnaire (2011), and Clough’s Mental Toughness Questionnaire (2002). Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and linear regression using SPSS 25 software.

174 male participants with an average age of 35.87±8.37 years and experience of 14.24±7.57 years participated in the research. The mean scores of physical activity variables were 13.17±4.55, reactivity to stress was 22.05±7.63, and mental toughness was 155.12±19.70. The results of Pearson’s correlation test showed that there was a significant relationship between physical activity and reactivity to stress (p< 0.01; r=- 0.343) and between physical activity and mental toughness (p< 0.01; r= 0.336). Also, the results of the linear regression test showed that physical activity scores could significantly predict variables of reactivity to stress (12%) and mental toughness (11%) in male police officers (p<0.01).

Based on the results, the physical activity level of police male employees can predict their reactivity to stress and their mental toughness.

The main purpose of this research is prevention, early detection of defects and identifiable failures of industrial machines, about 70% of the failures of rotating machines in the industry It is related to bearing failure, such as drum testing machine, with very high speed. Considering the importance of the subject, this applied research was done with the participation of a knowledge-based company, and based on the technology of vibration pulses and thermography, the condition of the machine was monitored. The evaluation, comparison and analysis of the frequency diagram of the damaged bearing was done with the bearing sample, and finally the visual inspection confirmed the failure of the bearing, in the temperature analysis, the temperature of the machine shaft and the comparison of the temperature of the reference table of the failure was confirmed. By using new methods, failures are discovered before further failure and damage, and with enough time, planning and repairs are done at low cost

The use of anabolic steroids is increasing in athletes due to body beauty and performance enhancement and is one of the major public health problems. The aim of study was to compare the characteristics of five major personality factors in male bodybuilding and fitness athletes with and without the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
The research was practical in terms of purpose and in terms of strategy, it is a descriptive causal-comparative description. The statistical population of the present study included all male bodybuilding and fitness athletes in Yazd province. 105 athletes (50 with a history of use and 55 with no history of steroid use) with an age range of 18 to 48 years and at least two years of sports experience were selected as availabe. The instrument used was the personality questionnaire NEO-FFI. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis.
 The results showed athletes who use steroids have a higher score in the dimension of neuroticism and a lower score in the dimensions of extraversion, openness, adaptation and conscientiousness score than athletes who didnot use steroids. The results showed significant differences in the components of neuroticism (P=0/013), extraversion (P=0/02), adaptation (P=0/04) and conscientiousness (P=0/01). however, the difference between the components of openness to experience was not significant (P=0/26).
 The results showed that there is a significant difference between bodybuilding and fitness athletes with and without the use of anabolic steroids in the personality dimensions of neuroticism, extroversion, adaptability and conscientiousness.

Purpose of the present paper was to investigate the impact of national games on team cohesion and its mediating role on the inefficiency indicators of collision and non-collision athletes.

Methods & Materials: 

75 people of contact athletes and 114 people of noncontact athletes were participated in the study. Brunel's mood questionnaire and Carron group environment (GEQ) scale for assessing group cohesion in two dimension of obligation cohesion and social cohesion were used. In order to analyze the data, one-sample t-test, one-way ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used at the P≤0.05 level.

Results showed a significant difference in tension, game ability, and confusion subscale among collision and non-collision athletes. Also, antecedent and experience in national teams were the most important factors on team cohesion.

results suggests that besides recognizing efficient and inefficient behaviors, training use of negative moods could be applied by sport psychologist at exercise programs.

Recently, the use of new therapeutic approaches to improve the executive functions of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) has attracted the attention of researchers. The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of paaryaad exercises on response inhibition, cognitive flexibility and time reproduction in 8-12-year-old children with DCD.

The current research was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical population of the research was all the male students aged 8 to 12 years old in Maroodasht city schools in 2018, 30 of whom were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The intervention included perceptual-motor paaryaad exercises for 20 thirty-minute sessions at the gym. Data were collected using GO/NOGO and Stroop software, and time reproduction. Data analysis was done using repeated measure analysis of variance and Wilcoxon test in SPSS 24 software.

The results of the research showed that the scores of the experimental group regarding the variables of cognitive flexibility and response inhibition increased and the scores of time reproduction decreased. However, the scores of the control group did not change in the studied variables. Moreover, the findings of the research showed that Paaryaad perceptual motor exercises have a significant effect on response inhibition and time reproduction (p<0/005), but did not have a significant effect on the cognitive flexibility component (p<0/005).

Considering the effectiveness of Paaryaad exercises on response inhibition and time reproduction of children with DCD, it is suggested that these exercises be used as a suitable intervention method to improve some executive functions.

Elderly is a sensitive period of human life and paying attention to their movement and cognitive needs is a necessity. The aim of the current research was to compare the effect of mindfulness exercises and PETTLEP mental imagery on the balance and continuous attention of elderly women.

The present research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design. The statistical population of the present study was the elderly of Yazd city, Iran, and the statistical sample included 45 elderly women with the age range of 60-75 years in a targeted and accessible manner, who were randomly assigned to three groups of mindfulness (15 people), PETTLEP mental imagery (15 people), and control (15 people) groups. First, a pre-test was performed for all three groups and then, the experimental groups trained according to the protocol for eight weeks and three sessions per week. At the end of the exercises, a post-test was taken from all three groups.

The results of analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test showed that there was no significant difference between the mindfulness group and PETTLEP's mental imagery in static balance (P=0.001), but there was a significant difference between the control group with mindfulness (P=0.001) and with PETTLEP visualization (P=0.001). Also, there was a significant difference between the mindfulness group and PETTLEP mental imagery (P = 0.001), the control group with mindfulness (P = 0.03), and the control group with PETTLEP imagery in dynamic balance (P = 0.001). Also, there was no significant difference in the correct answer between the mindfulness-awareness group and the PETTLEP mental imagery group (P = 0.001). However, there was a significant difference between the control group with mindfulness (P=0.001) and the control group with PETTLEP visualization (P=0.001).

In general, the results of this research showed that the intervention based on mindfulness and mental imagery of PETTLEP has a significant effect on the movement functions of elderly women. Also, compared to the control group, the experimental groups had a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance factors of continuous attention. According to the results of the research, it is suggested to trainers and those involved in geriatric affairs to use mindfulness and visualization exercises to improve balance and attention in old age.

Several studies have investigated the role of physical activity (PA) in self-efficacy (S-EF) and self-esteem (S-ES) of people, especially visually-impaired individuals. Therefore,the goal of this research was to compare the S-EF and S-ES in athlete and non-athlete blind and visually impaired individuals.

In this study, the population comprised all blind and visually impaired people in Arak, among whom 92 participants withthe mean age of 32.42 ± 11.46 were selected as the sample of the study by purposive sampling method. Based on a demographic questionnaire, they were divided into two groups of athletes and non-athletes. The research instruments included a self-esteem index (SEI) and a general self-efficacy scale (GSES) which were completed by an interview. The results were analyzed using one-sample and independent samples t-tests. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data at a significance level of P = 0.05.

The results indicated that overall in athletes, the average S-EF and S-ES were higher than those in non-athletes. The results also showed that the S-ES of athletes was significantly higher than the theoretical average (P = 0.001) and there was a significant difference between the overall S-ES of the visually impaired and blind athletes and non-athletes (P = 0.001).

In general, the results showed that exercise and PA, especially group PA, may play an effective role in increasing S-EF and S-ES of the blind and visually impaired people.

Reincarnation is one of the issues that has received special attention from Muslim thinkers, including philosophers, theologians, and mystics. What can be seen in the works and writings of Muslim mystics indicates that "reincarnation" means the return of the soul to the human body and it is impossible otherwise, and they have presented various proofs in this regard. Islamic mystics accept the return of the soul to the barzakhi body in the other world under the title of reincarnation and put forward reasons to prove it. The present article also aims to research the issue of what is the nature of divine reincarnation according to Allameh Hassanzadeh Amoli? In this research, these results were obtained: Allameh Hassanzadeh Amoli was able to establish between science and intuitive knowledge and by relying on philosophical and mystical foundations such as: the survival of the soul, the isolation of the soul, the union of science and action with the soul, and the relationship between the body and the soul; Explain the reincarnation of Malkuti and Ahadi Syriani well. Therefore, according to Allameh Hassanzadeh Amoli, the nature of earthly reincarnation is the result of carnal possessions and acquired or acquired forms. Also, he believes in the royal reincarnation of Ahadi Syriani, based on the authority of the soul to create exemplary bodies, which is called Abdal in mysticism.

Recently, the effect of the intensity and type of physical activity on executive functions has been the focus of many researchers. Our aim of this research was to investigate the effect of acute exhausting exercises on working memory of young athletes and non-athletes. The research method was a semi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design. The statistical population included male athletes and non-athletes, and the research sample included male athletes and non-athletes in Yazd. N-back 2 test was used to measure working memory and conconi training protocol was used as a retention training protocol. The working memory test was performed immediately after the conconi test, after 7 and 15 minutes. The mixed ANOVA method was used to analyze the data. The findings of the research showed that immediately after the conconi test, the working memory of athletes and non-athletes drops. This decrease was significantly higher in non-athletes than in athletes. Also, the working memory of both groups improved after 5 and 7 minutes, and the working memory of the athlete group was significantly better than the non-athlete group in these stages. According to the results of this research, athletes had better performance in the working memory test than non-athletes.

Abstract Recently, the attention of sports science researchers has increased to the role of supplements that help to improve executive functions in addition to improving physical performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on the executive functions of athletes before and after exhausting exercise. 30 male athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups of 15 (supplement consumption group before the exhausting test and supplement consumption group after the exhausting test). The modified coocani test was considered as a training protocol. Continuous performance and N-back tests to measure attention and working memory were measured before conconi test and in four other stages. Data analysis was done by the method of mixed ANOVA and using SPSS 26 software.The findings showed that the group that had taken sodium bicarbonate supplement before the conconi test performed significantly better than the other group in the attention and working memory tests (P<0.05). Acute consumption of sodium bicarbonate supplement both before exercise and as a recovery supplement improves attention and working memory after exercise.Keywords: Sodium bicarbonate, Exhausting exercise, Young athletes, Executive functions

Lack of Balance Confidence is a psychological injury that can lead to limited activities and as a result anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. There is limited research on Balance Confidence and its effect on gait parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and gait symmetry and the variability of gait symmetry in elderly women. The current research was descriptive and correlational. The sampling method was available. 21 elderly women eligible to include in the study completed ABC scale. Hp Cosmos Mercury treadmill and Optitrack 3D motion capture system were used to record the kinematic and temporo-spatial information of individuals' gait. The data acquisition process was recorded for at least 30 seconds after the treadmill speed was fixed at a data acquisition of 120 frames per second in at least 10 full gait cycles of individuals. The components of gait symmetry and gait symmetry variability were obtained from three temporo-spatial factors of step length, step width and stride time. The results were analyzed using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. Correlation between variables showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between ABC and the variability of total gait symmetry. Also, the results showed that ABC has a positive and significant relationship with the symmetry of step length and width, and a negative and significant relationship with the variability of step length and width. However, there is no relationship between ABC and the variability of symmetry and time. According to the results of the research, it is suggested to design interventions to increase balance confidence among elderly women in order to improve the indices related to gait and subsequently the quality of life.

Physical and mental disorders are abundantly observed in veterans and disabled people, and in addition to causing concern, they have very adverse effects on various aspects of their lives. Considering that physical and mental health can play an important role in the general health of veterans and disabled people, it is vital to address these aspects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to predict social trust, self-control, and self-efficacy based on the level of physical activity in veterans and disabled people.

The method of the study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population was composed of veterans and disabled people of Yazd province. One hundred and nine people (62 veterans and 47 disabled) were selected as a statistical sample using the convenient method. Sharkey's physical activity (1997), Tanji's self-control (2004), Safarinia and Sharif's social trust (2009), and Sherer et al.'s self-efficacy (1982) scales were used to examine the research variables. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between variables and simple linear regression to predict variables.

The findings showed that physical activity level scores can significantly predict self-control (r=0.39) and social trust (r=0.31) variables in veterans and disabled people (P<0.01). However, due to the low correlation with the self-efficacy variable (r=0.14), the level of physical activity does not have the ability to predict this variable (P=0.19) significantly.

According to the results, it is suggested that appropriate planning should be considered for the participation of veterans and disabled people in regular physical activities to increase self-control and social trust and consequently increase life quality.

One of the most important topics in the field of movement behavior is the acquisition of movement sequences, which is an important part of every person's life and the basis of many intelligent human behaviors. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of errorfull and errorless training based on complexity in the acquisition, retention and transfer of a motor sequential task in elderly women with emphasis on processing needs.

This semi-experimental study was conducted on 30 healthy elderly women over 60 years of age that were selected and randomly allocated into errorless and errorful groups. Then, they performed a sequence motor task assigned by the Serial Reaction Time Task software in the three phases of acquisition, retention, and transfer. In order to analyze the data, ANOVA with repeated measures, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U test and the independent samples t-test were conducted.

A significant improvement was seen in the reaction time and the number of errors in both groups (p < 0.05). Also, the errorless group recorded a shorter reaction time than the errorful group in the acquisition, retention and transfer tests. However, the errorful group made fewer errors in the retention and transfer tests than the errorless group.

Errorfull and errorless training are effective on reaction time and amount of errors in the retention and transfer stages of a motor sequential task in elderly women.  However, It is suggested that trainers use errorfull training methods in motor sequential tasks in order to reduce the error rate and provide a more optimal learning environment.

In recent years, physical literacy has attracted international attention and due to its relevance to education and sports policy, much investment has been made in this model in different countries. Despite the importance of the issue of physical literacy, since this concept is in the early stages, there are still no precise instrument for evaluating it at different ages and between different groups. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) in physical education teachers. For this purpose, 208 male and female physical education teachers with an age range of 20 to 66 years completed questionnaire. First, the translation of the Persian version of the questionnaire was confirmed using the open translation method and then to determine the construct validity of the questionnaire, confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modeling and to determine internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used. Also, for time reliability of the questions, intra-class correlation with test-retest method was used. The results showed that the good fit index and the comparative fit index are higher than 0/9. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for perceived physical literacy and its dimensions above 0.7 (acceptable index value) were obtained. Based on the results, the Persian version of the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI) in physical education teachers has a constructive validity and internal and temporal reliability and can be used as a valid and reliable tool to assess the physical literacy of physical education teachers.

Despite the importance of refereeing judgments and the sensitivity of referees' role in holding sports competitions and the impact of referees' decisions on the outcome of the game, little research has been done on various aspects of the referees' profession and occupation. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the self-efficacy scale in referees.

The present research, was a descriptive-correlational study. For this purpose, 228 referees of team and individual sports completed the Persian version of the self-efficacy scale in referees. First, using the open-translation method, the accuracy of the Persian version of the questionnaire was confirmed, and then to determine the construct validity of the questionnaire, confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modeling was used, and to determine internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used. Also, for the time reliability of the questions, intra-class correlation with the test-retest method was used.

The results showed that the goodness of fit index and the comparative fit index are higher than (0.90). Time reliability (0.76) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient for self-efficacy and its dimensions above 0.7 (acceptable index value) were obtained.

Based on the results, the Persian version of the self-efficacy scale in referees has structural validity and internal and temporal reliability desirable and acceptable for referees of team and individual sports and therefore can be used as a valid and reliable tool to assess the self-efficacy of Iranian referees.

 In this paper, we apply a filtering scheme to encode motional information from style of human walking into single template. This filtering process utilizes bio-inspired basis kernels which are constructed from two separable spatial and temporal basis functions. To extract opponent motions from gait in a walking cycle, wefusethese kernels together to have spatiotemporal kernels and thenconvolve itwith gait stancesThis paradigm has been repeatedineach frame of gait in a cycle and motional information is highlighted as salient regions inthe sequence of images. To make gait features (salient regions)distinctive enough within different individuals, the responses of gait filtering are aggregated together to get final Gait Salient Image (GSI). Our proposed model provides more representative gait feature since conventional gait templates such as Gait Energy Image (GEI) does not rely on any motion model. Extensive experiments on popular gait databases reveal that, our GSI-based features provides more competitive performance compared with recent published gait recognition approaches with efficiency and accuracy

Appropriate programs should be provided to improve the function of memory, learning, and the effects of processing efficiency in the daily life of children with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of motor-working memory training and perceptual-motor exercises on digit span and letter-number sequencing in educable children with intellectual disabilities.

The present study was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design and two experimental groups and one control group. A total of 30 students with intellectual disabilities between 8-11 years were selected as a statistical sample using the available sampling method and then randomly divided into three groups: motor-working memory training, perceptual-motor activities, and control group. The experimental groups participated in a 16-session training course for two months (two sessions per week) according to specific protocols. Subtests of digit span and letter-number sequencing of the fourth edition of Wechsler intelligence were used to measure working memory. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman in SPSS software (version 24).

The results indicated a significant difference in subtests of digit span of direct, total digit span, and letter-number sequencing between motor-working memory training, and perceptual-motor exercises with the control group (P>0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between perceptual-motor activities and motor-working training groups (P<0.05).

According to the results, motor-working memory training and perceptual-motor activities improve the function of memory in educable children with intellectual disabilities.

Because of competitive and stressful nature of sports, competitive anxiety occurs that leads to emotional and fleeting reactions that assess the threat of some situations and therefore influences on the athlete's performance negatively. Early studies of anxiety assumed that anxiety was one-dimensional, but researchers in multidimensional theory of anxiety have recently proposed a set of two-dimensional connections between cognitive anxiety, physical anxiety, self- confidence and performance. Cognitive anxiety is a psychological component of anxiety and is recognized by negative expectations and cognitive concerns about oneself, situations and possible consequences, while physical anxiety is a physiological and emotional component of the anxiety and is associated with arousal of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, sports self-confidence is defined as the degree of confidence of individuals about their abilities and the challenges they face in order to succeed in sports. Many researchers have considered the study of competitive anxiety in the field of sports psychology due to its direct and threatening effects on the sports performance and success.In the past years, the science of sports psychology has used cognitive-behavioral methods to improve athletes' competitive performances. Recently, psychologists have stated that avoiding and suppression of negative thoughts has increased unwanted cognitive activity and therefore impaired their optimal execution.In this regard, the mindfulness approach has recently been used as an alternative strategy for practicing traditional mental skills.This approach is clearly different from the traditional practice approaches of mental skills, both in terms of theoretical assumptions and also intervention strategies. Although in many studies, the effectiveness of mindfulness trainings has been shown on many variables including exercise performance, flow, worry, thoughts unrelated to the tasks and physiological factors, but the results of the studies are contradictory.According to the current weakness of existing interventions and the inconsistencies associated with the role of traditional mental skills training and also the role of new interventions on the levels of competitive anxiety and self-confidence in the professional athletes, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of six weeks of mindfulness-based cognitive intervention on the competitive anxiety levels and self-confidence of adolescent shooting athletes.

The present study is a quasi-experimental using a pretest and posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of this study who were voluntarily invited to take part in the study included all male shooters (guns and pistols) in Yazd province. All athletes had at least two years of regular shooting activity and experience in provincial and national competitions. After selecting the eligible individuals based on the questionnaire and explaining the purpose of the present study, 16 subjects were randomly divided into two groups, mindfulness intervention group and the control group. The subjects in the experimental group took part in six specified training sessions during six weeks (one session of 75-90 minutes per week).The Competitive Sports Anxiety Inventory-2 (Martens et al, 1990) was used to evaluate the research variables. The physical anxiety, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence subscales with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.85, 0.75 and 0.83, respectively, show the high reliability of mentioned questionnaire. In this study, Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normality of the data. Also independent t-test was used to compare self-confidence, physical and cognitive anxiety in the control and experimental groups. In all tests, the confidence level was considered 0.05.

First, the assumption of normality of measured variables was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The results of the test showed that the distribution of data in the study groups is normal (P≤0.05). Also, the comparison of pre-test scores between two groups did not show a significant difference (P≤0.05), which indicated that the groups were homogeneous. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, the data of CSAI-2 questionnaire of two groups, in the post-test, were compared using independent t-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference between two groups in the variables of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence (P≤0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in the physical anxiety variable (P≥0.05).

The results showed that there is a significant difference between two groups in the variables of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence. Due to an increase in the negative emotions caused by anxiety and stress in the sports situations, these factors can increase the negative interpretations in athletes. Based on the assumption that unwanted thoughts are the core of anxiety and excitement, mindfulness actually makes the person less focused on repetitive thought patterns. Therefore, athletes can control their anxiety. The findings of the present study on the positive effectiveness of mindfulness approach on the reducing cognitive anxiety in athletes are in line with the findings of previous studies that showed that mindfulness reduces anxiety symptoms, pessimism and negative thoughts before competition. The finding showed that physical anxiety did not differ significantly before and after the intervention. There is a possibility that subjects couldn’t reflect emotions through a questionnaire. Also, in explaining on the distinction between the reducing physical and cognitive anxiety, (Martens, 1990) has demonstrated that physical and cognitive anxiety are affected in different ways. Cognitive anxiety has a direct and negative relationship with performance and should be minimal, while physical anxiety has an inverted U-shape relationship with performance and should be moderate. The posttest results showed a significant difference of self-confidence between two groups. Self-confidence means the ability to promote positive thoughts and self-efficacy in competition. As regards cognitive anxiety has decreased, therefore self-confidence has increased. In general, the differences between the present study and others may be due to the nature of their intervention, the location, duration and the type of programs, and so on. Since the research sample was limited to young male shooters, so the generalization of the results of this study should be followed with caution. According to the innovation and importance of this topic, the researchers should evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions on the competitive anxiety levels and Self-confidence of athletes in the other sports as well.

Working memory is among the essential components of executive function. Due to the different physiological and cognitive needs of open and closed motor exercises, this study aimed to investigate and assess the effects of open and closed exercises on the working memory of preschool children.

This study was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design. Thirty preschool children in Kermanshah were randomly divided into two open and closed exercise groups. Before the exercise protocol, all participants underwent Wechsler Intelligence Test and working memory pre-test with N-back software. Each group performed their one-hour training sessions for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). The exercise intensity was set at (60±5%) of the heart rate reserve level (HRR), with HR being monitored by a heart rate monitor. Data analysis was performed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) by SPSS software v. 23.

The findings revealed a significant difference between open skill training (OSE) and closed skill training (CSE) (P≤0.05). OSE compared to CSE had a more significant effect on increasing children’s working memory. 

The findings demonstrated that 12 weeks of OSE has a more significant effect on increasing the working memory of preschool children (compared to CSE). Therefore, it is recommended that preschool children participate in OSE (higher cognitive load) to improve their working memory.