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The present study was conducted to review the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the symptoms and outcomes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This review study examined the available literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome from 2000 to 2024 in both Persian and English languages. The keywords "therapy," "acceptance and commitment," "acceptance and commitment therapy," and "irritable bowel syndrome" were searched in reputable databases such as Science Direct, Wiley, PubMed, SID, and Magiran. A total of 25 articles addressing the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the symptoms and outcomes associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome were identified. The results of these studies indicated that group-based or individual ACT interventions positively affected various aspects, including symptom severity, pain intensity, disease perception, immune function, body image, blood cortisol levels, treatment adherence, stress, anxiety, depression, rumination, cognitive flexibility, irrational beliefs, emotional regulation, schemas and emotional processing, experiential avoidance, sleep quality, hope, social capital, life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients with IBS. The findings of this study suggest that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be utilized alongside pharmacotherapy and dietary modifications to alleviate symptoms and outcomes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Obesity in older adults can lead to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and a reduced quality of life. These issues are exacerbated by decreased physical activity and metabolic changes associated with aging. Weight management in older adults is of great importance, as it can help prevent these health issues. Additionally, weight control can contribute to maintaining independence and improving the quality of life in older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined training program with fenugreek and green cumin supplementation on the levels of certain inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipokines in overweight women. In a quasi-experimental study, 60 overweight older women were randomly assigned to six groups: combined training/placebo (n=16), fenugreek supplement (n=16), green cumin supplement (n=16), combined training/fenugreek supplement (n=16), combined training/green cumin supplement (n=16), and control (n=16). Participants performed the combined training protocol for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week. The fenugreek supplement group consumed two capsules of 335 mg daily, while the green cumin supplement group consumed two capsules of 25 mg daily. The results indicated that in the combined training/placebo (P<0.001), green cumin supplement (P<0.001), combined training/fenugreek supplement (P<0.001), and combined training/green cumin supplement (P<0.001) groups, the mean differences in resistin and visfatin levels between pre-test and post-test were significant (P<0.05). All four groups resulted in a reduction in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory adipokine levels. In the fenugreek supplement and control groups, no significant differences were found between pre-test and post-test mean values (P>0.05). Furthermore, post-hoc test results showed a significant difference in the combined training/green cumin supplement group compared to the other four experimental groups, with a significantly greater reduction observed (P<0.001).

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of emotion-focused therapy (EFT) on emotion dysregulation and resilience in patients with chronic pain and depressive symptoms. The present study was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population included all patients with chronic pain and depressive symptoms who visited counseling and psychology clinics in Yazd in 2024. A total of 30 individuals were selected through convenience sampling based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research instruments included the Emotion Dysregulation Scale by Gratz and Roemer and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Participants in the experimental group received 12 one-hour sessions of emotion-focused therapy. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-26 software and covariance analysis, considering statistical assumptions. The results of the covariance analysis indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the variables of emotion dysregulation and resilience (P < 0.05). Based on the study findings, emotion-focused therapy can be considered an appropriate intervention to support patients with chronic pain and depressive symptoms.

This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships of emotional neglect with risky behaviors in prisoners, considering the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies. The research method is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consists of all prisoners in the city of Shiraz. The research sample included 409 prisoners from Shiraz, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski et al., 2001), and the Youth Risk Behavior Scale (Snow et al., 2019). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS 24 and SPSS 27 to evaluate the proposed model. The correlation coefficient results indicated a negative relationship between emotional neglect and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies with risky behaviors (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and risky behaviors (P ≤ 0.05). The findings suggest an adequate fit of the proposed model with the data. The results of the structural model showed that 25% of the variance in adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and 30% of the variance in maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies were explained by emotional neglect. Furthermore, 44% of the variance in risky behaviors was explained by emotional neglect, adaptive, and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Based on these findings, early intervention and preventive measures are crucial in reducing the negative impact of emotional neglect. Specifically, focusing on interventions based on mentalization and emotion regulation can significantly improve emotional and relational problems arising from adverse early life experiences.

This narrative review aims to explore the key factors influencing ACL injuries in football players. The review employs a descriptive analysis method, synthesizing evidence from peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using keywords like "ACL injury," "football players," "biomechanics," and "prevention." Articles were included based on their focus on ACL injuries in football, encompassing epidemiological data, biomechanical analyses, and prevention strategies. Data from these studies were categorized into thematic areas such as intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, injury mechanisms, and prevention methods. Intrinsic factors, including anatomical variations, hormonal influences, genetic predispositions, and neuromuscular deficits, significantly increase the risk of ACL injuries. Extrinsic factors, such as playing surfaces, footwear, workload management, and competition intensity, further compound injury risk. Non-contact mechanisms, including improper landing and pivoting, are the most common causes of ACL tears, driven by biomechanical and neuromuscular deficiencies. Evidence-based prevention strategies, such as the FIFA 11+ program and neuromuscular training, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing injury rates. Gender-specific considerations, particularly for female athletes, and the use of advanced wearable technology were highlighted as critical areas for targeted intervention. ACL injuries in football result from a complex interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Effective prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach combining structured injury prevention programs, neuromuscular training, advanced equipment, and education for players and coaches. Addressing gaps in gender-specific strategies and global disparities is essential for further reducing injury rates and promoting long-term player health.

Negative symptoms result in a significant burden of illness and reduced quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia; therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of cognitive biases and difficulty in emotion regulation in the relationship between personality and character with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. This study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population included all people with schizophrenia hospitalized in Razi Psychiatric Hospital in 2023-2024, of which 200 people were selected as the research sample using a convenience method. The data collection tools included the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, Short Form of the Big Five Personality Factors Questionnaire, Short Version of the Temperament and Character Questionnaire, Cognitive Bias Assessment Scale and Short Form of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation. SPSS, and LISREL software were used for data analysis, as well as Pearson correlation method and structural equation modeling. The results showed that cognitive biases and difficulty in emotion regulation have a mediating role in the relationship between personality (neuroticism, extraversion and agreeableness) and character (self-direction, cooperation and self-transcendence) with negative symptoms of schizophrenia (CFI=1, NNFI=0.99, IFI=1, GFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.049). Individuals with schizophrenia with personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, and character (self-direction and cooperation) experience negative symptoms due to cognitive biases and difficulty in emotion regulation. Therefore, training in emotion regulation skills and reducing cognitive biases may be an important initial component of the challenging task of treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

This study aimed to propose a structural model for the relationship between physical activity level, job satisfaction, and the effectiveness of police college officers in Iraq. The research method was applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive in terms of its nature, conducted through a survey approach. The statistical population included all police officers at the Police Academy of Iraq. Data collection was performed using standardized questionnaires, including the Physical Activity Questionnaire by Askari et al. (2013), the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Effectiveness Questionnaire by VandeWalle (2000). Data analysis employed one-sample t-tests, Sobel tests, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using LISREL software. The results indicated that job satisfaction mediates the relationship between physical activity level and the effectiveness of police college officers in Iraq. Additionally, there was a positive and significant relationship between the components of physical activity level, job satisfaction, and the effectiveness of police college officers in Iraq.

Tests and regular monitoring of the athlete’s’ performance is an important aspect of a successful training program. However, the methods of conducting tests are challenging, particularly in team sports. The present study is an attempt to predict endurance performance and repeated sprint ability based on critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) in soccer players according to their playing position. The current research used a causal ex post facto design. 60 players from the same team (Ilam, Iran) participating in 3-5 regular practice sessions a week, with an age range of 16-20 years participated in this study as volunteers. They are divided in 6 playing positions (Fullback, Center Back, Defending/Holding Midfielder (CDM), Midfielder Offensive, Winger and Striker) presenting homogeneous level, experience, volume and intensity of training. Body composition, 400m and 1600m running tests and Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) were measured. CV and ADC were measured using 400m and 1600m running time data. Linear regression test was used to predict the relationship between the variables and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the differences between the players in different positions. Results of the linear regression model showed that CV and ADC ha significantly impact maximum, minimum, average power, aerobic and anaerobic performance in irrespective of the playing position. Regardless of the game positional role. CV of Fullback had an effect on the minimum, average power and decremental index, and the ADC variable in the Center Back position had an effect on the minimum power. However, CV and ADC variables had a significant effect on the prediction of aerobic and anaerobic performance in all six game positions. The results of the one-way ANOVA statistical test showed that there was a significant difference between the different positions only in the deceleration index factor (p=0.015), and the results of the Bonferroni test showed that this difference was between the Midfielder Offensive and winger groups (p=0.012). This study has shown relevant information for coaching about the use of C.V and ADC in order to propose new keys and ways of planning training sessions.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cognitive mechanisms influencing the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. This research was descriptive-correlational and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 376 active weightlifters across 16 cities in Iraq during the years 2023–2024. A total of 324 individuals were selected through stratified random sampling proportional to the population size. A researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to measure the variables under investigation. This questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms regarding the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances. The reliability of the questionnaire, confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, was above 0.70, and its validity was verified by experts in the field of sports sciences. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and Smart PLS. The results indicated positive and significant relationships between attitude (β = 0.653, P = 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.498, P = 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.498, P = 0.001) with the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. Young Iraqi weightlifters are influenced by a complex array of psychological factors that drive them toward the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances, increasing the prevalence of such behaviors among these athletes. It is recommended to implement educational and awareness programs addressing the negative consequences of using performance-enhancing substances, ethical considerations, and healthier alternatives to improve the athletic performance of young Iraqi weightlifters. These initiatives aim to shift attitudes, reduce social pressures, and help athletes achieve their sports goals.

The present study aimed to compare the effects of solution-focused narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy on resilience and marital intimacy among couples in conflict. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group, along with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflict who referred to counseling centers in Shirvan County during 2022-2023. The study sample included 30 couples (20 participants in each group) with marital conflict who were selected using convenience sampling from clinics and counseling centers in Shirvan County and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control group. Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy (SFNT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) were administered separately over six sessions for the experimental groups, while the control group received no intervention. Data collection instruments included the Bagarozi Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (2001) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Collected data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with SPSS-26 software. Results indicated that both solution-focused narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy were effective in improving resilience and marital intimacy among couples in conflict (p < .001). Additionally, Bonferroni test results revealed that the therapeutic effects of both approaches on resilience and marital intimacy were maintained after two months (p < .001). Moreover, findings demonstrated that solution-focused narrative therapy had a greater impact on resilience and marital intimacy compared to solution-focused therapy (p < .001). Based on these results, both approaches can be used to resolve marital conflict, although solution-focused narrative therapy showed greater effectiveness than solution-focused therapy.

Due to the aftermath of decades of strikes, conflicts, and wars, Somalia's health care institutions have become fragile and crippled. Today's adult population is going to get into the elderly group. Evidence suggests that elderly people have special health care needs, including chronic care. On that ground, it is imperative to start working to strengthen the crippled health care delivery system of Somalia for meeting the demand for elderly care.

The physical and psychological status of the mother and the environment she provides during pregnancy significantly influence fetal development and, subsequently, the health and adaptability of the child in the future. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of pre-pregnancy swimming exercise on anxiety behaviors and oxidative stress factors in female mice during pregnancy. In this study, 26 NMRI mice, approximately 80-90 days old and weighing 25-35 grams, were selected. The female mice were randomly divided into two groups: 10 in the control group and 10 in the experimental group. The female mice in the experimental group underwent swimming exercise for 8 weeks before mating. The exercise method included two stages: an adaptation stage and a swimming exercise stage. During the adaptation period, to reduce stress caused by water, the animals were placed in shallow water (5 cm depth) for 10 minutes during the first week to adapt to the procedure. The swimming exercise consisted of three 10-minute swimming sessions with a 10-minute rest interval between each session per day. To evaluate anxiety behaviors, the open field test, dark/light box test, and elevated plus maze test were utilized. For assessing oxidative stress factors, the mice were anesthetized, and blood was collected from their hearts. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and one-way ANOVA. The results indicated that in the experimental group (swimming exercise), compared to the control group (no exercise), there was a significant reduction in anxiety behaviors, a significant increase in glutathione, and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels (p≤0.05). It appears that pre-pregnancy swimming exercise reduces anxiety behaviors, increases glutathione, and decreases malondialdehyde in pregnant female mice. Therefore, it is recommended that swimming exercise be performed before pregnancy to control pregnancy-related anxiety in female mice.

The present study aimed to investigate changes in the oxidant–antioxidant status of hippocampal tissue following eight weeks of aerobic exercise (AT) and vitamin E (VE) supplementation in reserpine-induced Parkinsonian rats.

Methods and Materials:

 In this experimental study, 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 14–16 months, weighing 250–270 grams) were induced with Parkinson’s disease using 2 mg/kg reserpine (Res) and were divided into the following groups: (1) PD, (2) AT, (3) VE, and (4) AT+VE. To evaluate the effects of Res on the variables, eight healthy control (HC) rats were included. Aerobic exercise was performed for eight weeks, five sessions per week, with each session lasting 15–48 minutes at a speed of 10–24 m/min. VE supplementation was administered orally at a dose of 30 mg/kg daily. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (P ≤ 0.05).

The Res+AT, Res+VE, and Res+AT+VE groups showed higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the Res group (P = 0.05). In the Res+AT+VE group, SOD levels were higher and MDA levels were lower than in the Res+AT and Res+VE groups (P = 0.001). Additionally, TAC levels in the Res+AT and Res+AT+VE groups were higher than in the Res+VE group (P = 0.001).

Aerobic exercise and vitamin E supplementation appear to have antioxidant effects on brain tissue, both individually and interactively. Given the more favorable effects of combining exercise with vitamin E, the simultaneous use of these two interventions is recommended in neurodegenerative diseases.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of a mindfulness-based training program on achievement motivation, self-confidence, and sports performance (shooting, passing, dribbling) among novice football students in Iraqi schools.

The research participants were 60 male football players, aged 14 to 16, from the city of Baghdad in 2023–2024, selected through a call for participation and randomly assigned to either a mindfulness training group or a control group. Data were collected using Hermans’s (1970) Achievement Motivation Questionnaire, the Moore-Christine tests for dribbling, passing, and shooting skills, and Willy and Knight’s (2002) Sports Self-Confidence Questionnaire. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check the normal distribution of the data, and Levene’s test was used to assess the homogeneity of variances. To analyze the findings, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed using SPSS statistical software, version 24.

The results indicated that scores for self-confidence and the skills of shooting, passing, dribbling, as well as achievement motivation, improved in the experimental group compared to the control group. In other words, mindfulness training had a positive and significant effect on self-confidence, shooting, passing, dribbling, and achievement motivation among novice football students in Iraq.

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that mindfulness training plays a crucial role in enhancing skill levels, achievement motivation, and sports self-confidence in Iraqi football novices; therefore, it is recommended that coaches employ mindfulness training to improve performance and increase sports self-confidence and achievement motivation.

This study aimed to explore the key intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to hamstring muscle strains in football players.

Methods and Materials: 

A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024. A descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate trends, gaps, and variations in the literature on hamstring strains. Data were extracted from studies focusing on intrinsic factors (e.g., muscle imbalances, flexibility, injury history) and extrinsic factors (e.g., training load, playing conditions, coaching methods), as well as prevention and rehabilitation approaches, including eccentric strengthening, neuromuscular training, and workload management.

The review revealed that intrinsic factors such as muscle strength imbalances, limited flexibility, and prior injury history are significant contributors to hamstring strains, while extrinsic factors, including high training loads, artificial playing surfaces, and inadequate coaching practices, exacerbate injury risk. Evidence-based interventions, such as Nordic hamstring exercises, dynamic warm-ups, and load monitoring, effectively reduce injury rates and recurrence. However, gaps in the literature were identified, including the role of genetic predisposition and the long-term impact of rehabilitation programs. Variations in the implementation and adherence to prevention strategies were noted across teams and competitive levels.

Hamstring strains in football are a multifactorial issue requiring a holistic approach to prevention and rehabilitation. Addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors through individualized and evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce injury incidence and recurrence.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a gymnastics training program and the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach in enhancing gross motor skills among children aged 4 to 11 years.

Methods and Materials: 

A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test structure was employed. Sixty girls aged 4 to 11 years from Mashhad, who had no prior experience in gymnastics, were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to either the gymnastics training group or the TGfU group, each further divided into two age-based subgroups (4\u20137 years and 8\u201311 years). Gross motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to determine differences between the groups.

Both the gymnastics training program and TGfU approach significantly improved gross motor skills. However, the TGfU group showed a greater increase in mean post-test scores compared to the gymnastics group. ANCOVA results confirmed a statistically significant difference in motor skill improvement between the two interventions, with TGfU exhibiting a stronger overall effect. These findings highlight TGfU\u2019s ability to integrate cognitive engagement and contextual learning, resulting in greater enhancements in motor skill development.

The TGfU approach demonstrated superior effectiveness in enhancing gross motor skills compared to gymnastics training. While gymnastics promotes strength and balance through structured routines, TGfU fosters intrinsic motivation and cognitive understanding.

 The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a training period with sports vision, specialized, and combined approaches on skill components and mood in young Iraqi volleyball players under psychological pressure. 

This semi-experimental study was conducted in the field using a pre-test/post-test design. A total of 42 participants who met the inclusion criteria were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups (14 participants each): sports vision training, traditional training, and combined training. To assess the accuracy of volleyball serving and spiking, a test adapted from Garione et al. (2023) was employed. Mood was measured using the 32-item Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). Trait anxiety was assessed using the Illinois SCAT questionnaire (Martens, 1997), and state anxiety was measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) (Martens et al., 1990). To induce psychological pressure during the post-test, a combined monitoring and comparison method was used (Esmaeili et al., 2019). Data analysis was performed using covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

The results showed that under psychological pressure, the traditional/specialized group had the lowest serving accuracy, while no statistically significant differences were observed between the sports vision and combined groups (p ≥ 0.05). The combined training group exhibited the highest spiking accuracy under psychological pressure, with statistically significant differences among all three groups (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding positive mood components, no statistically significant differences were found between the sports vision and combined training groups (p ≥ 0.05), but statistically significant differences were observed between the sports vision and traditional groups as well as between the combined and traditional groups (p ≤ 0.05). In negative mood components, statistically significant differences were only observed between the combined and traditional groups (p ≤ 0.05).

The direct and indirect effects of sports vision training can assist coaches and athletes in diversifying training programs and may be utilized as a method and tool in real competition scenarios, which are often accompanied by psychological pressure. Additionally, the low cost and feasibility of implementing sports vision programs in various settings can be advantageous for coaches and athletes.

 The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise combined with Lactobacillus supplementation on the expression of adiponectin and APPL1 genes in the liver tissue of rats induced with fatty liver.

A total of 32 rats with an average weight of 220±20 grams were divided into 4 groups: 1. FLCG (Fatty liver control group), 2. FLLSG(Fatty liver with Lactobacillus supplementation group), 3. FLAEG: (Fatty liver with aerobic exercise group), 4. FLAELS(Fatty liver with combined aerobic exercise and Lactobacillus supplementation group).The first group was fed a standard rodent diet, while the fatty liver groups were converted into a model group by receiving tetracycline via gavage. In the exercise and exercise ± supplementation groups, aerobic training was conducted on a treadmill for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. The supplementation groups received 109 CFU/ml of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG daily via gavage for 5 weeks. Surgery and liver biopsy were performed at the end of the study. The expression levels of adiponectin and APPL1 genes in liver tissue were measured using Real-Time PCR technique. All data from this study were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were used for intergroup comparisons, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

The findings regarding adiponectin gene expression indicated no significant difference between the control group and the supplementation group (p=0.401). However, both aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise with supplementation groups showed significant differences compared to the control group (p=0.001). Thus, aerobic exercise combined with Lactobacillus supplementation significantly affects adiponectin gene expression in the liver tissue of rats with induced fatty liver. Similarly, results for APPL1 gene expression showed no significant difference between the control and supplementation groups (p=0.200), but both aerobic exercise and aerobic exercise-supplementation groups exhibited significant differences compared to the control group (p=0.001). Therefore, aerobic exercise combined with Lactobacillus supplementation significantly impacts APPL1 gene expression in the liver tissue of rats with induced fatty liver.

The results of this study indicate the effective role of aerobic exercise and Lactobacillus consumption on the expression of adiponectin and APPL1 genes in liver tissue in laboratory samples of fatty liver disease. If the exercise regimen is sufficiently intense and prolonged, it can play a major role in treating fatty liver.

The present study examines the Comparison of the Effects of Yoga Exercises and Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Training on Irisin and Insulin Resistance in Women with Type 2 Diabetes.

Thirty middle-aged diabetic women with a mean age of 53.0 ± 4.31 years, height of 159.3 ± 4.54 cm, and weight of 70.8 ± 5.72 kg were randomly assigned to three groups: yoga exercise (experimental group 1), aerobic training (experimental group 2), and control. The aerobic training group performed a program consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week at an intensity of 60–70% of maximum heart rate, using light weights to simulate a combined protocol. Each session included 10 minutes of warm-up and 20 minutes of cool-down with stretching and flexibility exercises. Yoga training sessions were conducted three times a week for 60 minutes under the supervision of experienced instructors. The principle of overload was applied in the yoga protocol by increasing repetitions from 3 sets over 9 minutes in the first session to 9 sets, while rest periods were reduced, and exercise intensity was increased. Participants were advised to refrain from engaging in any other physical activity during the 12-week intervention.

In the interaction effect between groups and time, although weight and body fat percentage decreased in both training groups, the difference between groups was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed in serum fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels among obese women with type 2 diabetes (P ≥ 0.05). Changes in HOMA-IR levels across the groups (P = 0.67) and measurement times (P = 0.18) in the control, aerobic, and yoga groups were also not significant. The interaction effect of group and time on serum irisin levels in diabetic women showed no significant changes (P = 0.67), though serum irisin levels increased in the aerobic group. However, the time effect from pre- to post-test among groups (P = 0.70) and the between-group effects were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05).

Although the effects of the exercises were not statistically significant, considering the increased interest of patients in performing both exercises, especially yoga, these exercises can be used as complementary training for diabetic patients.

This narrative review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the effects of strength training on motor control and functional performance in older adults.

Methods and Materials:

 A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search targeted peer-reviewed articles published in English from 1990 to 2023. The primary search terms included combinations and variations of keywords like "strength training," "motor control," "functional performance," and "older adults." Studies were included if they involved participants aged 60 years or older, implemented a strength training intervention, and assessed outcomes related to motor control and/or functional performance. Both acute and longitudinal studies were considered to provide a thorough analysis.

The review found that strength training induces significant neurophysiological adaptations in older adults, leading to enhanced motor control and functional performance. Improvements in motor control were evidenced by increased balance, coordination, and movement accuracy. Functional performance benefits included increased gait speed, reduced fall risk, and improved ability to perform daily tasks. The review also highlighted the importance of tailored strength training interventions to maximize these benefits in older adults.

Strength training is a potent intervention for enhancing motor control and functional performance in older adults. The findings support the incorporation of strength training into exercise programs for the elderly, not only for improving muscle strength but also for enhancing overall motor function and quality of life. Future research should focus on optimizing strength training protocols and exploring their long-term sustainability.