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  Abstract

  Background and Aim: Thalassemia is a heterogeneous group of genetic anemia. It is caused due to deficiency in the construction of one or more globin clusters. Regarding the prevalence of Thalassemia in Iran and the effect of exercise activities on blood indices of the healthy people, this study aimed at investigating the effect of aerobic activities on iron status and the hematological indices in girls with β Thalassemia minor conducted.

  Materials and Methods: This study is a semi-experimental one. In this study, 8 girls with β Thalassemia minor, (17 to 23 years old) were selected voluntarily based on research criteria. The effect of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise including 5 sessions in each week, each session last 40 to 50 minutes with intensity of 50- 65% maximum heart rate storage on iron status. Also, their hematological indices were studied. Further, 8 persons who didn’t participate in exercise protocol were chosen as control group. Before beginning and at the end of 8 weeks, blood samples were taken from the participants. For data analysis, SPSS software V.16 was used employing t-student tests.

  Results: After 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, a significant reduction in Ferritin indices and a significant increase in blood total iron binding capacity of girls with β Thalassemia minor were seen (p>0.05) and no other hematological indices significant change was seen in both experimental and control group (p<0.05 ( .

  Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can cause a reduction in Ferritin and increase iron binding capacity (T I B C) in girls with Thalassemia minor.

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Background and Aim: Early dysmenorrhea is a painful menstruation which happens without any pelvic pathological disorder and about 80% of women experience it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eight-week aerobic exercise trainings and detraining on the severity of dysmenorrhea and the amount of menstrual blood flow in non-athlete students. Materials and Methods: This study was semi-experimental in which sixty subjects were selected from students of Lorestan universities. After evaluating health status, early dysmenorrhea diagnosis and severe menstrual blood flow, the subjects were randomly divided into two equal control and exercise groups. The experimental group participated in an eight-week aerobic exercise training, three sessions per week. The severity of dysmenorrhea and the amount of menstrual blood flow were measured before and after exercise training and also after 48 days of detraining. Repeated measures of ANOVA and Cochran Q were used to analyze data. Results: The aerobic exercise training significantly decreased early dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood flow in experimental group (p=0.001), but the positive effect of aerobic exercise training on the dysmenorrhea and menstrual blood flow was totally disappeared after 48 days of detraining (p=0.000). Conclusion: It seems that performing regular aerobic exercise training can be used as a preventing, treating or supplementary treating method in control of the early dysmenorrhea and the severe menstrual blood flow in non-athlete students.

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Aims: Appetite is a mental feeling of starvation, satiety and desire to eat specific type of foods which can be affected by various factors. This study was done to investigate the effects of one week and 9 weeks of aerobic exercise on appetite and insulin resistance in obese women. Methods: This semi-experimental study was done in obese women (30 to 45 years old) of Mashhad city, Iran in Spring 2011 who had no physical activity except daily routines. 28 obese women with BMI more than 30 were selected as volunteers. Aerobic exercise was 4 times a week for 9 weeks and each session consisted 20 minute warm-up with a variety of running, stretching, flexibility and the jump movements. Then, the continuous running at a steady rate of 65-75% of maximum heart rate was done. In order to assess blood biochemical variables, blood sampling after 12 to 14 hours of fasting was performed in 2 stages (before trainings and after 9 weeks of training). Independent T test and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used to data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between indexes of insulin, serum glucose, insulin resistance, HDL, LDL, TG and TC in control and aerobic exercise groups. There were no significant difference in appetite indexes between both groups after 9 weeks of aerobic exercise (p>0.05). Conclusion: 9 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic training does not have any effect on appetite and insulin resistance in obese women.

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Aims: Physical activities, as well as diet, are known as the truest scientific methods to reduce the signs of the cardio-vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8–week aerobic trainings and green tea supplementation on some of the cardio-vascular risk factors in the obese inactive women.   

Materials & Methods: In the semi-experimental study, 40 obese inactive women, who were residents of Mashhad Township, were studied in 2015. The subjects, selected via purposeful available sampling method, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10 per group). The groups were green tea, aerobic training, aerobic training and green tea supplementation, and control groups. 8-week training program consisted of three 45- to 60-minute sessions per week. Green tea was consumed by green tea group three times a day after each meal. The composed group underwent both interventions, while control group underwent no intervention. Data was analyzed by SPSS 15 software using correlated T test and one-way ANOVA.

Findings: Mean total cholesterol level was significantly changed in green tea, aerobic training, and composed groups in the posttest stage compared to the pretest stage (p<0.05). Mean triglyceride level was significantly changed in green tea and aerobic training groups in the posttest stage compared to the pretest stage (p<0.05). Mean low density lipoprotein was significantly changed in green tea and composed groups in the posttest stage compared to the pretest stage (p<0.05). Mean high-density lipoprotein was significantly changed only in aerobic group in posttest stage compared to the pretest stage (p<0.05).  In addition, mean concentration of C-reactive protein was significantly reduced in aerobic training (p=0.01) and composed (p=0.04) groups.

Conclusion: 8 weeks aerobic training, green tea consumption, and their composition reduce the cardiovascular risk factors in inactive obese women in a relatively similar manner.

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Aims: The beneficial effects of physical activities on migraine indices, i. e. frequency, duration, and intensity of the attacks, have been proved by different studies. Despite the fact, it is required to notice the sport characteristics, such as intensity, duration, repetition, and type of the sport, to investigate the beneficial effects of the physical activities on migraine treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Moderate Intensity Aerobic (MIA) exercises on the migraine indices and quality of life in women with migraine. 

Materials & Methods: In the controlled random semi-experimental study, 20 non-athlete women with migraine were studied in Kermanshah in 2015. The subjects were divided into two groups including control and MIA groups (n=10 per group). 8-weak MIA exercises (13-15 Borg RPE Scale) consisted of three 40-minute sessions a weak. The migraine indices of the subjects (frequency, duration, and intensity) were measured one month before and after the exercises. In addition, the quality of life and the aerobic power of the subjects were assessed 48 hours before and after the exercises. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21 software using ANCOVA, LSD post-hoc, and independent T tests.  

Findings: MIA exercises resulted in significant reductions in the intensity, frequency, and duration of headache attacks, as well as an increase in the aerobic power (p<0.001). Passing from pretest to posttest, the variable change percentage was significant between control and exercise groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: MIA exercises lead to a reduction in the migraine headache, as well as an improvement in the quality of life and aerobic readiness, in the women with migraine.

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Aims: Apelin is an adipokine, which secreted from adipose tissue and has positive effects against the insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic exercise on levels of apelin and insulin resistance index in sedentary men.

Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study with controlled group pre/post-test design in 2015, 27 healthy sedentary men living in Mashhad City, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling method. They were divided into two groups; experimental group (n=14) and control group (n=13). In the trained group, the volunteers participated in 8 weeks aerobic exercise, 3 days/week (equivalent to 75-85% of maximum oxygen consumption) for 60 minutes per session. The research variables were assessed before and after the intervention in both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software using paired and independent sample T tests.

Findings: 8-week aerobic exercise significantly decreased the weight, BMI and apelin, insulin and insulin resistance index levels and increased the maximum oxygen consumption in experimental group sedentary men (p<0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences in levels of FBS, insulin, apelin, insulin resistance index and maximum oxygen consumption between experimental and control groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: 8-week aerobic exercise reduces apelin levels and insulin resistance index in sedentary men.

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Aims: Despite many benefits, the sport activities, if they are severe, might affect the athlete’s functioning due respiratory system damages called the exercise-induced bronchospasm. The aim of the study was to investigate the short-term side-effects of omega-3 supplementation consumption on the respiratory functioning after severe aerobic activities in the athletes with exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Materials & Methods: In the semi-experimental study, 31 male students with mild exercise-induced bronchospasm were studied in Chamran University of Ahwaz in 2015. The subjects, randomly selected based on the study criteria, were divided into two groups including omega-3 (n=15) and control (n=16). 1000mg omega-3 supplementation was daily administrated in omega-3 group for 3 weeks. After an exhaustive activity (Astrand Treadmill Test), the pulmonary functioning was assessed in both group at both pretest and posttest steps. Data was analyzed by SPSS 19 software using dependent T and covariance tests. 

Findings: 3-week consumption of omega-3 supplementation did not significantly change the pulmonary indices of persons with exercise-induced bronchospasm (p>0.05). In addition, control and omega-3 groups were not significantly different in the indices (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Daily consumption of 1000mg omega-3 supplementation for 3 weeks does not affect the pulmonary functioning of persons with mild exercise-induced bronchospasm.

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Aims: As one of the body elements, Iron plays a role in oxygen transport. And, the need for daily Iron increases by the exercises. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 8-week moderate-intensity aerobic continuous exercises on the serum Iron status in club soccer-players.

Materials & Methods: In the semi-experimental study, 24 soccer-players of Khorramabad Super Clubs were studied in 2015. The subjects were selected via convenience method and were randomly divided into two groups including experimental (n=12 persons) and control (n=12 persons) groups. 8-week continuous aerobic exercises with 70-80% of maximum heart rate were conducted in experimental group, while no exercise session was conducted in control group. Serum Iron, red blood-cell number, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum ferritin were measured before and after the exercise course. Data was analyzed using dependent T test.

Findings: After 8-week exercises and in experimental group, Iron, hematocrit, and serum ferritin levels significantly decreased compared to the pretest stage (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the total Iron-binding capacity, red blood-cell number, and hemoglobin did not significantly change (p<0.05).

Conclusion: 8-week moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercises reduce Iron, hematocrit, and serum ferritin levels in the club soccer-players.

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Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a result of the destruction of myelin cells in the central nervous system, which can damage the motor system, increase fatigue and decrease the daily activity of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of 10 weeks of aerobic exercise in water on the levels of chemerin, insulin and serum insulin resistance in women with (MS).

Materials & Methods: In the semi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test design with control group in 2015, 29 MS female patients were selected through available and targeted sampling method and were divided into two experimental groups (n = 15) and control (n = 14). The aerobic exercise program included 10 weeks of aerobic exercise in water, each week 3 sessions, and each session for 45 to 60 minutes with an intensity equal to 60 to 75% of the maximum heart rate. Chromic and serum insulin values were measured before and after the end of the aerobic exercise period. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software using two-way ANOVA and paired T tests.

Findings: 10-week aerobic exercise program in water resulted in a significant decrease in average of chemerin levels (p=0.01), fasting glucose (p=0.03), insulin (p=0.04) and insulin resistance (p=0.01) in women with (MS), but there was no significant difference in mean body mass and body mass index (p<0.05).

Conclusion: 10 weeks of aerobic exercise in water leads to lower levels of chemerin, insulin and serum insulin resistance in women with MS.

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Aims: Imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system leads to oxidative stress. In addition, plants can reduce stress-induced oxidative damage. In this study we evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise with cinnamon intake on serum oxidative capacity in active women.
Materials & Methods: 28 female students of physical education with age range 30-20 years, and the average BMI 22/71 kg/m² were voluntarily selected and randomly divided to 5 groups: 1) aerobic exercise 2) aerobic exercise combined with cinnamon 3) aerobic exercise with placebo 4 ) cinnamon and 5) control group. Intensity aerobic exercise was performed for 6 weeks within 65-80% of maximum heart rate and formula was 220-age. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study and the significance level was set at (p<0.05).
Findings: TAC ( Total Antioxidant Capacity), uric acid and bilirubin in the aerobic exercise group with cinnamon consumption showed no significant difference (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Probably sports activities with 65-80% of maximal oxygen consumption intensity more than 6 weeks with the consumption of cinnamon can improve the TAC level in active women.

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Aims: Type 2 diabetes is increasing as a common global health issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the comparison of the effect of eight weeks aerobic training and vitamin C supplements on antioxidant enzymes in men with type 2 diabetes.
Materials & Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 45 men with type 2 diabetes were selected by convenience sampling method. Were divided randomly into 3 equal groups: aerobic training with supplement, aerobic training with placebo and control groups. Aerobic training program included aerobic trainings up to 50-60 minutes at 65%-75% maximum reserve heart rate, three sessions per week which lasted for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, the supplement group took 100 mg of vitamin C before each training session. In this period, the control group did not take part in any physical activity. To make intra and between groups comparison, repeated measure (ANOVA) was used. For all statistical comparisons, the level of significance was set at p<0.05.
Findings: Eight weeks aerobic training with placebo and vitamin C supplements lead to a significant reduction in MDA and increase of SOD and CAT in men with Type 2 Diabetes. The average differences in the MDA, SOD and CAT levels have a statistically significant difference between the three groups.
Conclusion: Eight weeks of aerobic training, vitamin C supplements consumption and especially mix of them with together have similar affected on increase of antioxidant enzymes, prevents exercise-induced oxidative stress and thus type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method as an effective non-pharmacologic treatment method for prevention of adverse effects of an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus.

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Aims Resistin is secreted by adipose tissue and could be the link between diabetes and infertility. This study aimed to investigate the alteration of resistin following aerobic exercise training in diabetic rats and its possible interaction with sperm parameters.
Methods & Materials In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats (age: 56 days, weight: 200-250g) were randomly divided equally into three groups of healthy control, diabetic control, and diabetic aerobic exercises. Diabetes was induced with a unique intraperitoneal injection (65 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin. Seven days after the injection and after 12 hours of fasting, the animals with blood glucose levels of ≥250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Seven days after the induction of diabetes, the animals in the exercise group were subjected to progressive aerobic training (treadmill running for 1 h, 27 m/min, 5 d/wk). After 10 weeks of exercise, the sperm quality and resistin concentrations were measured. The obtained data were compared using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (P<0.05).
Findings The induction of diabetes significantly decreased sperm count (P=0.001), motility (P=0.001), viability (P=0.001), and morphology (P=0.01). The sperm parameters, such as count (P=0.03) and viability (P=0.002) were significantly higher in the diabetic exercise group, compared to the diabetic sedentary group. No significant changes were found in resistin levels between diabetic exercise and diabetic sedentary groups (P=0.40).
Conclusion The collected results indicated that the 10-week aerobic training regimen improved sperm quality, independent of changes in resistin levels, in type 2 diabetes mellitus rat models.

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Aims: Type 2 diabetes is a rising problem and a significant risk factor for small and large vessel disease. The present study aims to investigate the effect of a 6-week aerobic exercise program on High-mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) gene expression in aortic tissue of diabetic rats.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 40 male rats aged 8 weeks were randomly selected. Once familiarized with the exercise protocol, they were divided into four groups of healthy-control (n=10), diabetic-control (n=10), healthy-exercise (n=10), and diabetic-exercise (n=10). Type 2 diabetes was first induced, and then the rats run on a treadmill for 6 weeks, 5 sessions per week. After 12-14 h of fasting and 72 h after the last session, aortic tissue sampling was performed for HMGB1 analysis by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT PCR) technique. Data analysis was performed using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at the significant level of P<0.05.
Findings: Induction of type 2 diabetes led to a significant increase in HMGB1 gene expression in rats (P=0.001), significantly reduced following aerobic exercise (P=0.003). Aerobic exercise also reduced the expression of the HMGB1 gene in healthy rats (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise may have a protective effect by reducing the HMGB1 gene expression in the aortic tissue of diabetic rats. It can be used as an effective non-pharmacological method to improve diabetes-induced inflammation and prevent vascular disorders.