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Background and purpose: Intense and prolonged exercises generate reactive oxygen species that leads to cell damage. It seems that using antioxidant supplements reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of omega-3 supplements on oxidative stress in elite karate athletes. Materials and methods: Sixteen elite male karate athletes were randomly divided into two groups, receiving Omega-3 supplements (experimental) and placebo (control). The subjects consumed 1200 mg omega-3 (720 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA) and placebo daily for four weeks. Both groups participated in increased karate training programs (three days a week for a month). Blood samplings were performed pre and post-training period to analyze oxidative stress index (malondialdehyde), anti-oxidative index (superoxide dismutases), and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides). The student’s t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: Taking omega-3 led to a significant reduction in resting malondialdehyde levels in experimental group (t= 2.38, P= 0.045) but there was no significant change in resting malondialdehyde for the placebo group (t= 0.708, P= 0.506). Also, the resting malondialdehyde levels were not significantly different between the experimental and placebo groups (t=2, P=0.065,). Superoxide dismutases rate had no significant increase in experimental and the placebo groups (t= 0.272, P= 0.792, t=1.39, P= 0.186, respectively). There was also no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.39, P=0.186). After four weeks cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in the experimental group (t=2.97, P=0.018) while this reduction was not significant in the placebo group (t=0.694, P=0.514). Also, the difference between the two studied groups was not significant (t=1.44, P=0.172). Concentration of triglyceride significantly decreased in both groups (t=0.835, P=0.428, t=1.38, P=0.217, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups (t=1.04, P=0.315). Conclusion: Omega-3 supplements increased the serum levels of antioxidant biomarkers and reduced the resting levels of lipid profiles in exercise-trained men, but it was not enough for exercise-induced attenuation in oxidative stress. Therefore, more research is needed to draw accurate conclusions regarding the effects of omega-3 and exercise on oxidant/antioxidant factors on excersise-trained people.

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Background and purpose: Weakness in trunk muscles and deep trunk muscles such as multifidus is amongst the key factors resulting in back pain. Therefore, strengthening these muscles is important in improving back pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stabilization exercises on pain intensity, functional disability, pain and cross sectional area of multifidus muscles in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP). Materials and methods: A clinical trial was performed in 30 women including 15 who were suffering from chronic LBP (experimental group) and 15 healthy women without any history of LBP (control group). The experimental group had 12 weeks (three times a week) stabilization exercises and the control group was given no intervention. Pain intensity, functional disability and multifidus cross sectional area were measured using visual analog scale, Oswestry disability questionnaire and ultrasonography, respectively before and after the intervention. Results: Paired t-test showed that all variables significantly improved in the experimental group (P<0.05). Between groups analysis at baseline indicated a significant difference between the experimental and the control group on cross sectional area of multifidus (P<0.05). After the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups on cross sectional area of multifidus (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated the stabilization exercises as an effective intervention in improving pain, functional disability and cross sectional area of multifidus in patients with CLBP. Further larger-scale studies are needed to support the results of the current study.

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Background and purpose: In MRI the concentration of contrast agent is indirectly measured from signal intensity (SI). It is important to find the maximum linear relationship between SI and concentration of the iron oxide nanoparticles for perfusion measurement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inversion time on SI and the maximum linear relationship between SI and concentration of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated iron oxide nanoparticles at different inversion times (TIs) using inversion recovery pulse sequence in T1-weighted MR images. Materials and methods: A phantom was designed to hold the vials with different concentrations of the PEG coated iron oxide nanoparticles in MRI coil. MR imaging was performed using inversion recovery Turbo-FLASH sequence with different TIs. The maximum SI and the maximum linear relationship between SI and concentration of the nanoparticles were measured at different TIs. Results: The maximum SI and the maximum linear relationship between SI and nanoparticles’ concentration were dependent on TI. The maximum SI at different TIs was seen at the highest concentration (500µmolFe/L). The maximum SI which led to a linear relationship with the nanoparticles concentration (R2=0.99) was obtained up to 105.49 and 243.64µmolFe/L for TIs of 400 and 240ms, respectively. Conclusion: TI has an effect on strength of SI in MRI. Increasing the TI values leads to a decrease in concentration of the PEG coated iron oxide nanoparticles that gives the maximum linear SI.

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Materials and methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 50 schools were selected by random sampling and the illuminance was measured using network method. In each place 2 to 10 measurements (between 8:00 AM and 14:00) were done using Lux meter (TES; A1336). Data was analyzed by GEE in SPSS V. 20.

Results: The lighting intensity was measured in 306 places including 194 classrooms, 49 offices and 63 corridors. Our evaluation showed that 34% of the classrooms, 40.8% of the offices, and 33% of the corridors had appropriate standard illuminance.

Conclusion: This research showed that incorrect layout of windows, the materials and colors of the walls and the material of the floors and curtain styles had significant effect on the lighting of the places.

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Background and purpose: Creating cardiovascular protection with proper exercise and nutrition are important issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and flaxseed oil supplement on the expression of genes involved in cardiac protection (UCP2, UCP3 and eNOS) in healthy male rats.
Materials and methods: Twenty adult wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) including control-saline (CS), training-saline (TS), control-flaxseed oil (CO), and training-flaxseed oil (TO). The training groups were given high-intensity interval training (10 weeks, five sessions in week) on a rodent treadmill at 90–95% of VO2max. The supplement groups received flaxseed oil at 30 mg/kg per cage. Five days after the last training session, rats were sacrificed and samples were collected.
Results: UCP2 and UCP3 gene expression significantly increased in training group compared with control group. Interestingly, we found that UCP2 gene expression in combined group was significantly higher than those of the control and training groups (P=0.008). Also, the expression of UCP3 was significantly higher in the exercise training group (P=0.05) and combined group (P=0.05). eNOS gene expression significantly increased in combined group compared with control and trainig groups (P=0.008).
Conclusion: High intensity interval training combined with flaxseed oil supplement contributes to cardiac protection by increasing the expression of UCP2, UCP3 and eNOS genes.
 

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Background and purpose: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is the main cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability in elderly population. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain relief and reducing disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Materials and methods: A total of 45 female patients participated in this randomized controlled study.The patients were randomly divided into three groups of low level laser, high power laser, and placebo laser. All patients, received standard treatment. Pain at rest and knee function were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively before, immediately, and six weeks after the intervention.
Results: Low-power laser and high-power laser had immediate and long-lasting effect on reducing pain and disability (p<0.001). The immediate and lasting effect of these two interventions between the two groups were not significantly different (p>0.05).
Conclusion: High power laser was found to have similar effects to low power laser. LLLT is believed to be more appropriate since it is more economical for both therapist and patient.  
 
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT201502224549N8)

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Background and purpose: The present study aimed at exploring the effects of eight-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on gene expression factors involved in cholesterol reverse transport in liver tissue of ischemic rats.
Materials and methods: In this study, 28 Wistar Rats (250 ±20 g) were randomly divided into four groups: Ischemia (n=8), Placebo (n=8), Training (n=8), and Ischemia plus Training (n=8). Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 minutes. High intensity interval training program (4 min of running at 85-90% VO2max and 2 min active recovery at 50-60% VO2max) was performed using treadmill for 8 weeks (three times a week /40 minutes).
Results: The expression levels of ABCG1 receptor gene and Apolipoprotein A1 significantly increased in high intensity interval training group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.008) and placebo group (P= 0.037). Also, the expression of Apolipoprotein 2 receptor gene showed significant increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.041) and placebo group (P=0.04). In addition, the expression of SR-BR receptor gene was found to increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to the placebo group (P=0.028).
Conclusion: High intensity interval training in ischemic rats increases the key factors involved in reverse cholesterol transfer process and ultimately leads to an increase in HDL, which has a positive effect on prevention of atherosclerosis and ischemia.
 

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 Background and purpose: Type 2 diabetes is the most common endocrine disease due to glucose intolerance and imbalance between reserves and insulin demand. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effect of intensity interval training and n-chromosomal royal jelly on PEPCK gene expression of hepatocytes and glucose levels and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.
Materials and methods: This experimental study was done in 36 Wistar rats (4-6 weeks, 100±20 g). After 20 weeks of high-fat diet, diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg STZ per kg body weight. The rats were treated in four groups: control (n=8), training (n=10), royal jelly (n=8), and training-Royal Jelly (n=10). Training protocol continued for eight weeks, including High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for five sessions per week with 2-minute alternation of 2 and 8 interval at 80 to 90% vo2max and a one-minute rest cycle at 50 to 56% vo2max.
Results: Compared to the control group, aerobic exercise led to significant reductions in glucose level and insulin resistance (both P<0.001). Exercise and royal jelly also resulted in increased PEPCK expression in hepatocytes compared to the controls.
Conclusion: Improvement of glycemic profile in response to HIIT and royal jelly in diabetic rats can be attributed to changes in glucose and insulin levels and as well as changes in the expression of PEPCK hepatic gluconeogenic gene.

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Background and purpose: Increased production of free radicals occurs due to intense and unconventional physical activity. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of six weeks of high intensity interval training and Matcha green tea on some cellular oxidants (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in women.
Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental applied research was performed in 48 untrained women aged 25-35 years in Tehran, Iran. They were randomly divided into four groups, including supplement (n=12), exercise (n=12), supplement + exercise (n=12), and placebo (n=12). High intensity interval training was performed for six weeks at 85% - 95% maximum heart rate. The supplement groups consumed two capsules of Matcha tea (500 mg) orally daily. MDA and GPX measurements were done using 5mL of blood sampling from the brachial vein at pre-test and post-test stages. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS V23.
Results: In current study, high intensity interval training had no significant effect on MDA and GPX indices in inactive women (P>0.05). But, consumption of Matcha tea alone and with exercise showed significant effects on reducing MDA and increasing GPX in women (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that consuming Matcha green tea alongside high intensity interval training in short term can have effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity.

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Background and purpose: Wearing face masks has become popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as a measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Some studies have pointed out the intervening role of these masks in the effect of exercise on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed at examining and comparing the effects of masking (N95 respirators and surgical masks) and not wearing a mask during exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters.
Materials and methods: In this semi-experimental design, 15 healthy women were randomly placed into three groups: surgical mask, N95 respirators and no mask. The participants took part in a progressive running session and then two weeks of HIIT program (2-4 sets, 20-60 seconds with 15-60 seconds of rest between repetitions and 3-5 minutes between the sets) with 80-90% of HRmax. The time- and frequency-domain parameters of HRV were recorded during rest and recovery after exercises using electrocardiogram and then analyzed in Kubios HRV software.
Results: Progressive running session before two weeks of HIIT training caused a significant decrease in parasympathetic time-domain parameter (RMSSD) and average RR in all groups in the fifth minute of recovery compared with rest values (P≤0.05). In addition, after HIIT training, sympathetic time-domain (SDNN) parameter and average RR significantly increased (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively) while a significant decrease was seen in the sympathetic frequency-domain (LF) parameter in rest and recovery compared with baseline values (P=0.01). No significant differences were observed between the two masked groups in parameters studied (P=0.43).
Conclusion: Increase in parasympathetic parameters and decrease in sympathetic parameters improved HRV. Wearing surgical masks or N95 respirators during exercise did not have an intervening effect on the positive results of exercise, including improving the autonomic function of the heart and maintaining sympathovagal balance in healthy women.
 

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Background and purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and Portulaca Oleracea supplementation on fetuin level and insulin resistance of rat with NAFLD.
Materials and methods: 25 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 5 groups: healthy control (n = 5), fatty liver control (n = 5), supplement. (N = 5), HIIT (n = 5) and HIIT+ supplement (n = 5). To induce NAFLD, rats were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Portulaca oleracea supplement at a dose of 400 mg/kg was given to the respective groups. The HIIT training protocol was performed for 8 weeks, 5 sessions per week with 7 repetitions of 1 minute with 90% of maximum speed, which was accompanied by active rest intervals including 2 minutes of running with 20% of maximum speed.
Results: Insulin resistance in fatty liver control group was significantly higher than healthy control group (p=0.002). Level of this index in HIIT group (p=0.01), Portulaca supplement group (P=0.037) and HIIT  group (p=0.012) were significantly lower than fatty liver control group. Also fetuin A level in liver of fatty liver control group was significantly higher than healthy control group (p=0.01). Level of this index in HIIT group (p=0.036), Portulaca supplement group (P=0.019) and HIIT combined with Portulaca supplement group (p=0.007) were significantly lower than fatty liver control group.
Conclusion: It seems that HIIT and Portulaca Oleracea supplementation improve insulin resistance in NAFLD by lowering hepatic fetuin A levels.


 

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Background and purpose: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are applied in sedation management. The analgesic effect of metoclopramide has been reported in some studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of intrathecal administration of metoclopramide in rats.
Materials and methods: In this interventional-experimental study, 30 male rats were divided into five groups (n=6 per group). Groups 1, 2, and 3 received 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg spinal metoclopramide, respectively. Group 4 received 1 mg/kg lidocaine and group 5 (control) received only distilled water. Pain threshold was measured by tail flick test and pain intensity was measured by formalin test. Quantitative pain intensity was measured every five minutes for one hour. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS V26 applying One-way Analysis of Variance and Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: The study showed that pain threshold was highest in group 4 that received lidocaine (P= 0.003). There was no significant difference in the onset of pain between the control group and group 1 (P= 0.079). Pain intensity was found to be lower in group 4 than other groups and group 3 (10 mg/kg metoclopramide) compared with groups 1 and 2 )P=0.019).
Conclusion: Metoclopramide is effective in reducing the severity of postoperative pain and higher doses are associated with better results.

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 Background and purpose: Fatty liver disease and overcoming it is a health concern. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a period of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and somatotropin injection on hepatocyte apoptosis markers and atherogenic index in mice with fatty liver disease.
Materials and methods: In this basic experimental study, 21 male mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): control (C), exercise (HIIT), Exercise + somatotropin (H-GH). The HITT was performed for eight weeks/ five sessions a week. The speed was 25 meters per minute at the beginning which increased to 70 meters per minute at the end of week eight. The somatropin dosage was 1 mg/kg. Markers, including CK-18, paraoxonase, insulin resistance, ALT/AST ratio, and LDL/HDL were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.
Results: CK18 values significantly decreased only in the HIIT group (P=0.01). Paraoxonase levels in both HIIT (P=0.00) and H-GH (P=0.01) groups significantly increased compared to the control group. Between groups changes of HOMA-IR index significantly reduced in the HIIT group (P=0.05) and slightly increased in the H-GH group but was not significant (P=0.36). The ratio of ALT/AST in both HIIT (P=0.02) and H-GH (P=0.03) groups significantly reduced. LDL/HDL ratio showed significant decrease only in the HIIT group (P=0.01).
Conclusion: High-intensity interval training produced a more effective response in improving the markers of none alcoholic fatty liver disease than GH. Injection of growth hormone alone can have negative consequences on some indicators of the disease.
 

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Background and purpose: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of psychiatric disorder that occurs after exposure to traumatic events, is associated with anxiety and abnormality in the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive functions. Physical activity can improve symptoms of somatic and neuropsychiatric disorders; however, appropriate exercise intensity and duration are still in question. In the present study, the effects of high-intensity exercise on anxiety-like behaviors, fear extinction, serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and expression of apoptosis-related genes were investigated in the prefrontal cortex of the rat PTSD model.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to induce PTSD in adult male Wistar rats. After 10 days, the animals in the exercise groups were subjected to high-intensity treadmill exercise (20 m/min, 5 days/week) for four weeks. Next, anxiety-like behaviors and fear extinction were examined using open field and shuttle box tests, respectively. Thereafter, serum IGF-1 and brain BDNF were measured by ELISA kits; and expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 in the prefrontal cortex were measured by real-time PCR.
Results: SPS rats showed increased anxiety and decreased fear extinction, serum IGF-1, and prefrontal BDNF compared to the control animals. In addition, SPS induced apoptosis by an increase in Bax and caspase-3 and a decrease in Bcl-2. High-intensity exercise reduced apoptosis and increased serum IGF-1 significantly (P<0.05).
Conclusion: High-intensity exercise decreases anxiety-like behaviors by increasing serum IGF-1 and inhibiting apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD rats.
 

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Background and purpose: Nowadays, the use of traditional herbal remedies along with exercise has become very popular for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate acute effect of aged garlic extract on metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, and salivary cortisol during and after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) in inactive women.
Materials and methods: The study population included ten inactive women in Birjand (age 24±6 years, BMI 22-23 kg/m²). Individuals participated in two separate sessions (one week apart). In the first session, aged garlic supplements (600 mg) were taken one hour before HIIE. In the second session, the placebo (600 mg of starch) was taken. The HIIE program consisted of 11 alternates (1-minute with 90% vVO₂max followed by 2-minute rest intervals with 60% vVO₂max). Pre, during, and after HIIE, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide excretion were measured using the respiratory gas analyzer in order to calculate metabolic rate (Energy Expenditure, VO₂) and substrate oxidation (Fat Oxidation, Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER)). Salivary cortisol was measured using chemiluminescence method. Repeated analysis of variance was applied for statistical analysis of the data.
Results: The results revealed that there was no significant difference in VO₂ (P=0.28), Fat Oxidation (P=0.09), RER (P=0.083), and energy expenditure (P=0.76) between aged garlic and placebo intake. There was no significant difference in salivary cortisol (P= 0.66) either.
Conclusion: Generally, aged garlic supplement intake along with HIIE does not have any effect on metabolic rate, substrate oxidation, and cortisol level in inactive women.
 

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Background and purpose: Familiarity with procedures method makes the patient cooperate. Besides, using virtual reality headsets decreases pain through involving patients in a multidimensional space. Stitching causes the child to not cooperate due to the pain occurring during the procedure. Therefore, this study combined these two methods to investigate the effect of familiarization with stitching through virtual reality headset on children's pain intensity and parents' satisfaction during stitching.
Materials and methods: The present study was a clinical trial. The statistical population consisted of 60 children aged 5-7 years with a cut in the limb or head. These children were selected by the convenience method and randomly allocated into two groups. Pain related to laceration was measured using Visual Analog Scale in both groups before the intervention. In the intervention group, virtual headset was used 1 to 3 minutes before stitching (playing 1 minute and 30 seconds animation containing how to stitch and getting familiar with the hospital environment). After the procedure, the child's pain intensity was measured again. Parents were asked to complete a parents' satisfaction questionnaire on pain management after stitching. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS V16.
Results: The demographic data did not show any significant differences. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the pain intensity of children in the control (8.6±1.67) and intervention (3.97±3.21) groups (P=0.001). Parents' satisfaction (control 48.03±11.76 and intervention 68.83±8.67) with pain management also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that using virtual reality for the purpose of familiarization reduces the intensity of pain in children during stitching and increases parents' satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method as a non-drug, safe, non-invasive, and cheap method.

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Background and purpose: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) affects the expression of genes altered by obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Perilipins (PLINs) are a family of five proteins that are expressed on the surface of fat droplets in various tissues, including visceral adipose tissue, and regulate lipid metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week HIIT program on the expression of PLIN3 and PLIN5 genes in the visceral fat tissue of obese male rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Materials and methods: The present study involved 24 male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly and equally divided into three groups: control, fatty liver, and HIIT with fatty liver. A high-fat diet was used to induce obesity and fatty liver. The rats in the fatty liver group were placed on a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. After completing the 10-week high-fat diet to ensure intervention induction, Lee's index was used. The HIIT program lasted for eight weeks with five sessions per week using a specialized treadmill at zero inclination. Exercise intensity was determined by estimating maximum oxygen consumption. Forty-eight hours after the last exercise session and after a ten-hour fasting, rats were anesthetized with a suitable mixture of xylazine and ketamine. Adipose tissue samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen in special cryovials and sent to the laboratory for gene expression measurement. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test were used to examine differences between groups at a significant level of P<0.05.
Results: Data analysis showed significant differences in the expression of PLIN3 (F_2,21=471.30, P=0.001) and PLIN5 (F_2,21=185.60, P=0.001) genes in visceral fat adipose tissue among the study groups. In addition, results indicated increased expression of PLIN3 (P=0.001) and PLIN5 (P=0.001) genes in visceral fat adipose tissue in the fatty liver group compared to the control group. A significant decrease in the expression of these genes was observed in the HIIT group with fatty liver compared to the control and fatty liver groups (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrated that the expression of PLIN3 and PLIN5 genes in visceral fat adipose tissue increased due to induced fatty liver and the HIIT program moderated this increase. The reduction in the expression of these genes compared to the healthy group indicates the beneficial effect of physical activity under healthy conditions. This study suggests that the HIIT program had more beneficial effects beyond reversing the damage from the disease. Reduction in the expression of PLIN3 and PLIN5 genes in visceral fat adipose tissue as mechanisms of HIIT efficacy suggests a way to counteract the adverse effects of obesity and fatty liver.