https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/ Sport Physiology en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4818.html Background and PurposeDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting vital organs including the liver, kidneys, and heart, leading to diminished quality of life and increased mortality, particularly in aging populations. Beyond its systemic complications, diabetes is increasingly recognized as a brain-specific disorder wherein neuronal apoptosis contributes to pathological alterations. Impaired glucose metabolism and energy deficits commonly co-occur with cognitive, learning, and memory impairments in diabetic patients—so much so that Alzheimer’s disease is proposed as “type 3 diabetes.” Lifestyle modifications, such as appropriate diet and exercise, have been shown to improve and manage this progressively debilitating condition.This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week aerobic exercise regimen combined with Spirulina supplementation on fasting blood glucose and gene expression within the BDNF/p75 neurotrophin signaling pathway in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, 230–260 g) were rendered diabetic via single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Seventy-two hours post-injection, fasting blood glucose was measured from the tail vein; diabetes was confirmed for glucose levels exceeding 200 mg/dL. Rats were randomized into four groups: diabetes control, diabetes with Spirulina supplementation, diabetes with aerobic exercise, and diabetes with both exercise and Spirulina.Spirulina groups received daily gavage of 500 mg/kg body weight Spirulina, five days per week for four weeks. Exercise groups underwent treadmill training with zero incline and progressive speed increases from 12 to 22 cm/s over sessions lasting 20 to 45 minutes, preceded and concluded by 15 minutes of warming up and cooling down at 10 cm/s. The combined group received Spirulina gavage 30 minutes prior to exercise. Control group rats were exposed to a quiet treadmill environment without exercise.Fasting glucose was assessed pre-injection, and at two- and four-week intervals post-injection. Seventy-two hours following the last training session, rats were anesthetized (ketamine 60 mg/kg and xylazine 8 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and hippocampal tissues were harvested under rapid decapitation, then stored at −80°C until analysis. BDNF and p75 gene expressions were quantified via RT-PCR. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc testing at P ≤ 0.05. Results Two weeks after diabetes induction, all groups exhibited significant elevation in fasting blood glucose compared to baseline, without between-group variation. At four weeks, aerobic exercise, Spirulina supplementation, and their combination significantly reduced fasting glucose relative to diabetic controls, although levels did not return to baseline.Hippocampal analysis revealed significantly reduced BDNF expression in diabetic controls. The combined exercise plus Spirulina group showed notably higher BDNF expression than other groups (F = 22.5; p ≤ 0.001). No significant difference existed between exercise-only and Spirulina-only groups (p=0.3).Conversely, the diabetic group had markedly elevated p75NTR expression compared to other groups (F = 27.2; p ≤ 0.001). The combined intervention significantly lowered p75 expression, with no difference between exercise-only and Spirulina-only groups (p = 0.3). Detailed gene expression levels with standard errors are presented in the accompanying table. ConclusionAerobic exercise and Spirulina supplementation, singularly or combined, significantly reduced fasting glucose and modulated BDNF and p75NTR gene expression in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The combined intervention elicited superior effects, potentially reflecting enhanced glucose uptake mediated by endurance training and antioxidative, anti-apoptotic properties of Spirulina. Both interventions stimulate neurotrophin activity, upregulating BDNF and downregulating its apoptotic receptor p75NTR, promoting neuronal preservation and mitigating diabetes-associated cognitive decline. Article Message This study underscores the importance of lifestyle factors in diabetes management. While individually effective, combining exercise and dietary supplementation yields the most pronounced benefits in glycemic control and neuroprotective molecular changes, highlighting the necessity of integrated therapeutic approaches.  Ethical ConsiderationsAll experimental protocols adhered to national guidelines for laboratory animal care and were approved by the University of Isfahan Ethics Committee (Code: IR.UI.REC.1403.037). Authors’ Contributions Conceptualization: Sayed Mohammad Marandi, Maryam Ahmadi RadData Collection: Fatemeh JafarianData Analysis: Zeinab RezaeeManuscript Writing: Fatemeh JafarianReview and Editing: Zeinab RezaeeLiterature Review: Fatemeh JafarianProject Manager: Zeinab Rezaee Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. AcknowledgmentsThe authors gratefully acknowledge all contributors who assisted throughout this study. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4915.html Background and PurposeIn many sports activities and at the end of training and competition, the athlete enters the fatigue phase. Fatigue disrupts the rate of muscle production and shortening, causing a continuous and repetitive activity that depends on the intensity and duration of the activity. Therefore, the athlete's performance decreases and his performance is affected. Some supplements and sports drinks claim to delay or reduce the perception of fatigue. Beta-alanine can have beneficial effects on sports performance variables, blood lactate and fatigue index. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of beta-alanine consumption on lactate and anaerobic performance of female swimmers.Materials and MethodsIn this semi-experimental study, 30 female swimmers aged 17-25 from Tehran province participated. Initially, all subjects completed health status questionnaires and informed consent by the athlete. The inclusion criteria for the present study were having at least three years of experience in swimming, not participating in other sports, being at least 17 and not more than 25 years old, not having any pathological symptoms, history of fractures, surgeries, or joint diseases in the lower limbs or spine in the past 7 years. Also, in order to eliminate the effect of previous training on the levels of research variables, the swimmers were given a 48-hour rest before implementing the training protocol and supplement consumption. At the beginning of the research protocol, the demographic characteristics of the subjects, such as height, weight, and body mass index, were measured. Then, the subjects were randomly assigned to two placebo and beta-alanine groups. The beta-alanine group took two 400 mg capsules daily and the placebo group took 500 mg dextrose capsules one hour before training for four weeks. The subjects performed their daily training for three days a week, swimming 1.5 hours every other day for a distance of about 2.5 km. The 100 and 200 m breaststroke swimming records were taken in the first and last sessions. The SAST test was used to measure anaerobic power. Immediately after the last training session and beta-alanine supplementation, lactate and pH were measured. Blood lactic acid concentration was measured using a lactometer. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance with repeated measures.ResultsThe results of the repeated measures analysis of variance test showed that four weeks of beta-alanine consumption had a significant effect on blood lactate (P=0.009, F=7.79), and it can be said that the lactate level in the beta-alanine group was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group. Beta-alanine has a significant effect on the 100-meter swimming record (P=0.001, F=37.59) and 200-meter swimming record (P=0.001, F=28.63) of swimmers. After four weeks of beta-alanine consumption, the 100-meter and 200-meter swimming records improved significantly. Beta-alanine consumption had a significant effect on the anaerobic power of the first (P=0.001, F=42.54), second (P=0.001, F=42.53), third (P=0.001, F=1.87), fourth (P=0.001, F=139.57), and fifth (P=0.001, F=82.99) female swimmers, and it can be said that the time in the beta-alanine group was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group. In other words, beta-alanine consumption improved the anaerobic power of the female swimmers. However, it did not have a significant effect on pH (P=0.747, F=106) and the anaerobic power of the sixth (P=0.249, F=1.38).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that beta-alanine supplementation for four weeks in female amateur swimmers significantly reduced blood lactate, improved 100- and 200-meter breaststroke records, and increased anaerobic power compared to the placebo group; while no significant change was observed in blood pH levels. More specifically, the mean blood lactate decreased after the intervention in the beta-alanine group, the 100-meter and 200-meter swimming records improved significantly, and anaerobic power also showed a significant increase.Beta-alanine supplementation affects aerobic and anaerobic capacity, increased exercise intensity, improved performance, increased carnosine and histidine, changes in plasma hydrogen ion levels, and reduced fatigue (16). Beta-alanine plays a prominent role in regulating muscle buffering capacity, and changes in blood lactate have been observed with its consumption. It seems that beta-alanine consumption increases an individual’s ability to perform more intense exercise. Beta-alanine has a buffering effect due to the imidazole ring in its structure and its high concentration in human skeletal muscle (17). Physiologically, the main mechanism of action of beta-alanine is related to the increase in muscle carnosine levels. Carnosine acts as an intracellular buffer and prevents the decrease in muscle pH by inhibiting the excessive increase in H⁺ ions (produced during intense exercise) (18). This leads to a delay in the onset of muscle fatigue, increased exercise tolerance, and improved anaerobic performance. Although blood pH did not change significantly in the present study, the reduction in lactate and improvement in anaerobic power are likely due to this buffering effect of carnosine in the intracellular environment of the muscle, which may not be clearly reflected in the blood.Article MessageThe results showed that daily consumption of two 400 mg beta-alanine capsules per day for four weeks can improve performance and anaerobic capacity in athletes, therefore, taking into account the precautions, it can be suggested to swimmers to use beta-alanine supplementation to improve their records and anaerobic capacity.Ethical ConsiderationsThe present study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of Semnan University of Medical Sciences with ethical considerations with the approved code (IR.SEMUMS.REC.1403.330).Authors’ ContributionsAll authors contributed equally to the design, implementation, data analysis, and writing of the article.Conflict of InterestThe authors of this article have no vested interest in its publication.AcknowledgmentsThe researchers express their gratitude to the subjects who helped us in this project.  https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4984.html Background and Purpose Elderly stage and seniority are a natural phenomenon which are associated with increased lifespan and the onset of physical dependency. Aging is a type of biological change which causes social, psychological, physical, and physiological changes. This phenomenon causes impairments in mobility, adaptation, employment, physical activity, and communication. Frailty syndrome, although inherently multidimensional, is characterized by weakness in physical and psychological resilience. Older adults often report repeated injuries and hospital admissions, persistent fatigue, and decreased mobility. Physical activity can help to increase physical and mental health in older adults and improve their quality of life (QOL). Concerns about the growth of the elderly population include an increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and numerous disabilities; accordingly, these conditions associated with the aging process that require more attention. Therefore, given the growing population of older adults, addressing their health and QOL (physical, psychological, and social dimensions) is of great importance in meeting their needs. Furthermore, it is essential to conduct further studies in this area to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of aging process and the challenges of the elderly. Given the multidimensional nature of frailty and disability in older adults and the impact of various factors on QOL, this study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between physical and psychological frailty with the level of physical activity and the QOL among older adults. Materials and Methods The present study used an observational and cross-sectional design and was conducted in the Kerman city. The statistical population consisted of all inactive elderly men and women. 107 volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were purposively selected (60 men and 47 women). Inclusion criteria for the study were: being over 60 years of age, the ability to speak Persian, absence of acute physical problems, hearing impairment, and tendency to participate in the study. Participants were excluded if they failed to answer the interview questions or expressed unwillingness to continue their involvement in the study. The instruments employed in this study to assess various dimensions of participants’ health and well-being included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QOLQ) and the Fried Frailty Scale (FFS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22. To evaluate the normality of the data distribution, the Shapiro–Wilk test was applied. Based on the results of the normality assessment, logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to explore the relationships among the study variables. Results Based on the descriptive results, the prevalence of physical and psychological frailty among the elderly was 78.5%. Additionally, 25.2% of the participants had sufficient physical activity, and 68.2% had an adequate QOL. In addition, a significant negative relationship was observed between physical and psychological frailty and the QOL, physical activity, and emotional loneliness among older adults (p < 0.001). In such a way that QOL by 11.1%, physical activity by 27.6%, and emotional loneliness by 42% can predict the level of physical and psychological frailty among older adults. On the other hand, a significant positive relationship was observed between depression and physical and psychological frailty (p < 0.001), such that this factor can predict 62.1% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This study showed that physical and psychological frailty has a high prevalence among older adults, and modifiable factors such as physical activity, QOL, and emotional loneliness, along with an important psychological factor such as depression, play a significant role in predicting it. Conclusion The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between physical and psychological frailty with physical activity and QOL among older adults. The findings of this research showed that QOL predicts 11.1% of the physical and psychological frailty in older adults, indicating a significant negative relationship between frailty and their QOL. The results of the present study showed that physical activity can predict 27.6% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This finding indicates a significant negative relationship between frailty and their level of physical activity. On the other hand, the data analysis of the present study showed that there is a significant relationship between depression (positive relationship) and emotional loneliness (negative relationship) with physical and psychological frailty in older adults. In other words, depression can predict 62.1% and emotional loneliness can predict 42% of the physical and psychological frailty among older adults. This study showed that physical and psychological frailty has a high prevalence among older adults in the city of Kerman, and modifiable factors such as physical activity, QOL, and emotional loneliness, along with an important psychological factor like depression, play a significant role in predicting it. Article Message The findings of the present study indicate that although frailty has a multifactorial nature, its severity can be reduced through feasible interventions (physical activity, social support, and mental health). Accordingly, strengthening programs that promote a healthy lifestyle, reducing social isolation, and providing psychological services can play an important role in preventing and reducing frailty, thereby improving the health and independence of older adults. Ethical Considerations Prior to initiating the study and data collection, the research design was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan (IR.RUMS.REC.1401.023). At the outset of the research, the subjects read and signed the consent form. They were also given explanations about the voluntary nature and the method of participation in the study. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires. Furthermore, detailed instructions for the questionnaires were provided to the participants, and any questions they did not comprehend were re-explained to them. The subjects were assured that the research findings would be shared with them. Authors’ Contributions Conceptualization: Abdolreza Kazemi, Mahdi Hossainzadeh, Keramat Ali-zendegi  Data Collection: Keramat Ali-zendegi, Mahdi Hossainzadeh Data Analysis: Mahdi Hossainzadeh, Keramat Ali-zendegi  Manuscript Writing: Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi Review and Editing: Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi Literature Review: Keramat Ali-zendegi, Hadi Kerendi, Abdolreza Kazemi Project Manager: Abdolreza Kazemi Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article, whether involving individuals or organizations. Acknowledgments The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article, whether involving individuals or organizations. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4916.html Background and Purpose Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious and prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D), characterized by structural and functional alterations in the myocardium, independent of coronary artery disease or hypertension. Key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying DCM include oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and impaired cellular clearance systems. Among these, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway is a vital system for the degradation and recycling of damaged cellular components, such as defective mitochondria (mitophagy), playing a crucial role in maintaining cardiomyocyte homeostasis. The optimal function of this system depends on the health and integrity of the lysosomal organelle. Lysosomal membrane proteins, particularly Lysosome-Associated Membrane Proteins 1 and 2 (LAMP1 and LAMP2), are essential for protecting the lysosomal membrane from enzymatic degradation and for the fusion of lysosomes with autophagic vacuoles. Furthermore, the Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, coordinates the expression of genes related to lysosomal function and autophagic processes. Evidence indicates that in diabetic conditions, the function of this pathway is suppressed, leading to the accumulation of cellular debris and ultimately heart failure.As non-pharmacological interventions are considered complementary strategies for managing diabetic complications, exercise training has been a focus of research due to its well-known metabolic and cardiovascular benefits. Among various exercise regimens, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has gained significant interest due to its time efficiency and superior ability to induce metabolic and mitochondrial adaptations. However, the precise effects of this type of exercise on the lysosomal pathway in heart tissue under diabetic cardiomyopathy conditions are not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week HIIT program on the expression of LAMP1, LAMP2, and TFEB proteins in the heart tissue of rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods This experimental study was conducted on male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200-250 grams. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats by high-fat diet feeding followed by streptozotocin injection. Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 each): normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC, no exercise), and diabetic + HIIT.The HIIT program was performed for eight weeks, five sessions per week, on a rodent-specific treadmill. The protocol included a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down at low intensity. The main exercise session consisted of intervals of running at maximum speed (approximately 85-90% of VO₂ max) for 4 minutes, followed by active recovery periods at low intensity (approximately 50-60% of VO₂ max) for 1 minute. This cycle was repeated for 5 to 7 repetitions per session.At the end of the intervention period, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and their blood and heart tissue samples were collected. Metabolic indices, including fasting blood glucose and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), were measured. To evaluate the expression of the target proteins, Western Blot analysis was employed. Total proteins were extracted from heart tissue, separated by electrophoresis, transferred to a membrane, and incubated with specific primary antibodies against LAMP1, LAMP2, and TFEB. The resulting signals were quantified using ImageJ software and normalized to a housekeeping protein (such as β-Actin). Finally, the data were analyzed using an independent t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), GraphPad prisma statistical software, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The results from biochemical assessments confirmed the successful induction of the T2D model, leading to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in the rats. Fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in the diabetic control group compared to healthy groups. The implementation of the HIIT protocol led to a significant improvement in these metabolic indices in the exercise group compared to the sedentary diabetic control group.At the molecular level, the findings revealed that diabetes induction had a profound impact on the expression of key lysosomal proteins in the heart tissue. The expression of all three proteins LAMP1, LAMP2, and TFEB was significantly decreased in the diabetic control group compared to the healthy group (with p=0.028, p=0.021, and p=0.005, respectively).The HIIT exercise program had a significant compensatory effect on this decreased expression. The levels of these proteins in the trained group showed a remarkable increase compared to the diabetic control group. Statistical analyses confirmed a significant increase in the expression of LAMP1 (p=0.001), LAMP2 (p=0.001), and TFEB (p=0.001) following the training. Quantitatively, this increase was substantial, with protein levels rising by approximately 155%, 150%, and 187% for LAMP1, LAMP2, and TFEB, respectively, compared to the diabetic control group. These results clearly demonstrate that HIIT was able to activate the suppressed lysosomal pathway in the diabetic heart and improve cellular clearance function. Conclusion The findings of this study conclusively show that a period of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) not only improves metabolic indices, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, in diabetic rats but also, by upregulating the expression of critical lysosomal proteins (LAMP1, LAMP2) and the master transcription factor governing lysosomal biogenesis (TFEB), can restore the function of the autophagy-lysosomal system in heart tissue. This molecular adaptation appears to be a potential protective mechanism of HIIT against the accumulation of cellular debris and oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyocytes, ultimately leading to improved cardiac structure and function and the prevention or delay of diabetic cardiomyopathy progression.Therefore, HIIT can be considered an effective and promising non-pharmacological strategy to help maintain cardiac health in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, further clinical studies are essential to translate these findings to human models. Investigating complementary downstream mechanisms and the effects of exercise protocols with different intensities and durations is also recommended. Article Message Diabetes can lead to cardiomyopathy and impaired cardiac lysosomal function. This study investigated the effect of an eight-week HIIT program session on the levels of key proteins related to lysosomal function in the heart tissue of rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our findings showed that HIIT resulted in upregulation of lysosomal markers and improved autophagy. These results suggest that HIIT may provide a protective strategy against diabetes-induced cardiac complications by improving mitochondrial clearance and reducing oxidative stress, and has significant therapeutic potential. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Kurdistan under the code: IR.UOK.REC.1400.015 Authors’ Contributions All authors contributed to the design, implementation, and writing of all parts of the present study. Conflict of Interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Acknowledgments The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the University of Kurdistan, Department of Exercise Physiology for providing the necessary facilities and support to conduct this research.   https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4913.html Background and Purpose Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) ranks among the century's most prevalent metabolic disorders, defined by chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and profound dyslipidemia that burdens global healthcare systems. Middle-aged and elderly women face escalating prevalence, compounded by obesity, hypertension, and premature cardiovascular mortality. Central to T2DM pathology is dyslipidemia: hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1)—HDL's principal structural protein essential for reverse cholesterol transport, anti-inflammatory effects, and endothelial protection. Exercise emerges as a cornerstone non-pharmacological therapy. Resistance training (RT) targets muscular hypertrophy and metabolic rate elevation, whereas endurance training (ET) optimizes aerobic efficiency and lipid oxidation. Notwithstanding supportive literature, comparative RT versus ET efficacy on TG, CHOL, and ApoA-1 remains contentious in female T2DM cohorts. This randomized controlled trial systematically compared 8-week RT and ET protocols' influence on lipidomic, anthropometric, and glycemic indices in sedentary T2DM women, elucidating optimal exercise prescriptions for dyslipidemia mitigation and cardiovascular risk stratification. Materials and Methods This randomized pretest-posttest controlled clinical trial enrolled 60 sedentary women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; mean age: 50.87 ± 7.63 years; BMI ≈30 kg/m²) from Ardabil, Iran. Participants were randomly allocated (simple randomization via random number generator) to three equal groups (n=20 each): resistance training (RT), endurance training (ET), or control. Strict inclusion criteria ensured homogeneity: age 45-60 years, T2DM duration >1 year, HbA1c 6.5-9%, no cardiovascular/respiratory/musculoskeletal disorders, sedentary (<150 min/week moderate activity), normotensive (<140/90 mmHg), non-smokers, stable oral antidiabetic monotherapy, no skin lesions, and voluntary informed consent. Exclusions: pregnancy, insulin therapy, recent infections, or orthopedic limitations. Medical clearance obtained via physician evaluation and ECG.Baseline assessments (24h pre-intervention) encompassed anthropometrics (stature: Seca stadiometer; mass: digital scale; BMI; WHR via tape measure), hemodynamics (sphygmomanometer), and fasting venous blood (8-10h) for FBS, insulin (ELISA), TG, CHOL, ApoA-1 (commercial kits, calibrated spectrophotometry/ELISA reader). 8-week intervention: 3 supervised sessions/week (48h apart), 45-60 min duration. RT: 10min warm-up (cycling/stretching), 6 multi-joint exercises (leg press, bench press, lat pulldown, seated row, leg curl/extension, shoulder press) at 40%1RM (week1) progressing to 75%1RM (weeks7-8; 3sets×8-12reps, 60-90s rest), 10min cool-down. 1RM estimated Brzycki formula. ET: treadmill (10min warm-up), continuous moderate intensity 40-75% maxHR (220-age), duration 20-45min progressive, 10min cool-down. Controls maintained habitual lifestyle sans exercise. Adherence >85%; progression monitored RPE (6-8/10). Post-testing: 48h post-final session (counterbalanced order). Statistical analysis: SPSS v26. Normality (Shapiro-Wilk), homogeneity (Levene). Primary: MANOVA (group×time), univariate ANOVA, Bonferroni post-hoc (p<0.05). Partial η² effect sizes. Power analysis (G*Power): 0.80, α=0.05, f=0.40. Results Post-intervention analysis revealed substantial improvements across anthropometric, glycemic, and lipid variables in both exercise cohorts versus sedentary controls. Resistance training (RT) induced pronounced weight loss (75.67 ± 11.66 kg pre-intervention to 65.91 ± 8.14 kg post-intervention; absolute reduction 9.76 kg, -12.89%, p<0.001), accompanied by significant BMI decline (30.41 ± 3.80 to 27.94 ± 3.13 kg/m²; -8.12%, p<0.001). Waist-hip ratio (WHR) improved from 0.91 ± 0.04 to 0.86 ± 0.05 (p=0.01), signifying reduced central adiposity. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased 12.85 mg/dL (149.14 ± 26.32 to 136.29 ± 15.62 mg/dL, p<0.005), indicating enhanced glycemic control.Endurance training (ET) demonstrated moderate but clinically meaningful reductions: weight declined 5.11 kg (69.99 ± 13.26 to 64.88 ± 10.23 kg; -7.3%, p=0.002), BMI decreased (29.10 ± 6.01 to 28.04 ± 5.64 kg/m²; -3.4%, p=0.04), WHR improved (0.88 ± 0.07 to 0.58 ± 0.01, p=0.03), and FBS reduced 15.58 mg/dL (147.29 ± 27.57 to 131.71 ± 22.26 mg/dL, p=0.003). Notably, ET achieved greater absolute FBS reduction than RT, suggesting superior glycemic responsiveness. Conversely, control participants exhibited stasis: weight (70.93 ± 7.80 to 70.81 ± 7.63 kg, p=0.85), BMI (30.01 ± 3.89 to 29.82 ± 4.11 kg/m², p=0.40), WHR (0.87 ± 0.37 to 0.86 ± 0.03, p=0.67), and FBS (194.29 ± 37.79 to 178.14 ± 32.61 mg/dL, p=0.07) remained statistically unchanged.Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) confirmed significant between-group differences for primary outcomes: FBS post-intervention (F=4.02, p=0.01, η²=0.44, large effect), BMI post-intervention (F=3.45, p=0.03, η²=0.34, moderate-large effect), and triglycerides post-intervention (F=3.62, p=0.03, η²=0.35), with both RT and ET reducing triglycerides by approximately 20-25% from baseline. However, secondary lipid markers showed no significant intergroup differences: total cholesterol (F=1.93, p=0.15, η²=0.22), insulin (F=0.97, p=0.42), HbA1c (F=0.61, p=0.61, η²=0.61), and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1; F=0.59, p=0.62, η²=0.08). Controls remained biochemically stable across all measured variables, thereby highlighting training-specific metabolic improvements. Post-hoc Bonferroni tests confirmed RT and ET equivalence for significant outcomes, with both superior to controls (p<0.05). Conclusion Eight weeks of resistance and endurance training substantially improved anthropometric, glycemic, and triglyceridemic indices in women with type 2 diabetes, corroborating Miller et al. (2017) and Ghodrat et al. (2022) on exercise-induced metabolic amelioration. Both modalities yielded comparable benefits: RT excelled in weight/BMI reduction (-12.89%/-8.12%), whereas ET matched glycemic improvements (FBS ↓15.58 mg/dL). Triglyceride reductions (~20-25%) underscore favorable lipid modulation. However, absent total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1), and HbA1c improvements suggest 8-week duration insufficiency; longer protocols may enhance apolipoprotein dynamics and long-term glycemic control. Exercise intensity, population heterogeneity, and medication confounders warrant consideration. These findings reinforce structured exercise's pivotal role in non-pharmacological T2DM management, supporting personalized training prescription based on individual preferences, comorbidities, and fitness levels. Future investigations should examine extended interventions (>12 weeks), combined RT+ET protocols, and sex-stratified responses for optimized cardiovascular risk reduction. Article Message Type 2 diabetes mellitus imposes substantial metabolic and cardiovascular burdens, particularly in women. This study demonstrates that structured resistance and endurance training interventions, implemented systematically over eight weeks, effectively ameliorate anthropometric (weight, BMI, WHR), glycemic (FBS), and lipid (triglycerides) dysfunctions in sedentary diabetic women. Both exercise modalities yielded comparable benefits, with resistance training demonstrating superior body composition reductions and endurance training matching glycemic improvements. These findings underscore exercise's pivotal non-pharmacological role in T2DM management. Clinicians should prescribe personalized exercise protocols aligned with individual patient preferences, functional capacity, and comorbidities to enhance adherence and therapeutic efficacy. Structured exercise integration into diabetes care pathways optimizes metabolic control and reduces premature cardiovascular mortality. Ethical Considerations The present study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Mohaghegh Ardabili University with ethical code IR.UMA.REC.1403.061. The clinical trial registration number at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) is IRCT20250405065220N1.   Authors’ Contributions Conceptualization: Reza Farzizadeh Data Collection: Bagher Shoja Anzabi Data Analysis: Farnaz Seifi-askishahr Manuscript Writing: Bagher Shoja Azabi Review and Editing: Reza Farzizadeh Literature Review: Afshin Nejati-afkham Project Manager: Reza Farzizadeh Conflict of Interest In this study, the authors declare that they have no financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest, and all stages of the research were conducted in full compliance with ethical principles and without any influence from secondary interests. Acknowledgments We sincerely acknowledge all individuals who contributed to the successful completion of this research, particularly our esteemed study participants and the respected laboratory specialists. Your invaluable collaboration and unwavering support played a crucial role in advancing and accomplishing this investigation. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and commitment throughout this research endeavor. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4914.html Background and Purpose Brain aging is a time‑dependent physiological process closely associated with progressive mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly within the hippocampus. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is essential for maintaining neuronal integrity and protecting cells against metabolic and oxidative stress. Mitophagy, primarily regulated by the PINK1/Parkin pathway, is a key mechanism that preserves MQC by eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria; however, its efficiency declines with age, enhancing to oxidative stress, metabolic imbalance, and neurodegeneration. Exercise training is recognized as a potent modulator of MQC, with moderate‑intensity continuous training (MICT) consistently shown to enhance mitophagy‑related pathways, whereas the effects of high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) on mitophagy in the aging brain remain unclear inconsistent. Clarifying how different exercise intensities influence PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy is essential for optimizing exercise interventions to protect brain function during aging. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of MICT and HIIT on some mitophagy markers (PINK1, Parkin) in the hippocampus of D-galactose–induced aging rats. Materials and Methods Twenty eight male Wistar rats (3 months old; 220 ± 40 g) were obtained and housed in the Animal Facility of the University of Isfahan under controlled environmental conditions (12-h light/dark cycle, 23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5% humidity) with ad libitum access to standard chow and water. After a one-week acclimation period, rats completed five days of treadmill familiarization (5–10 m/min, 0% incline, 10 min/day). Subsequently, the animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 each): control (C), D-galactose- induced aging model (D-gal), moderate-intensity continuous training plus D-galactose (MICT+D), and high-intensity interval training plus D-galactose (HIIT+D). Aging was induced in all groups except the control group via daily intraperitoneal injections of D-galactose (150 mg/kg/day, dissolved in 0.9% saline) for eight weeks. was monitored weekly throughout the intervention. Baseline exercise capacity and maximal running velocity (Vmax) were determined using an incremental treadmill test. The protocol consisted of ten consecutive 3-min stages at 0% incline, beginning at 0.3 km/h and increasing by 0.3 km/h per stage until volitional exhaustion. Vmax was reassessed at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 to adjust training intensities. Exercise training was conducted five days per week for eight weeks and  each sessions included a 5 min warm up and cool down at 40% Vmax. The MICT protocol involved continuous running at 60% Vmax for 33.3 -38.5 min, while the HIIT protocol consisted of nine 1.5-min bouts at 85% Vmax interspersed with nine 2-min recovery bouts at 45% Vmax. Forty-eight hours after the final training session, and following a 12-h fast, rats were anesthetized using ketamine (90 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg) and subsequently euthanized. Hippocampal tissues were rapidly dissected on an ice-cold surface, immediately snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at −70 °C until analysis. To assess expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin by Western blotting, tissues were homogenized in a lysis buffer containing protease inhibitors, followed by centrifugation at 14,000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 °C. The resulting supernatants were collected, and protein concentrations were determined using the Bradford assay. Samples were separated on 12% SDS–PAGE gels, transferred to PVDF membranes, blocked with 5% skim milk, and incubated with primary antibodies against PINK1, Parkin, and β-actin, followed by HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies for 1 hour at room temperature. Protein bands were visualized by enhanced chemiluminescence and quantified relative to β-actin. A one‑way ANOVA was used to analyze PINK1 and Parkin levels, and a two‑way repeated‑measures ANOVA assessed changes in body weight and Vmax over time. The Bonferroni post hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons between groups. A significance level of p < 0.05 was applied. Results The results of the repeated-measures ANOVA for body weight revealed a significant main effect of time (F(1,24) = 130.180, p = 0.001، η²p = 0.844), indicating that mean body weight changed significantly over the course of the 8-week intervention. However, the main effect of group was not significant (F(3,24) = 0.154, p = 0.926، η²p = 0.019), demonstrating that mean body weight did not differ across groups. Despite the absence of group differences, the time × group interaction was statistically significant (F(3,24) = 3.935, p = 0.020, η²p = 0.330), suggesting that patterns of weight change over time varied among groups. For Vmax, there was a significant main effect of time (F(1,24) = 7.105, p = 0.014, η²p=0.228), along with a significant main effect of group (F(3,24) = 26.527, p = 0.001, η²p=0.768). Furthermore, a highly significant time × group interaction was detected (F(3,24) = 70.095, p = 0.001, η²p=0.898), indicating that the progression of Vmax over the 8-weeks period differed substantially between groups. Bonferroni post hoc tests indicated no significant difference in Vmax between the control and D-gal groups (p = 1.000). In contrast, both training groups showed significant increases in Vmax compared with the control and D-gal groups (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between the MICT+D and HIIT+D groups (p = 1.000), indicating that both training modalities comparable improvements in Vmax. To determine the effect of exercise intensity on the expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins, a one-way ANOVA was conducted for PINK1 and Parkin. The analysis revealed significant differences among groups for both proteins (PINK1: F(3,24) = 385.30, p = 0.001, η²p = 0.979; Parkin: F(3,24) = 591.40, p = 0.001, η²p = 0.986). Post hoc Bonferroni comparisons indicated that D-gal administration significantly increased levels of PINK1 and Parkin expression relative to  the control group (both, p = 0.001). in contrast, eight weeks of exercise training markedly reduced the expression of both proteins in the MICT+D and HIIT+D groups compared with the D-gal group (p = 0.001), demonstrating that aerobic training effectively attenuated mitochondrial stress responses. Moreover, the MICT+D group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in PINK1 and Parkin levels than the HIIT+D group (p = 0.001). These findings indicate that both exercise protocols improved functional capacity (Vmax), while MICT exerted a more pronounced regulatory effect on mitophagy-related protein expression in the aging-induced hippocampal tissue. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that chronic D-galactose administration the significantly elevation of PINK1 and Parkin expression in the hippocampus. This increase likely reflects a compensatory response to increased oxidative stress and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria, which is consistent with previous evidence indicating that D-galactose promotes ROS over production, accelerates brain aging, and impairs mitochondrial integrity. In contrast, eight weeks of exercise training reversed these alterations, as both MICT and HIIT significantly reduced PINK1 and Parkin levels compared with the D-gal group. These findings are in line with the established role of exercise in modulating mitophagy-related pathways  and  improving mitochondrial function. Notably, MICT induced a more pronounced reduction in these proteins, suggesting that moderate, sustained intensity may more effectively regulate the mitophagy signaling in vulnerable hippocampal tissue, and facilitate a more efficient restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis compared with HIIT. Collectively, these results underscore the therapeutic potential of appropriately prescribed exercise training for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction during aging and highlight MICT as a particularly promising strategy for maintaining hippocampal cellular integrity. Article Message The findings of the present study demonstrate that both continuous and intermittent exercise training (MICT, HIIT), effectively improved hippocampal MQC-related protein expression and attenuated D-galactose–induced neurodegenerative alterations. Notably, MICT induced a more pronounced restoration of MQC balance compared with HIIT, suggesting that moderate, sustained exercise may exert a more favorable regulatory influence on mitochondrial homeostasis in the aging hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of considering exercise intensity and training structure when designing interventions aimed at mitigating or preventing brain aging. Ethical Considerations The study was approved ethically by the ethics committee of the University of Isfahan, Iran Code No, IR.UI.REC.1403.027). All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.   Authors’ Contributions Conceptualization: Mohammad Faramarzi Data Collection: Hajar Allahverdi, Siamak Beheshti Data Analysis: Hajar Allahverdi, Jalil Reisi Manuscript Writing: Hajar Allahverdi Review and Editing: Hajar Allahverdi, Mohammad Faramarzi, Jalil Reisi, Siamak Beheshti Responsible for funding: Hajar Allahverdi Literature Review: Hajar Allahverdi Project Manager: Mohammad Faramarzi Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests Acknowledgments This study was supported by the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) under project No.4030891. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4929.html Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of HIIT and metformin use on troponin I gene expression and creatine kinase mb(CK-mb) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) enzyme activity in the myocardium of STZ diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty 10-week-old male Wistar rats (250 to 300 g) were divided into six groups of five: healthy control, diabetic control, placebo, metformin, HIIT, and HIIT + metformin. The exercise groups ran five sessions per week for eight weeks. The metformin groups received 2.5 g/kg daily. After the intervention, the rat myocardium was used to measure troponin I gene expression and the activity of the biomarkers CK-mb and LDH. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using one-way analysis of variance.Results: After diabetes induction, blood sugar levels in the diabetic control and placebo groups increased significantly compared to the healthy control group (p<0.001). After intervention, blood sugar levels in the metformin, HIIT, and HIIT + metformin groups were significantly lower compared to the diabetic control and placebo groups(p<0.001). Also, troponin I gene expression and myocardial CK-mb and LDH activity in diabetic rats in metformin, HIIT and HIIT+metformin groups were significantly lower than in diabetic control and placebo groups(p<0.001). When comparing the three intervention groups, the results showed that only troponin I gene expression in the HIIT+metformin group was significantly lower than in the metformin group (p<0.001).Conclusion: Both high-intensity interval training and metformin use reduce myocardial tissue damage in diabetic rats; however, a synergistic effect of these two interventions was not observed. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4933.html Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Cognitive impairment is a significant complication of chronic epilepsy. Human and animal model studies of epilepsy have demonstrated that aerobic exercise induces beneficial structural and functional changes and reduces the number of seizures. However, the effects of aerobic training on the miR-155/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in epilepsy have not yet been investigated. The present study evaluated the effects of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the miR-155/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in rats with epilepsy. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: non-epileptic sedentary (NES), epileptic sedentary (ES), sham, and epileptic moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (EPI+MICT). The exercise group performed 40 minutes of treadmill running at 60% VO2max. The effects of exercise on the activation of BDNF, TrkB, and miR-155 in the hippocampus of epileptic rats were determined using RT-PCR, Western blot, multiplex, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Epileptic rats showed a significant increase in miR-155 levels (p = 0.0002), which was significantly reduced by MICT exercise (p = 0.033). BDNF and TrkB activation was significantly decreased in epileptic rats (p = 0.0001), and MICT significantly increased BDNF protein expression (p = 0.0001), while TrkB did not show a significant change (p = 0.053). Consequently, aerobic exercise improved molecular factors in epileptic rats. These beneficial effects of aerobic exercise may be related to the inhibition of miR-155 and the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling protein. Our findings suggest that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may be included as a non-pharmacological treatment strategy for epilepsy. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4987.html Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of continuous and interval training with different intensities on PDE9A gene expression and serum nitric oxide (NO) levels in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: healthy control, MI control, continuous training (70% of maximal running speed), moderate-intensity interval training (80%), and high-intensity interval training (90%). MI was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (150 mg/kg) for two consecutive days. After 48 hours of recovery, training interventions were performed for eight weeks (three sessions per week, 30 minutes each). Serum NO levels were measured using ELISA, and PDE9A gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4988.html Objective: Prediabetes, a precursor stage to type 2 diabetes, is characterized by insulin resistance and impairment in the molecular pathways regulating glucose metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training and green coffee supplementation on the IRS1–PI3K–AKT–GYS2 axis and hepatic glycogen synthesis in prediabetic obese Mice.Materials and Methods: Forty male C57BL/6 mice with high-fat-diet-induced prediabetes were divided into four groups: control (PreD), endurance training (PreD/Ex), green coffee supplement (PreD/GC), and a combination of training and supplement (PreD/GC.Ex). Endurance training was performed for 12 weeks, five days per week, at an intensity of 60-75% of VO₂max. Green coffee supplement, containing 50% chlorogenic acid, was administered daily via gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg, three days a week.Results: The findings revealed that both endurance training and green coffee supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and plasma insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance test outcomes. Furthermore, the gene expression of IRS1, PI3K, AKT, and GYS2, as well as the p-AKT/AKT ratio, were markedly increased in the intervention groups, with the most pronounced effects observed in the endurance training group.Conclusion: These changes indicate an effective activation of the insulin signaling pathway and enhanced glycogen synthesis in hepatic cells. The results demonstrate that endurance training acts as the primary stimulus for restoring the insulin pathway, while green coffee, through its antioxidant properties, augments this effect. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4989.html Objective: Although arterial stiffness is linked to myelin destruction, evidence regarding vascular dysfunction and the effects of non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of a combined exercise training programme on endothelial dysfunction (endothelin-1) and its relationship with psychological and haemodynamic stress in women with MS .Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty women with MS (36.8 ± 3.9 years; 72 ± 11.1 kg) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed a 12-week combined exercise programme including aerobic (RPE 11–13), resistance (TheraBand, 1–3 sets of 8–15 repetitions), balance, and breathing-stretching exercises for at least 60 minutes, three sessions per week. Serum endothelin-1, blood pressure, resting heart rate, anxiety, and motor function were assessed before and after the intervention, and data were analysed using ANCOVA.Findings: Compared with the control group, the exercise group showed significant reductions in endothelin-1 and anxiety levels and significant improvements in motor performance (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between reductions in anxiety and endothelin-1 (r = 0.754, p = 0.003). However, despite improvements in haemodynamic indices, no significant association was found between their changes and endothelin-1 levels.Conclusion: Combined exercise training reduces endothelin-1 levels in women with MS, and this reduction appears to be mainly related to decreased psychological anxiety rather than haemodynamic changes, indicating simultaneous physiological, psychological, and motor benefits. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4994.html Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in substrate oxidation during exercise after consuming white and black tea in female athletes.Materials and Methods: 10 female athletes (mean age 21.60±1.58 years, height 162.00±5.31 cm, weight 54.57±7.78 kg, BMI 20.70±1.96 kg/m2, fat percentage 27.53±3.91) consumed 500 ml of white tea and 500 ml of brewed black tea in a balanced crossover design, one week apart, in the fasting state. One hour later, a gas analyzer was connected to them; after a 10-minute rest, they performed increasing activity on a treadmill until fatigue. The rate of fat and carbohydrate oxidation during rest and activity was measured using indirect calorimetry, and calculations were performed with SPSS software at a significance level of P≥0.05.Findings: The results of the dependent t-test showed that the amount of MFO (p = 0.01) and FATmax (p = 0.009) at rest and fat oxidation (p = 0.006) in the first stage of activity in the white tea consumption condition was significantly higher than that in the black tea consumption condition. No significant difference was observed in FATmax, time to exhaustion, and maximum oxygen consumption in the activity condition between the two conditions.Conclusion: The results showed that the consumption of white tea, compared to black tea, one hour before exercise or at rest, increased fat oxidation, and in the rest condition, white tea had a greater increase in fat oxidation and FATmax than black tea. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_4995.html Exercise training is known as an effective method in the prevention and control of metabolic syndrome, as it can improve metabolic function and reduce associated risk factors, which increases cardiovascular health and quality of life. Metabolic syndrome includes a set of disorders such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and sugar disorders, which are largely managed with regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of exercise in cold and warm water on the response of hormones affecting fat metabolism in men with metabolic syndrome.The study was conducted experimentally on 30 men with no history of regular physical activity in Urmia. Participants were randomly divided into three groups of 10, including exercise in cold water, in warm water, and control, based on the zMets index. Each exercise session lasted 45 minutes. 5 ml of blood was taken from the arm and measured with laboratory kits. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05.The results showed that the levels of adropin, adiponectin, and cortisol in both cold and warm water training groups increased significantly compared to the control, especially in cold water group (P<0.05). Tukey's test showed that there was a significant difference between the cold and warm water training groups and the control in all variables except cortisol (P<0.05).The results of this study showed that cold water training can be used as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve hormones related to fat metabolism in people with metabolic syndrome. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5036.html Background and Purpose Adequate and high-quality sleep, regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, and overall quality of life are key factors in the physical, cognitive, and psychological development of preschool children. Evidence suggests that sleep deprivation, unhealthy dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and low quality of life can negatively affect children’s growth and health, leading to physical problems, behavioral disorders, reduced cognitive abilities, and metabolic issues. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) is a crucial indicator of children’s physical health and is closely related to lifestyle, nutrition, and sleep patterns. Examining the relationships among these variables can help design comprehensive interventions to promote children’s health. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of physical activity and quality of life on BMI, sleep habits, and dietary behaviors in preschool children and to assess the role of multidimensional lifestyle factors in enhancing their physical and psychological well-being. Materials and Methods  This descriptive-correlational study included all preschool children in Minoodasht during the 2023–2024 academic year (n=400). Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s table, a sample of 196 children was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Shahlaei Physical Activity Questionnaire (2011), Parent-Reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Varni et al., 2001), BMI measurement, Owens Sleep Habits Questionnaire (2000), and HFFQ Dietary Habits Questionnaire (1995). Data Analysis: Data were analyzed using multiple regression and Spearman correlation. The significance level was set at p<0.05. These methods allowed for the examination of correlations and predictive relationships between variables and clarified the independent and interactive effects of physical activity and quality of life on BMI, sleep, and dietary behaviors in children. Results Physical activity was positively and significantly associated with BMI (p=0.005) and children’s dietary habits (p=0.0001). Quality of life showed positive and significant associations with BMI and dietary habits (p=0.001) and a negative and significant association with sleep habits (p=0.0001). Regression analysis indicated that quality of life significantly predicted BMI, while physical activity, together with quality of life, predicted sleep and dietary habits. These findings demonstrate that physical activity, quality of life, dietary habits, and BMI independently and interactively affect children’s physical and psychological health, as well as their sleep patterns and nutritional behaviors. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that regular physical activity, optimal quality of life, healthy dietary habits, and appropriate BMI are significantly associated with improved sleep patterns in preschool children. Multidimensional interactions between lifestyle, nutrition, and physical status contribute to enhanced physical and psychological health and promote cognitive and social development. These results highlight the importance of comprehensive, evidence-based educational and physical activity interventions in preschool and home settings to ensure holistic child development and reinforce long-term healthy behaviors. Body composition is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional construct that interacts not only with physiological parameters but also with psychological factors. Among these, early maladaptive schemas—deeply rooted emotional and cognitive patterns formed in childhood—play a critical role in shaping health behaviors, including exercise participation and dietary regulation. Another key psychological construct is self-control, which directly influences one’s ability to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Despite increasing research on the psychological dimensions of physical health, few studies have examined how variations in body composition correlate with cognitive schemas and self-regulation, particularly in physically active individuals. Given the global rise in obesity and the complex biopsychosocial factors involved in weight management, understanding these relationships can enhance the design of holistic health interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition (categorized by BMI: obese, overweight, fit, and underweight), early maladaptive schemas, and levels of self-control among physically active men and women. A further aim was to explore the impact of gender differences and BMI categories on the interplay between cognitive-emotional patterns and physical health behaviors. Article Message This study showed that regular physical activity, appropriate quality of life, healthy eating habits, and a balanced body mass index can significantly improve children's sleep habits. Therefore, children's educational and training programs should include daily physical activity, attention to proper nutrition, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and creating a supportive environment for children's physical and mental development. The research findings emphasize that the interaction of lifestyle, nutrition, physical condition, and sleep quality plays a key role in children's physical, cognitive, and mental development and can be used as the basis for designing evidence-based educational and sports interventions. Ethical Considerations In this study, in addition to writing instructions at the beginning of the questionnaire, the purpose of the study was clearly explained to the participants; they were also assured that their findings were confidential and would be published in the article without mentioning their personal information. Then, the participants completed the consent form to participate in the research. In addition, throughout the text of the article, confidentiality in the use of internal and external sources and accuracy in citations were observed. Authors’ Contributions This research is derived from a master's thesis. All authors contributed equally to the ideation, data collection, data analysis, and writing of the paper. Conflict of Interest According to the authors, this article does not have any conflict of interest. Acknowledgments The authors of this study hereby express their gratitude to all participants and their families who participated in this study and provided the opportunity to conduct the research. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5044.html Background and Purpose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe cognitive decline and neuronal loss, primarily driven by the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles. These pathological hallmarks disrupt synaptic plasticity and memory formation, posing significant challenges for current therapeutic approaches. Recent evidence highlights the critical role of epigenetic regulators, particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) such as TUG1 and MEG3, in AD pathogenesis. TUG1 is known to mitigate neuronal apoptosis by modulating specific molecular cascades, whereas MEG3 is essential for maintaining neuronal survival and cognitive integrity. Consequently, targeting these lncRNAs offers a promising avenue for neuroprotection. Non-pharmacological interventions, including aerobic interval training (AIT) and Ginkgo biloba (GB) supplementation, have gained attention for their multi-modal benefits. AIT enhances cerebral function by upregulating neurotrophic factors and attenuating oxidative stress, while GB exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that counteract Aβ toxicity. However, the synergistic potential of combining these strategies to modulate hippocampal lncRNA expression remains underexplored. This study investigates the combined effects of AIT and GB on TUG1 and MEG3 expression in the hippocampus of a rat model of AD, aiming to elucidate their capacity to alleviate cognitive decline and provide a novel epigenetic perspective for AD management. Methods Forty-nine male Wistar rats, aged 8–10 weeks and weighing 250 ± 20 g, were housed in a controlled environment with a standard 12-hour light-dark cycle and free access to food and water. From an initial cohort of 56 animals, six were lost during the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induction phase, and one was excluded due to sample preparation issues, resulting in a final sample size distributed across seven groups: Healthy Control (HC, n=7), Alzheimer’s Control (AC, n=8), Ginkgo Biloba (AD+GB, n=8), Ginkgo Biloba + Aerobic Interval Training (AD+GB+AIT, n=8), Aerobic Interval Training (AD+AIT, n=8), Sham (n=5), and Placebo (n=5). AD was induced via bilateral intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1-42 (5µg/µL, 2 µL/site) using a stereotaxic apparatus. Following a 4-week post-injection period to confirm pathology, interventions commenced. The AD+AIT and AD+GB+AIT groups underwent an 8-week progressive treadmill aerobic interval training program, 5 days per week, at intensities ranging from 40% to 55% of VO₂max. Concurrently, the AD+GB and AD+GB+AIT groups received Ginkgo biloba extract (100 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the shuttle box passive avoidance test to assess memory retention. Upon completion, hippocampal tissues were extracted, and the expression levels of lncRNAs TUG1 and MEG3 were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), normalized to β-actin as a housekeeping gene. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by LSD post-hoc tests, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Evaluation of cognitive performance via the shuttle box passive avoidance test demonstrated that the Healthy Control (HC) group achieved the highest step-through latency (STLA), reflecting superior memory retention relative to all other groups (P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, the Placebo group exhibited significantly reduced latency compared to the Ginkgo Biloba (AD+GB), Alzheimer’s Control (AC), and Sham groups (P ≤ 0.05), indicating negligible cognitive effects from the placebo procedure. Regarding hippocampal gene expression, no statistically significant differences were observed in TUG1 levels across the study cohorts (P > 0.05). Although the AC group presented a slight, non-significant increase in TUG1 expression (1.36 ± 0.76) compared to HC (1.27 ± 0.98), AD+AIT (1.08 ± 0.75), AD+GB+AIT (1.22 ± 0.82), AD+GB (1.06 ± 1.00), Sham (1.13 ± 0.54), and Placebo (1.22 ± 0.71), these variations were not meaningful. On the other hand, MEG3 expression was significantly amplified in the AD+GB+AIT group (2.19 ± 1.98) when compared to the AC (0.93 ± 0.12, P<0.0001), HC (P = 0.002), AD+AIT (0.83 ± 0.47, P<0.0001), Sham (1.00 ± 0.08, P<0.0001), and Placebo (0.95 ± 0.17, P = 0.001) groups. While the AD+GB group showed elevated MEG3 levels (1.69 ± 0.27) versus the AC group, statistical significance was not reached (P > 0.05). Collectively, these data imply that the combined regimen of aerobic interval training and Ginkgo biloba selectively upregulates MEG3, suggesting a neuroprotective role, whereas TUG1 expression remains unaffected by these treatments. Conclusion In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the synergistic application of aerobic interval training and Ginkgo biloba supplementation exerts selective regulatory effects on hippocampal lncRNAs in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. While the interventions did not alter TUG1 expression, they significantly upregulated MEG3 levels in the combined group, surpassing even healthy control levels. This distinct upregulation suggests a robust neuroprotective mechanism, likely mediated by enhanced neurotrophic support, reduced oxidative stress, and the activation of survival pathways such as PI3K/Akt. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of non-pharmacological strategies in modulating epigenetic markers to counteract neuronal apoptosis and cognitive decline. Consequently, MEG3 represents a promising target for AD management, whereas the role of TUG1 requires further investigation with extended intervention periods to fully elucidate its responsiveness and molecular interactions in AD pathology   Article Message This investigation highlights that the concurrent use of aerobic interval training and Ginkgo biloba supplementation induces selective neuroprotective outcomes by markedly enhancing hippocampal MEG3 expression, without modulating TUG1. The results indicate that integrating non-pharmacological approaches can effectively regulate epigenetic mechanisms to mitigate neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, directing therapeutic strategies toward lncRNA MEG3 via combined lifestyle modifications presents a viable and cost-effective method for managing AD pathology, underscoring the significant role of physical activity and phytochemicals in promoting neuroprotection and cognitive resilience. Ethical Considerations All experimental procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of the Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran (Ethical Code: IR.SSRC.REC.1403.001) and adhered to the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publication No. 85-23, revised 2011). Authors’ Contributions Conceptualization: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi, Mehdi Mogharnasi, Majid Vahidian Rezazadeh, Mohsen Saravani Data curation: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Formal analysis: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Funding acquisition: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Investigation: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Methodology: Majid Vahidian Rezazadeh Project administration: Mehdi Mogharnasi Resources: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Software: Mohsen Saravani Supervision: Majid Vahidian Rezazadeh Validation: Mohsen Saravani Visualization: Mohsen Saravani Writing–original draft: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi Writing–review & editing: Sepideh Basirat Dehkordi, Mohsen Saravani Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests. Acknowledgments This project was supported by Zahedan University of Medical Sciences and Imam Ali Hospital Research Center, Zahedan, Iran. The authors express their sincere gratitude for this support https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5060.html Introduction and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of High-intensity interval swimming (HIIS) and Low-intensity continuous swimming (LICS) on appetite response and ghrelin levels in overweight female lifeguards. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 overweight female lifeguards from Neyshabur were selected based on inclusion criteria. Participants completed two crossover sessions: one HIIS (6 × 50m maximal freestyle sprints with each sprint + rest cycle totaling 5 minutes; approximately ~30 min) and one LICS (1000m continuous swimming; ~30 min). After a standardized breakfast and 60-min rest, exercise protocols were performed. After a 60-minute rest period, participants could request lunch. Appetite questionnaires were completed before, immediately after, one hour post-exercise, and at the time of lunch request. Blood samples were collected to measure ghrelin and lactate levels before and after exercise and at the time of lunch request. Results: Significant differences were observed between the two swimming protocols in ghrelin levels (p=0.026), hunger sensation (p=0.04), and fullness sensation (p=0.03). However, no significant differences were found in lactate levels (p=0.79), desire to eat (p=0.63), or lunch calorie intake (p=0.32). Conclusion: LICS appears more effective than HIIS in modulating ghrelin levels and suppressing appetite. Given the absence of compensatory food intake during lunch, LICS may be a viable strategy for appetite control in overweight populations. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5061.html Given the rising prevalence of obesity and overweight in recent decades and their associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications, identifying effective strategies for prevention and management has become a public health priority. Obesity is linked to lipid metabolism disorders, elevated blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. In this context, aerobic exercise and the use of herbal supplements such as quercetin have gained attention as non-pharmacological interventions.Quercetin, a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. It exerts its effects on adipose tissue through molecular pathways such as SIRT1 and AMPK activation. However, studies have reported conflicting results regarding its impact on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels. While some meta-analyses have shown significant improvements in HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), and blood pressure, others have found no notable effects.On the other hand, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has also proven effective in reducing inflammation, improving oxidative stress, and regulating blood pressure. Given the individual benefits of these interventions, the present study investigates the potential synergistic effects of aerobic exercise and quercetin supplementation on improving lipid profiles and blood pressure in obese individuals. The primary aim is to compare the combined efficacy of these two interventions with each one independently and assess their impact on metabolic and cardiovascular markers in overweight individuals. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5066.html Objective. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of different types of exercise training on circulating irisin levels in individuals with metabolic disorders.Research Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Iranian databases without time limits up to December 1403. The inclusion criteria were based on the PICOS guidelines (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design) and included: (1) adults over 18 years of age with metabolic disorders; (2) regular exercise training with an intervention duration of more than 2 weeks; (3) studies with a control group or more than one training group; (4) measurement of irisin in the bloodstream (serum or plasma); and (5) controlled study designs. Findings. A total of 27 studies including 1204 male and female subjects aged 20–75 years were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that aerobic exercise (15 interventions, P = 0.09, SMD = 0.422), HIIT (8 interventions, P = 0.001, SMD = 0.981), and combined exercise training (9 interventions, P = 0.036, SMD = 0.391) significantly increased irisin levels. In contrast, resistance training (11 interventions, P = 0.116, SMD = 0.309) did not result in a significant change in irisin levels. Conclusion. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that exercise training is an effective intervention for increasing circulating irisin levels in individuals with metabolic disorders. However, the response of irisin to exercise training depends on the type of exercise. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5067.html Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effects of voluntary and forced exercise with caffeine supplementation on anxiety behaviors and oxytocin hormone levels in the brains of chronically stressed mice.Materials and Methods: In this study, 35 male C57/BL-6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, stress, stress+caffeine, stress+caffeine+voluntary exercise, stress+caffeine+forced exercise. Chronic stress was induced for four weeks using the UCMS protocol. Voluntary or forced exercise was performed using a running wheel, and caffeine was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/kg. Intervention was performed four weeks before stress induction and four weeks after stress induction. The dark-light test was used to measure anxiety, and the ELISA kit was used to measure oxytocin levels. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.Findings: According to the results, chronic stress led to a significant increase in anxiety and a decrease in oxytocin levels in the brain(P=0.001). Caffeine consumption alone or combined with forced exercise had no significant effect on the number of entries into the light box and oxytocin levels(p>0.05). In contrast, caffeine consumption combined with voluntary exercise significantly reduced anxiety-related behaviors and increased brain oxytocin levels compared to other groups(p=0.001).Conclusion: According to the results, voluntary exercise combined with caffeine consumption can be considered as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety-related behaviors and increasing oxytocin levels in conditions of chronic stress. The choice of exercise type(voluntary or forced) plays a key role in the psychosocial and neurochemical effectiveness of interventions. https://spj.ssrc.ac.ir/article_5098.html Purpose: This study aimed to analyze expert viewpoints and develop a multidimensional framework for factors influencing talent identification in table tennis. Given the multidimensional role of physiological and perceptual–motor indicators in athletic success, examining how experts prioritize these factors can contribute to designing a more accurate talent identification system.Methods: This exploratory study was conducted using Q-methodology. Based on previous literature and expert opinion, 25 talent identification indicators were extracted and presented to 22 table tennis specialists, who ranked them on a Q-sort distribution from +4 to -4. Data were analyzed using KADE software based on retained variance and consensus statements. The study protocol was registered in the OSF platform under the ID hz2fr-v1, and approval was obtained from the Physical Education Department of Farhangian University, Khorasan Razavi Province.Findings: Six distinct assessment profiles were extracted. The skill-related physical fitness profile, explaining 39% of the retained variance, represented the dominant expert viewpoint and emphasized hand–eye coordination, dominant-hand strength, speed, and agility. In contrast, the multidimensional approach was the least common viewpoint. Hand–eye coordination and agility were identified as positive consensus indicators, whereas height was identified as a negative consensus indicator.Conclusion: Despite the diversity of expert viewpoints, skill-related physical fitness was the dominant talent identification pattern in table tennis. Hand–eye coordination and agility form the core of initial screening, whereas height is not an appropriate criterion. Therefore, talent identification protocols should begin with this shared core and physical–skill indicators, followed by psychological assessments in later stages.