Background: Our study examined the sex differences in the relationship between meteorological conditions and objectively measured daily step counts among Japanese individuals living in the community. Objectives: In this study, we explored the correlations between meteorological conditions [including maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI)] and objectively measured daily step counts. Methods: The data collected throughout the year included a sample of 2,076 sedentary individuals in good health (631 men and 1,445 women). Furthermore, we collected additional information such as the healthy lifestyle scores of the participants and medication data. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, we identified the weather conditions that correlated with optimal daily step counts and stratified them with respect to the sex of the participants. Results: The mean daily step count values for men and women were 9,516 and 7,450 steps, respectively. For men, the identified cut-off values [area under the curve (AUC)] of various weather parameters for achieving 10,000 daily step counts were as follows: Maximum temperature of 17.4°C (0.732), mean temperature of 15.7°C (0.713), minimum temperature of 12.4°C (0.691), THI of 59.7 (0.711), and a maximum THI of 63.1 (0.724). In contrast, for women, the corresponding cut-off values (AUC) of various weather parameters for achieving 8,000 daily step counts were as follows: Maximum temperature of 20.2°C (0.645), mean temperature of 15.7°C (0.630), minimum temperature of 12.6°C (0.613), THI of 59.7 (0.626), and a maximum THI of 66.1 (0.637). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the impact of meteorological data, including maximum temperature and THI, on the daily step count. Such information is deemed invaluable in providing exercise guidance to mitigate the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes.

Background: Fish is a valuable source of food for athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of consuming farmed and wild trout on sport performance, lipid profile levels, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in trained female bodybuilders. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 active female bodybuilders aged 20 to 30 years were randomly assigned to three equal groups: Farmed trout consumers, wild trout consumers, and a control group. During the intervention, 50 grams of fish were included in the lunch meal at least four to five times a week for four weeks. Sport performance, including maximum upper and lower body muscle strength measured by the chest press and leg press tests, average anaerobic power assessed through the RAST test, lipid profile, and vitamin D levels, was evaluated through blood tests conducted 48 hours before and after the study. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were observed in sport performance, triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, or HDL levels among the three groups (P > 0.05). Vitamin D increased significantly in both fish consumption groups compared to the control group (P = 0.000). LDL decreased significantly in the wild trout group compared to the other two groups (P = 0.000). Conclusions: The consumption of both farmed and wild trout increased vitamin D levels. LDL was reduced only in the wild trout group, and the effect of wild trout was superior to that of farmed trout.

Background: The optimal execution of sports skills results from the complex interaction of anthropometric, biomechanical, physiological, and psychological factors. It is crucial to understand the key indicators of each of these factors in male and female elite shooting players to identify, discover, and support talents, as well as design appropriate training programs. This can lead to better performance, success, and decreased injuries. Objectives: The present study compares key anthropometric, biomechanical, physiological, and psychological factors in male and female elite shooting players. Methods: Iranian national shooting team members, n = 32 (16 female shooters and 16 male shooters), were recruited to participate in this study. They underwent an examination to assess and compare their main anthropometric (weight, height, limb length, limb height, limb widths, limb circumferences, body composition, and subcutaneous fat percentage), biomechanical (static balance, speed, acceleration, agility, leg power, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, reaction time, and flexibility), physiological (heart rate, cardiorespiratory fitness), and psychological indicators (basic psychological skills, psychomotor skills, and cognitive skills). The principal component analysis (PCA) statistical method was used to determine the principal components of the evaluated indicators, followed by the independent t-test statistical method to compare the two groups of males and females (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found between male and female shooters, including anthropometric measurements (such as waist circumference, knee circumference, forearm length, head circumference, arm length, hand length, arm circumference in contraction, arm circumference at rest, and height), biomechanical attributes (like agility, speed, abdominal muscle endurance, and finger reaction time), physiological indicators (including maximum heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption), and psychological factors (basic skills) (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the research findings, it is crucial to segregate talent search and development programs for shooting sports into separate groups for men and women. Coaches should monitor athletes during the off-season because there are differences between genders in anthropometric measurements, biomechanical traits, physiological parameters, and basic psychological skills. Furthermore, when designing an annual training schedule, it is essential to consider gender differences and tailor workouts to the distinct strengths, abilities, and characteristics of each gender to improve performance in competition.

Background: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), a complication following SARS-CoV-2 infection, frequently manifests as persistent fatigue. Exercise rehabilitation may offer a strategy to combat PASC. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week selected-exercise-rehabilitation (SER) program on fatigue, inflammatory markers, physical function, and mental health in COVID-19 survivors. Methods: COVID-19 survivors with pulmonary damage and experiencing fatigue were recruited from Al Zahra Hospital and randomized into an experimental (SER program; online and in-person delivery) or a control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 8 weeks, including: White blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), handgrip strength, two-minute walk test, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Statistical analysis (SPSS) revealed significant improvements across all measured variables within the SER group following the intervention (P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, participants in the SER group showed significantly greater improvements in inflammatory markers, physical function, fatigue, depression scores, and quality of life at the 8-week follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusions: An 8-week SER program significantly reduced fatigue and inflammation while improving physical function and mental well-being in COVID-19 survivors with prior pulmonary damage. These results support the potential use of personalized SER, initiated early post-infection, as a therapeutic approach to manage long-term fatigue following COVID-19 and potentially other infectious diseases.

Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with a high prevalence and increasing incidence annually. Slow deep breathing exercises (SDBE) is a complementary therapy that can be used as an alternative to address the ineffectiveness of antihypertensive treatment in controlling blood pressure and its complications, including decreased lung function. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the profile of lung function and analyze the effect of SDBE on pulmonary function test values (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) in the hypertensive population. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The study subjects were patients with hypertension aged ≥ 45 years in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. A total of 26 subjects were obtained with eligibility criteria including not having hearing impairment, not smoking, not having respiratory system disorders, and willingness to participate in the study by signing informed consent. Subjects were given a slow deep breathing Pranayama intervention with a duration of 5 cycles (25 minutes) with a frequency of 3 times per week for 6 weeks. A pulmonary function test with spirometry was used to determine the values of FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC measured before and after the intervention. Bivariate analysis was performed using a paired t-test on FEV1 and FVC variables and the Wilcoxon test for FEV1/FVC variables. Results: The pulmonary function of hypertensive patients in this study was primarily normal (61.54%), followed by restrictive lung disorder (23.08%), obstructive lung disorder (7.69%), and mixed restriction-obstruction (7.69%). There was a significant mean difference in FEV1 (P = 0.016) and FVC (P = 0.009) before and after the SDBE intervention, with a positive difference. However, there was no significant mean difference in the FEV1/FVC variables (P = 0.989). Conclusions: The SDBE improves forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values in the hypertensive population.

Background: Individual, social, and cultural constraints can significantly impact physical activity throughout an individual's lifespan. Objectives: This study aims to predict the socio-cultural and individual constraints that affect regular physical activity in adults. Methods: The present study is correlational research. Participants comprised 5,822 employees working in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports federations, and provincial sports and youth departments in Iran, totaling a sample size of 360 individuals with a mean age of 44.88 ± 0.33 years. The sample was determined randomly according to the Morgan table, ensuring an unbiased selection of participants. The eligibility criteria included informed consent for study participation and an age range of 40 to 63 years, whereas the exclusion criteria included individuals with physical or mental impairments. The instruments for data collection were the BAZNEF Model Structures Questionnaire and the Standard Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Chi-square, logistic regression, and linear regression statistical analyses were employed for data evaluation. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the demographic variables of age, field of study, and level of education with regular physical activity in adults. Among the constructs of the BAZNEF model, the construct of behavioral intention is considered the most important individual predictor of regular physical activity among adults. Additionally, subjective norms and attitude (participation motivation) influence the behavioral intention to engage in physical activity in adults. The individual attribute of behavioral intention is the most predictive factor of engaging in regular physical activity among adults. Conclusions: Socio-cultural and individual constraints (participation motivation) influence the intention to engage in regular physical activity among adults.

Background: With the development of the economy and changes in lifestyle, sedentary behavior (SB) and lack of physical activity (PA) have become prevalent trends among middle-aged and elderly individuals, significantly affecting their physical and bone health. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between daily SB, PA, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese middle-aged and elderly women, providing a theoretical basis for improving bone health and preventing and treating osteoporosis in this demographic. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred and twelve eligible middle-aged and elderly obese female subjects participated in this study. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to quantify body composition and BMD, and a triaxial accelerometer was used to collect data on PA over a seven-day period. The data were analyzed using correlation coefficients and multivariate regression. Results: The present study found that the osteopenia group presented lower body weight, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and body fat percentage than the normal group. The SB and PA duration did not significantly differ between the normal and osteopenia groups at any level (all P > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between SB, PA, and BMD in any region and the whole body. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time has a very weak negative correlation with body fat percentage and fat mass. There exists a positive correlation between regions and whole-body BMD and body weight, fat mass, and FFM to varying degrees. Conclusions: The BMD is influenced by body composition, particularly by body weight and FFM, but it is not directly influenced by SB or PA. It is suggested that the influence of different intensities and forms of resistance exercise intervention on BMD should be investigated in the future to explore the relationship between exercise and BMD and the mechanism behind it.

Background: Fear of re-injury is a common psychological challenge in athletes that can negatively impact the rehabilitation process and return to sport. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of fear of re-injury among elite Iranian male and female handball players. Methods: In 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving elite handball players from Iran's Premier League and Divisions One and Two. Participants were distributed an online questionnaire, including the Re-injury Anxiety Inventory (RIAI) and a Sports Injury History Questionnaire. Two hundred twenty players (164 men and 56 women) completed the survey. Data on injury type, location, and timing were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests with SPSS22 software. Results: Most handball players had a history of serious sports injuries, with higher rates in women (98.21%) than men (93.90%). Non-contact injuries were more common in men (60.36%), while contact injuries were slightly more common in women (51.78%). Injuries occurred more frequently during training in women (53.57%) and competition in men (49.39%). Men had a significantly higher fear of re-injury than women (P = 0.002), and this fear was greater in athletes with a history of injury (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Fear of re-injury is prevalent among elite handball players, especially men and those with prior injuries. Injury patterns differ between men and women, and protective equipment prevents injuries. These insights can aid in creating intervention programs to reduce re-injury fears and enhance return-to-sport outcomes in handball players.

Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of metabolic disorders, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which collectively heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The global prevalence of MetS is steadily increasing, paralleling the rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Pharmacological treatments for MetS often face challenges such as inadequate blood pressure (BP) control and limited improvements in cardiovascular outcomes. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on non-pharmacological interventions, particularly exercise. Among various exercise modalities, isometric resistance training (IRT), which involves static muscle contractions without joint movement, has emerged as a promising strategy for effectively lowering BP and enhancing endothelial function, both of which are critical for cardiovascular health. Evidence Acquisition: This comprehensive literature review synthesizes existing research on the effects of isometric exercise on BP regulation and endothelial function in individuals diagnosed with MetS. The review examines studies sourced from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Key discussion areas include the underlying physiological mechanisms of IRT, comparisons with other exercise modalities, clinical implications, and recommendations for future research. Articles were selected based on qualitative and descriptive reviews. Results: Evidence indicates that isometric resistance training effectively reduces both systolic and diastolic BP, achieving results comparable to other exercise forms like aerobic and dynamic resistance training. Furthermore, IRT has significantly improved endothelial function, particularly among populations with MetS. These physiological benefits are attributed to mechanisms such as enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability, reduced oxidative stress, and improved autonomic regulation. Conclusions: The review supports the integration of isometric exercise into hypertension management protocols, especially for individuals with MetS. Isometric resistance training offers a viable non-pharmacological alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments, with the added advantages of accessibility and adaptability for diverse populations. However, further research is necessary to optimize exercise protocols, determine long-term outcomes, and fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of IRT.