Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 The Effects of Six Weeks of Patella Taping on Function, Proprioception, and Balance in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis 188 201 FA Maryam Alikhani Department pf Sport Injury and Corrective Movements, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Hamid Tabatabai Department pf Sport Injury and Corrective Movements, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Objective This study aimed to examine the effect of six weeks of patella taping on function, proprioception, and balance in women with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This applied, semi-experimental study involved middle-aged women aged 30 to 50 years. Using convenience sampling, 30 women with knee osteoarthritis from an orthopedic clinic in Tehran were selected. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The experimental group underwent patella taping for six weeks, while the control group continued their normal routines. Function was assessed using the WOMAC questionnaire, static balance with the single-leg stance test, dynamic balance with the Timed Up & Go test, and proprioception with the joint position sense error test. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests for within-group comparisons and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for between-group comparisons. Results Paired-sample t-tests indicated that patella taping significantly improved pain intensity, joint stiffness, and function in the experimental group. Additionally, static and dynamic balance, as well as knee joint proprioception, showed significant improvement. ANCOVA results revealed significant post-test differences between the two groups in terms of pain intensity, joint stiffness, function, static and dynamic balance, and proprioception (p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest that patella taping reduces pain and joint stiffness while improving function, balance, and proprioception in women with knee osteoarthritis. Patella taping may be an effective non-pharmacological tool for enhancing these outcomes and is recommended for use by sports trainers and physiotherapists.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 The Effects of Meditation, Breathing Exercises, and Cold Exposure using the Wim Hof Method on the Autonomic Nervous System: A Systematic Review 202 215 FA Abbas Ghadimi Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Sajjad Ghadimi Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Ebrahim Piri Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Objective Research has shown that exercises using the Wim Hof Method can positively affect the immune system. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the impact of meditation, breathing exercises, and cold exposure using the Wim Hof Method on the autonomic nervous system. Methods This study is a systematic review. The number of articles in this field is limited. The search, conducted in both Persian and English, covered the period from 2013 to 2024 and included databases such as WoS, Civilica, ISC, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Ultimately, 5 relevant articles were reviewed and analyzed. Results One study revealed that exercises incorporating this method effectively reduced perceived stress levels in participants. Additionally, two articles provided compelling evidence that young individuals practicing the Wim Hof Method experienced significant recovery from flu-like symptoms induced by bacterial endotoxins, such as shivering and headaches. Two other studies indicated that exercises associated with the Wim Hof Method positively influence the autonomic nervous system, suggesting potential benefits in managing autoimmune diseases. Conclusion These exercises were notably effective in reducing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. The results indicate that performing meditation, breathing exercises, and cold exposure using the Wim Hof Method has a significant impact on the body's autonomic nervous system and may help improve or manage autoimmune diseases.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 The Effectiveness of Six Weeks of Core Stability Exercises on Q Angle and Flatfoot in Female Taekwondo Athletes 216 228 FA Ebrahim Ebrahimi Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. Parnian Rashidi Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Neginsadat Tabatabaei Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, ImamReza International University, Mashhad, Iran. Narges Soleymani Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. Objective Taekwondo is an Olympic combat sport that, due to its intense and complex training, exposes athletes to lower limb abnormalities. Performing corrective exercises to address these issues is essential, and core stability exercises appear to be effective. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the impact of six weeks of core stability exercises on the Q angle and flatfoot in female taekwondo practitioners. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the field. The statistical population consisted of 30 female taekwondo practitioners, aged 15–25, from Mashhad, who were purposefully selected and randomly divided into two groups of 15. The Staheli arch index was used to assess flatfoot, and a goniometer was employed to measure the Q angle. A pre-test was conducted to measure the variables of interest, followed by a six-week core stability training program for the experimental group. A post-test was administered using the same procedures as the pre-test. Results The results indicated that the six-week exercise program significantly improved flatfoot (P = 0.001) and reduced the Q angle (P = 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion Core stability exercises can be effective in addressing abnormalities and rehabilitating athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the impact of six weeks of core stability exercises on improving flatfoot and reducing the Q angle in female taekwondo practitioners. The results of this study showed that core stability exercises improved flatfoot and reduced the Q angle in female taekwondo practitioners. It is recommended that core stability exercises be incorporated alongside regular taekwondo training to improve balance and enhance performance.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 Comparison of Spatiotemporal Gait Variables Between Healthy Individuals and Patients with Heel Spur During Walking 230 240 FA Mohamad amin Shahbazi Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Ali Jalalvand Department of Sport Biomechanics, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Objective This study aimed to investigate the differences in spatiotemporal gait parameters between healthy individuals and patients with plantar fasciitis, commonly referred to as heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects gait mechanics due to pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia. Understanding these differences can provide insights into how this pathology alters gait and inform therapeutic interventions to improve function and reduce discomfort. Methods The study population comprised two groups: patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and healthy controls. A total of 30 male participants aged 30–49 years were selected through convenience sampling, divided into two groups of 15 each. Inclusion criteria for the patient group included a confirmed diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and a minimum pain score of 3 on the numeric-visual scale. Exclusion criteria included the presence of other musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic disorders. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded using Vicon high-speed cameras at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz during walking trials. Data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and statistical differences between groups were analyzed using the independent t-test in SPSS software, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results Individuals with plantar fasciitis exhibited a higher percentage of double support, step time, stride time, and visual pain intensity, alongside lower cadence and walking speed compared to the healthy control group. Conclusion Time-related spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis appear to be more sensitive to pathology, with increases in time-related variables and decreases in cadence and walking speed. However, certain spatiotemporal gait parameters (e.g., ipsilateral and contralateral foot-off) seem less affected

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 Evaluation of the Effect of Five-Finger Shoes on Calf Muscle Electromyography Activity in Novice Runners 242 252 FA Behrouz Hajilou Department of Sensorimotor Disabilities, Research Institute of Exceptional Children, Research Institute for Education, Organization for Educational Research and Planning, Tehran, Iran. Elaheh Azadian Department of Motor Behavior, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran. Sara Sadeghi Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. Rounak Mohammadi Sasan Department of Sport Injury and Corrective Exercise, Faculty of Humanities, University College of Omran_Toseeh, Hamedan, Iran. Objective The foot is the most distal part of the moving human body and serves as the sole point of contact with the ground, transmitting significant forces from the ground to the foot. One of the tools used to modulate these forces during running is appropriate footwear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of five-finger shoes on the electromyographic activity of calf muscles in novice male runners while running. Methods In this semi-experimental study, 16 novice runners volunteered to participate. The activity of the anterior tibialis, soleus, and medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the absorption and propulsion phases of running in two conditions—barefoot and using Vibram five-finger shoes—was recorded using an electromyography device. A paired t-test was used for data analysis, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results When running with five-finger shoes, the electromyography activity of the anterior tibialis muscle during the absorption phase (p = 0.001) and the soleus (p = 0.002) and medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.010) muscles during the propulsion phase was significantly higher compared to running barefoot. However, the activity of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle did not show a significant difference compared to the barefoot condition (p > 0.05). Conclusion The use of five-finger shoes can be considered a reliable footwear option for sports activities, including running, as the muscle activity during their use is very similar to that during barefoot running.

Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch Journal of Sport Biomechanics 2476-4906 10 3 2024 11 1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Surgical Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Letter to the Editor 254 260 FA Ebrahim Piri Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. AmirAli Jafarnezhadgero Department of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran. Anders Stålman Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common sports and orthopedic injuries, significantly affecting an individual's physical performance. Treatment varies based on the severity of the injury and the patient's activity level. For partial tears or individuals with lower physical demands, non-surgical approaches—such as physiotherapy, muscle-strengthening exercises, and specialized knee braces—may be recommended. However, in cases of complete rupture, especially in professional athletes or those with high physical demands, surgery is often the preferred treatment option. Various surgical techniques are used for ACL reconstruction, including different grafting methods (autografts, allografts, and synthetic grafts), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This article aims to provide orthopedic surgeons and specialists with a comprehensive comparison of these techniques, helping them choose the most suitable treatment method.