Health Nexus

The aim of this study was to analyze the cognitive mechanisms influencing the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. This research was descriptive-correlational and conducted using a survey method. The statistical population consisted of 376 active weightlifters across 16 cities in Iraq during the years 2023–2024. A total of 324 individuals were selected through stratified random sampling proportional to the population size. A researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to measure the variables under investigation. This questionnaire was designed to assess attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms regarding the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances. The reliability of the questionnaire, confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha, was above 0.70, and its validity was verified by experts in the field of sports sciences. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25 and Smart PLS. The results indicated positive and significant relationships between attitude (β = 0.653, P = 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.498, P = 0.001), and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.498, P = 0.001) with the consumption of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances among young Iraqi weightlifters. Young Iraqi weightlifters are influenced by a complex array of psychological factors that drive them toward the use of dietary supplements and performance-enhancing substances, increasing the prevalence of such behaviors among these athletes. It is recommended to implement educational and awareness programs addressing the negative consequences of using performance-enhancing substances, ethical considerations, and healthier alternatives to improve the athletic performance of young Iraqi weightlifters. These initiatives aim to shift attitudes, reduce social pressures, and help athletes achieve their sports goals.

The present study aimed to compare the effects of solution-focused narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy on resilience and marital intimacy among couples in conflict. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group, along with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of all couples experiencing marital conflict who referred to counseling centers in Shirvan County during 2022-2023. The study sample included 30 couples (20 participants in each group) with marital conflict who were selected using convenience sampling from clinics and counseling centers in Shirvan County and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control group. Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy (SFNT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) were administered separately over six sessions for the experimental groups, while the control group received no intervention. Data collection instruments included the Bagarozi Marital Intimacy Questionnaire (2001) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Collected data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with SPSS-26 software. Results indicated that both solution-focused narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy were effective in improving resilience and marital intimacy among couples in conflict (p < .001). Additionally, Bonferroni test results revealed that the therapeutic effects of both approaches on resilience and marital intimacy were maintained after two months (p < .001). Moreover, findings demonstrated that solution-focused narrative therapy had a greater impact on resilience and marital intimacy compared to solution-focused therapy (p < .001). Based on these results, both approaches can be used to resolve marital conflict, although solution-focused narrative therapy showed greater effectiveness than solution-focused therapy.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and short-term psychodynamic therapy (STPP) in reducing cognitive fusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This semi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a follow-up phase. The statistical population included individuals with OCD who sought treatment at all counseling and psychological service centers in Birjand from April to December 2023. Sixty participants were purposively selected based on Cohen’s table and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. The first experimental group received 10 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the second experimental group received 11 sessions of short-term psychodynamic therapy. The control group did not receive any intervention during this period. Data were collected using the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire by Gillanders et al. (2010) and the Obsessive-Compulsive Scale by Hodgson and Rachman (1977) at three stages: pretest, posttest, and follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis. The results indicated that both cognitive-behavioral therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy significantly reduced cognitive fusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms at the posttest stage (p < .05), and the therapeutic effects were maintained after three months. However, no significant difference was observed between the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy in reducing cognitive fusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in individuals with OCD (p > .05). Based on the findings, there is no difference in the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and short-term psychodynamic therapy in addressing cognitive fusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in individuals with OCD. Both approaches can be used to reduce and manage cognitive fusion and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in affected individuals.

The present study is an applied, basic, and experimental research that examined the effect of 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training on the gene expression of GLUT4 and GALR2 in the skeletal muscle tissue of obese female rats with type 2 diabetes. To conduct this study, 40 female Wistar rats, aged 8 weeks with an average weight of 200 grams, were obtained from the animal farm of Kerman University of Medical Sciences for use in laboratory experiments at the same institution. After the animals adapted to their new environment, they were divided into four groups, with 10 rats each. The groups were as follows: healthy control (without diabetes and without exercise), diabetic control (with diabetes and without exercise), healthy exercise (without diabetes and with exercise), and diabetic exercise (with diabetes and with exercise). The diabetic control and diabetic exercise groups were induced with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and then underwent an 8-week exercise intervention. To induce diabetes in the samples, a single intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) was administered. High-intensity interval training was conducted for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. Data analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post hoc test was used for intergroup comparisons. The findings showed that 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training led to a significant increase in the expression of GALR2 and GLUT4 in the gastrocnemius muscle tissue. Overall, it can be stated that 8 weeks of high-intensity interval training resulted in significant improvements in metabolism and hormonal function in obese female rats with type 2 diabetes. These exercises increased the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism, such as GALR2 and GLUT4, in skeletal muscle tissue, indicating enhanced energy consumption and improved metabolic performance in these animals.

Cognitive-Analytical Therapy (CAT) appears to be a suitable approach for intervening in the improvement of interpersonal problems in individuals with psychosomatic disorders. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Cognitive-Analytical Therapy on alexithymia and interpersonal problems in patients with functional dyspepsia. The present study employed a quasi-experimental method with a pretest, posttest, and follow-up design, along with a control group. The statistical population consisted of patients with functional dyspepsia who visited the gastroenterology clinic of Shariati Hospital in Tehran in 2021, from which 30 eligible volunteers were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: the "Cognitive-Analytical Therapy" group and a control group. Research tools included a demographic questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32. The content validity of the tools was measured qualitatively, and their reliability was assessed using internal consistency by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. After conducting 16 therapeutic sessions for the intervention group, the data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software version 26. In the present study, there was a significant difference between the pretest, posttest, and follow-up scores for both variables (P = .001). There was also a significant difference between the intervention and control groups for both alexithymia (P = .001, F = 69.938) and interpersonal problems (P = .001, F = 70.598). The results indicated that Cognitive-Analytical Therapy is effective in reducing alexithymia and interpersonal problems in patients with functional dyspepsia. It is recommended that, in addition to medical treatments, psychotherapy interventions such as "Cognitive-Analytical Therapy" be provided for patients with functional dyspepsia.

This study aims to examine the evolution of motor behavior research, drawing lessons from past studies and exploring future prospects in the field. A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using a descriptive analysis method. Relevant literature was sourced from key academic databases, focusing on motor learning and performance, motor control and coordination, development of motor skills across the lifespan, rehabilitation, and the neurophysiology of motor behavior. The review incorporated interdisciplinary insights from cognitive science, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biomechanics, and kinesiology to provide a holistic understanding of motor behavior. The review highlights significant advancements in motor behavior research, from early observational studies to contemporary explorations utilizing advanced technologies. Key findings include the identification of neural efficiency in expert performers, the impact of cognitive processes on motor execution, and the role of artificial intelligence in modeling and predicting motor behavior. Methodological advancements have enhanced data collection and analysis through motion capture systems, neuroimaging techniques, and machine learning algorithms. Challenges identified include theoretical limitations in existing frameworks, methodological issues related to measurement and data interpretation, and a lack of research addressing cultural and contextual factors influencing motor behavior. Motor behavior research has evolved substantially, offering valuable insights into human movement and its underlying mechanisms. Future research should focus on developing integrative theoretical models, improving methodological rigor, and embracing interdisciplinary collaboration. Ethical considerations regarding technology use, data privacy, and inclusivity are essential for advancing the field responsibly. Practical applications of this research have significant potential to enhance sports performance, rehabilitation strategies, educational programs, and overall quality of life.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the policy framework for elite sports in Iran. The research method is qualitative with a systematic analysis approach. The statistical population included all faculty members of physical education, managers, and experts from executive organizations, professional sports organizations, as well as scientific documents and resources. A sufficient sample was selected based on theoretical saturation through purposive and available sampling (16 individuals and 28 documents). Research tools included systematic library study and semi-structured interviews, and the validity of the tools was evaluated using qualitative validity assessment methods (content validity). Data were analyzed using coding and conceptual framework methods. The conceptual framework of elite sports policy in Iran was identified in 10 perspectives and is categorized into 5 conceptual levels: elite sports policy framework, the groundwork for implementing elite sports policies, the policy process for elite sports development, strategic maturity of the elite sports system, and the level of development and functions of elite sports. The framework presented in this research provides an understanding of the dimensions of policy development for elite sports based on its relationship with a set of different activities. Based on this framework, an objective evaluation of management activities in elite sports can be conducted, and scientific information regarding appropriate actions that sports organizations need to take for the development of elite sports policy can be provided.

The aim of this research was to identify factors influencing the development of sports entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on sports startups in the country. The research employed a mixed-method approach and was applied in nature. In terms of data collection and information gathering, it was field-based and descriptive-survey research. The statistical population of this study included members of the board of directors of sports startups, experts in the field, and specialists. The research samples were selected purposefully, with 38 participants in the qualitative section and 208 in the quantitative section, based on the research objectives and reaching theoretical saturation. To analyze the interviews conducted and to enhance the accuracy and validity of the analysis, the interviews were fully recorded and then transcribed. The researcher then reviewed and coded each interview individually. Additionally, in the quantitative section, structural equation modeling (SEM) using PLS software was employed. The results of the coding process revealed that the factors influencing the development of sports startups include five components: supportive factors, advertising, technology, market awareness, and culture. In the quantitative section, the identified factors were presented to the research sample in the form of a closed questionnaire. The quantitative results also indicated that the five identified factors have a significant impact on the development of sports startups. The factors identified in this research should receive serious attention from sports managers to foster the growth of sports startups.