International Journal of Sport Studies for Health

Surface-Dependent Adaptations in Cardiac Function, Aerobic Power, and Microrna-1 and Hand2 Expression Following Tabata Training in Elite Athletes

Hamed Mohamadi Bazneshin *

; Arsalan Damirchi

, Hamid Arazi

Objective: Tabata training has the potential to induce favorable adaptations in elite athletes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Furthermore, varying the training surface can contribute to improvements in athletes' fitness by introducing diversity into the training program. This study compared the effects of Tabata training conducted on an indoor hardcourt vs. sand on maximum oxygen consumption (VO_2max), left ventricular morphology, and the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) and Hand2 in elite beach soccer players.

Methods: Sixteen players were randomly assigned to either a soft (SS) or hard (HS) surface group. The training variables were similar between the groups and only the type of training surface was different. The protocol (4-min sets of 20 s of exercise, 10 s of rest) was performed three sessions/week for six weeks. Shuttle run test and two-dimensional echocardiography were performed 48 h and 72 h, respectively, before and after the intervention. Additionally, venous blood samples were collected before and 6 h after the first and last session.

Findings: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interactions for increases in stroke volume (SV; P= 0.039), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p = 0.013) and dimension (p = 0.029), ejection fraction (p = 0.017), and reductions in relative posterior wall thickness (p = 0.036). The SS group exhibited greater post-training increases in miR-1 and Hand2 protein (p < 0.0001). Moreover, both groups experienced similar increases in VO_2max values (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Tabata training on sand can produce greater improvements in SV values compared to indoor hardcourt, despite similar improvements in relative VO_2max. These cardiac improvements may partly relate to enhanced venous return, and the molecular findings suggest a potential contribution of miR-1 upregulation, whereas the role of Hand2 remains less clear due to limitations in serum-based assessment.

The Effect of Core Stability Training on Shooting Accuracy and Balance in Petanque Athletes

Rasyono Rasyono *

; Fadli Ihsan

, Bekir Erhan Orhan

, Wahyu Indra Bayu

, Herri Yusfi

Objective: Petanque is a precision sport that requires postural stability and precise motor control. Core stability, which encompasses the strength and coordination of the trunk and pelvic muscles, is considered fundamental in maintaining balance and improving technical performance, particularly in shooting movements. Core stability training, though, has not yet been extensively implemented in petanque training programs. This research aimed to examine the impact of a core stability training program on petanque athletes’ shooting accuracy and balance (static and dynamic).

Methods & Materials: A quasi-experimental design was employed with 20 petanque athletes aged between 14 and 25, who were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group received a 6-week core stability exercise program (three times a week), whereas the control group continued regular training without intervention. Pre- and post-tests were administered using a shooting accuracy test, One-Leg Stance Test (static balance), and Y-Balance Test (dynamic balance). Paired and independent t-tests were used to analyze data with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in shooting accuracy (p = 0.000), static balance (p = 0.000), and dynamic balance (p = 0.000), whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Additionally, inter-group comparisons conducted after the test revealed significant differences in all variables in favour of the experimental group.

Conclusion: Core stability training significantly enhances shooting accuracy and both forms of balance in petanque athletes. Integrating structured core training into regular conditioning routines is recommended to optimise technical performance and physical control in precision-based sports.

Health Literacy and Media Literacy as Predictors of Environmental Concern: The Mediating Role of a Health-Promoting Lifestyle

Mahtab Nasseh *

; Nahid Darooghe Arefi

Objective: In today’s information-rich environment, individuals’ abilities to understand health-related information (health literacy) and critically evaluate media content are essential for promoting healthy behaviors and environmental awareness. This study investigated the combined effects of health literacy and media literacy on employees’ health-promoting lifestyle and environmental concern, highlighting the mediating role of a health-promoting lifestyle.

Methods: A descriptive–correlational design was used with all employees of the Sport and Youth Offices of South Khorasan Province (census sampling; 176 valid questionnaires). Data were collected via standardized questionnaires, validated by experts, and analyzed using SPSS (descriptive statistics) and PLS (structural model testing).

Findings: The findings revealed that health literacy (β = 0.596, t = 7.756, p < 0.001) and media literacy (β = 0.200, t = 2.539, p < 0.05) had positive and significant effects on employees’ health-promoting lifestyle. Moreover, both health literacy (β = 0.200, t = 2.160, p < 0.05) and media literacy (β = 0.235, t = 2.829, p < 0.01) directly and positively influenced employees’ environmental concern. In addition, a health-promoting lifestyle (β = 0.433, t = 5.020, p < 0.001) played a significant mediating role in the relationship between health literacy and environmental concern, as well as between media literacy and environmental concern. The model explained 56.7% of the variance in health-promoting lifestyle (R² = 0.567) and 60.6% of the variance in environmental concern (R² = 0.606).

Conclusion: These results underscore the critical mediating role of a health-promoting lifestyle in linking literacy skills to environmental awareness. Interventions targeting both health and media literacy could effectively promote sustainable behaviors and ecological consciousness.

Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Skills and Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Hanieh Akbarimehr

; Mahboubeh Ghayour Najafabadi *

; Hasssan Gharayagh Zandi

, Daryoush Khajavi

Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience distinctive neurophysiological characteristics associated with impairments in motor coordination, balance, and executive function. In recent years, aquatic exercise (hydrotherapy) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been introduced as promising non-invasive interventions targeting these deficits. While each approach has shown therapeutic potential when used independently, the combined effects of these interventions remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the integrated impact of aquatic exercise and tDCS on motor performance and cognitive flexibility in children with ASD.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study included 30 children aged 7–10 years diagnosed with ASD, randomly assigned to either an experimental group (aquatic exercise + tDCS; n=15) or a sham control group (n=15). The intervention lasted six weeks and comprised 18 sessions. Motor performance was assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and cognitive flexibility was evaluated through the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare pre- and post-test differences between groups.

Result: The analysis revealed significant post-intervention improvements in both static and dynamic balance, as well as cognitive flexibility, in the experimental group compared with the sham group (P<0.05). These findings suggest that the combined intervention effectively enhanced both motor and executive functions in children with ASD.

Conclusion: The results indicate that combining aquatic exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation can produce synergistic effects, improving balance and cognitive flexibility in children with autism spectrum disorder. This integrated, non-invasive approach may represent a valuable adjunct to conventional rehabilitation methods, though larger-scale studies with follow-up assessments are recommended to confirm long-term efficacy.

Exploring the Impact of Participation and Engagement on Confidence, Mediated by SDQ (Symptoms of Depression)

Zubia Savila

; Selina Khoo Phaik Lin *

; Yong-Yee Chong

Objective: This research aimed to examine how the level of participation and frequency of engagement influence symptoms of depression through sports confidence in the context of Pakistani athletes. Drawing on self-determination theory, particularly the need for competence, influences symptoms of depression via sports confidence.

Methods & Materials: Based on SDT, the fulfillment of the need for competence (as reflected in sports confidence) is key to positive psychological outcomes. The participants were 357 athletes (125 females, 232 males), aged between 18-65 years old, who had been registered in competitions (national, international, university, college, and club-level) in Pakistan. The results were obtained using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Results: The results indicated that the level of participation significantly influences symptoms of depression. Furthermore, the frequency of engagement also influences symptoms of depression. However, depression has a significant mediating impact between frequency of engagement and level of participation with sports confidence. These results indicate the complexity of being involved in sport and athletes’ psychological well-being in relation to obtaining confidence in their abilities and their participation in sport.

Conclusion: Building on these findings, further research is warranted to consider these relationships and the other psychological and contextual influences on athletes.

Leveraging Audiovisual Psycholinguistic Interventions to Enhance Sports Facility Income: Evidence from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pramusinta Putri Dewanti *

; Sumaryanti Sumaryanti,

, Sigit Nugroho

, Fadli Ihsan

, Bekir Erhan Orhan

Objective: This study systematically reviews and synthesises research on the effectiveness of audiovisual psycholinguistic interventions in enhancing consumer behaviour and financial outcomes in sports facilities.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies integrated linguistic and audiovisual elements with measurable outcomes related to engagement, satisfaction, loyalty, willingness-to-pay, and revenue. Effect sizes were calculated alongside tests for heterogeneity and publication bias.

Results: The findings show that audiovisual psycholinguistic interventions significantly improve consumer and economic outcomes. The strongest effects were observed for willingness-to-pay (g = 0.71), engagement (g = 0.65), and satisfaction (g = 0.62), with additional benefits for loyalty (g = 0.57) and retention (g = 0.54). Heterogeneity was low to moderate, and no significant publication bias was detected, confirming the robustness of the results.

Conclusion: Audiovisual psycholinguistic interventions are effective strategic tools for both enhancing consumer engagement and supporting the financial sustainability of sports facilities. Facility managers are encouraged to integrate motivational narratives, positive linguistic framing, and immersive audiovisual technologies to strengthen customer experience and long-term revenue growth. Future research should extend cross-cultural analyses and employ longitudinal designs to evaluate lasting economic effects.

The Impact of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on the Expression of Pro-inflammatory Genes IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 in the Intestinal Lymphocytes of Aged Mice

Arezoo Kalantari

; Saeed Keshavarz *

; Allahyar Arabmomeni

, Leila Sarrami

Objectives:: Aging is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation, which elevates the risk of diseases like colorectal cancer. Intestinal lymphocytes, which produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8, play a key role in this process. Despite the anti-inflammatory potential of aerobic exercise, the effects of different exercise intensities on gut immunity in aging are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity (85–100% VO2max) and moderate-intensity (70–75% VO2max) aerobic exercise on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 in the intestinal lymphocytes of aged rats.

Methods & Materials: This was a randomized, controlled experimental study. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (18 months old) were divided into four groups: healthy control, untrained control (with DSS-induced intestinal inflammation), high-intensity exercise, and moderate-intensity exercise. Intestinal inflammation was induced using a 2–3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution. The exercise protocol was an 8-week program (5 sessions/week) of treadmill running. Gene expression was measured using Real-Time PCR, and protein levels were quantified via ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent t-tests, with a significance level of p≤0.05.

Results: Gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α increased by 2.6 times and IL-8 by 2.9 times in the untrained control group (p<0.001). High-intensity exercise reduced the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α by 50% and IL-8 by 40%, whereas moderate intensity showed reductions of 35% and 30%, respectively (p<0.001). High intensity was more effective in reducing IL-1β and TNF-α (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Aerobic exercise, especially at high intensity, reduces intestinal inflammation in aged mice. It can serve as a non-pharmacological strategy for preventing age-related diseases.

Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity as a Protective Factor against Anxiety in University Students

Roxana Abril Morales-Beltrán

, Germán Hernández-Cruz

, Diana Korinna Zazueta-Beltrán

, Roberto Andrés González-Fimbres

; Luis Felipe Reynoso-Sánchez *

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most significant adverse events contributing to increased anxiety worldwide. In response to the growing deterioration in mental health during and after the pandemic, health organizations and the scientific community have sought effective strategies to promote well-being, especially in preparation for future global crises. Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been identified as a potential protective factor that enhances resilience in the face of adversity. This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of MVPA levels on the relationship between suspected COVID-19 infection and anxiety levels in university students.

Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, correlational-explanatory study was conducted with a sample of 922 Mexican university students (36.66% men, 63.34% women; M age = 19.97, SD = 2.92). Anxiety was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and MVPA levels were assessed through the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-s). A dichotomous-response questionnaire was used to evaluate concern about COVID-19. ANOVA and simple moderation analyses were performed.

Findings: Results indicated a significant and negative moderating effect of MVPA on the relationship between suspected COVID-19 infection and anxiety levels. Additionally, significant sex differences were found in both MVPA levels and generalized anxiety.

Conclusion: In this sample, higher levels of MVPA were associated with lower anxiety, suggesting its potential as a protective factor in adverse contexts like a pandemic.

Current Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2025): Serial Number 23

Published: 2025-10-01

Articles

Green Tea and Rosemary Extracts in Free and Encapsulated Liposome Forms: Natural Antioxidants in Sports Science

Shima Jahanfar ; Kianoush Khosravi-Darani *

; Mahshid Jahadi

, Amin Mousavai Khanghah

1-13
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.1
Bioinformatics study and expression changes of the ACE gene in rats under the influence of motor stimuli and sports performance

Sepehr Kahrizi , Alireza Mirzaei *

1-10
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.2
The Effect of Verbal, Visual, and Combined Instructions on Learning a Sports Skill: An Effective Instruction Approach for Enhancing Adolescent Sports Performance

Sayed Kavos Salehi *

; Farzaneh Hatami

, Zahra Godarzi

1-8
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.3
Comparison of the Effects of Rapid, Moderate, and Slow Weight Loss Combined with a Low-Calorie Diet and Physical Activity on Inflammatory Factors in Obese Women

Fatemeh Doroodian

; Nicola Luigi Bragazzi *

1-12
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.4
Advancing Human Performance: Genomic Innovations and Ethical Imperatives in Sports Science

Danial Kahrizi *

1-3
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.5
Exploring the Effects of Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality on Cognitive Failure in Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Farzaneh Hatami *

; Shafagh Abolghasemi Atani , Valerie Caron , Saheb Yousefi

1-15
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.6
Innovative Strategies and Competitive Dynamics in Non-Profit Sports Clubs: From Transformation to Performance

Jerónimo García-Fernández *

; Javad Karimi

, Sajjad Pashaei

, Hamed Golmohammadi

, Monika Piątkowska

1-13
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.7
Hypnosis and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain Management Through the Lens of the Free Energy Principle

Ava Goli *

1-4
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.8
Voices of Recovery: Patients’ Experiences with AI-Assisted Stroke Rehabilitation

James Ma

, Seyed Alireza Saadati *

1-9
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.9
The Level of Students’ Participation in Sports and Extracurricular Activities Following Educational Programs on Virtual Networks

Hamid Arazi *

; Ehsan Eghbali

, Amir Seraji Kalashomi

1-10
- PDF
- SUMMARY AUDIO
https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.intjssh.8.4.10

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Journal Bibliographic Information:
Title: International Journal of Sport Studies for Health
Abbreviated Title: Int J Sport Stud Health
Acronym: INTJSSH
Online ISSN: 2588-5782
Editor-in-Chief: Khadijeh Irandoust, Ph.D.
Publisher: KMAN Publication Inc.
Language: English
Email: intjssh@kmanpub.com

International Journal of Sport Studies for Health

Surface-Dependent Adaptations in Cardiac Function, Aerobic Power, and Microrna-1 and Hand2 Expression Following Tabata Training in Elite Athletes

The Effect of Core Stability Training on Shooting Accuracy and Balance in Petanque Athletes

Health Literacy and Media Literacy as Predictors of Environmental Concern: The Mediating Role of a Health-Promoting Lifestyle

Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Motor Skills and Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Exploring the Impact of Participation and Engagement on Confidence, Mediated by SDQ (Symptoms of Depression)

Leveraging Audiovisual Psycholinguistic Interventions to Enhance Sports Facility Income: Evidence from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Impact of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on the Expression of Pro-inflammatory Genes IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 in the Intestinal Lymphocytes of Aged Mice

Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity as a Protective Factor against Anxiety in University Students

Current Issue

Articles

Green Tea and Rosemary Extracts in Free and Encapsulated Liposome Forms: Natural Antioxidants in Sports Science

Bioinformatics study and expression changes of the ACE gene in rats under the influence of motor stimuli and sports performance

The Effect of Verbal, Visual, and Combined Instructions on Learning a Sports Skill: An Effective Instruction Approach for Enhancing Adolescent Sports Performance

Comparison of the Effects of Rapid, Moderate, and Slow Weight Loss Combined with a Low-Calorie Diet and Physical Activity on Inflammatory Factors in Obese Women

Advancing Human Performance: Genomic Innovations and Ethical Imperatives in Sports Science

Exploring the Effects of Physical Activity Levels and Sleep Quality on Cognitive Failure in Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Innovative Strategies and Competitive Dynamics in Non-Profit Sports Clubs: From Transformation to Performance

Hypnosis and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain Management Through the Lens of the Free Energy Principle

Voices of Recovery: Patients’ Experiences with AI-Assisted Stroke Rehabilitation

The Level of Students’ Participation in Sports and Extracurricular Activities Following Educational Programs on Virtual Networks

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