Editorial
Mark K. Huntington
Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT)
Marziyeh Ziya; Farzaneh Saki
Abstract
Background: Low back pain is a significant musculoskeletal condition which leads to limitations in physical function and a poor quality of life in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on the quality of life, lower extremity strength, ...
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Background: Low back pain is a significant musculoskeletal condition which leads to limitations in physical function and a poor quality of life in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on the quality of life, lower extremity strength, and pain levels in elderly women.Method: This clinical trial was designed as a single-blind randomized controlled study. A total number of 30 female participants, aged between 60 and 80, who had experienced persistent lower back pain and voluntarily participated in this study. The allocation method using Random Number Generator software with block randomization involves dividing participants into smaller blocks and randomly assigning them to study groups (control, n=15 and dynamic neuromuscular stabilization, n=15). The group performing DNS exercises engaged in sessions three times weekly over an eight-week period, whereas the control group did not participate in any physical activity. This study was registered with the code of IRCT20180626040244N2 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. The study took place in Hamedan, Iran during September -December 2024. All participants received assessments, including the 30-second sit-to-stand (STS) test for measuring lower limb strength, SF-36 questionnaire for measuring quality of life (QOL), and visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring pain, three days prior to the first intervention session and one to three days following the last intervention session after eight weeks. The data were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test and covariance analysis (ANCOVA), with statistical significance established at P<0.05.Results: The results of ANCOVA indicated that an 8-week DNS exercise program significantly decreased pain (DNSE: baseline=8.64±1.22, week eight=4.79±1.58; Control: baseline=8.07±1.16, week eight=7.33±1.05) (P=0.009), and significantly increased QOL (DNSE: baseline=32.38±4.86, week eight=68.74±6.45; Control: baseline=32.90±8.39, week eight=30.66±6.92) (P=0.004), as well as 30-Sec STS (DNSE: baseline=6.57±1.09, week eight=9.10±1.04; Control: baseline=6.67±1.01, week eight=6.33±0.62) (P=0.004).Conclusions: These findings implied that DNS exercises may elevate the overall well-being in older women with chronic low back pain by reducing pain and enhancing lower limb strength.
Research Article
Nazanin Fathi; Ali Naseri
Abstract
Background: Effective social skills are crucial for social interactions and relationships at every stage of life. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of life skills training through educational games on emotion regulation and social skills in primary school female students in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: ...
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Background: Effective social skills are crucial for social interactions and relationships at every stage of life. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of life skills training through educational games on emotion regulation and social skills in primary school female students in Shiraz, Iran.Methods: This study used a semi-experimental research design with a pre-test-post-test design along with a control group and a two-month follow-up. The study focused on all primary school female students in District Two of Shiraz, Iran in 2023. A total number of 72 primary school female students from the First, Second, and Third grades were conveniently selected. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups through a coin toss. In total, 36 students were included in the experimental group and 36 were placed in the control group. The experimental group took part in 12 weekly sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, in which they were taught using an educational game-based life skills training program. In contrast, the control group did not receive any form of training. Both groups completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) and Gresham and Elliott Social and Behavioral Skills Questionnaire-Teacher Form during the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages. Finally, the data was examined using the paired T-test through SPSS version 28.Results: In the intervention group, the mean and standard deviation of adaptive emotional regulation was 22.08±3.22 in the pre-test and 23.14±3.47 in the post-test. The instability/negativity score was 30.72±3.95 in the pre-test and 28.28±3.75 in the post-test. Social skills were measured at 67.86±10.34 in the pre-test and 75.47±6.71 in the post-test, while behavioral skills were 26.89±6.95 in the pre-test and 27.67±7.55 in the post-test. The results of the covariance analysis test indicated that the effectiveness of life skills training intervention on adaptive emotional regulation was not statistically significant (F=2.52, P=0.117). However, the intervention did show significant effects on the instability/negativity variables (F=6.66, P=0.012), social skill dimension (P=0.002, F=10.55), and behavioral skill dimension (P>0.001, F=19.26).Conclusions: Teaching life skills based on educational games has led to improved emotion regulation and enhanced social skills of primary school female students in Shiraz, Iran. Therefore, it is recommended that education officials and school administrators use this approach to enhance emotion regulation and social skills in primary school female students.
Research Article
Mitra Hayati; Fardin Fatahi; Abdolhossein Taheri Kalani
Abstract
Background: Factors secreted from hepatocytes, such as hepatokines, play a role in regulating intra and extrahepatic metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined aerobic-resistance training (CT) and calorie restriction (CR) on hepatokines alteration in women with ...
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Background: Factors secreted from hepatocytes, such as hepatokines, play a role in regulating intra and extrahepatic metabolic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined aerobic-resistance training (CT) and calorie restriction (CR) on hepatokines alteration in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out using a pretest-posttest design in Ilam, Iran during the spring of 2023. A convenience sample of 37 participants was selected and randomly divided to one of four groups: control, CR, CT and CR+CT. The CT program was performed for eight weeks and three sessions per week. The CR groups, alleviate 400- 500 kcal/day from total daily calorie intake. Fatty liver was measured by ultrasound. Serum level of leukocyte-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), angiopoietin-dependent growth factor (AGF) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in pre- and postintervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze between-group alterations.Results: After CT and CR+CT, LECT2 (P=0.011, P=0.006, respectively) and AGF (P=0.041, P=0.032, respectively) level significantly decreased than the control group, and in CR group decreased compared with the pre-intervention (P=0.037, P=0.018, respectively). Also, SHBG level in the CT and CR+CT groups significantly increased than the control group (P=0.013, P=0.006, respectively), and in CR group increased than the pre-intervention (P=0.004).Conclusions: CR has limited effects on the level of hepatokines in obese women with NAFL disease. In order to create favorable alterations in the level of hepatokines, this intervention should be implemented with CT.
Research Article
Bahram Rostami; Fahime Khaleghi; Yadolah Kasirloo; Saeideh Jabbari; Elahe Saadati; Zarrintaj Hoseinzadeh
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the growing divorce rate in Iran has emerged as a pressing social issue, and one of the predictive factors in this regard is marital conflict. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a women’s empowerment training program based on Sternberg’s theory and evaluate ...
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Background: In recent years, the growing divorce rate in Iran has emerged as a pressing social issue, and one of the predictive factors in this regard is marital conflict. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a women’s empowerment training program based on Sternberg’s theory and evaluate its effect on reducing marital conflict.Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 20 women with mild or moderate marital conflict, as determined by the Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ). The study participants were evenly divided into two groups experimental (n=10) and control (n=10). The intervention included six 60-minute training sessions. Data were collected using the Marital Conflict Questionnaires and Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, employing independent t-test, and ANCOVA. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.Results: The mean score of marital conflict before the intervention was 71.49±22.80, which reduced to 65.04±45.08 after the intervention (P=0.050). Similarly, the mean score of triangular love reduced from 316.08±55.14 to 285.30±92.57 (P=0.030). Significant reductions were observed in intimacy (P=0.040) and commitment (P=0.030), while passion showed no significant changes.Conclusions: The women’s empowerment training program, developed based on Sternberg’s theory, had a positive effect on reducing marital conflict among women with mild or moderate marital conflict.
Research Article
Suryani Suryani; Yuli Suryanti; Ika Murtiyarini; Atika Fadhilah Danaz Ns
Abstract
Background: Anemia among pregnant women remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to nutritious food. This study assessed the impact of supplementing Moringa leaf extract in conjunction with iron (Fe) tablets on Hemoglobin (Hb) levels during pregnancy.Methods: ...
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Background: Anemia among pregnant women remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to nutritious food. This study assessed the impact of supplementing Moringa leaf extract in conjunction with iron (Fe) tablets on Hemoglobin (Hb) levels during pregnancy.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental approach conducting both pre- and post-tests on participants who were given either Moringa extract along with Fe tablets (intervention group) or only Fe tablets (control group). Conducted in Penyengat Olak Village, Muaro Jambi Regency, Indonesia from March to November 2024, the study involved 80 pregnant women who were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Hemoglobin levels were assessed before and after a 14-day intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests.Results: The experimental group experienced a significant increase in mean Hb levels from 11.27 g/dL to 12.12 g/dL (P<0.0001). The control group also saw an improvement (11.27 g/dL to 11.70 g/dL; P<0.0001), though to a lesser extent. The difference in post-intervention Hb levels between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.017).Conclusions: The dual supplementation of Moringa leaf extract and Fe tablets demonstrated greater efficacy in raising Hemoglobin levels among pregnant women as compared with iron tablets alone.
Research Article
Mahbobeh Parvardeh; Mohammad Abbasi; Ezatolah Ghadampour
Abstract
Background: Suicidal ideation in female students is known as behaviors that the individual plans as a major public health problem worldwide. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of self-compassion training on the social-emotional competence of female high school students with suicidal ...
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Background: Suicidal ideation in female students is known as behaviors that the individual plans as a major public health problem worldwide. Therefore, the present study investigated the effectiveness of self-compassion training on the social-emotional competence of female high school students with suicidal ideation in Khorramabad, Iran.Methods: The present study used an experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all female high school students in Khorramabad, Iran in the academic year of 2023-2024. The statistical sample consisted of 30 people who were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly placed in experimental and control groups. The study participants completed standardized measures of Beck Suicide Scale Ideation (BSSI) and the Social-Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ). The experimental group received 8, 90-minute sessions of self-compassion training, but the control group did not receive any training. The data obtained from the research were analyzed through the analysis of covariance using SPSS version 25.Results: Based on the findings, the participants in the self-compassion training group showed significant improvement in socio-emotional competence as compared with the control group. The mean post-test scores for the self-awareness were 20.85 (SD=0.84), for social awareness: 20.44 (SD=1.94), self-management: 20.35 (SD=1.07), relationship management: 20.82 (SD=1.63), and responsible decision making: 20.62 (SD=1.16), which showed a significant difference as compared with the pretest scores (P=0.001).Conclusions: The study results showed that social-emotional competence improved after implementing self-compassion training sessions. This finding suggested that self-compassion training may be a promising training for psychological issues related to suicidal ideation in female students.
Research Article
Ali Nasiri; Mohammad Narimani; Esmaeil Sadri Damirchi; Mohammadreza Noroozi Homayoon
Abstract
Background: The emotional challenges faced by divorced women can significantly affect their mental well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and hypnotherapy on rumination, selfcompassion, and quality of life in divorced women.Method: ...
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Background: The emotional challenges faced by divorced women can significantly affect their mental well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and hypnotherapy on rumination, selfcompassion, and quality of life in divorced women.Method: This quasi-experimental study used a pre-test, post-test, and control group design. The statistical population consisted of divorced women visiting counseling centers in Ardabil, Iran in 2024. A total of 45 divorced women were selected through convenience sampling. The study participants were randomly assigned to three groups, each consisting of 15 individuals: tDCS, hypnotherapy, and control groups. Each intervention group underwent eight weekly individual sessions. Data collection included the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 27.Results: After controlling the pre-test effects and ensuring that demographic characteristics were homogeneous and non-significant, the post-test scores for rumination, self-compassion, and quality of life in the tDCS group were 53.67±7.65, 65.27±11.07, and 52.80±9.53, respectively. In the hypnotherapy group, these scores were 44.93±3.92, 75.47±9.16, and 58.73±9.51, respectively. The control group had post-test scores of 61.73±5.87, 54.40±10.40, and 39.40±10.89. Tukey’s post hoc test confirmed that both tDCS and hypnotherapy significantly affected the dependent variables (P<0.001), with hypnotherapy having a greater impact than tDCS.Conclusions: The findings showed that although both tDCS and hypnotherapy interventions had significant effects on all three dependent variables, the hypnotherapy intervention demonstrated a more substantial and meaningful positive effect compared with transcranial direct current stimulation.
