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Comparison of Indicators of Physical and Health-related Fitness and Body Composition in Different Age Groups of Workers
Keyvan Hejazi,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: The study of physical and health-related fitness and body composition indicators in workers is very important to prevent performance degradation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate such indicators among the employees of Izogam Shargh Company.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 150 workers from 150 stations in Mashhad city were selected by stratified random sampling and divided into three age groupsnamely. 25-34, 35-44 and 45-54 years. Two -way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc test were performed to compare the variables in the three age groups.
Results: Significant differences were found in body composition indicators, i.e., weight between the age groups 25-34 years with 35- 44 years (P=0.008) and 35-44 years with 45- 54 years (P=0.001), body mass index between the age groups 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001) and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), body fat percentage between the age groups 25-34 years with 45- 54 years (P = 0.006), maximum oxygen consumption between the age groups 25-34 years with 35-44 years (P=0.001), 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001). In addition, significant differences were found in all physical and health-related fitness indicators, i.e., agility, explosive strength, flexibility, abdominal muscle endurance, and shoulder girdle muscle endurance, between the age groups 25-34 years with 35-44 years (P=0.001), 25-34 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001), and 35-44 years with 45-54 years (P=0.001).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the level of  physical fitness of employees decreases with age. Therefore, it is suggested that the managers of companies create the necessary conditions and incentives for employees to engage in regular physical activity.

The Validity of the Native Non-sports Equation in Estimating the Maximum Aerobic Capacity of Adolescent Boys
Seyed Ghafar Hoseini, Ebrahim Zarinkalam, Reza Heidary, Majid Jalili,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: The maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) is the most important indicator of physical fitness, which is closely related to the general health of the body. Considering the problems of laboratory measurement of VO2max, estimating VO2max by non-exercise equations will be one of the alternative solutions. This study aims to evaluate the validity of the native non-exercise equation in estimating VO2max of healthy adolescent boys.
Methods: The variables of age, height, weight, and body mass index were measured in 248 healthy boys aged 15 to 18. The subjects' VO2max was measured and predicted by exercise test and non-exercise native equation respectively. To evaluate the validity of the native non-exercise equation, Pearson's correlation, paired t-test, and Bland-Altman's agreement were used.
Results: There is a significant correlation between measured and predicted VO2max (R = 0.76, p<0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed between predicted and measured VO2max (43.10 ml/kg/min and 43.38 ml/kg/min respectively) (mean difference=0.28 ml/kg/min, P>0.05). Also, the Bland-Altman graphic diagram indicated agreement between the methods of measuring and estimating VO2max.
Conclusion: In the present study, the native non-sports equation had a high validity in estimating VO2max of adolescent boys. It seems that the use of non-sports VO2max equations can be used as a simple, safe, and low-cost tool to evaluate the maximum aerobic capacity of students at a wide level.

Effects of Combined Functional Exercise Training on Cortisol Levels and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Fear of Falling
Masoumeh Seif, Kamal Ranjbar, Mahbanoo Ghaderi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined functional exercise training on fear of falling, salivary cortisol levels and quality of life in older adults with fear of falling.
Methods: Forty older adults (16 men and 24 women aged ≥65 years) with fear of falling were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 20, 8M/12F) or an exercise group (n = 20, 8M/12F). The exercise group participated in an 8-week combined training program consisting of resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Quality of life (LEIPAD questionnaire) and fear of falling (FES-I) were assessed before and 48 hours after the intervention in both groups. Salivary cortisol levels were also measured using the ELISA method.
Results: Fear of falling was significantly lower in the training group compared to the control group after the intervention (p < 0.0001). The 8‑week combined exercise program resulted in a 51% reduction in fear of falling among the older adults (p < 0.0001). Quality of life significantly improved in the training group compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, salivary cortisol levels were lower in the training group than in the control group (p ≤ 0.0001), while the combined exercises produced a 19.5% reduction in cortisol compared to pre-training levels (p = 0.07).
Conclusion: Combined functional exercise program significantly reduced fear of falling and improved quality of life in older adults, while also inducing a downward trend in cortisol levels. Therefore, such programs can be recommended as safe and effective strategies in geriatric rehabilitation settings
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