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Objectives The ability to safely walk up and down the stairs is an essential factor in older adults’ independence and quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effect of combined exercises on stair negotiation performance of older men. Methods & Materials In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 30 older men with at least 60 years of age living in Isfahan, Iran, in 2021 were selected who had functional independence, mental health, the ability to perform daily activities without using an assistive device, and without a history of falling. They assigned randomly to two parallel groups of intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group completed 12 weeks of combined exercise. The center of pressure (COP) parameters were measured by a force plate, and the time of stair ascending and descending was recorded by the Qualisys motion analysis system. The stair negotiation performance was evaluated by the timed up and down stairs (TUDS) test and the stair self-efficacy (SSE) scale. Data were analyzed by mixed ANOVA in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The combined exercise program was effective in reducing the COP parameters during stairs ascending and descending (P

Objectives The ability to safely walk up and down the stairs is an essential factor in older adults’ independence and quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effect of combined exercises on stair negotiation performance of older men. Methods & MaterialsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 30 older men with at least 60 years of age living in Isfahan, Iran, in 2021 were selected who had functional independence, mental health, the ability to perform daily activities without using an assistive device, and without a history of falling. They assigned randomly to two parallel groups of intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group completed 12 weeks of combined exercise. The center of pressure (COP) parameters were measured by a force plate, and the time of stair ascending and descending was recorded by the Qualisys motion analysis system. The stair negotiation performance was evaluated by the timed up and down stairs (TUDS) test and the stair self-efficacy (SSE) scale. Data were analyzed by mixed ANOVA in SPSS software, version 24. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results The combined exercise program was effective in reducing the COP parameters during stairs ascending and descending (P<0.05). Stance time and time of ascending and descending decreased after the exercise (P≤0.034). The results of TUDS test (P≤0.002) and SSE scale (P≤0.048) showed improved performance in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion The combined exercise program, by focusing on the factors such range of motion, strength, power, and balance, is effective in improving the stair negotiation performance of older men. Due to the prevalence of stair use in daily activities and its potential risk for older adults, this combined exercise program is recommended for older men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stairs, serving as vertical communication elements, has historically connected different spatial layers with Iranian houses, particularly evident in the architectural heritage of Dezful historical houses. This research employs Canter's model to evaluate the positioning of the stairs during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods in Dezful considering its significance in the evolution of human habitation. Through qualitative inquiry, this research explores the position of the stairs in the historical houses of Dezful (Qajar and Pahlavi periods) based on the inductive approach and the Grounded Theory method. Primary data collection involved 21 semi-structured interviews with residents, grounded observations and plan analyses of 26 selected houses. In this process, 15 samples of houses that met the selection criteria of the research were identified and necessary documents were collected for the analysis of each of them. The primary criteria for selecting these samples were their prevalence during their respective historical periods and the accessibility of their residents. Subsequently, 11 additional similar houses were visited to gather further information and to review and refine the identified categories. Findings reveal that in the historical houses of Dezful, stairs are strategically positioned within the spatial fabric, influencing "bodily engagement", "activities" and "symbolic meaning". Consequently, stairs, along with other spatial elements, have contributed to creating a unique living experience in Dezful houses. Key aspects associated with stairs in these historical houses include "Sociability," "Spatial Hierarchy," "Symbol and Sign," "Identity," "Memorability," "Spatial Continuity and Connectivity," "Bordering and Territorialization," "Climatic Comfort," "Orientation," "Interspatial Aspect", and "Visual Richness." Overall, it can be concluded that the stairs in Dezful houses have established a continuous and integrated system that harmonizes human activities with the architectural design by intertwining "body," "activity," and "meaning." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common causes of mortality in diabetic patients are cardiovascular disorders, one of the reasons being inflammatory factors. Given that physical activity can reduce inflammation, the present study was to investigate the effects of two types of Progressive Resistance Training (RT) and High Intensity Interval (HIIT) on the expression of TRAF6 gene and serum levels of TNF-α in male diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 72 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 12 diabetic rats (n=12), control (n=12), diabetic High Intensity Interval Training (n=12), High Intensity Interval Training(n=12), diabetic Progressive Resistance Training(n=12) and Progressive Resistance Training(n=12). Progressive Resistance Training was performed in a 6-weekly 3-session, climbing the vertical ladder, with 50%, 75%, 90% and 100% the body weight of the animals. After successful completion, 30 gr were added to the weights, to the extent that the rats cannot carry the ladder. High Intensity Interval Training were also performed at 6-weekly 3-session, with an intensity of 50 to 110% of the VO2max. 24 hours after the completion of the training, the functional test was taken and the animals were autopsy 48 hours after the test. Finally, the expression of TRAF6 gene was evaluated using Real Time PCR and serum TNF-α level by ELISA method. Results: TRAF6 levels increased significantly after the two Training in the diabetic group, which was higher in the HIIT group and serum TNF-α levels decreased significantly after both types of training, which was more prominent in the HIIT group. Conclusion: HIIT and RT can play an important role in reducing the inflammatory factor of TNF-α in diabetic patient that HIIT is more effective in this regard. Increasing the gene expression of the mediating agent TRAF6 can be induced in inflammatory pathways, which may require a reduction in exercise intensity or in anti-inflammatory routes indicating a positive effect of training on diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the components of the Haadi Plan is the development of rural passage networks. The network of passages is considered as the main mmaters of the village because all human, livestock and commodity transport is possible in these communication networks. The network paths do not follow a specific pattern and are a function of the terrain variables (roughness, height, and slope). The purpose of this study was to assess the compliance of the standards of road adjustment with the needs of the villagers in the mountainous areas of Paveh using descriptive-analytical and field research. Nine mountainous villages were randomly selected in Paveh and 83 pedestrian networks were examined for slope percentage, path forms, and elevation levels. Local people's views were sought on physical dimensions of the passages using 16 questions. Mean and chi-square analysis were used for data analysis. The findings related to elevation indicated that the villages were 1250 to 1750 m above sea level. In terms of slope, 24 passageways had slopes above 40%; 32 passageways had slopes between 20-39% and 19 passageways were less than 20% in slope and were open and roofed in texture. The results showed that 66% of the respondents identified the road network renovation to be in accordance with the needs of the village. Therefore, the findings point to the need to improve the rural passage network. Al rural passages should be covered by the executive. Second, the use of quality materials ensures the viability of the passage network. Third, the height factor should be taken into account in making it easier to climb the stairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]