University of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Utilizing Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Smart Fitness Devices in Assessing Physical Fitness and Body Composition Among Elderly Individuals114383210.22098/jast.2025.16375.1394ENShirinAaliDepartment of Sport Science Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, IranFariborzImaniDepartment of Sports Biomechanics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, ArdabiliّFarhadRezazadehsport biomechanics, faculty of educational sciences and psychologyNegarAshrafiDepartment of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranJournal Article20241215Background: The global population is experiencing a significant and remarkable increase in the number and proportion of elderly individuals presenting unique challenges. This study aims to evaluate physical fitness levels among older adults, employing validated assessment tools to support evidence-based planning and the development of targeted interventions in geriatric health.<br />Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 210 older adults aged 60 and above, selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected using a combination of objective and self-reported measures, including smart fitness devices (mobile fitness trackers) for real-time activity monitoring. Anthropometric assessments and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were used to evaluate body composition. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Senior Fitness Test (SFT) assessed physical activity levels and functional fitness, with additional data gathered from structured interviews. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to examine the relationships between physical fitness and body composition.<br />Results: A significant negative correlation was identified between body fat percentage and various physical fitness parameters. Specifically, body fat percentage was negatively correlated with lower body strength (r = -0.25, p < 0.001), upper body strength (r = -0.22, p < 0.001), and lower body flexibility (r = -0.22, p < 0.001). These results suggest that increased body fat is associated with diminished strength and flexibility in older adults.<br />Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that body composition, particularly elevated body fat percentage and BMI, negatively impacts physical capabilities such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health in older adults. The observed decline in flexibility and cardiovascular capacity underscores the need for targeted interventions, including stretching and structured high-intensity exercise programs, to improve strength and balance and reduce fall risks. Tailored exercise strategies are essential to enhance body composition, optimize physical fitness, and improve overall health and quality of life in the elderly.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_3832_3a160cd8ee2ad82a73f8b300544c8502.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Investigating the Relationship between the Level of Physical Literacy with Physical Activity and Gait Profile of Adult1527398010.22098/jast.2025.15917.1377ENHosseinSamadiDepartment of Physical Education, Yazd UniversityMostafaHajlotfalianDepartment of Sport Sciences, Yazd UniversityJalilMoradiAssociate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran.SaeedAharDepartment of Sport Sciences, Yazd UniversityJournal Article20241002<strong>Background</strong>: Physical inactivity has dangerous consequences for both physical and mental health, ultimately affecting public health. Recently, the concept of physical literacy (PL) has gained significant global attention as a potential cornerstone for enhancing physical activity (PA) participation and, consequently, improving individual health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between PL levels and both PA and gait profiles (GP) in adults.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>This research was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study consisted of all adult citizens aged 20-60 in Yazd city. 80 adult men and women (40 females and 40 males) were selected via volunteers and available. Participants completed the PL and Sharkey's PA questionnaires. Gait analysis was subsequently performed using a motion capture system. Data were analyzed using spearman correlation coefficient test.<br /><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed a significant positive relationship between the PL and PA (r=0.74) and the GP score (r=0.7). There was also a significant relationship between the components of PL and PA and GP score.<br /><strong>Conclusions:</strong> According to the results, it is suggested that promoting PL be considered for adults due to its positive impact on gait health and PA levels.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_3980_b24871f36ba67d644bd26844626f0114.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Development and Validation of the Square Excursion Step Test (SEST) for Evaluating Postural Control in Older Adults: An Examination of Stepping Agility2838401410.22098/jast.2025.16496.1399ENZahraPanjizadeh1. Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Raja University,Qazvin, IranHamedAbbasiDepartment of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Sports Medicine Research Center, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, IranHadiMiriDepartment of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250106Postural control during multidirectional stepping is a fundamental component of functional independence and a critical factor in fall prevention among older adults. Despite the availability of various balance assessment tools, the need remains for a practical, cost-effective, and reliable instrument tailored to this population. The primary objective of this research was to develop and validate the Square Excursion Step Test (SEST) by assessing its reliability, validity, and usability in clinical and community-based settings. A total of 88 older adults voluntarily participated in the study. The SEST involves stepping in four cardinal directions (forward, backward, left, and right) within a defined square, requiring precision, balance, and coordination. Face validity was confirmed by 10 sports science experts, yielding a Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of 0.80, surpassing the required threshold of 0.62, indicating strong consensus on its relevance. The Content Validity Index (CVI) averaged 0.90, reflecting high clarity and appropriateness of the test components. Concurrent validity was established through a significant correlation with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). Reliability assessments demonstrated an interrater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.99 and an intrarater ICC of 0.90 across two assessments conducted ten days apart, confirming that SEST is a valid and reliable measure for evaluating balance in individuals with reduced physical fitness capabilities. These findings validate SEST as a robust tool for measuring postural stability during multidirectional stepping in older adults. The SEST’s simplicity, affordability, and strong psychometric properties make it a valuable addition to the repertoire of balance assessment tools for clinicians, researchers, and practitioners working with older populations. Further studies are recommended to explore its applicability in diverse contexts and its potential for integration into intervention programs targeting fall prevention and postural control.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4014_441a2113dc806c23420aa6c46bdd4cc5.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Effect of Foot Orthoses on patients with chronic ankle instability: A Systematic Review3955407710.22098/jast.2023.12947.1285ENAliSmaeeliDepartment of sports biomechanics and motor behavior, Faculty of sport Science, University of Mazandaran, babolsar, Iran.AmirAliJafarnezhadgeroDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranJournal Article20230518Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a disabling condition often encountered after ankle injury. Foot orthoses have been shown to be clinically effective in the prevention and treatment of CAI, yet the physical effect of this intervention remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to systematically review and appraise studies assessing the effects of foot orthoses on patients with CAI. A systematic search of electronic databases including WOS, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, occurred on 15 April 2023. The keywords of foot orthoses, foot orthotics, ankle brace and ankle instability were used to extract articles. 378 relevant articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. After reviewing 122 articles, the number of 34 articles that were close to the research title met the criteria for inclusion in the present study. After re-examining the articles, 12 articles were selected with the aim of investigating the effect of foot orthoses on patients with CAI. Foot orthoses have been shown to have a positive influence on subjects who have recently experienced an ankle sprain and on subjects with chronic ankle instability.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4077_5d379f2f8832f65482556c99167e701e.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Electromyographic Activity of Shoulder Muscles in Sitting volleyball Players During Push-Up and Chest Press with and without TRX5670414610.22098/jast.2025.16154.1385ENMohammadKhaffafpour KomeiliDepartment of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences,University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranShirinYazdaniDepartment of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IranJournal Article20241108Aim: This study aimed to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected shoulder girdle muscles in sitting volleyball players during push-up and chest press exercises, performed with and without TRX suspension training. Methods: Ten sitting volleyball players who met the inclusion criteria voluntarily participated in the study. EMG signals were recorded using an 80-channel USB+2 device (frequency: 1000 Hz) and bipolar surface electrodes. The muscles analyzed included the triceps brachii, biceps brachii, and deltoid on both the right and left sides. Signal processing was conducted using OT Biolab software, employing a band-pass filter of 10–350 Hz, and the root mean square (RMS) of the signals was extracted. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) method was used to normalize the EMG signals. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Statistical tests included the dependent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA to compare the four experimental conditions. Results: The normalized EMG activity of the right and left triceps and deltoid muscles, as well as the right biceps brachii, was significantly higher during TRX push-ups compared to traditional push-ups (p < 0.05). Similarly, during the chest press with TRX, the normalized EMG activity of the right (p = 0.02) and left (p = 0.002) deltoid muscles and the left biceps brachii (p = 0.025) was significantly greater than the chest press using dumbbells. A significant interaction was observed between the TRX and exercise factors (F = 5.34, p = 0.046, ɳ² = 0.37). Additionally, a significant three-way interaction was found among muscle, TRX, and exercise factors (F = 6.31, p = 0.02, ɳ² = 0.61). Conclusion: TRX exercises elicited significantly higher muscle activation compared to traditional exercises. Furthermore, TRX push-ups promoted more symmetrical muscle activity than traditional push-ups. These findings suggest that TRX exercises are an effective and low-risk alternative for inclusion in training programs for sitting volleyball players.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4146_c68e6818ac7b52356c0b9c461c9f3ea9.pdfUniversity of Mohaghegh ArdabiliJournal of Advanced Sport Technology2538-52599320250901Comparison of Coordination and Angles of Lower Extremity Joints in Elite Male Athletes in Conventional and Sumo Deadlift Techniques7187418410.22098/jast.2025.16106.1381ENAbbasChitsazzadehDepartment of Sports Biomechanics and Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.HeydarSadeghiDepartment of Sports Biomechanics and Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranMasoudRafiaeiDepartment of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Medical Sciences University, Isahan, IranRaghadMemarAssistant Professor, Department of Sport Biomechanics and Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20241029Background & Objective: The deadlift is recognized as a foundational exercise in bodybuilding and a pivotal component in powerlifting competitions. The present study sought to compare the coordination and joint angles of the lower extremities in elite male athletes while performing conventional and sumo deadlift techniques.<br />Materials and Methods: Fourteen elite male athletes participated in this study, performing two deadlift techniques at 70% of their one-repetition maximum for six repetitions. Kinematic data were collected using seven high-speed cameras and analyzed with OpenSim software. A dependent t-test was conducted to compare the mean joint angles and continuous relative phase across 10 phases in both the sumo and conventional techniques.<br />Results: Significant differences were observed in the coordination of the hip, knee, and ankle during the initial, middle, and final phases of both techniques. Additionally, lower limb joint angles showed significant differences between the two techniques.<br />Conclusion: The results of this study revealed significant differences between the Sumo and conventional deadlift techniques in terms of lower limb joint angles and continuous relative phase changes. Therefore, athletes and coaches are advised to select the more appropriate deadlift technique during training and competition based on the athlete's fitness level, training goals, and required muscle involvement. Due to the greater hip abduction angle and joint coordination in the initial stages of the Sumo technique resulting in increased activation of the stabilizing muscles and a broader base of support the Sumo Deadlift is recommended for novice athletes.https://jast.uma.ac.ir/article_4184_89e37f503d770310959c0f1d68d4e06a.pdf