BSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to comparatively analyze the clinical status of the lower limbs in healthy subjects and subjects with back pain. Forty three (43) male and female subjects with average age of 36.91± 3.97 were selected as the statistical sample of the study. This population was recognized intelligently by utilizing the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Furthermore, the NMQ was used to designate 43 male and female subjects with average age of 37.88 ± 4.12 and similar anthropometric characteristics with the statistical population as the research control sample. In the next phase, tibial torsion and femoral torsion angles were measured using a goniometer. Foot typicality was designated using a foot arch index while intercondylar and intermalleolar distances were measured using a clinical caliper. The results depict that the size of the foot arch is steeper in people with back pains compared to those with flat foot arch (p<0.05). It also indicates that there is no significant correlation between the tibia, femur torsion, knee condition of the healthy subjects and subjects with back pain. Therefore, it is deduced that steep foot arch can be a key component in the generation of back pains.

Background: Researchers have always sought to investigate the factors affecting sports injuries in order to identify ways of preventing and controlling such factors. These studies have more emphasis on physical aspects, while the cognitive and psychological components may also be effective. Objectives: The present study was conducted to answer the question whether or not injury can be predicted in volleyball athletes through physical and cognitive components. Methods: For this purpose, 50 volleyball players with the age range of 18 to 25 years old participated in the study. The subjects were evaluated using Barratt impulsiveness scale, Functional movement screen and continuous performance test (for sustained attention). Then, the injuries occurrence were recorded. Furthermore, logistic regression test was run to predict injury in athletes and the bi-serial correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between the factors. Results: The findings showed that there was a significant negative correlation between functional movement screen scores and injuries occurrence. There was also a significant positive correlation between omission and commission errors and injury occurrence, meaning that alongside the increase in the omission and commission errors, the injury occurrence increased; however, there was no significant relationship between the scores of Barratt impulsiveness scale and the injury occurrence. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that mental and cognitive components, along with the physical factor, play a significant role in injury occurrence in volleyball players, so it is better to consider it in prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Introduction: In examining the factors affecting sports injuries, the emphasis is always on physical variables, while cognitive and psychological characteristics can also be effective. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sustained attention as  a neurocognitive function and landing error as a mechanical factor associated with lower limb injuries. Materials and Methods: 44 female basketball players aged 18-25 years at the national league level participated in this study. The participants were assessed using the continuous performance test, and their landing-jumping was evaluated by the landing error scoring system in two conditions of high and low cognitive load. Results:  The results showed that people’s  landing errors increased significantly as a result  of increased cognitive needs (P=0.0001). Also, the findings revealed a positive correlation between omission and commission errors with landing error scores in both low and high cognitive load conditions (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sustained attention could predict the landing error score that is considered a  key risk factor of lower limb injuries. It is recommended that multiple cognitive and physical assessments be used to identify athletes at risk of injury. Hence, cognitive enhancement protocols may be effective along with physical preparation programs.

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