Weight Cycling: To Be or Not To Be?

( Mohsen Kazemi ) 국제태권도학회 2017 International Symposium for Taekwondo Studies Vol.2017 No.-

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the practice of weight cycling/cutting among Taekwondo athletes and its safety and appropriateness as a classification meth-od. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the STARLITE mnemonic (Sampling strategy, Type of study, Approaches, Range of years, Limits, Inclusion and exclusions, Terms used, Electronic sources). PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source databases were searched using “Tae Kwon Do,” “Taekwondo,” “performance or winning,” and “weight”. The search was limited to human subjects and English language, peer reviewed articles (e.g., randomized controlled trials, review of literature, and cohort studies) and journals. There was no limitation with respect to the date of published papers included. Case studies were excluded from this review. Results: This search yielded 15 papers. A second search was conducted using, “Tae Kwon Do” or “Taekwondo AND weight,” which yielded 48 citations of which 10 papers were deemed to be relevant. A subsequent hand search revealed three more papers. There is an endemic problem of weight cycling among martial artists including Taekwondo (TKD) athletes in hope of increase chance of winning. The elite TKD athletes seemed to have better strategies in weight cycling than novice athletes. There has been no correlation between the amount of rapid weight loss (RWL) and winning, which may be a result of the recovery period between weigh-in and competition and the anaerobic nature of TKD. However, this does not eliminate the risks associated with RWL. To date, there are no guidelines or bylaws set by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) with regards to weight cycling and RWL. Conclusions: Monitoring weight loss program and prohibiting hazardous RWL practices must be instituted by the WTF for the safety of the athletes. Alternatively, utilizing the height category instead of weight would significantly decrease the practice of RWL and its ill effects on the athletes and provide a more even playing field with respect to competition in striking martial arts. Further investigation of this hypothesis is needed.

Effects of phosalone consumption via feeding with or without sodium bentonite on performance, blood metabolites and its transition to milk of Iranian Baluchi sheep

( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Ameneh Eskandary Torbaghan ),( Abdoul Mansour Tahmasbi ),( Reza Valizadeh ),( Abbas Ali Naserian ) 한국동물자원과학회 2017 한국축산학회지 Vol.59 No.5

Background: Transfer of pesticides from environment to animal products is inevitable, so the purpose of the present work was to evaluate phosalone consumption via feeding with or without sodium bentonite (SB) on performance, blood metabolites and its transition to milk of Iranian Baluchi sheep. Methods: Twenty Baluchi ewes were divided into four treatments (P1 as control, P2, P3, and P4) of five animals in which phosalone, an organophosphate pesticide, was given via diet (only for P2 and P3) at a dose of 280 mg/ sheep/day for 63 consecutive days. The SB (32 g/sheep/day; for P3 and P4) was also evaluated for its ability to reduce deleterious effects of phosalone in the sheep diets. The control group (P1) did not receive any phosalone and SB during the experiment. Sampling was conducted in two periods of time including weeks 5 and 9. Results: Phosalone residues were observed in the milk samples of P2 and P3 groups during two sampling periods. During period 1, the transfer rate of phosalone from feed to milk was 0.23 and 0.02%, respectively for the contaminated diets (P2 and P3), which is relatively similar to period 2 (0.22 and 0.02%). Only 0.34 (period 1) and 0. 36% (period 2) of phosalone residue are excreted in the feces of P2 group following its daily consumption. Transfer of phosalone from feed to milk was affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary inclusion of a commercial SB, as it (SB) decreased excretion of phosalone via milk (P3). The phosalone and SB alone or together had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the dry matter intake (DMI) and body weight (BW) gain, but feed efficiency, milk production, milk fat, dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), albumin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) affected by the treatments in period 1 or 2 (P < 0.05). The Hb, RBC, and MCHC were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by about 9.72, 20.77, and 9.71%, respectively in the group P2 as compared to those of the control group during period 1. The AChE inhibitory activity (period 1 and 2) significantly increased when phosalone administered via the diet (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Although there were no adverse effects on the performance of sheep following the intake of phosalone alone (P2 vs. P1), but other research on the long and short times to the phosalone in high and low doses with more animals is suggested. Overall, compared to the control group, addition of SB in the diet of sheep improved nutrient digestibility, animal performance, and milk health.

A Profile of Olympic Taekwondo Medalists in Four Consecutive Olympic Games (2000-2012)

( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Andrew Cardenas ),( Alan Chan ),( Rosanna Cheng ) 국제태권도학회 2015 Journal of the International Association for Taekw Vol.2 No.2

The purpose of this study was to analyze the variables (i.e., body mass index, percentage of points from offensive or defensive techniques, percentage of techniques used to score [i.e., kicks and punches], and amount of warnings or deductions received) that helped determine the Taekwondo medalists in the 2000-2012 Olympic Games. Data was obtained from official Olympic public domain websites. Changes in scoring systems throughout past Olympics led to all point values being converted to percentages of total points to ensure scoring was consistent. A logistic regression equation using STATA version 10.0 determined statistical significance for the chosen variables. Athletes who received more kyong-go (Korean for warning; KG) per match had a higher likelihood of obtaining a medal. Participants who obtained one additional KG over their opponent in a match had a 1.4 times higher likelihood of winning the match over a participant who did not. Our results show that Taekwondo competitors who used KG were more effective and more likely to medal in the Olympics.

A Profile of 2012 Olympic Games Taekwondo Athletes

( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Merrill Ong ),( Alexander Pacis ),( Katy Tseng ) 국제태권도학회 2014 Journal of the International Association for Taekw Vol.1 No.2

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics of medal winners (gold, silver, and bronze) who competed in the 2012 London Olympic Games against non-winners. A descriptive comparison was analyzed between data from the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Taekwondo competitions. It was expected that there would be no difference in physiological composition between winners and non-winners; however, there was an expectation that winners and non-winners showed differences in strategy. Participant data was obtained from the official 2012 Olympic website and weigh-in results. A logistic regression was used to compare winners versus non-winners, and statistical analysis was conducted using the STATA version 10 software. No statistically significant association was found between winners versus non-winners in how kicks and punches scored or warnings for either gender. A significant odds ratio (OR) of 0.62 found that more kicks were associated with winning in males than in females. We also found more kicks per match were associated with winning in males than in females. In terms of strategic differences between winners and non-winners, there were no statistical significances found within the data. In terms of physiological differences between winners and non-winners, there were no statistical significances found even in comparison to previous years. Comparisons between the previous competitions and the results of the OR showed that winning was best achieved through an offensive strategy that involved both the use of kicks and an increased frequency of punches. It was also determined an offensive strategy should be considered by coaches for future competitions.

Concussion Knowledge among Sport Chiropractors

( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Mary Emma Bogumil ),( Khushboo Vora ) 국제태권도학회 2017 International Symposium for Taekwondo Studies Vol.2017 No.-

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the degree of knowledge that sports chiropractors have in regard to concussion diagnosis and management. Methods: An online, previously-used survey was administered to Sport Chiropractic Fellows from the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences - Canada (n = 44). This survey, which was scored from 0 to 9, asked nine questions regarding participants’ concussion knowledge. The number of correct responses was used as the concussion knowledge score. Results: Sport chiropractors scored slightly higher on the survey when compared to chiropractic residents (mean = 5.57 vs. 5.25; t = 2.12; p = 0.04) and to fourth year chiropractic interns (mean = 5.57 vs 5.2; t = 2.45; p = 0.02), and the difference was statistically significant. Gender, personal concussion history, previous acutely concussed patient experience, and post concussive patient syndrome experience were not predictive of the number of questions answered correctly. As an alternative method of scoring the survey, we scored Part 2 of the questionnaire (concussion knowledge) by giving a point for each correct selection. This method measured the level of knowledge better than considering all correct answers as one point. The average score of the respondents was 29.84 out of 35 or 85.26% (SD = 2.93, 95% CI = 28.97, 30.71). With this method of scoring, the sport chiropractors did well. A few knowledge gaps were identified in the sample population. Conclusions: Sports chiropractors prove to possess the skills and knowledge to diagnose and manage concussion. However, although sports chiropractors excel at identifying the definition and mechanism of concussion, knowledge gaps regarding diagnosis and management of concussion were found in the sample population.

Concussion Knowledge among Sport Chiropractors

( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Mary Emma Bogumil ),( Khushboo Vora ) 국제태권도학회 2017 Journal of the International Association for Taekw Vol.4 No.1

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the degree of knowledge that sports chiro-practors have in regard to concussion diagnosis and management. Methods: An online, previously-used survey was administered to Sport Chiropractic Fellows from the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences - Canada (n = 44). This survey, which was scored from 0 to 9, asked nine questions regarding participants` concussion knowledge. The number of correct responses was used as the concussion knowledge score. Results: Sport chiropractors scored slightly higher on the survey when compared to chiropractic residents (mean = 5.57 vs. 5.25; t = 2.12; p = 0.04) and to fourth year chiropractic interns (mean = 5.57 vs 5.2; t = 2.45; p = 0.02), and the difference was statistically significant. Gender, personal concussion history, previous acutely concussed patient experience, and post concussive patient syndrome experience were not predictive of the number of questions answered correctly. As an alternative method of scoring the survey, we scored Part 2 of the questionnaire (concussion knowledge) by giving a point for each correct selection. This method measured the level of knowledge better than considering all correct answers as one point. The average score of the re-spondents was 29.84 out of 35 or 85.26% (SD = 2.93, 95% CI = 28.97, 30.71). With this method of scoring, the sport chiropractors did well. A few knowledge gaps were identified in the sample population. Conclusions: Sports chiropractors prove to possess the skills and knowledge to diagnose and manage concussion. However, although sports chiropractors excel at identifying the definition and mechanism of concussion, knowledge gaps regarding diagnosis and management of concus-sion were found in the sample population.

Case Studies of Chiropractic Care of Sports-Related Concussion in Two Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes

( Isabelle Senecal ),( Mohsen Kazemi ) 국제태권도학회 2017 Journal of the International Association for Taekw Vol.4 No.2

The purpose of this research was to present a case study in which two adolescent Taekwondo athletes received chiropractic care for the resolution of post-concussion headaches, neck pain, and dizziness. Both athletes sustained head injuries while participating in activities that happened less than 10 days prior to their first visit to a sports chiropractor. The patients were treated over three- and eight-week periods, respectively. The plan of management included rest and removal from sport, spinal manipulation, vibration soft-tissue therapy, acupuncture, patient education, home exercises, and advice on increasing dietary carbohydrates. At discharge, the first athlete fully re-turned to Taekwondo competition, whereas the second athlete decided for personal reasons to retire from Taekwondo despite being cleared to practice. The chiropractic treatments provided in this case study may to be an option to Taekwondo athletes who sustain in-competition sports-related concussion.

Concussion in Taekwondo: A Position Statement by the International Association for Taekwondo Research

( Reidar P. Lystad ),( Mohsen Kazemi ),( Jae Ok Koh ),( Jong-kook Song ) 국제태권도학회 2017 Journal of the International Association for Taekw Vol.4 No.2

The primary aim of this position statement is to encourage Taekwondo governing bodies to develop and implement evidence-informed, best practice concussion protocols and guidelines. It is envisaged that this will: 1) improve safety and health outcomes for athletes who suffer concussive injuries while participating in Taekwondo activities; 2) assist athletes, coaches, par-ents, officials, administrators, and other relevant persons to recognize and manage concussion in Taekwondo athletes; and 3) assist Taekwondo governing bodies and clubs to align their pol-icy and procedures to the most up-to-date evidence. This position statement is predominantly based on the most recent international consensus statement on concussion in sport and its sup-porting literature reviews and documents, which were developed in conjunction with 5th Inter-national Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin in October 2016.

Relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and technique failure according to diabetic status in peritoneal dialysis patients: A joint modeling approach

( Mehri Khoshhali ),( Iraj Kazemi ),( S. Mohsen Hosseini ),( Shiva Seirafian ) 대한신장학회 2017 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.36 No.2

Background: In peritoneal dialysis, technique failure is an important metric to be considered. This study was performed in order to identify the relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and peritoneal dialysis technique failure on end-stage renal disease patients according to diabetic status. Furthermore, this study was performed to reveal predictors of serum albumin and technique failure simultaneously. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 300 (189 non-diabetic and 111 diabetic) end-stage renal disease patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treated in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from May 2005 to March 2015. Bayesian joint modeling was carried out in order to determine the relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and peritoneal dialysis technique failure in the patients according to diabetic status. Death from all causes was considered as a competing risk. Results: Using joint modeling approach, a relationship between trajectories of serum albumin with hazard of transfer to hemodialysis was estimated as -0.720 (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.971 to -0.472) for diabetic and -0.784 (95% CI, -0.963 to -0.587) for non-diabetic patients. From our findings it was showed that predictors of low serum albumin over time were time on peritoneal dialysis for diabetic patients and increase in age and time on peritoneal dialysis, history of previous hemodialysis, and lower body mass index in non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: The results of current study showed that controlling serum albumin over time in non-diabetic and diabetic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment can decrease risk of adverse outcomes during the peritoneal dialysis period.

Original Articles : Causes of Visual Impairment among Patients Referred to a Visual Rehabilitation Clinic in Iran

( Alireza Ramezani ),( Maasome Pardis ),( Nasrin Rafati ),( Mohsen Kazemi Moghaddam ),( Marzieh Katibeh ),( Pooya Rostami ),( Mohammad Hossein Dehghan ),( Mohammad Ali Javadi ),( Zahra Rabbanikhah ) 대한안과학회 2012 Korean Journal of Ophthalmology Vol.26 No.2

Purpose: Epidemiologic evaluation and investigating the causes of visual impairment in any society is a matter of concern and has a direct effect on the country`s health care planning. In this study we describe causes of low vision and blindness in Iranian patients referred to rehabilitation clinics for taking vision aids. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, visual acuity was classified based on best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye according to the World Health Organization definition (blindness, visual acuity [VA]<20/400; severe visual impairment, VA<20/200-20/400; mild to moderate visual impairment, VA<20/60-20/200). The causes of blindness and low vision were determined using the 10th version of International Classification of Diseases based on the main cause in both eyes. To describe data, we used mean±SD and frequency. Results: The study included 432 patients, 65% male, with a mean age of 43.6±25.5 years (range, 3 to 92 years). Mild to moderate visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness were present in 122 (28.8%), 196 (46.4%) and 105 (24.8%) of the patients, respectively. The main causes of visual impairment were retinal and choroidal diseases (74.5%), optic nerve and optic tract diseases (9.8%), vitreous and globe disorders (5.3%), congenital cataract (3.1%), and glaucoma (2.6%). The distribution pattern of the causes was similar in all age subgroups. Conclusions: Diseases of the retina and choroid are the main cause of visual impairment among patients referred to an academic visual rehabilitation clinic in Iran.