https://www.sportrc.ir/ Sport Physiology & Management Investigations en daily 1 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.sportrc.ir/article_216828.html This research has been done with the aim of providing a model for the development of commercial competitiveness of clubs in the Premier Football League of Iran. The nature of this research is a mixed type of research in the sense that both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in it. The statistical population in this research includes managing directors, economic and marketing experts of the five teams Sepahan, Zob Ahan, Tractorsazi, Arak Aluminum and Khuzestan Steel Clubs. In the qualitative part, in-depth interviews and targeted snowball sampling were used from 25 experts and theoretical saturation was reached. For this purpose, after each interview, using the foundation's data model using charmaz method and open, axial and theoretical coding, the link between the categories was extracted in the form of a paradigm model. In this part, the reliability of the research was obtained with the help of the retest method of 74% and its validity was evaluated through reliability, transferability and confirmability. In the quantitative section, 384 people were obtained using Cochran's stratified random sampling method. The data was collected using an online designed questionnaire, the reliability of which was 81% using the Cronbach's alpha method, and its validity was confirmed through the approval of 24 professors. In order to analyze the results, confirmatory factor analysis was used. The findings obtained from the research show that effective and committed leadership, creating legal infrastructures and capacities, using business intelligence and creativity in order to create economic capacities, improving the level of knowledge in various dimensions, long-term planning and performance evaluation. marketing and branding by understanding the competitive environment are among the factors that form the pattern of commercial competitiveness development of Iran's premier football league clubs. Designing a comprehensive educational package, comparative studies of successful experiences, developing a strategic plan and increasing partnership with stakeholders are among the suggestions that have been put forward to develop the commercial competitiveness of Iran's premier football league clubs. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_201023.html Background and purpose: Talent search and development of players from the basic ages is a very important issue that due to the transfer of players in adult age to other clubs; Rights should be considered for the club that nurtures the transferred players so that the process of player development and talent development in football can continue continuously.Method: The current research is based on qualitative approach and data-based theory. The statistical population of the research included 17 experts related to the subject. Sampling was purposeful and judgmental and interviews were semi-structured.Found: in the final pattern; Causal factors (legal issues and problems, issues related to player conditions, lack of attention and awareness of the category of growth rights, issues related to the contract) cause attention to the central phenomenon (factors of failure to pay the growth rights of football players in Iran) and strategies of using It (targeting and changing the existing procedures, clarifying the method of paying and calculating the right to growth, training and creating awareness, benefiting more from the regulations and bylaws) in terms of intervening factors (deficiencies of the relevant officials, exceptions to the payment of the right to growth, inappropriate procedures) and the context existing (media rights and obligations, rights and obligations of brokers, rights and obligations of clubs, appropriate rights and obligations, rights and obligations of managers) in the research, positive consequences in (improving the international image of sports, improving legal issues of sports, developing sports communication , football development and political image development) follows.Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it is suggested that the respected officials of the football federation should make more efforts to educate and provide more information in order to familiarize with the examples of growth compensation to football players and clubs, and also by holding training workshops to teach the existing regulations and bylaws. in this field so that we can see an increase in income generation at the club level and an increase in transfers at the international level. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_204648.html Introduction: Monitoring the training progress of cyclists is vital for optimizing training programs, preventing overtraining, and enhancing performance. This study aims to report on various physiological and mental measures used to evaluate the training response and fitness of athletes.Methods: This descriptive, observational study investigated indicators reflecting automatic cardiac activity, submaximal heart rate scale, performance indicators, perception of freshness, and sleep throughout the training camps in the preparation phase for elite male cyclists. The sample consisted of 17 elite male cyclists who were members of the Iranian national team. Participants were monitored during four training microcycles or camps leading up to the Asian Cup. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and ANOVA with repeated measurements.Results: This research revealed that resting heart rate decreased during the four stages of the camp (P=0.001). However, heart rate increased (P=0.001). No significant changes were observed in sub-maximal heart rate (P=0.14). Perception of freshness decreased, and functional power threshold increased significantly during the four stages of the camp (P=0.001, P=0.001), but RPE changes did not reach statistical significance (P=0.237). Additionally, there were no significant differences in sleep indices (P=0.642, P=0.105, P=0.973).Conclusion: The training of elite athletes in the sports camp over the course of four stages can positively impact performance and improve physiological and cardiovascular conditions. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_216829.html The aim of the current research was to provide a model of the factors affecting women's social inclusion in sports using the structural-interpretive modeling approach. This research is a mixed and exploratory type of research. The statistical population of the research included all the experts and researchers of women's sports, sports sociologists, sports psychologists and coaches with experience in the field of women's sports. In the qualitative section, 28 people were interviewed using the snowball sampling method and the data were categorized based on thematic analysis method. In the quantitative part, in order to find the relationship between the factors, the structural-interpretive modeling approach was used. The findings of the research showed that for the social inclusion of women in sports, it is first necessary to solve social and economic problems so that its impact can be seen at the individual level. The findings of the research showed that for the social inclusion of women in sports, it is first necessary to solve the social and economic problems so that its impact can be observed at the individual level, that managerial and organizational factors are the way forward by implementing correct policies and programs in this field. Based on this, it is suggested to the managers of sports organizations to put gender budgeting on the agenda in order to grow, develop and sustain the inclusion of women in various sports sectors; Also, in order to consider the rights, conditions and needs of both sexes (women and men), it is necessary to consider a gender quota for all decision-making institutions in the field of sports. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_248571.html This research aims to identify the components of Human Development in Sport and the model of Fars Province sport development based on this theory of Amartya Sen. This is a practical research and the statistical population in qualitative phase is consisted of sport and human development experts and professors chosen with purposive selection, snowball sampling method which started with 10 researchers and continued to 20 till theoretical saturation according to Creswell method. In quantitative section informed experts were chosen such as physical education professors, Fars sport managers, experts of sport in other related sections of Fars from public, private, cooperative and civil sectors. Using coding method, 122 codes were extracted from the questionnaire resulted in fundamental interview and classified into 32 indicators and 4 components according to experts’ opinions. The results show that the final model of Fars sport development based on Human development theory consisted of for components: 1) human development concepts in sport with 7 indicators, 2) supportive capabilities with 10 indicators 3) processes and procedures with 8 indicators and 4) fundamental capabilities and infrastructures with 7 indicators. The factors were ranked through AHP method and conceptual model of the research was obtained. The relations between variables and indicators were investigated using smart pls3 software and then the relation between the factors were investigated with structural equations. The findings show that human development theory is a good framework for sport development since it emphasizes on creating the opportunity for indication of human capabilities and reaching his best function. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_216864.html This study examines the challenges and barriers to branding in sports businesses using a digital marketing approach. A qualitative research method, specifically thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), was employed, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 experts and specialists in digital marketing and sports branding. The findings reveal that the primary barriers to digital branding in sports businesses include weak digital infrastructure, management issues, intense competition in the digital space, and technical complexities. Additionally, the lack of coordination within marketing teams, rapid changes in consumer behavior, and failure to adapt to technological advancements are also significant challenges. This research addresses issues such as the absence of appropriate cybersecurity regulations, limitations due to international sanctions, challenges related to international payment systems, and the shortage of advanced digital infrastructure. It shows that these issues directly impact the ability of sports businesses to optimize the use of digital opportunities. In response, recommendations are provided to overcome these challenges, including the improvement of digital infrastructure, development of digital marketing skills within marketing teams, innovation in competitive strategies, and enhanced consumer engagement. The study highlights the need for sports businesses to adopt a comprehensive and cohesive approach to digital branding while keeping pace with market changes and technological developments. Ultimately, the results of this research can help sports businesses improve their digital branding strategies and increase their competitiveness in digital markets. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_244576.html Distinguishing between statistical significance and practical importance remains a persistent challenge in interpreting findings in exercise physiology research. An overreliance on p-values may promote dichotomous interpretations, obscure statistical uncertainty, and potentially lead to suboptimal training or clinical decisions. The purpose of this meta-research study was to examine statistical reporting practices and to evaluate the correspondence between statistical significance and practical importance in Iranian exercise physiology articles. Using a systematic meta-research design, full-text articles published between 2019 and 2025 in Iranian exercise physiology journals were reviewed. After screening, 45 articles were included in the final analysis. Each article was coded for the reporting of p-values, exact p-values, effect sizes, uncertainty measures, and the availability of sufficient numerical data for effect size reconstruction. When possible, standardized mean differences corrected for small-sample bias were calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals, and results were categorized using a 2×2 framework (statistically significant vs. non-significant × practically important vs. not important). Most articles reported p-values, but rarely included effect sizes and confidence intervals. Estimation-based reanalyzes showed a limited relationship between statistical significance and practical importance: some statistically significant results had trivial effects, while some non-significant results had potentially meaningful effects. These findings show the limits of relying on thresholds and the risk of confusing statistical significance with real impact. In conclusion, the results highlight the need to shift from p-value–centered reporting to an estimation-focused approach that emphasizes effect sizes and uncertainty. Such a shift is particularly important in exercise physiology, where applied decisions depend on an accurate understanding of both the magnitude and the precision of observed effects. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_218771.html MCP-1 is a protein that plays a role in obesity-related insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and combined training on the expression of Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein and MCP-1 in Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes. Fifty male rats, aged 8-10 weeks and weighing 250 ± 30 grams, were randomly divided into five groups (four diabetic groups and one healthy control group). Diabetes was induced in 40 rats using nicotinamide and streptozotocin. The HIIT protocol consisted of 10 sets of 2-minute intervals at 85-90% VO2 max with 2-minute active rest at 40-50% VO2max on a treadmill. The MICT protocol involved progressively increasing durations and intensities over 8 weeks. The combined training alternated between endurance and resistance exercises 5 days per week. Blood samples were collected 48 hours after the final session. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at P≤0.05. Results showed that MICT significantly increased SIRT1 expression (p=0.842) in coronary vessels, while both MICT (p=0.993) and combined training reduced MCP-1 levels. Serum insulin levels decreased significantly in all three exercise groups, with the greatest reduction observed in the HIIT group (p=0.868). All types of exercise improved insulin resistance, but HIIT (p=0.979) showed the most pronounced effect. Given the improvements in SIRT1 and MCP-1 levels and insulin sensitivity in MICT and combined training, these modalities could potentially reduce diabetes-related complications such as arteriosclerosis. Additionally, HIIT demonstrated improvements in insulin levels and insulin resistance. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_206798.html The aim of the present study was to identify the challenges and strategies for encouraging and attracting the insurance industry to sports. This research, from a paradigm perspective, is a type of interpretive research with a qualitative approach, thematic analysis strategy, and exploratory purpose. The participants in this study were experts in the fields of sports management, marketing, and the national insurance industry, selected through purposive sampling and the snowball method, with a total of 14 individuals considered as the sample size. The data collection tool was in-depth and semi-structured interviews, and the analysis of these interviews was conducted using the open and axial coding process through MAXQDA software version 2022. The Cohen's kappa reliability for four interviews was calculated to be 0.79. The qualitative analysis results revealed 26 initial statements with an importance coefficient of 41, categorized into 4 main categories: technical and specialized challenges with an importance coefficient of 12, legal challenges with an importance coefficient of 7, structural challenges with an importance coefficient of 11, and financial challenges with an importance coefficient of 9, identified as barriers to encouraging and attracting the insurance industry to the sports sector in Iran. Additionally, the Shannon matrix results showed 140 initial statements with a total frequency of 311, categorized into 26 concepts and 7 main categories, identified as effective strategies for encouraging and attracting the insurance industry to the sports sector in Iran. The strategies and approaches presented in this study can contribute to creating a strong supportive ecosystem for athletes and the sustainable development of the insurance industry in the sports sector. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_235647.html Background and aims: In the recent decade, obesity and physical inactivity due to internet addiction among children and adolescent, has become a global concern. This study investigated the effects of 2 and weeks of the Whole-Body Functional Training (WB-FT) on central obesity indices include abdominal volume index (AVI), Conicity Index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and on exercise capacity indices such as peak oxygen consumption (VO2Peak), maximum heart rate (HRmax), myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), myocardial oxygen consumption recovery (MVO2R), and heart rate recovery (HRR) in internet-addicted adolescents in Saqqez, Iran.Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design involved 80 adolescents (40 boys and 40 girls). Participants were randomly divided into four exercise and control groups, and the intervention was implemented for 2 and 4 weeks. Body composition indices and cardiorespiratory endurance were assessed before and after the intervention using standard protocols.Results: 4 weeks of WB-FT improved WHtR, BAI, and CI in boys (P<0.05). Additionally, even 2 weeks of WB-FT resulted in significant improvements in VO2Peak in both sexes compared to control groups(P<0.05). However, changes in central obesity indices were not significant in girls. Conclusions: Unlike VO2Peak, the improvement in body composition resulting from WB-FT training, especially in internet addicted girls, requires a longer intervention period (4 weeks). These findings demonstrate the importance of even short-term training interventions of up to 4 weeks in reducing the complications of inactivity and obesity in adolescents. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_220936.html Introduction: This study aimed to develop a model for the relationship between physical education faculties and the sports industry in Iraq.Methods: This qualitative research was applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in terms of data collection method. To collect data, interviews with 18 elites were used, and then Strauss and Corbin's method was used to analyze the data. Results: Based on the findings, for causal conditions, 31 concepts, 5 subcategories, and 2 main categories (basic principles and management infrastructure), for intervening factors, 34 concepts, 4 subcategories, and 2 main categories (macro elements and communication-organizational), for contextual factors, 73 concepts, 7 subcategories, and 3 main categories (enhancers, bilateral contexts, and national contexts), for strategies, 66 concepts, 7 subcategories, and 3 main categories (fundamental strategies, strategic thinking, and inter-organizational strategies), and for achievements, 35 concepts, 6 subcategories, and 2 main categories (cultural-social achievements, and national achievements), and a total of 239 concepts, 29 subcategories, and 12 main categories related to the model of the relationship between physical education faculties and the sports industry in Iraq were identified.Conclusion: Therefore, by designing and implementing effective and practical strategies, it can be seen that the level of health and vitality in society and lifestyle improved. Also, applying appropriate strategies and implementing them in a timely and correct manner can lead to job creation and economic prosperity, scientific growth and development in sports and physical education, and ultimately, national and international transformation by establishing an appropriate relationship between physical education faculties. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_223046.html The aim of this research was to identify and classify sports assistants based on role modeling in the system. This research was developmental-applied in terms of its purpose. Data collection was carried out in the first stage with semi-structured interviews. The number of interviews was based on theoretical saturation and the interviewees were selected in a non-probability and purposeful manner based on knowledge and experience, and finally theoretical saturation was achieved with 12 interviews. In the quantitative part, considering the number of faculty members in sports management disciplines and researchers in this field, it was estimated that about 300 people were recruited nationwide, and 169 questionnaires were analyzed according to the Cochran formula. Open codes along with axial codes were placed in the form of an aggregate model using structural equation modeling, and the results showed that the fit indices were favorable. The role of the components in the system was determined using structural-interpretive modeling, and the results showed that the structural component was the most influential component, and the talent discovery and marketing committee components were the most permeable components. Also, the sense of social cooperation was defined as a strategic component in the system. According to the results, it is recommended that officials develop an appropriate structure to attract sports assistants and also provide a suitable space for social interactions in that environment. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_226127.html The study aimed to design a long-term development model for Iraqi athletes. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach and the grounded theory method and Glaser's emergent approach. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with experts and experienced individuals in the field of talent identification in sports, and their analysis was conducted using Glaser's coding stages, namely, true coding (including open and selective coding) and theoretical coding. In this study, 14 experts and experienced individuals in the field of talent identification in sports were interviewed. Initially, 293 codes were extracted from the interviews. After initial reviews, due to the similarity of some codes, similar codes were merged with each other, and ultimately 102 sub-codes and 12 main codes were obtained from data analysis. Finally, the model for the long-term development of Iraqi athletes was presented. This study, emphasizing the importance of different stages in the long-term development of athletes, especially active initiation and proper training at an early age, showed that paying attention to these factors can have significant positive effects on the growth and success of athletes in the future. These findings help sports officials, practitioners, planners, and policymakers design more effective development programs to promote athletes and achieve more desirable results in this field. They also show that starting actively by forming sports habits from an early age has a significant impact on the future success of athletes. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_247116.html Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the production of free radicals and their scavenging systems and has been proposed as one of the hypotheses of aging. In the present study, the effect of simultaneous administration of physical activity in an enriched environment and ursolic acid supplementation on the SOD to MDA ratio in aged male rats was investigated. In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats (18-20 months old and weighing 320-350 g) were divided into 4 groups: solvent group, supplement group (ursolic acid gavage, 250 mg/kg body weight, 5 days per week), activity group (5 sessions per week, each session lasting 30 minutes in an enriched environment), and supplement + activity group. Two-way analysis of variance was used to examine the data. All calculations were analyzed using SPSS software version 27 (α ≤ 0.05). There was no significant interaction between interventions for the MDA variable, but there was a significant interaction for SOD and the SOD to MDA ratio. In general, the SOD/MDA ratio improved with supplementation and physical activity. Perhaps simultaneous administration of ursolic acid supplementation and regular voluntary physical activity in an enriched environment in aging can increase the amount of antioxidants and reduce oxidative stress, ultimately improving SOD/MDA. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_226562.html AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of continuous and intermittent SSG methods in football on short-term physiological responses. 12 male football players aged 15 to 18 years participated in this study. SSGs were performed in a 3vs3 format in a 20 × 30 meter area. The subjects participated in four sessions in the study, in each of which one of the four SSG formats was performed: one session =24 minutes, two session =2x12 minutes, three session =4x6 minutes, four session =6x4 minutes. During each game, heart rate was measured using a chest heart rate monitor, and maximum and average heart rate were measured. Blood was drawn before and three minutes after the end of each session to measure lactate levels. At the end of each session, the players were also given a rating of perceived exertion. The data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANCOVA. Analysis of the data showed that the maximum and average heart rate in the three session were significantly higher than in the other sessions (P=0.014 and P=0.037, respectively). There was no significant difference in the RPE and lactate response to the different SSG formats. Based on the results, it can be concluded that using intermittent compared to continuous formats is superior for increasing the intensity of small-sided games, especially when the duration of each period is close to six minutes, which puts more pressure on the anaerobic energy production pathway.continuous Exercise, Football, Interval Exercise, Small Sided Game https://www.sportrc.ir/article_248576.html The aim of this research is to present a model for the factors affecting the effectiveness of Iranian sports product advertising campaigns. Based on the research objectives, the present study was of a fundamental type. It is exploratory and qualitative, utilizing grounded theory and Glaser's approach to build the conceptual model. The study's statistical population included sports marketing management professors, researchers, and specialists in sports advertising. Purposeful and theoretical sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached, with 18 participants. Research tools included library studies and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with experts. The triangulation method was used to ensure the accuracy and validity of the collected information. Holsti's coefficient of reliability for the research data was calculated to be 77 percent. The qualitative data analysis software Atlas-ti 2018 was used to extract and analyze the codes, categories, and dimensions of the research model from the interviews. Accordingly, at the end of the coding and data analysis stages, 135 codes, 19 categories, 5 dimensions, and 1 central phenomenon were identified. According to the research model, the effectiveness of Iranian sports product advertising campaigns is at the center, with "organizational factors," "content factors," "psychological factors," "environmental factors," and "evaluation factors" as influential factors. The results of this study can serve as a guide for sports advertising campaign designers to design and plan advertisements that have effectiveness criteria and also provide the necessary confidence to achieve the advertising goals intended by sports product brand owners. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_226563.html This research aimed to identify barriers and provide strategies for institutionalizing good governance in the Iranian Athletics Federation. Employing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative), the qualitative phase involved a thematic analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews with experts, professors, and stakeholders in the Iranian Athletics Federation, leading to theoretical saturation. Five main challenges were identified: managerial incompetence, lack of transparency, limited stakeholder participation, technological issues, and organizational injustice. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included all experts, athletes, and managers of the Iranian Athletics Federation. Using Cochran’s formula, 384 individuals were selected, and questionnaires were distributed. Ultimately, 211 completed questionnaires were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that all proposed strategies—managerial competence, transparency, stakeholder participation, technology, and organizational justice—had a significant impact on good governance (factor loadings > 0.7, p < 0.05). The Goodness of Fit Index (GOF = 0.481) confirmed the model’s strong fit. Key recommendations included: designing specialized training programs for managers and mandating professional certifications, implementing a blockchain-based transparency system for recording decisions and financial reporting, enhancing stakeholder participation through a strategic council involving athletes and coaches, digital transformation via startups and integrated systems, and establishing an independent sports ethics court to reduce discrimination and corruption. As one of the first applied studies in the governance of Iranian athletics, this research provides a localized framework that can serve as a basis for policymaking in other sports federations as well. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_246064.html Supplementation with B-hydroxy-B-methylbutyrate in its free acid form (HMB-FA) has high potential to modulate hormonal responses due to its superior bioavailability. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of HMB-FA supplementation on testosterone and cortisol responses, as well as the testosterone-to-cortisol (T/C) ratio, following a single session of resistance exercise in untrained men. In this double-blind, semi-experimental study, 20 untrained men were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=10) or a placebo group (n=10). Initially, fasting blood samples were collected to measure baseline levels. The experimental group then consumed 3 grams of HMB-FA, while the placebo group consumed an equivalent amount of stevia. After 30 minutes, a second blood sample was taken, followed by a resistance training protocol consisting of 7 exercises (at 70% of 1RM, in 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions). Final blood samples were collected immediately post-exercise. Data were analyzed using Mixed ANOVA and T-tests. The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in testosterone and cortisol concentrations or the T/C ratio at any stage—before or after supplementation/placebo intake and post-exercise (P > 0.05). However, analysis of the acute trends showed a 24.5% increase in testosterone and a 24.5% decrease in cortisol in the supplementation group compared to the placebo group, although these changes were not statistically significant. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_230949.html Today, branding for sports figures, like branding for various products, has increased and become more important than before. Athletes are like a social signature or badge that has the task of expanding cultural foundations or ideological values. Investigating and identifying the branding model for sports champions in Tehran Province is very important for creating awareness and progress in the field of sports branding and sports marketing. The purpose of the present study was to design a branding model for sports champions in Tehran Province. The present study method is qualitative and exploratory research, and in terms of its purpose, it is considered an applied research. The participants in this study included experts and experienced individuals in the field of sports branding, athletes and Tehrani champions, brand and marketing specialists, and sports management professors, and purposive sampling was used in the study. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants to collect information, and theoretical saturation was achieved with 27 interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data to obtain information for this study. The results of the study show that the design of the branding model for sports and sports champions in Tehran province consists of five main categories, including brand identity, brand associations, media presence, management factors, and social presence. A deep understanding of these dimensions can help policymakers, clubs, and athletes themselves to manage their professional careers in a purposeful manner and pave the way for enhancing their personal brand and social standing. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_234399.html The study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the implementation of systems thinking in the Physical Education and Health Department of the Ministry of Education, with a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of educational and sports organizations. This applied research was conducted using an exploratory mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). The qualitative phase included experts in the fields of physical education and health within the Ministry of Education, as well as university professors, selected through purposive sampling. The quantitative phase involved all specialists working in the Physical Education and Health Departments across the country (236 individuals), and given the limited population, a census approach was applied. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured in-depth interviews were used, while in the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed systems thinking questionnaire and an organizational effectiveness questionnaire were employed to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis for the qualitative phase, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Friedman test, and partial least squares (PLS) method for the quantitative phase. The qualitative findings indicated that the identified factors influencing systems thinking comprise four overarching categories: individual-personal factors, organizational factors, contextual (environmental) factors, and extra-organizational factors. Moreover, the prioritization of these factors revealed that organizational factors ranked first, individual-personal factors second, extra-organizational factors third, and contextual factors fourth. The path coefficient between systems thinking and organizational effectiveness was 0.657, with a t-value of 14.456, indicating a significant and direct relationship. Based on the findings, strengthening systems thinking among specialists and managers in the physical education and health sector can improve organizational effectiveness within the Ministry of Education. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers and managers in this field focus on enhancing organizational structures, fostering a culture of collaboration and organizational learning, and providing training programs grounded in a systems thinking approach to promote efficiency and cross-functional coordination. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_231241.html The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors affecting the development of sports diplomacy with an emphasis on women's sports. The present study was applied in terms of its purpose and analytical and exploratory in terms of its nature, which was conducted qualitatively; also, the method of collecting information was documentary and library, which was conducted by content analysis. The statistical population included; professors, experts and academic experts in the country with a specialized field of sports diplomacy, sports experts who had a history of participating in or holding national and international sports events; managers or deputy general directors of physical education in the provinces, who were selected using a purposeful method; finally, 29 people were selected as a sample. Finally, the factors affecting the development of sports diplomacy with an emphasis on women's sports were extracted in three coding stages and the research model of the factors affecting the development of sports diplomacy with an emphasis on women's sports was drawn. The results showed that the factors affecting the development of sports diplomacy with an emphasis on women's sports included; Cultural and social factors, the role of media and social networks, macro-policies, international challenges, economic and financial issues, the role of international competitions, the role of sports institutions, planning and policy-making, knowledge production and research were identified. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_214537.html The purpose of this study was to design a model of factors affecting crisis management in mountaineering accidents. This study is applied in terms of its purpose and qualitative in terms of the type of data used. It was conducted using a grounded theory methodology based on the Strauss and Corbin approach. The target population for this research included experts in the field of mountaineering and crisis management, who were selected using the snowball sampling method (chain reference). The qualitative data collection tool used in this study was semi-structured interviews, which continued with 15 participants until theoretical saturation was reached. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding were applied for data analysis. The results revealed that the causal conditions included: expert human resources, specialized equipment, and financial resources. Contextual conditions include: incident level, management status, and access. Intervening conditions included: climatic conditions, principles and duties of management, transparency of rules and regulations, and integrity of management. These conditions formed the central phenomenon of "effective crisis management in mountaineering incidents." Based on the obtained results, the strategies included: empowerment, culture building, and planning. The consequences included: improving management, informing the public, and drafting laws and protective regulations.Given that Iran has diverse climatic conditions and mountainous regions across the country, including the north, west, southwest, center, east, and southeast, a comprehensive set of factors must be considered for effective crisis management of mountaineering accidents. Paying attention to the factors identified in this research can play a crucial role in preventing and optimally managing mountaineering accidents, which often result in fatalities. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_232939.html Motor literacy components are vital in promoting physical health and achieving developmental goals within educational systems. In Iran, challenges in physical education and the need to improve movement skills highlight the importance of analyzing essential motor literacy elements. This study systematically reviews research on motor literacy components to classify findings, identify research gaps, and propose strategies for enhancing motor development programs. Using the PRISMA guidelines, data were collected from domestic (SID, Magiran, Noormags, Civilica) and international (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) databases, analyzing 64 studies through qualitative content analysis with thematic coding. Thematic analysis identified key dimensions and indicators of motor literacy in Iran, emphasizing fundamental movement skills alongside higher-order competencies like cognitive and social skills. Findings align with prior motor development research, showing successful programs integrate technical, behavioral, and value-based competencies. This study offers a comprehensive framework for designing motor development initiatives and assessing physical education programs. The emphasis on adaptable motor literacy components underscores the necessity of addressing environmental challenges. Future studies should explore relationships between these components and their impact on physical development outcomes. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_235420.html Given the growing importance of the sports industry in economic, social, and cultural dimensions, sports startups play a key role in driving innovation, creating employment, and fostering economic growth within this sector. As the performance of these startups emerges within a complex network of interactions among various institutions, understanding the mechanisms of their ecosystem and identifying its key actors is essential. This study aimed to identify and categorize the key actors of Iran's sports startup ecosystem using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 key figures from academic, managerial, and entrepreneurial domains in the sports industry and subsequently analyzed. The findings revealed that the key actors in Iran's sports startup ecosystem can be classified into five categories: identities, entities, regulatory and policymaking bodies, strategic actors, and operational agents. In total, 2 identities, 2 entities, 8 regulatory and policymaking institutions, 29 strategic actors, and 98 operational agents were identified and categorized. The results of this research, by providing a structured portrayal of influential actors within the sports startup ecosystem, can serve as a practical roadmap for emerging startups, policymakers, and stakeholders to effectively develop this ecosystem in Iran. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_231698.html AbstractThe present research was conducted by studying socio-cultural barriers in branding Iraqi female handball athletes on social media and providing solutions. This study employed a qualitative grounded theory method using Charmaz's constructivist approach and purposive snowball sampling from three expert groups: sports management faculty, sports marketing specialists, and public relations and media experts in Iraqi sports. Theoretical sampling was utilized, beginning with initial conceptual categories and continuing until the twelfth interview when theoretical saturation was achieved. To assess validity, Charmaz's "dependability" criteria were employed, including precise data selection, systematic comparison among the three expert groups, and continuous interaction with participants. Research reliability was established using a second coder and calculating agreement percentages, yielding 81%, indicating adequate trustworthiness. Interview analysis followed Charmaz's constructivist approach, comprising two stages of initial and focused coding, with findings repeatedly reviewed and refined by the research team. The research findings identified five main categories of socio-cultural barriers. In response, six fundamental solutions were presented, including addressing identity barriers, managing family tensions, confronting social pressures, role modeling and discourse creation, professional empowerment, and media and communication strategies to overcome these obstacles. Implementation of these solutions could lead to individual-economic achievements, socio-cultural transformations, and enhancement of international standing. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that sports federations establish branding consultation centers, conduct training courses on media skills, and develop supportive policies for athletes' active presence in cyberspace. Additionally, creating specialized units for female athlete branding, incorporating media literacy courses into physical education programs, implementing family awareness programs, and developing specialized digital platforms for female athletes is essential. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_236113.html Empowerment within educational environments not only enhances the professional competencies of teachers but also enables them to design effective learning settings, utilize educational resources efficiently, and achieve pedagogical goals. Accordingly, the study aimed to design a model for empowering PE student-teachers in Iran.This qualitative study was applied in nature and conducted using an exploratory approach within the framework of grounded theory. The participants included faculty members and expert professionals in the field of PE from Farhangian University across Iran. Participants were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants. Data analysis followed the three-stage coding process proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998).Based on the findings, a total of 488 open codes, 42 axial codes, and 16 selective codes included (individual, extra-organizational, and organizational factors for casual conditions; driving forces, core elements, economic factors, and reinforcers for intervening conditions; educational-organizational backgrounds, individual-communicational backgrounds, and abilities and skills for contextual conditions; educational, macro, and individual strategies for strategies; and organizational, individual, and social outcomes for outcomes) were identified in relation to the research topic. The findings suggest that empowering PE student-teachers not only contributes to their personal and professional growth but also yields broader benefits at organizational and societal levels. Therefore, the proposed practical model can address existing gaps in the empowerment system of physical education teachers in Iran in a structured manner and serve as a foundation for designing policies and continuous improvement programs. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_239840.html A significant gap exists between technical training and the psycho-social development of young football players in their transition to the professional level in Iran. This study aims to bridge this gap by proposing a localized model grounded in the *cooperative learning cycle* and *social learning environments*. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was employed. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis of interviews with 13 football experts identified five fundamental dimensions: structured cooperative learning, social learning and mentoring, progressive competitive pathways, data-driven multidimensional assessment, and professionalism. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental 2×2 design involving 72 male footballers aged 16–22 was implemented across four groups (cooperative learning, social learning, combined, and control). Repeated-measures ANOVA results indicated that the combined group (CL+SE) achieved the greatest improvements in technical-tactical performance (+25%), sport self-efficacy, and psychological safety compared to the control group. Furthermore, professional indicators—such as invitations to senior team training, increased minutes in reserve-team matches, and consistent attendance—showed significant enhancement. Findings revealed that integrating cooperative learning cycles with social learning environments not only strengthens technical skill acquisition but also fosters self-regulation and intrinsic motivation. The proposed model offers a practical framework for Iranian football academies to facilitate the scientific, gradual, and data-driven transition of young players from youth to professional levels. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_239873.html Elite sport has created an arena of intense competition among nations, emphasizing the need to examine factors influencing competitiveness in elite sport. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop a model of micro-level factors influencing the competitiveness of elite sport in the Islamic Republic of Iran, conducted in two stages. In the first stage, researchers identified micro-level factors through qualitative semi-structured interviews. In the second stage, using the Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (total ISM) approach, researchers designed a model of micro-level factors. The frist stage included 15 semi-structured open-ended interviews with experts, including professors of sport management, sport administrators, coaches, athletes, and media professionals, until theoretical saturation was reached. In the second stage, 12 sport management experts completed a pairwise comparison questionnaire of the identified factors. Expert selection in both stage was purposive and based on accessibility. The findings placed “athletes’ innate talent” at the third level of the model and in the driver quadrant of MICMAC analysis. The factors “family,” “lifestyle,” and “athletes’ psychological-personality traits” were located at the second level and in the linkage quadrant. “Competitiveness in elite sport in Iran” was placed at the first level and in the dependent quadrant of the analysis. As a result, Elite sport competitiveness at the micro level is the result of the synergy between innate talent, family support, psychological-personality traits, and athletes lifestyle. These factors, through systemic interactions, adherence to institutional norms, and the creation of competitive advantages, ensure the athlete’s ability to win medals and maintain competitiveness in elite sports. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_239874.html The purpose of this research was to analyze the performance of the quality of school sports hours services based on the SERVQUAL model. This study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey method. The statistical population of this study included all physical education teachers, principals of SAMA schools, and professors of Islamic Azad University active in these schools in the academic year 1403-1404 who were selected through available sampling and online (N=362). A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. The face and content validity of the research (11 sports management professors) and the reliability of the research instrument (Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability) were confirmed. SPSS25 and Smart PLS4 software were used. The results showed that the variables of physical dimensions (0.864), assurance (0.876), reliability (0.787), empathy (0.912), and responsiveness (0.892) have a significant role in explaining the performance of school sports hours services quality. Overall, these results indicate that improving the quality of sports services in schools requires simultaneous attention to objective components (such as facilities and equipment) and subjective components (such as staff behavior and interaction with students). Among these dimensions, empathy was identified as the strongest predictor of service quality with the highest impact coefficient. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_239875.html This research aims to develop an indigenous model for professional club management in Iranian women's volleyball. From a paradigm perspective, the current study was postmodern, employing a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory of Strauss and Corbin (1990). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 experts in sports management and women's volleyball. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2022 software through three stages: open, axial, and selective coding. Data analysis led to the extraction of 303 initial codes, 40 selective codes, and 83 axial codes. The findings indicated that the indigenization of club management is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interplay of causal, contextual, and intervening factors. Causal factors included infrastructural weaknesses, cultural and social limitations, a lack of economic support, managerial disharmony, and legal issues. Contextual conditions referred to family support, cities' economic capacity, sports infrastructure, media environment, and local policies. Intervening conditions comprised cultural developments, political influence, and economic power, which played a moderating role in the indigenization process. Proposed strategies were categorized into four dimensions: cultural (reforming societal attitudes towards women's sports), economic (attracting local sponsors and enhancing revenue generation), sporting (talent identification and training indigenous coaches), and managerial (establishing a professional system and sustainable legal frameworks). The outcomes of indigenization included increased participation and social vitality for women, economic sustainability of clubs, enhanced athletic performance, strengthened professional management, and improved media image of women's sports. The final conceptual model demonstrated that achieving indigenization requires synergy among culture, economy, politics, and media to realize the sustainable development of Iranian women's volleyball. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_240592.html The aim of the present study was to present an interpretive structural model of pricing strategies in sports service centers. This research was of a mixed type and applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and exploratory in terms of analysis method. The statistical population included experts in the fields of sports management and geography. In this section, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 people in the form of snowballs. In the interpretive structural modeling section, the questionnaire was completed by 12 people. The data analysis method was content analysis in the qualitative section and interpretive structural modeling in the quantitative section. According to the qualitative findings, 126 items were identified in the form of 26 sub-themes and 10 main themes; according to the results of interpretive structural modeling, it was determined that the 10 identified concepts are located at 4 levels. In the first level, rules and distinctive product, in the second level, three components of the market environment, customer relationship management and competitors; At the third level, there are three components of product value, customer service and economic environment, and at the fourth level, the most important level in terms of influence, there are two concepts of service provided and cost. In a general conclusion, it should be stated that the classification of levels and their hierarchical order show that external and legal factors provide the basis, while tangible strategies are formed through the interaction between the market, customers and competitors and ultimately culminate in direct decisions related to service provision and its costs. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_241797.html Fetoin A is a circulating glycoprotein that plays an important role in glucose regulation and insulin resistance. The present meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise on fetoin A levels and glycemic indices in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Irandon, Noor Mags, and SID databases were systematically searched for articles published up to (12 March 2025). The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random model and CMA2 software to determine the effect, and the (I2) test was used to determine heterogeneity, and the Funnel Plant test and Egger test were used to examine publication bias. A total of 7 studies (with 9 aerobic exercise interventions) were meta-analyzed on 228 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, and the results showed that aerobic exercise intervention in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes significantly reduced fetoin A by a weighted mean difference of -48.021 mg/L (P=0.002), glucose by a weighted mean difference of -18.883 mg/dL (P=0.001), insulin by a weighted mean difference of -0.889 mg/dL (P=0.029), and insulin resistance by a weighted mean difference of -0.947 mg/dL (P=0.012) compared to the control group. The results of the present meta-analysis showed that aerobic exercise had significant reducing effects on fetoin A levels and glycemic indices (glucose, insulin, insulin resistance) in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_241798.html This study aimed to investigate the effect of communication skills on customer lifecycle value with regard to the mediating role of financial intelligence of managers of recreational-sports centers. This applied research was of a descriptive-correlational type with a structural equation modeling approach. The participants included all managers of first-class sports clubs in Khorasan Razavi province, and the research sample included all managers of first-class recreational-sports clubs in the cities of Mashhad, Neyshabour, and Sabzevar (a total of 216 clubs' managers). The data collection tools included three standard questionnaires: communication skills, financial intelligence, and customer lifecycle value. The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between communication skills and customer lifecycle value, financial intelligence and customer lifecycle value, and communication skills and financial intelligence of managers. The research model also had a good fit. Also, it was observed that communication skills have a positive and significant effect on customer life cycle value in recreational-sports centers through the mediating variable of managers' financial intelligence. According to the results, it can be said that the necessity of managers' recognition and awareness of their communication skills and financial intelligence can lead to improved communication levels, increased profitability, and the development of organizational assets (retaining customers in sports clubs). https://www.sportrc.ir/article_243869.html During the armed conflict between the United States and the Zionist Regime against Iran (February–April 2026), a significant number of Iranian sports facilities — including the 12,000-seat Azadi Stadium in Tehran — were targeted in airstrikes. This study aims to examine the legal status of sports facilities under international humanitarian law (IHL) and to assess the lawfulness of attacking them in the event of military use.This article employs a descriptive analytical method, drawing upon library resources, international instruments (the four Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol I, the Rome Statute), official ICRC commentaries, and press reports on recent attacks.Under Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the principle of distinction (recognized as a fundamental customary rule), sports facilities qualify as civilian objects and are presumptively immune from attack. Even if a stadium is transformed into a military objective, the principles of precaution, proportionality, and the burden of proof remain fully applicable. The case study of the attack on Azadi Stadium reveals that, even assuming the presence of special police or Basij forces, the attack lacks legal justification: First, absolute military necessity is not established, as those forces played no role in an aerial armed conflict. Second, the precautionary principle was violated because the attacker failed to conduct proper verification of the forces' actual military involvement. Third, the complete destruction of a 12,000-seat stadium for a negligible military advantage is manifestly disproportionate. And Fourth, the distinction between military targets and civilian property is lost in this attack.Sports facilities enjoy relative immunity under IHL; attacking them in normal circumstances violates IHL norms and constitutes a war crime. Although the exception of transformation into a military objective is theoretically admissible, it is subject to stringent conditions. In the case of the attack on Azadi Stadium in Tehran, none of the requirements of military necessity, distinction, precaution, and proportionality were respected. The international community — particularly the IOC and UNESCO — is encouraged to adopt an optional protocol clarifying the protection of sports facilities in armed conflict. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_244185.html Utilizing sports heritage as a strategic instrument to delineate and represent socio-cultural and economic patterns can establish innovative infrastructures within the framework of heritage-based sports tourism. Identifying appropriate indicators for the development of sports tourism constitutes one of the most fundamental stages in the process of planning and policymaking. This applied-exploratory study was conducted using a qualitative methodology based on the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin. The target population comprised experts, academics, managers, and policymakers in the fields of sports tourism and cultural heritage. A total of 14 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed through a three-stage coding process: open, axial, and selective coding. Qualitative analysis yielded 220 open codes, which were subsequently organized into 25 axial codes and five primary paradigm categories. Causal conditions were identified as socio-cultural, political-security, economic-service, managerial-structural, geo-environmental, and technological factors. Contextual conditions encompassed the cultural structure of society, macro-level policymaking, service frameworks, tourism management, geopolitical factors, and tourism technologies. Intervening conditions included societal attitudes, legal and regulatory challenges, tourism infrastructure, environmental interventions, and limited technological access. Proposed strategies involved social development, tourism policymaking, economic expansion, the development of tourism sites, and the enhancement of environmental regulations. Furthermore, the identified consequences included the revitalization of indigenous and regional heritage, economic sustainability, and environmental livability. The research findings indicate that sports tourism in Iran is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by dynamic interactions among various components. Among these, socio-cultural factors—reflecting the vast potential of Iran’s cultural and sports heritage—were identified as the primary drivers and key potentials. The paradigm model developed in this study, while providing a comprehensive framework for the understanding and advancement of sports tourism alongside the preservation of cultural heritage, effectively reflects the unique characteristics of the Iranian context. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_246821.html The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender policies and inequalities on the challenges and outcomes of migration among Iranian elite female athletes and to develop a conceptual model of this process. This research was conducted with a mixed exploratory approach. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 elite female athletes, elite female coaches, and academic experts using purposive and snowball sampling, and the data were analyzed using grounded theory (Glazer). In the quantitative phase, a researcher-made questionnaire was prepared based on the qualitative findings and distributed to 385 female athletes. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that the challenges of migration among elite female athletes fall into six main categories: economic, social, cultural, political, managerial, and psychological. The most important challenges included livelihood insecurity, lack of facilities, weakening of social status, gender discrimination and restrictions, legal restrictions, poor management, and lack of meritocracy and psychological stress. The consequences of migration were also identified in three main dimensions of weakening national sports, socio-cultural consequences, and economic-political consequences. The quantitative results confirmed the six-dimensional structure of challenges and the three-dimensional structure of consequences and showed that economic and political challenges of gender, along with socio-cultural consequences, played the greatest role in explaining migration. Accordingly, a review of women's sports support policies, strengthening meritocracy, developing infrastructure and psycho-professional support, and enhancing the media status of female athletes are suggested as implementation strategies to reduce women's sports migration. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_247946.html Electoral engineering is a complex phenomenon influenced by various structural, political, economic, social, and individual factors, which affects the electoral process of federations. The main purpose of this research is to identify these factors and analyze their effects on the decision-making and performance of federations. This research is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in nature, conducted using the thematic analysis approach of Braun and Clarke (2006). The research population included candidates and presidents of provincial sports boards and federations, director generals of sports and youth, and representatives of referees, coaches, and athletes in electoral assemblies who had the right to vote, selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and the sampling process continued until theoretical saturation was reached, resulting in a total of 15 interviews. The data were analyzed based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase thematic analysis framework, and coding was done manually. The research findings led to the identification of 6 main themes and 22 sub-themes, encompassing various dimensions of electoral engineering, including resource engineering, media engineering, governmental and political engineering, qualification engineering, legal engineering, and structural engineering. This research emphasizes that electoral engineering in Iran’s sports federations, due to the complex interaction of these factors, requires fundamental reforms in laws, oversight, and transparency. Strengthening oversight, reducing political and economic influence, and implementing changes in electoral processes can lead to improved transparency, fairness, and efficiency in federation elections. Furthermore, this research provides suggestions for improving the electoral process and mitigating the negative effects of electoral engineering. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_247948.html This research was conducted with the aim of presenting a model for the development of sports tourism based on artificial intelligence. Given the novelty of the subject and the lack of previous conceptual frameworks, this research was developed as a fundamental type with practical capabilities. The research method used was the grounded theory approach with the Glaser strategy. This method was selected due to its exploratory nature and the need to generate theory from data. The statistical population included university professors, experts in the sports tourism industry, managers, government officials, and related entrepreneurs who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected and analyzed through 17 semi-structured interviews (including 7 key questions) until theoretical saturation was achieved. The validity of the research was ensured by the member review method and reliability by the research audit strategy (including researcher sensitivity and methodological coherence), and data analysis was performed with Max Quda software. Qualitative data analysis led to the identification of a central model that explains the development of AI-based sports tourism around three general categories: analytical functions (including analysis, efficiency accuracy, and financial advantage), special advantages of AI (including acceleration, efficiency, facilitation, and intelligence), and ancillary services of AI (including special services, technology development, and value-added). The findings indicate that successful development requires the integration of AI into analytical processes for optimal decision-making, the exploitation of operational advantages to enhance the tourist experience, and the creation of added value through technological innovations. This model provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers to guide investment towards the sustainability and competitiveness of the sports tourism industry. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_248129.html Exercise in a hot environment can lead to an increase in core body temperature and heat stress, which is associated with dysfunction of the lungs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of selenium consumption on the expression of Nf-kB and TLR4 in the lungs of rats after a period of exercise in a hot environment. In this experimental study, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, exercise in a normal environment, exercise in a warm environment, and exercise in a warm environment with selenium supplementation. Exercise was performed for eight weeks in a normal and warm environment. Selenium was administered as an oral supplement at a specific dose. At the end of the period, lungs tissue was sampled Nf-kB and TLR4 gene expression were measured. After confirming the normal distribution of the data, one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the groups and, if necessary, Bonferroni's test was used. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The results of the present study showed that NF-KB in the group exercising in a hot environment with selenium consumption had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p=0.004) and the group exercising in a normal environment had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p=0.043). Also, TLR4 in the group exercising in a hot environment with selenium consumption had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p=0.001) and the group exercising in a normal environment had a significant decrease compared to the control group (p=0.039). Training in a hot environment can lead to lung damage, but selenium supplementation plays an effective role in reducing these damages and improving physiological responses. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_250379.html The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying the factors affecting image management in sports tourism destinations. This study was based on an applied objective and was a qualitative research based on thematic analysis. The statistical population of the present study included experts (professors, specialists, instructors) active in the field of sports tourism, 17 of whom were selected using the snowball sampling method until theoretical saturation was reached. The research tool was a semi-structured interview. The data from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis method and with MAXQDA software. The results indicated that the factors affecting image management in sports tourism destinations include: appropriate management system, marketing and branding, media communications, improving the experience and quality of services, innovation in service provision, political factors, economic factors, cultural and social factors, environmental factors, crisis management, and image recovery. These themes were organized into 26 themes and 107 basic themes were identified and classified. According to the findings of this study, we conclude that improving image management in sports tourism destinations can increase visitor trust and satisfaction and consolidate the position of destinations in the minds of audiences, thus enabling the attraction of more tourists and strengthening the competitiveness of destinations. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_248389.html The aim of the current research was to design a paradigm model for protecting the rights of female consumers in the field of championship sports. This research is applied in terms of the research objective, from the perspective of research method, qualitative type and inductive approach (part to whole) and the dominant paradigm of the present research is interpretative-constructive paradigm. Foundation data theory and Strauss Corbin's approach were used. The statistical population of the research included specialists and professors of sports management and experts in the field of marketing, sports managers of federations in the women's section with the condition and criteria of having at least 5 years of experience and knowledge in the field of consumer rights, champion creditors and qualified female coaches, and a total of 15 interviews were conducted. . Using Straus Corbin's paradigm model, it was determined that three factors as causal conditions (lack of independence, discrimination, cultural-religious gap); Three factors as background conditions (professionalism, championship sports, advertising) and three factors as intervening conditions (support campaign, obtaining seats, facilities) play a role in protecting the rights of female consumers in the field of championship sports. Also, there are 20 strategies in the form of 5 concepts (centered justice, educationalist, investment, central motivation, professional structuring) and six main consequences. In a general conclusion, it should be mentioned that in order to protect the rights of female consumers in the country's championship sports, negative factors should be reduced, especially in the causal conditions, the background components should be strengthened, and by implementing the identified strategies, in the long term, There were positive consequences in women's championship sports. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_251148.html School sports, if not designed within a coherent and sustainable legal framework, may fail to ensure student safety and instead contribute to institutional instability, increased litigation, and reduced educational equity. This study aimed to develop "A Model for the Sustainabilization of Sports Rights in the Developmental System of Iranian Schools" to identify key dimensions affecting the durability and effectiveness of the school sports legal system and to facilitate sustainable development in education. The research approach was grounded theory, following the systematic narrative of Strauss and Corbin. The statistical population consisted of all experts and specialists in the fields of sports law, sports management, and education. Using purposive sampling and the snowball technique, with theoretical saturation as the criterion, 13 individuals were selected as the final sample. The data collection tool was semi-structured interviews. After recording and transcription, the data underwent a three-stage analysis of open, axial, and selective coding. During open coding, 107 initial concepts were extracted from the data. The software used to manage and facilitate the coding process was MAXQDA (Version 2020). The qualitative data analysis led to the identification of six main categories: Education and Empowerment, Policy-making and Responsibility, Governance System and Operational Efficiency, Core Infrastructure and Technology, Factors of Good Governance, and the Core of Cultural and Social Synergy. The findings indicate that the institutionalization of sports law in schools is a dynamic and multidimensional process, requiring simultaneous attention to structural, cultural, and educational dimensions. Ultimately, it can be concluded that although macro-level challenges such as lack of training, weak laws, and inadequate infrastructure seem common across all sports contexts, the operational strategies and action priorities for institutionalization are heavily influenced by the specific context (e.g., schools versus professional clubs). Success hinges on understanding these nuances and employing a multidimensional and coordinated approach. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_251635.html Purpose: This study aimed to identify and map the thematic network of drivers for the international success of Iraq’s Olympic sports federations. By adopting a systemic approach, this research sought to identify the factors influencing the promotion of championship sports in this country and to provide a practical model for improving the performance of these federations. Methodology: The research was applied in purpose and qualitative in nature, conducted using the “thematic analysis” method. The statistical population consisted of academic experts in sports management and executive managers of Iraqi sports organizations. Seventeen participants were selected via purposive (judgmental) sampling until theoretical saturation was reached, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis techniques and coding the interview transcripts. Findings: The data analysis led to the identification of 103 primary codes, 25 sub-themes, and 8 main themes. Based on the extracted thematic network, the drivers of international success were organized into a systemic structure including the macro environment, governance and management of federations, infrastructure, resources, technical and developmental processes, and outcomes. The key drivers identified include international interactions, infrastructure and hosting development, sports governance, revenue generation and resource acquisition, scientific talent identification, sports media and communication, research and innovation, and support for elite athletes. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the international success of Iraq’s Olympic federations is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by the synergistic interaction of structural, managerial, and contextual factors. It is concluded that the extracted thematic network can be utilized as a strategic framework for macro-policymaking, prioritizing development programs, and enhancing the international performance level of the mentioned federations. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_252166.html The aim of this study was to develop a strategic framework for the application of artificial intelligence to enhance the research process in sport management and identify its implications based on stakeholder analysis. The study was applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of research approach. The research population consisted of experts in sport management, researchers familiar with AI technologies, and specialists in the field of research, who were selected for participation through semi-structured interviews. The interview data were analyzed using thematic content analysis with MAXQDA 2024 software. In addition, the Shannon entropy matrix was employed to prioritize and determine the relative importance of the extracted categories. The findings revealed a total of 288 initial codes with a cumulative frequency of 703, which were organized into 58 concepts and 16 main categories. Among the strategic categories, AI literacy of researchers and research data infrastructure accounted for the highest proportion of expert opinions (30.4%), indicating their paramount importance. These were followed, respectively, by the categories of AI ethics, intelligent decision-making, methodological innovation, intelligent knowledge production, intelligent data analysis, sports innovation ecosystem, smart research standards, and promotion of smart research. Furthermore, improving research quality and accelerating the research process received the highest importance coefficients among the identified outcomes. The findings indicate that the purposeful application of AI can play a significant role in enhancing the quality, efficiency, and innovation of sport management research by improving research data infrastructures, strengthening researchers' competencies, advancing analytical methodologies, and reinforcing data-driven decision-making systems. The development of researchers' AI literacy, the establishment of standardized research databases, the formulation of ethical frameworks, and the expansion of the sports innovation ecosystem are among the most critical prerequisites for the effective integration of AI into the sport management research system. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_252551.html Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of resistance and endurance training along with oral consumption of hawthorn extract on the levels of the inflammatory protein Nlrp3 and the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) in the kidney tissue of Alzheimer's rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 male rats were randomly divided into seven groups after induction of Alzheimer's model with trimethyltin-chloride (TMT): healthy control, Alzheimer's control, Alzheimer's+hawthorn, Alzheimer's+resistance, Alzheimer's+resistance+hawthorn, Alzheimer's+endurance, Alzheimer's+endurance+hawthorn. Resistance training included ladder climbing with a weight attached to the tail (12 weeks, 5 days a week) and endurance training included incremental swimming in a special pool for rats. Hawthorn supplement was consumed at a rate of 6.25% of the standard diet. After the end of the intervention, tissue levels of Nlrp3 (ELISA) and Gpx (calorimetry) in kidney tissue were measured and data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (P<0.05). Results: The results showed that hawthorn consumption alone or in combination with both types of exercise significantly reduced Nlrp3 levels and improved Gpx levels in kidney tissue (P<0.001). Although resistance and endurance training alone caused changes in these indicators, these changes did not reach a significant level. Conclusion: Hawthorn seems to have a stronger effect on modulating inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney in the Alzheimer's model than resistance and endurance training. However, combining exercise interventions with hawthorn supplementation can be considered as a complementary non-pharmacological approach in reducing kidney damage associated with Alzheimer's. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_253127.html چکیدههدف از پژوهش حاضر، تحلیل کینتیک پاسخ و ریکاوری سایتوکاین‌های پیش‌التهابی و ضدالتهابی متعاقب یک جلسه تمرین شدید بوکس (HIBS) در بوکسورهای تمرین کرده بود.10 بوکسور تمرین کرده در این مطالعه نیمه‌تجربی شرکت کردند. پروتکل HIBS شامل ۶ راند ۳ دقیقه‌ای با شدت ۹۵-۸۵٪ HRmax به همراه ۲ راند فینیشر اجرا شد. سطوح سرمی IL-6، TNF-α، CRP و IL-10 در سه مرحله پایه، بلافاصله و دو ساعت پس از تمرین به روش ELISA اندازه‌گیری شد. داده‌ها با آزمون تحلیل واریانس با اندازه‌گیری مکرر تحلیل شدند. بلافاصله پس از تمرین، سطوح IL-6 و TNF-α به‌طور معنی‌داری افزایش یافت (P<0/001). در مقابل، شاخص CRP پاسخ تأخیری نشان داد و افزایش آن در ساعت دوم ریکاوری مشاهده شد(0.05P<). سایتوکاین ضدالتهابی IL-10 نیز روند افزایشی خود را تا فاز ریکاوری ادامه داد (P<0/001). یک جلسه تمرین شدید بوکس با تغییرات زمانی در شاخص‌های التهابی و ضدالتهابی همراه بود. با توجه به اوج‌گیری پاسخ‌های ضدالتهابی و پروتئین‌های فاز حاد در فاز ریکاوری، پیشنهاد می‌شود استراتژی‌های ریکاوری به‌ویژه در بازه زمانی ۲ تا ۴ ساعت پس از تمرین برای جلوگیری از سرکوب سیستم ایمنی با جدیت بیشتری دنبال شود. https://www.sportrc.ir/article_253129.html This study aimed to design and validate an artificial intelligence-based compensation system model in Iran’s Ministry of Sport and Youth. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) design was employed. In the qualitative phase, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with qualified academic and executive experts; theoretical saturation was reached at interview 18 and two additional interviews were conducted to confirm category stability. Qualitative analysis followed three-stage coding, yielding 192 initial/open codes that were organized into 24 axial/subcategories and subsequently into 8 selective/main categories. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed 24-item questionnaire corresponding to the 24 axial categories was used. To compensate for nonresponse, 400 questionnaires were distributed across organizational strata, of which 365 complete questionnaires were retained for analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using PLS-SEM, and the overall goodness-of-fit index was GOF=0.559. The final model comprises technological and infrastructural requirements, payment-system intelligence components, organizational justice-transparency-trust mechanisms, implementation challenges and barriers, legal-regulatory-ethical considerations, change-management and culture-building requirements, individual and behavioral employee outcomes, and macro-level strategic organizational achievements. The findings indicate that AI-based compensation is not merely a technological mechanism; its successful implementation requires coordinated technical, human, legal, ethical, and managerial arrangements.