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Background and Objective: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder of the brain,which occures in first few years of life, and characterized by symptoms such as qualititative impairments in verbal and non verbal communication, reciprocal social interactions, inability to communicate with others, stereotyped patterns of behavior, loss of eye contact and inappropriate facial expressions. Its prevalence is 2-5 in 10000 children and is greater in boys. Due to retarded language development, differential diagnosis other than those used with communication, behavioral and sensorial deficits should be made with Sensorineural or conductive hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine whether children with autism have abnormalities affecting the cochlear nerve or auditory pathway in brainstem.

Materials and Methods: In this case – control study, auditory brainstem responses were recorded from 12 autistic children and 12 normal children aged 3-12 years in rehabilitation Zafar central in Tehran – Iran during 2005. Absolute latency values of waves I, III and V and interpeak latencies of I-III, III-V and I-V were compared with the results of 12 normal children as control group.

Results: Wave V could be traced down to 25 dB nHL in both normal and autistic groups. Absolute latency of Wave V and Interpeak latencies of III-V and I-V were significantly prolonged in Autistic children in comparison with control group.

Conclusion: This study showed a slowing in nerve conduction in auditory pathway in brainstem of autism patients. The brainstem lesion may be a part of neurological damage in autistic children that accounts for deviant language, cognition and social development. Prolongation of wave V, III-V and I-V IPLs can be a marker for early diagnosis of autism.

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Background and Objective: Proprioceptive, vestibular and visual senses control human movements. This study was carried out to compare the posture of head and shoulder in blind, deaf and ordinary pupiles. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytic study was done on 16 blind, 30 deaf and 60 ordinary pupiles in Ardabil city, Noth-west of Iran. Sagital and frontal planes Photos for each child was used for determination of head and shoulder deviation. Results: Forward head in blind group significantly was lower than deaf and ordinary pupiles (P<0.05). Rounded shoulder in blind and deaf pupiles significantly was lower than ordinary pupiles (P<0.05). Uneven shoulders in deaf pupiles significantly was lower than ordinary and blind children (P<0.05). Lateral flexion of the head in blind and deaf pupiles significantly was higher than ordinary children (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between sensory impairment and postural problems paticularly in blindness Pupils.

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Background and Objective: Oxidative stress can harm cells, proteins, and DNA and play a role in the aging process. The present study was conducted to determine the impacts of six weeks of Pilates exercises and Lycium barbarum supplement on oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition of inactive elderly females.
Methods: This field trial was carried out on 49 inactive elderly females. The subjects were selected in a purposeful manner and were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including control, supplement, exercise, and exercise plus supplement. The exercise program protocol was implemented for six weeks, three 45-60 minute sessions per week with an intensity of 50-70% maximum heart rate. The Lycium barbarum supplement group used 14 g of supplement daily. Oxidative stress indices of saliva and body composition were compared. The individuals’ physical activity level was determined using the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) and the samples’ health status was specified using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
Results: The amount of malondialdehyde had a statistically significant reduction in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of malondialdehyde was not statistically significant in the exercise group and the supplement group compared to the control group. The amount of salivary catalase was not statistically significant in the exercise group plus supplement group compared to the control group, the exercise group, and the supplement group. The amount of salivary catalase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group compared to the control group and the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had no statistically significant difference in the exercise plus supplement group compared to the control group but had a statistically significant increase compared to the supplement group (P<0.05). The amount of glutathione peroxidase had a statistically significant increase in the exercise group than in the supplement group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Regular exercise with moderate intensity and Lycium barbarum supplement resulted in improved antioxidant function and body composition in inactive elderly females.