Iranian Researcher Collaborates with Ural Federal University on KHL Athletes and Referees System Development

Earlier we told you about the Co-Reaction – a neuromuscular warm-up system for diagnosing and activating the condition of athletes. It was developed by Anton Ezhov, a postgraduate student of the UrFU Department of Physical Education, under the supervision of Professor Anna Zakharova.

Erfan Taghvaei, a Master’s student in the High Performance Sport program from Iran, also contributed to this development. As one of the authors, he was directly involved in the design and execution of the experiments. He also analyzed the results.

The experimental procedures tested numerous factors related to the participants’ physical fitness and abilities. The researchers used special ergometer and Wingate tests to measure body composition, cardiovascular function, speed and strength. Coordination was assessed using a reflex simulator.

“Conducting the experiments was an exciting experience. I still remember the excitement and determination on the amateur players’ faces as they pushed themselves to the limit during the maximal exercise tests. Even at over 40 years of age and without continuous training, these players showed high functional levels that allowed them to win an amateur hockey championship,” says Erfan Taghvaei.

For each component, the scientists compared the amateur players’ performance to norms for their age group and to professional hockey players.

“Overall, conducting this research has been an enlightening experience. It has reminded me of the tremendous human capacity to adapt and excel, even at older ages and without regular training. The perseverance and enthusiasm of these amateur hockey players over 40 inspires me as a researcher and reminds me of the joy that sport can bring at any stage of life,” concludes Erfan Taghvaei.