The First National Conference on Sports Health Technologies was held on the ۲۶th and ۲۷th of Azar (December ۱۷th and ۱۸th) in the ۱۷th of Shahrivar Hall at Kharazmi University, with the presence of professors, researchers, managers, and activists in the field of sports and health.
Given the strategic importance of utilizing modern technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the scientific, professional, and social development of sports, and in enhancing public health, the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Kharazmi University organized the “National Event of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Sports”. The goal was to create a platform for exchanging ideas, knowledge transfer, identifying the technological needs of the country’s sports sector, and promoting novel interdisciplinary solutions.
This conference was held in collaboration with Kharazmi University, Amitis Gene Technology Development Group (a knowledge-based company), Rasta Sports Health Institute, the Sports Medicine Federation, the Rowing and Canoeing Federation, and the Table Tennis Federation, and it received an extensive welcome from the academic community and executive managers.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Bijan Abdollahi, President of Kharazmi University, emphasized the necessity of transformation in the role and function of universities. He stressed the importance of universities moving beyond traditional frameworks to take an active role in society. He considered the utilization of technology and AI as a strategic opportunity for the cross-border development of universities, enhancing the quality of education and research, and responding to the novel needs of society.
The President of Kharazmi University also pointed to the various dimensions of sports health and evaluated technology’s role as effective in enhancing physical, mental, and managerial aspects of sports, further emphasizing the necessity of employing AI and modern technologies in both recreational and professional sports.
Following this ceremony, Dr. Khaleghi, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences and the Conference Chairman, highlighted the pivotal role of sports in sustainable development and human capital health. He stated that the main objective of this event was to establish a scientific, technological, and sustainable network among universities, executive bodies, research centers, and the technology sector. Stating that health is one of the most fundamental components of sustainable development, he commented: “Sport is recognized as an effective tool in promoting public health, reducing healthcare costs, and increasing social productivity, and achieving these goals will not be possible without scientific and technological backing.”
Emphasizing the scientific, applied, and interdisciplinary approach of the event, the Conference Chairman added: “This conference, in addition to presenting the latest scientific and technological findings, seeks to establish effective connections between researchers, technologists, and executive practitioners. The formation of a sustainable network in the field of sports health technologies can be considered its most significant achievement.” He also referred to the various sections of the conference, including the participation of prominent professors, presentation of research papers, holding specialized panels, applied workshops, and the presentation of innovative ideas, noting: “The distinctive feature of this event is the emphasis on innovation, a problem-oriented perspective, and special attention to the link between science, execution, and policymaking.”
During the conference, in addition to the presentation of papers in poster and oral formats, several specialized panels were held on topics such as: Novel Technologies for People with Special Needs, Digital Economy in Health, Sports Health Technologies in Table Tennis, Sports Medicine and Smart Rehabilitation, Novel Technologies in Rowing and Canoeing, and Artificial Intelligence in Sports.
On the sidelines of the conference, several important memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed. These included: a joint MoU between Kharazmi University and Amitis Gene Technology Development Company aimed at establishing the “Strategic Center for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Sports”; a cooperation MoU between the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Faculty of Physical Education at Kharazmi University, and Amitis Gene Technology Development; and a joint cooperation MoU between the Sports Medicine Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Faculty of Physical Education at Kharazmi University, and this knowledge-based company.
In conclusion, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Kharazmi University expressed hope that the scientific and technological achievements of this conference would be utilized in raising the standards of sports health, injury prevention, improving athlete performance, and in formulating macro-policies and decisions in the country’s sports and health sector.
Furthermore, during the conference, the paper by Mr. Hassan Hosseinpour titled “Design and Implementation of a Micromechanical Device with Adjustable Height and Measurement of Pressure and Shear Stresses to Optimize Sports Shoe Insoles” was recognized as the Best Oral Presentation. The paper by Mr. Hossein Ahadi titled “Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Cognitive-Visual Training Based on Smart Perception Technologies on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Indices in Male Athletes” was presented as the Best Poster.
In the ideas section of the conference, the idea presented by Ms. Sarvenaz Ebrahimi titled “Body-Ban (AI Sports Health Assistant)” secured the First Rank. The idea presented by Mr. Hassan Qaderi Jajreq titled “Development of a Smart Reformer with an Adaptive Electrical Resistance System and Real-Time Exercise Monitoring” ranked Second, and the idea presented by Mr. Mohsen Yadegari titled “Intelligent Sports Exercise Platform (Houshtan)” achieved the Third Rank.