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Primary objective: Persistent concussion symptoms (PCS) affect 10-30% of individuals after sports-related concussion. This study evaluated the effect of exercise-based rehabilitation on symptom scores, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cognitive functions and static balance in a sample of participants with PCS. Research design: One group pre-test post-test pilot study. Methods and procedure: Nine participants with PCS received a structured exercise-based rehabilitation program. Changes in symptom scores, BDNF, cognitive functions and measures of static balance were used to evaluate the utility of the exercise program. Main outcome and results: The results of this pilot study indicate a significant improvement in symptom scores following treatment, as well as some associated benefits in regards to cognitive function and static balance. BDNF levels in the participants with PCS within this study are notably lower than in a previous study on healthy controls. Conclusions: The preliminary evidence reported in the current pilot study is clinically relevant as our findings suggest exercise-based treatments may improve PCS outcomes in a more favourable manner than rest-based treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionClinical Trials RegistrationPatients with fibromyalgia experience chronic, widespread pain. It remains a misunderstood disorder with multimodal treatments providing mixed results.To examine the effects of radial shockwave therapy (RSWT) compared to placebo on pain, pain catastrophizing, psychological indices, blood markers, and neuroimaging. Study-related experiences were also explored qualitatively.Quantitative sensory testing (QST), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Beighton Scoring Screen (BSS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), blood biomarker (Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10), and brain fMRI were measured pre- and post-treatment along with a post-treatment survey. The RSWT group received five treatments (one week apart over five-week period) to the three most painful areas (500 shocks at 1.5 bar and 15 Hz, then 1000 shocks at 2 bar and 8 Hz, and finally 500 shocks at 1.5 bar and 15 Hz) versus sham treatment for the placebo group.There were no statistically significant differences in the BSS for hypermobility (p = .21; d = .74), PCS (p = .70; d = .22), VAS (p = .17–.61; d = .20–.83) scores, QST for skin temperature and stimuli (p = .14–.65; d = .25–.88), and for the pressure pain threshold (p = .71–.93; d = .05–.21). The VAS scores had clinically significant changes (MCID greater than 13.90) with improved pain scores in the RSWT group. Neuroimaging scans revealed no cortical thickness changes. Post-treatment surveys revealed pain and symptom improvements and offered hope to individuals.RSWT was implemented safely, without any negative treatment effects reported, and acted as a pain modulator to reduce sensitivity.ClinicalTrials.gov identification number NCT02760212 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant depots of brown adipose tissue (BAT) have been identified in many adult humans through positron emission tomography (PET), with the amount of BAT being inversely correlated with obesity. As dietary activation of BAT has implications for whole body glucose metabolism, leucine was used in the present study to determine its ability to promote BAT activation resulting in increased glucose uptake. In order to assess this, 2-deoxy-2-(fluorine-18)fluoro-d-glucose ( 18 F-FDG) uptake was measured in C57BL/6 mice using microPET after treatment with leucine, glucose, or both in interscapular BAT (IBAT). Pretreatment with propranolol (PRP) was used to determine the role of β-adrenergic activation in glucose and leucine-mediated 18 F-FDG uptake. Analysis of maximum standardized uptake values (SUV MAX ) determined that glucose administration increased 18 F-FDG uptake in IBAT by 25.3%. While leucine did not promote 18 F-FDG uptake alone, it did potentiate glucose-mediated 18 F-FDG uptake, increasing 18 F-FDG uptake in IBAT by 22.5%, compared to glucose alone. Pretreatment with PRP prevented the increase in IBAT 18 F-FDG uptake following the combination of glucose and leucine administration. These data suggest that leucine is effective in promoting BAT 18 F-FDG uptake through β-adrenergic activation in combination with glucose.