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Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation status mediated by HAT and HDAC2 enzymes play a central role in the pathophysiology, etiology, and progression of hypertension. The anti-inflammatory effects of physical exercise may be related to the modulation of histone acetylation status, which may alter the epigenome, providing therapeutic benefits for hypertensive individuals. To investigate the effects of an exercise training protocol on epigenetic parameters (HAT activities and HDAC2 concentrations), inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP)), and cardiopulmonary fitness parameters (VO2peak, ambulatory blood pressure, NOx, endothelin 1 (ET-1), flow-mediated dilation, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triacylglycerol levels) in treated hypertensive patients. Nine hypertensive patients aged 30-59 years underwent 12 weeks of strength or aerobic exercise 3 times a week. Physical fitness, 24-h blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), flow-mediated vasodilation, blood lipid profile analysis, and biomarkers were assessed before and after the intervention. No alterations were found in epigenetic parameters since HAT activities and HDAC2 concentrations remained unchanged after the intervention. Significant increases were found in VO2peak (pre: 29.1±6.3 and post: 31.5±6.3, P=0.021) and HDL (pre: 41.4±9 and post: 46.8±9.5, P=0.003). Furthermore, a significant reduction was seen in 24-h systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively: (pre: 119.1±5.6 and post: 114.4±4.5, P=0.6; pre: 73.9±4.1 and post: 70.5±4.2, P=0.4) and in CRP (pre: 2.4±1.4; post: 1.2±0.7*, P=0.03). Lastly, no alterations were found in IL-10 and TNF-α. In treated hypertensive individuals undergoing 12 weeks of exercise training VO2peak, 24 h blood pressure, HDL, and CRP improved. However, changes were not found in concentrations and the activity of HDAC2 and HAT, respectively.

Knee pain is the most common and challenging pain, that affects the performance and activities of daily living. Apart from the bones, the surrounding neuromuscular structures too are an integral part of the knee joint. The development of knee pain due to these surrounding neuromuscular structures, i.e. hip joint and ankle-foot complex is studied in this literature review. This systematic review was done for the purpose to summarise the literature mainly related to various neuromuscular factors related to neuro-muscle imbalances that affect knee pain other than degeneration. Observational studies related to knee pain published up to 2020 were reviewed in this paper. Strength of hip muscles and foot alignment were included in the study. We searched electronic database online for articles on ‘muscular imbalance that causes knee pain’ from Google scholar & PubMed the quality of the selected researches was measured by using PEDro scale. Of the total, 14 selected studies demonstrated that individuals with knee pain had decreased muscular strength for hip abduction, external rotation and extension on the affected side compared with healthy individuals. Flat foot, abnormal Q angle and over pronation or supination of foot can also results in knee pain. This review concluded that hip muscle weakness and abnormal subtalar mal-alignment place extra stress on knee and create muscular imbalance leading to knee pain. This should be prevented by either proper posture or strengthening programs.

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is a common impairment of neuromuscular origin that affects overhead athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 4-week sleeper stretch program on proprioception and range of motion (ROM) in athletes clinically diagnosed with GIRD. This study was a single group crossover study design (pre-post). The athletes underwent sleeper stretching program (5 sessions/week for 4 weeks) on the affected and non-affected sides. A total of 32 male athletes (15 basketball/17 volleyball were assessed for outcome measures of internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), total range of motion (TROM), and proprioception in ER, IR, and TROM (eyes open and eyes closed) at baseline and at the end of intervention. The affected side ROM significantly improved from 54.53±8.90° to 77.56±4.33° and 58.27±3.33° to 81.10±3.67° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (IR ROM); from 114.56±5.88° to 95.77±6.66° and 119.44±4.67° to 104.23±5.05° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (ER ROM); and from 169.90±5.78° to 173.11±5.88° and 177.28±5.88° to 186.89±3.79° for volleyball and basketball athletes, respectively (TROM), after the four-week sleeper stretch exercise. The ROM changes were non-significant on the non-affected side (P>0.05). The ANOVA reading for individual sports was found to be significant: volleyball athlete IR: [P

The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Egoscue exercises and lumbar stabilisation exercises in individuals with the lower crossed syndrome in terms of hyperlordotic posture correction, postural stability, and patient satisfaction towards treatment. The study was a randomised controlled trial. Through randomisation, 30 participants were allocated into 2 study groups, the Egoscue Exercise (EE) group (n=15) and the lumbar stabilisation exercise (LSE) group (n=15). The outcome measures were the degree of lumbar lordosis, functional disability, and postural stability parameters (risk of fall, stability index, weight distribution, anterior-posterior sway, and lateral sway) and patient satisfaction with treatment assessed at baseline and post-10th session of the intervention. Within group analysis showed significant improvement in the outcome measures, such as Index of Lumbar Lordosis, functional disability, postural stability, and patient satisfaction towards treatment with the groups (P

The purpose of this review is to investigate the effects of various exercise training interventions on cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We conducted electronic database search from SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of science from 01.01.2000 till 28.03.2022. Among 484 articles retrieved, 9 were found to be eligible for our review. Studies which investigated the effect of exercise training on exercise capacity (VO2peak), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), oxygen saturation (SpO2), peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak work rate (WRpeak) and peak minute ventilation (VEpeak) were included. The quality assessment was done using a Cochrane risk of bias tool and all the studies demonstrated high risk of bias. Three studies demonstrated improvement in exercise capacity (VO2peak) post training. One study demonstrated significant improvement in WRpeak post training. Two studies demonstrated significant improvement in pulmonary function. The review suggested that exercise training has proven to be an effective tool in improving pulmonary function and exercise capacity in individuals with CF and can be considered to use in clinical settings. CF population can benefit from long term exercise training program.

As a result of COVID-19 illness epidemic, a worldwide health emergency has been proclaimed. The educational sector, whose old systems have been replaced by online educational systems, was particularly impacted by the state of lockdown. Prolonged and frequent sitting in front of monitors, which, by maintaining the same posture for an extended period of time, causes cumulative trauma disorder. The purpose was to evaluate effect of four-week scapular strengthening exercises on neck disability and scapular position in subjects with rounded shoulders. In this experimental study, 30 college students between ages of 18 and 22 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups, the Experimental group and the Control group, each having 15 participants. The experimental group received scapular strengthening exercises along with conventional treatment whereas the control group received conventional treatment only. Over the course of four weeks, both groups received training sessions three times a week. The neck impairment and scapular position were assessed before and after intervention. Both groups had made considerable improvements, although the experimental group experienced less pain and had a better scapular posture than the control group. Results demonstrated that the experimental group outperformed the control group statistically in terms of improvement in neck disability and rounded shoulder posture.

Futsal is a sports game that features high intensity movements with change of speed or direction, present in several actions during the game. With this study is intended to analyse, compare and evaluate the predictive factor of leg power on shooting speed and fatigue levels in young futsal athletes in order to establish effort patterns in these ages, to prescribe training sessions adequately in terms of external/internal load. The study had 32 participants, male, aged between 12 and 17 years (Mean = 14.56±1.66). Participants were evaluated in relation to their lower limb power through the Chronojump system, the speed was measured through a radar placed on the goal line, and in relation to their fatigue levels through the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). To identify the differences between groups, the tests of Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney were used, and also a simple linear regression tests for predictive values between variables. In relation to the shots speed, higher values were found in the older groups (P≤0.001), which is directly and significantly related to the higher values of lower limb power, also verified in the older athletes (P≤0.001). In relation to the fatigue levels, it increases as the age of the athletes is higher, verifying that the power of the lower limbs is a predictor variable of the fatigue index (P≤0.001). The analysis conducted indicate that there are significant differences in the association between shooting speed, lower limb power and fatigue indices according to the players levels studied.

Forward head posture is a common abnormal posture characterised by weakness of muscle around neck and shoulder. Persistent forward head posture can impair respiratory functions and cervical proprioception. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness of exercises to improve the forward head posture. The online literature search performed on various databases, i.e. PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Science Direct and Scopus databases resulted in 601 articles, but only 11 articles were found relevant to perform meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was craniovertebral angle and other outcome measures were neck pain, cranial angle, cranial rotation angle and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Methodological quality of studies was assessed by PEDro scoring and risk of bias assessment was performed using Cochrane collaboration tool of risk of bias. Results of meta-analysis revealed that craniovertebral angle (CVA), cranial rotation angle (CRA), visual analogue scale and NDI improved significantly (P Systematic analysis registry at PROSPERO: CRD42020175372

Migraine is a type of primary headache with a high degree of associated disability that can present with a variety of indications and co-morbidities. The role of physical therapy treatment in migraine management is largely obscure. To investigate the combine effect of aerobic exercises and therapeutic pain neuroscience education on disability, pain pressure threshold, head posture and quality of life (QoL) in patients having migraine. Subjects were screened by using Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and after screening total sample of 50 subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: Group A (Experimental, n=25) and Group B (Control, n=25). Migraine disability assessment, pressure algometer, craniovertebral angle (CVA) and migraine specific quality of life were examined before and after 6 weeks of the intervention. Group A were given aerobic exercises and therapeutic pain neuroscience education along with conventional treatment for 45 min 3 days/week for 6 weeks, whereas participants in the Group B performed conventional exercises alone for 20 min 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Significant differences were observed in migraine disability score (P=0.003) and pain pressure threshold (P=0.039, P=0.030 and P=0.025) and improvement in forward head posture (P=0.001) between the groups after the intervention period, signifying greater improvement in the group A. QoL also improved in both the groups after intervention. Main findings of the present study suggest that the therapeutic pain neuroscience education and aerobic exercises combined with conventional treatment together maybe helpful to give better quality of life, reduced disability, increased pain pressure threshold and increased CVA to patients with migraine.

Adhesive capsulitis causes adaptive shortening of the non-contractile structures around the shoulder joint which may affect the distraction distance or joint space width (JSW) between the glenoid and humeral head. Joint traction is a commonly used manual therapy technique to reduce pain and gain range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis. However, changes in JSW with manual traction are not objectively assessed. This study aimed to find differences in shoulder JSW with different grades of traction and made comparisons between the affected and the unaffected side using 2D fluoroscopy. Forty-one subjects (24 males, 17 females; age 53.9±7.9 years) diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis with low to moderate joint irritability were included. Their mean duration of symptoms was 5.25±1.7 months. True anteroposterior view images of the shoulder were taken with the patient in a supine position with their arms held at 75° of abduction. Images of the affected and unaffected side were taken while no traction, grade 2 and grade 3 manual traction were applied. The JSW was determined as the linear distance between the articular surfaces. Repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc testing was used for analysing differences across the sides (affected and unaffected side) and conditions (No, grade 2 and grade 3 traction). There was no significant interaction between conditions and sides (P=0.99). Averaged across sides, the JSW with grade 2 or 3 traction was 0.18 and 0.23 mm more than the no traction condition (P=0.013 and P=0.001, respectively). There were no differences in the JSW with grade 2 or 3 traction. Averaged across the conditions, the JSW on the unaffected side was 0.21 mm more than the affected side (P=0.03). The study demonstrates that adhesive capsulitis causes a reduction in JSW at 75° abducted position and grade 2 or 3 manual traction can significantly increase this JSW. Clinical Trial Registry India: CTRI/2018/12/016657.

Functional scoliosis is defined as the reversible and temporary lateral spinal curvature that mainly occurs due to abnormal postural habits that leads to non-structural and compensatory changes in spine. Functional scoliosis can lead to the development of mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety and depression. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercises on psychological parameters in patients with functional scoliosis. The subjects were randomly allocated into experimental (n=31) and control group (n=31). Spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercises were given to the patients of experimental group, while only Schroth exercises were given to the patients of control group. Outcome measures were Depression, Anxiety & Stress Score that was examined by using ‘DASS-21 questionnaire’. Treatment was given for four weeks, thrice weekly. After the completion of four weeks, DASS scores were obtained from the participants. Patients were followed up after 2 months and data was collected again. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the mean changes within-group. Independent t-test was used to analyse the mean improvement between-group. Results suggested that there was a statistically significant difference between pre-/post and pre-/follow-up scores of the DASS, but there was statistical non-significant difference between post-/follow-up scores of the DASS. Results also suggested that experimental group showed better improvement compared to the control group. This study concluded that the combine use of spinal manipulation techniques and Schroth exercise protocol can significantly reduce the psychosomatic symptoms in functional scoliosis. Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2020/02/023221

Several reports have suggested that the risk of exertional heat illness (EHI) in Thoroughbred racehorses increases in high ambient temperatures. Heat dissipation in horses during exercise becomes less efficient when the body temperature and ambient temperature are close. Therefore, we hypothesised that exercise at 40 °C may increase body temperature, oxygen consumption, and cardiac output during incremental exercise tests compared to 20 and 30 °C. Six trained Thoroughbred horses were studied in a randomised, crossover design at three ambient temperatures with a 6-day washout period. Using a 3% inclined treadmill, horses performed incremental exercise tests at 1.7, 3.5, 6, 8, and 10 m/s for 90 s at ambient temperatures of 20, 30, and 40 °C. The effects of ambient temperature at 10 m/s on physiological variables were analysed using mixed models (P2 partial pressure, O2 saturation, and pH at 40 °C were lower than those at 20 and 30 °C. Arterial CO2 partial pressure at 40 °C was higher than that at 20 and 30 °C. No differences were observed in arterial-mixed venous O2 concentration difference (P=0.391) and plasma lactate concentration (P=0.134) at different ambient temperatures. These results indicate that exercise at 40 °C causes excessive high body temperature, decreased running economy, and increased cardiac output compared to exercise at 20 and 30 °C. We strongly suggest that trainers and veterinarians should anticipate the occurrence of increased thermal stresses when ambient temperature is extremely high even in dry conditions and prepare to mitigate the risk of EHI from the perspective of equine welfare.

Surface electromyography (EMG) and mean force can be used to identify motor unit excitation and fatigue. Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LL+BFR) may result in earlier fatigue and maximal muscle fibre recruitment compared to low-load resistance training (LL). The purpose of this investigation was to examine EMG and force responses during LL versus LL+BFR. Thirteen males (mean ± standard deviation = 24±4 years) completed a bout (1×30) of leg extension muscle actions at 30% of their 1 repetition maximum LL and LL+BFR while force, EMG amplitude, and EMG mean power frequency (EMG MPF) were recorded. EMG amplitude increased (74.2%) and EMG MPF decreased (22.6%) similarly during both conditions. There was no significant difference in mean force during the first 3 repetitions between LL+BFR (477.3±132.3 N) and LL (524.3±235.1 N) conditions, but mean force was lower during the last 3 repetitions for LL+BFR (459.7±179.3 N) compared to LL (605.4±276.4 N). The results of the present study indicated that a fatiguing bout of leg extension muscle actions performed LL and LL+BFR elicited similar neuromuscular responses. There was a significant difference in mean force during the last 3 repetitions (LL>LL+BFR) that may have been due to differences in the time spent near peak force.

Sedentary life brings risks that include osteoporosis, while physical activity has many benefits for health in general and the skeletal system. Irisin is a hormone-like myokine regulated by mechanical force and it contributes to cortical and trabecular bone mineral density. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of sports on bone health by measuring elite athletes’ fibronectin type III domain 5 (FNDC5), N-terminal collagen type I extension propeptide (PINP), and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTXI) levels. Combat sports athletes, team sports athletes, and sedentary control subjects were enrolled. Serum levels of proteins were measured by ELISA. FNDC5 levels of elite athletes were higher compared to the sedentary controls (P=0.0014). The highest FNDC5 level was measured in wrestlers among all considered groups. The PINP levels of the athletes were also higher than those of the sedentary control group (P=0.1431). The highest PINP level was determined in boxers. The CTXI levels of the athletes were lower than those of the sedentary control (P

Regular exercise is recommended to improve immune system function and antioxidant activity, while conversely, it may cause inflammation by increasing neutrophil-derived main enzyme, myeloperoxidase, which produces reactive oxygen species. The present study aimed to investigate changes in myeloperoxidase level, its influence on total oxidant status, and the capacity of the antioxidant defence system to counteract oxidative stress in middle-aged men participating in leisure-time regular exercise compared to untrained peer subjects. Twenty trained (age 53.58±2.94 years, body mass index (BMI) 25.47±1.6) and 17 untrained (age 54.17±2.83 years, BMI 27.83±1.12) healthy middle-aged men participated in this study [Rasht, Gilan, Iran]. Participants performed a modified Bruce treadmill test as a model of progressive exercise training. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and one hour after the end of the test. A mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test was used for the analysis of variables. A significant difference was observed in myeloperoxidase levels between groups, while the trained group showed a significantly lower concentration than the untrained group (P

In this study, the cytokine response (interleukin-6; IL-6), free oxygen radicals which are claimed to be responsible for the damage in the kidney tissue of exercise-trained rats and untrained-rats, and antioxidant levels were investigated after being forced to an exhausting run. Forty male Wistar albino rats were assigned to the following groups: sedentary controls (C); untrained animals that acutely completed the exhaustive exercise and were sacrificed immediately after exhaustion (UT-i) or 1 day after exhaustion (UT-1); and long-term trained animals that completed the exhaustive exercise and were sacrificed immediately after exhaustion (T-i) or 1 day after exhaustion (T-1). In UT-i and 1 day after exhaustion (T-1) groups, total oxidant status levels were increased compared to controls (P

Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is characterised by distortion or imbalances of various muscles that put tension on the nearby tendons, bones, and joints leads to muscle weakness, tiredness, sore shoulder blades, headache and limitation of movements. The rationale of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of various exercises (McKenzie and TheraBand exercises) on posture, pain and strength in patients suffering with upper crossed syndrome. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (McKenzie group, n=15) and Group 2 (exercise group, n=15). Outcome measures were pain and disability using SPADI questionnaire and muscle strength using manual muscle testing. Group I received McKenzie exercises for 3 weeks, 5 sessions per week, whereas Group II received TheraBand exercises for 3 weeks, 5 sessions per week. Data analysis was done by using paired t-test for within group comparison and unrelated t-test to evaluate the between group differences in each outcome variable. The results indicated a statistically significant improvement in pre-/post values of pain & disability in the McKenzie group (t=7.60 and P=0.0001), and in the exercise group (t=8.25 and P=0.0001). Results also suggested a statistically significant improvement in the strength of serratus anterior (t=4.52 and P=0.0001), cervical flexors (t=4.12 and P=0.001), and rhomboids (t=4.14 and P=0.001) in the McKenzie group and strength of serratus anterior (t=5.17 and P=0.0001), cervical flexors (t=4.18 and P=0.001), rhomboids (t=4.18 and P=0.001) in the exercise group. Results indicated that the exercise group showed better improvement as compared to McKenzie group in terms of pain and disability. Results also stated that both groups were equally effective in improving muscle strength.

Fish skeletal development has long been correlated with nutritional factors. Lack of zebrafish nutritional standardization, especially during the early stages, decreases the reproducibility of the conducted research. The present study represents an evaluation of four commercial (A, D, zebrafish specific; B, generic for freshwater larvae; C, specific for marine fish larvae) and one experimental (Ctrl) early diets on zebrafish skeletal development. Skeletal abnormalities rates in the different experimental groups were assessed at the end of the larval period (20 days post-fertilization, dpf) and after a swimming challenge test (SCT, 20–24 dpf). At 20 dpf, results revealed a significant effect of diet on the rate of caudal-peduncle scoliosis and gill-cover abnormalities, which were relatively elevated in B and C groups. SCT results focused on swimming-induced lordosis, which was comparatively elevated in diets C and D (83% ± 7% and 75% ± 10%, respectively, vs. 52% ± 18% in diet A). No significant effects of dry diets were observed on the survival and growth rate of zebrafish. Results are discussed with respect to the deferential diet composition between the groups and the species requirements. A potential nutritional control of haemal lordosis in finfish aquaculture is suggested.