Train Control Research Articles

Effect of an 18-month meditation training on cardiovascular risk in older adults: a secondary analysis of the Age-Well randomized controlled trial.

Cardiovascular risk factors represent an important health issue in older adults. Previous findings suggest that meditation training could have a positive impact on these risk factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of an 18-month meditation-based intervention on cardiovascular health. Age-Well was a randomized, controlled superiority trial with blinded end point assessment, including community-dwelling cognitively unimpaired adults 65years and older enrolled between November 24, 2016, and March 5, 2018, in France. One hundred and thirty-four participants were included in this secondary analysis. Participants were randomly affected to an intervention group that received an 18-month meditation-based program or to comparison groups (active control group i.e. non-native language training or passive control group i.e. no intervention). The main outcome was change in the Framingham Risk Score (FRS); other outcomes were changes in cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. There was no difference in FRS change after 18months between trial arms (p = .38). When assessing individual cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors, meditation training was associated with a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure than the comparison group in participants with intermediate to high cardiovascular risk (FRS > 10%) at baseline (p = .03). An 18-month meditation training was not effective to increase overall cardiovascular health in older adults, but improved diastolic blood pressure in a subgroup analysis including at-risk participants. These results suggest a potential benefit of a long-term meditation intervention in older adults at-risk of cardiovascular diseases, and highlights the need for future research in more targeted populations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02977819.

Sensing equivalent kinematics enables robot-assisted mirror rehabilitation training via a broaden learning system

IntroductionRobot-assisted mirror therapy has been widely developed to help remodeling of premotor cortex for patients suffering from motor disability of limbs. Nevertheless, it is difficult to achieve real-time adaptive control in robot-assisted mirror rehabilitation training, particularly for patients with varying levels of limb impairment.MethodsThis paper proposes an equivalent kinematics control framework based on the Broaden Learning System model for active robotic mirror rehabilitation, where people’s bilateral upper limbs actively perform mirror movements to enhance the impaired limb’s participation. The framework accommodates a broaden learning model from sensing multi-kinematic features to adjust the robotic damping coefficient in assisting human participants to complete mirror-symmetry training. Besides, in order to adapt to inter-patients’ variability with different disability levels, a challenge-level modification interface is also fused for safer training. This model is verified by additional symmetry indicator such as position trajectory error and force.ResultsExperimental results show that the weaker subjects can also maintain mirror movement with the stronger subjects under the help of this model and verify the performance of framework in mirror-symmetry effects and movement smoothness. This leads us to believe that the framework can safely and efficiently assist human participants in completing mirror-symmetry movement.DiscussionThe framework has the potential to improve outcomes in smoother and safer mirror-symmetry training by sensing multi-kinematic features. Future studies are necessary to involve clinical trials with actual patients.

Enhancing financial reporting quality in village-owned enterprises: The role of organizational competencies

The quality of financial reporting in village-owned enterprises (VOEs) is critical for ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. This study explores the impact of education level, training programs, work experience, internal control systems, and information technology on the quality of financial reports in VOEs. The objective is to determine how these factors influence financial reporting quality to support effective local governance. The paper involves a sample of 120 VOE managers and employs quantitative analysis to examine the relationships between these factors and the quality of financial reporting in Indonesia. The results indicate that higher education levels, comprehensive training programs, and extensive work experience positively affect the quality of financial reporting. Specifically, the study finds that educated personnel and well-structured training programs enhance the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting. In contrast, the anticipated positive impact of IT utilization on financial reporting quality was not observed, suggesting that issues related to IT infrastructure and integration may limit its effectiveness. Additionally, robust internal control systems significantly improve the quality of financial reports. Overall, the analysis emphasizes the importance of investing in education, training, and internal controls to enhance financial reporting quality in VOEs. The findings highlight the need for further research into the challenges of IT integration to fully harness its benefits for financial transparency.

Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial on simulation-based communication training for pediatric cardiology trainees (SIMUL-CHD)

BackgroundEffective physician-patient communication is crucial to compassionate healthcare, particularly when conveying life-altering diagnoses such as those associated with congenital heart diseases. Despite its importance, medical practitioners often face challenges in communicating effectively. Because of these gaps, we aim to introduce a simulation-based training protocol to improve pediatric cardiology trainee’s communication skills. This study will be conducted in collaboration with associations supporting caregivers of children with congenital heart disease. It strives to demonstrate how specific training programs can efficiently foster humanistic, patient-centered care in standard medical practice.MethodsThis multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial will be conducted in pediatric cardiac units and simulation centers of across 10 universities in France. The study population comprises pediatric cardiologists in training (including pediatric cardiac fellows or specialist assistants). The SIMUL-CHD intervention will consist of simulation-based training with standardized patients, focusing on improving communication skills for pediatric cardiology trainees during diagnostic counselling. Patients and caregivers have been recruited from a National Patient Association named “Petit Cœur de Beurre”. The primary outcome is the quality of physicians’ communication skills. The evaluation committee, which will review video recordings of the sessions, will be blinded to which participants received simulation-based training (group of interest) and which received theory-based training (control group). Secondary outcomes are the effect of SIMUL-CHD on empathy and anxiety levels in young pediatric cardiologists. Baseline scores pre and post-intervention will be compared, and skill improvement resulting from the intervention measured.DiscussionSimulation-based training has proven efficacy in teaching technical skills in various scenarios however its application to communication skills in pediatric cardiology remains unexplored. The involvement of experienced parents provides a unique perspective, incorporating their profound understanding of the emotional challenges and specific hurdles faced by families dealing with congenital heart disease.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the OSF registry (registered https://osf.io/ed78q).

Research on Active–Passive Training Control Strategies for Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot

Research on Active–Passive Training Control Strategies for Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot

Electromagnetic compatibility study of trackside antenna array miniaturization in the subway tunnel

Abstract To improve the compatibility of the subway tunnel’s electromagnetic environment and reduce the radiation impact of trackside antennas on subway workers. This paper proposes a miniaturized dual-band trackside antenna array by using metamaterial units. Its operation bandwidth is 2.33 ∼ 2.56 GHz and 3.24 ∼ 3.45 GHz, which could simultaneously satisfy the signal cover demands of the communications-based train control (CBTC) and the civil 5G wireless communication system. The proposed miniaturized antenna array has a maximum gain of 14.4 dBi and a maximum channel capacity of 13.9 bps Hz−1 at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 20 dB, which can effectively improve the quality of wireless communication systems. The number of trackside antennas with a single operation frequency band is reduced, and the distance between the antennas is enlarged at the same time. Besides that, we analyze the radiation impact on the tunnel electromagnetic environment of the proposed trackside antenna array. In particular, the electromagnetic dose absorbed by the human model of a tunnel worker is quantized. The results show that the electric field strength in the tunnel reduces by 4.11% at least after antenna array miniaturization, and the specific absorption rate (SAR) absorbed by the worker model’s trunk, skull, brain, heart, and liver is reduced by a maximum of 19.02%, 33.16%, 28.27%, 41.75%, and 74.54%, respectively, further lowering the human electromagnetic exposure risk. Therefore, a miniaturized trackside antenna array could reduce the interference from other radiation sources in the tunnel while providing a new idea for electromagnetic protection for subway workers.

Managerial Challenges in Implementing European Rail Traffic Management System, Remote Train Control, and Automatic Train Operation: A Literature Review

This paper explores the management of digitalization projects within the railway industry. It aims to increase and understand the opportunities presented by digitalization and automation in rail operations. Employing a scoping review methodology, this research investigates the execution of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), remote train control (RTC), and automatic train operation (ATO) projects spanning from 2005 to 2023, with a particular emphasis on metro automation, the remote control of freight and passenger trains, fully automated trains, and highly assisted driving. The refined selection process yielded 30 papers. The analysis of the retrieved papers identified managerial issues, with stakeholder management, change management, and organizational management emerging as recurring themes. Despite the increasing trend in publications, the limited representation managerial issues in ERTMS, RTC, and ATO projects in scientific research persists, with implications for the industry’s advancement. This research sheds light on the critical intersection of change management and digitalization within the railway industry by showing the impact of ERTMS, RTC, and ATO on organizational and scope dynamics. The need for human-centered systems is highlighted, showing the necessity of involving every echelon of the organization in the change management process. These findings provide insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for understanding and addressing managerial aspects for successful and sustainable digitalization implementations.

Research on motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image analysis

Muscle training is an important part of athletes’ physical training. Its goal is to keep athletes in high intensity and improve sports performance in physical training. With the continuous improvement of the level of competitive sports, there are still many problems in the training of competitive athletes. The research on the control strategies of some technical movements in the process of athletes’ muscle development would help to improve the efficiency and effect of athletes’ training. By analyzing and quant description of muscle movement control process based on blockchain and visual image processing technology, the muscle movement control rule is discussed and then a complete movement database is constructed. At the same time, combined with the sports experiment method and cognitive behavioral theory, this paper analyzed the exercise load, exercise time allocation, muscle training time allocation methods and the corresponding muscle training strategy selection methods under different muscle states, providing theoretical basis for athletes to conduct muscle strength training scientifically and efficiently. This paper first analyzed the importance of athletes’ muscle training action control. After that, the research was mainly carried out from the following two aspects. The first is to analyze the motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image, and summarize its characteristics. The second is to use electronic imaging technology to analyze the data related to posture control in athletes’ muscle training, and explore the characteristics and changes of muscle posture. At last, this paper put forward relevant algorithms about visual images and conducted experimental research on athletes’ physical indicators and performance under different muscle training according to the research in this paper. It was concluded that the score ratio of athletes’ performance after muscle training action control was 7.39% higher than that of general muscle training. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the research of movement technology in muscle training and analyze the influence of some training control strategies on the development of athletes’ muscles in training.

Absolute Train Localization Based on the Identification of Surrounding Structures Using 1D LiDAR Sensor

ABSTRACTTrain localization is an essential technology for effective train control. Currently, train localization primarily relies on using track circuits and balises, which are placed along the track to provide precise location information. However, balises have to be placed at intervals of a few kilometers. This increases maintenance costs and makes them vulnerable to being damaged by ice blocks falling from moving trains. Therefore, in this study, we propose a method for absolute train localization based on structure detection and identification using a 1D light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor to reduce the number of balises. Structure identification is achieved using scan matching. In the experiments using a car, the proposed method achieved an identification success rate of over 90%. We also considered the effect of raindrops by filtering the measurement data. By testing and analyzing the identification results, we successfully reduced all cases of misidentification.

Implementation of innovative technologies in the training process of martial artists

Purpose: to establish leading directions for the implementation of innovative technologies in the practical activities of coaches and athletes in martial arts. Material and methods. A systematic review of scientific publications for the period from 2020 to 2024 related to the application of innovations in the sports field was carried out. The search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: «innovative technologies», «digital technologies», «sports», «training», «martial arts». The search was conducted by article titles. Full-text articles of a practical or review nature were analyzed. Results: it was established that the use of innovative technologies in the training of martial artists is an important component of the modernization of the training process. It contributes to improving the organization and control of training, increasing their effectiveness, forming training programs using remote technologies. This helps to create flexible training programs and predict their effectiveness. As a result of the bibliographic analysis of relevant studies, it was established that the key directions of the introduction of innovative technologies in the process of training martial artists are: digitization of individual components of training activities of athletes; introduction of technologies based on artificial intelligence; use of virtual and augmented reality technologies; systematic use of mobile applications and personal trackers in the training of athletes; the use of distance learning technologies in the organization of training activities. Along with the established advantages of using innovations in martial arts training, the problems of their implementation in the process of training athletes were identified, which consists in: limited availability of modern technologies to athletes and martial arts coaches; the need to develop programs for the use of technologies by participants in the training process. Conclusions. The use of innovative technologies is an important factor in the modernization of the training process of martial arts athletes. They are aimed at optimizing the training of martial arts athletes, reducing the risk of injuries and increasing the level of individualization of training. Despite the identified potential, the number of studies devoted to the practical implementation of innovations in sports training of martial artists is insufficient. This is due to the complexity of the wide application of technologies and the rapid pace of their modernization, which makes it difficult to assess their long-term effectiveness in various types of martial arts. In general, the findings of this study confirm that innovative technologies are a key driver of qualitative changes in the process of training martial arts athletes. Further research will focus on the development of comprehensive programs using digital technologies at the initial stage of multi-year martial arts training.

Trajectory Tracking Control of Heavy Haul Train in Whole Operation Procedure

Trajectory Tracking Control of Heavy Haul Train in Whole Operation Procedure

Effects of high-intensity intermittent cross-training on maximal oxygen uptake

We investigated the effects of high-intensity intermittent cross-training (HIICT) on maximal oxygen uptake (・VO2max). The HIICT consisted of alternating intermittent 20-s treadmill running (1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th bouts) and 20-s bicycle exercise (2nd, 4th, and 6th bouts) with a 10-s rest period. Each intensity for running and bicycling of the HIICT corresponded to an oxygen demand of ∼160% and ∼170% of the O2max, respectively. Fifteen healthy young males (aged [24 ± 1] yrs) were randomly assigned to training (TG, n = 8) and non-training control (CG, n = 7) groups. The TG completed this HIICT daily 4 days/week for 6 weeks. Significant group × time interactions were observed for both the running and bicycling O2max (p < 0.001 each). After the training, the ・VO2max for both running ([57.4 ± 4.8] mL·kg−1·min−1) and bicycling ([50.6 ± 3.7] mL·kg−1·min−1) in the TG were significantly higher than those for running ( [50.1 ± 3.1] mL·kg−1·min−1) and bicycling ( [43.7 ± 3.6] mL·kg−1·min−1) in the CG, respectively (p < 0.01 each). Post-hoc tests revealed a significant increase in ・VO2max for running and bicycling in the TG after the HIICT (p < 0.001 each) but no significant difference in the CG. These results demonstrated that the newly developed HIICT increases the ・VO2max for both running and bicycling.

EFFECTS OF TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION (tDCS) ASSOCIATED WITH BALANCE TRAINING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PARKINSON'S: STUDY PROTOCOL FOR A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of balance training associated with cerebellar tDCS on postural control in individuals with PD. This is a randomized clinical trial in which individuals were allocated to an experimental group (EG) or placebo group (PG), in which a conventional protocol of 10 Physiotherapy sessions for locomotor training and postural control was applied. In the EG, tDCS was applied, with a current setting of 1.5 mA for 20 minutes simultaneously with postural control training. In the PG, tDCS was applied in sham mode, with the same electrode positioning and the same number of sessions as the EG. The sample compared 34 individuals with PD (EG: 17; PG: 17).Cerebellar tDCS associated with balance training may help improve postural control and balance in walkers with Parkinson's Disease. The hypothesis is, if walking improve, the benefits may be accompanied by better balance and reduced fear of falling, and individuals may experience greater free-living physical activity at home and in the community.

Energy-Efficient Train Control: A Comparative Study Based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and Induction Motor

Energy-Efficient Train Control: A Comparative Study Based on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor and Induction Motor

Modern management model for KAREB Bojonegoro cooperative: Integration of ABM, lean six sigma, and RBV and TPB approaches

In global business competition, ABM helps cooperatives such as KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative achieve cost efficiency without sacrificing quality. KAREB Cooperative's expenditure is very high, reaching IDR158.82 billion in five years, with the main costs on fuel, labor, and maintenance. Optimizing expenditure and cost management is important to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and profitability. Various studies have shown that Lean Six Sigma and ABM methods increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve financial performance in various industries with proper implementation and intensive training. However, external factors, recent data, and regional variations, with deficiencies in data and methodology, and challenges in lean sigma implementation have not contributed simultaneously. This study offers the Integration of ABM, RBV, and TPB in Lean Sigma at KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative because it is suspected that the condition of tobacco processing is not optimal and this approach needs to improve sustainable production efficiency. This study will analyze the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma for cost control and waste reduction in tobacco drying at Kareb Cooperative with the contribution of Resource-Based View (RBV) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to improve process quality and optimal resource monitoring. This study uses a qualitative model with a case study method to assess the implementation of Activity-Based Management (ABM) in production cost efficiency, linking it with Lean Six Sigma, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Key informants from Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro, including the Head of Production, Accounting, and HR, provided insights into the impact of ABM and internal factors on efficiency. The research instruments included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, while the research procedure followed a systematic flow to ensure the validity and relevance of the data. This study states that the implementation of ABM at Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro allocates costs based on actual activities, improving efficiency and cost control. Costs include procurement of materials (Rp24,375,300,000), production (Rp9,216,862,000), and distribution (Rp6,000,000,000). Lean Sigma focuses on reducing waste such as overproduction, defects, and waiting by improving processes and training. The ability is quite large in identifying production inputs and related costs such as fuel (Rp14,375,300,000), raw materials (Rp10,000,000,000), and production and distribution processes. Waste management such as overproduction and waiting, as well as the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma, aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Evaluation and training are carried out to optimize processes and reduce waste. Setting costs based on activities, while Lean Sigma uses the Just-In-Time (JIT) system. Variable costs are optimized, production is controlled to reduce defects,and distribution and storage are improved for cost efficiency. The keys to success are open communication, management support, and intensive training. The implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma in Kareb Bojonegoro Cooperative effectively reduces costs and waste through training, JIT, and process control. These findings are expected to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the competitiveness of cooperatives and provide a model for implementing modern management.

Saving energy resources during operation of rolling stock of underground electrified transport

Purpose. To analyze the energy saving reserves under the conditions of implementation and integration of the system in order to find rational driving modes in the general system of managing underground electrified transport. Methodology. The work presents the method for processing data arrays obtained experimentally with the help of a measuring system and theoretically with the use of the “Rational Trajectory” software. Findings. Experimental studies were carried out using a testing system created on the basis of a refurbished train with energy recovery system. Theoretical studies were carried out using the “Rational Trajectory” software, which is based on the principle of solving a multi-criteria problem by the method of the main criterion. The minimum amount of electricity consumption from the overhead contact line was chosen as the main criterion. The software was developed in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment in order to determine the rational modes of driving rolling stock and energy indicators in a given area of its operation. The amount of electricity consumed for traction and the amount of electricity generated by the train during regenerative braking were determined based on the results of experimental and theoretical studies, respectively, under typical and rational modes of driving the train for given identical operating conditions. Originality. Further research on the analysis of energy saving reserves on the rolling stock of underground electrified transport was achieved due to the introduction of a system for finding a rational driving mode. Practical value. It has been established that the implementation and incorporation of the “Rational Trajectory” software into the train control system will save up to 14.7 % of the amount of electricity consumed for traction, compared to typical modes operation on a given track section.

Method for Determining the Conditions for Ensuring Stable Rearward Movement of a Semi-trailer Combination with Non-turning Semi-trailer Wheels

The efficiency of organising freight transport and using motor transport in a Smart City depends on a set of its properties, which in the process of operation determine its suitability for use in given operating conditions. Vehicles have different overall dimensions and designs, which determine their maneuverability and directional stability, their ability to make a curve-line movement in the city, as well as to move safely in reverse. Nowadays, tractor-trailer combinations with non-turning semi-trailer wheels are widely used for freight transport. Such a scheme of vehicle construction does not ensure its directional stability when reversing, which can lead to the folding of the tractor and semi-trailer and loss of mobility of the combination. In the absence of additional special systems, the driver controls the rearward movement of the road train using the steering wheel and rear-view mirrors, and the accuracy of delivery to the object depends on the level of the driver's training. The research of driver's reaction time spent on situation assessment, decision making, and realisation has been carried out. It has been revealed that with manual control, there are difficulties connected with training of drivers to estimate the parameters of movement and control of the road train, in particular, with the process of parking and its accurate delivery to the object. With the help of the developed mathematical model of the rearward movement of the road train and the proposed new turn control law, the research of maneuvering of the road train during its delivery to the object has been carried out and the results confirming the possibilities of building an automated system allowing to reduce the influence of the human factor on the parking process, as well as to reduce the time required to perform the maneuver have been obtained. The conducted analysis of system stability with the help of Routh–Hurwitz criterion has determined the conditions of providing stability of the system moving in reverse. The method of controlling the backward movement of the road train and the design of the device realising it has been developed. The results of simulation modeling allowed us to find the necessary values for the control law for the movement of road trains of different lengths, as well as the preferred variants of the initial positions of the road train for the realisation of its precise delivery to the object.

Integral predictive sliding mode control for high-speed trains: A dynamic linearization and input constraint-based data-driven scheme

A control scheme with high reliability and excellent tracking performance is essential for the automatic operation of high-speed trains (HSTs). In this study, a novel discrete-time data-driven predictive sliding mode control (DDPSMC) scheme is proposed for multi-power unit HSTs. Initially, a nonlinear integral terminal sliding mode surface was designed to replace the traditional linear sliding mode function, thereby achieving a rapid system error convergence and alleviating chattering. Then, receding horizon optimization was integrated into predictive control, which allowed the predicted sliding mode state to follow the expected trajectory of a predefined continuous convergence law. This scheme enabled the system to obtain higher output error accuracy and explicitly handle input constraints. Moreover, to enhance robustness, a parameter update law and disturbance delay estimation algorithm were introduced to calculate the control gain and total uncertainty, respectively. Finally, a comparative test of the proposed control scheme was conducted using a CRH380A HST simulation experimental platform in a laboratory setting. Simulation results demonstrate that the velocity error range of each power unit of the HST under the proposed control scheme is within [−0.176 km/h, 0.152 km/h], while the control force and acceleration are within [−55.7 kN, 44.8 kN] and [−0.564 m/s2, 0.496 m/s2], respectively, with stable variation, and other performance indicators are also better than other comparison methods. These results satisfy the safety, stability, and punctuality requirements of the train.

Undergraduate musculoskeletal ultrasound training based on current national guidelines—a prospective controlled study on transferability

IntroductionMusculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is integral to routine clinical diagnostics for musculoskeletal and joint disorders. This study aims to establish and validate a sonography course tailored to undergraduate medical students acquiring MSUS-specific skills at a German university.MethodsA blended learning training concept, comprising 24 instruction sessions of 45 min each, was designed based on the current national guidelines of the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM). This program was integrated into the clinical phase of the undergraduate students’ medical education. The self-perceived improvement in competency and the effectiveness of the course design were evaluated using a a 7-point Likert scale questionnaire. Objective learning success was evaluated via a written test and a “Direct Observation of Practical Skills” practical exam. Control groups included medical students without MSUS training (control group 1) and doctors who had completed DEGUM-certified basic MSUS courses (control group 2). Both control groups completed the written test, while control group 2 also took the practical final exam. The study involved 146 participants: 56 were allocated to the study group, 44 to control group 1, and 46 to control group 2.ResultsThe study group rated their skills significantly higher after the course (p < 0.01). Participants expressed high satisfaction with the course design, the teaching materials, and the teachers. The study group's performance on the final written test was comparable to those of control group 2 (p = 0.06) and significantly superior to control group 1 (p < 0.001). Additionally, the study group’s performance on the practical final exam was not significantly different from control group 2 (p = 0.28), with both groups achieving scores exceeding 80%.ConclusionBoth subjective and objective measures of learning suggest that an MSUS course designed for postgraduates can be effectively adapted for undergraduate medical students. Incorporating MSUS training into the clinical curriculum is recommended to enhance future medical professionals' educational experience and practical skills.

Effects of moderate-intensity aerobic training on cardiac structure and function in type 2 mellitus diabetic rats: Based on echocardiography and speckle tracking

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the cardiac function changes using Layer-specific Speckle-tracking echocardiography (LS-STE) induced by Moderate-intensity aerobic training (MIAT) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. MethodsTwenty-six rats were divided into four groups: the Control group (Con), the Training control group (CT), the T2DM group (DM), and the T2DM training group (DT). The CT and DT groups underwent an 8 weeks MIAT. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography and LS-STE. ResultsCompared with the Con group, left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD), relation wall thickness (RWT), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were significantly higher, and the endo-, mid-, and epi-longitudinal strain (LS), global radial strain (GRS), and endo- and mid-circumferential strain (CS) were significantly lower in DM rats (all p < 0.05). The endo-, mid-, and epi-LS, GRS, endo- and mid-CS were increased in DT rats compared with DM rats (all p < 0.05). Compared with Con rats, CT rats had a significant increase in LVEDD and LVM (all p < 0.05), meanwhile myocardial strains had no significant differences (all p > 0.05). ConclusionLS-STE was a sensitive method to assess subclinical myocardial changes in T2DM rats. MIAT had the benefit of reversing cardiac systolic subclinical dysfunction in T2DM rats.