Treadmill Group Research Articles

Slow walking on a treadmill desk does not negatively affect executive abilities: an examination of cognitive control, conflict adaptation, response inhibition, and post-error slowing.

An increasing trend in the workplace is for employees to walk on treadmills while working to attain known health benefits; however, the effect of walking on a treadmill during cognitive control and executive function tasks is not well known. We compared the cognitive control processes of conflict adaptation (i.e., congruency sequence effects—improved performance following high-conflict relative to low-conflict trials), post-error slowing (i.e., Rabbitt effect), and response inhibition during treadmill walking (1.5 mph) relative to sitting. Understanding the influence of treadmill desks on these cognitive processes may have implications for worker health and productivity. Sixty-nine individuals were randomized to either a sitting (n = 35) or treadmill-walking condition (n = 34). Groups did not differ in age or body mass index. All participants completed a computerized Eriksen flanker task and a response-inhibition go/no-go task in random order while either walking on a treadmill or seated. Response times (RTs) and accuracy were analyzed separately for each task using mixed model analysis of variance. Separate ANOVAs for RTs and accuracy showed the expected conflict adaptation effects, post-error slowing, and response inhibition effects when collapsed across sitting and treadmill groups (all Fs > 78.77, Ps < 0.001). There were no main effects or interactions as a function of group for any analyses (Fs < 0.79, Ps > 0.38), suggesting no decrements or enhancements in conflict-related control and adjustment processes or response inhibition for those walking on a treadmill versus sitting. We conclude that cognitive control performance remains relatively unaffected during slow treadmill walking relative to sitting.

Effects of electro-acupuncture on Jiaji acupoints combined with treadmill training on tibia bone mass of rabbit with sciatic nerve injury

Objective To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture on Jiaji acupoints combine with treadmill training on tibia bone mass of rabbits with sciatic nerve injury, so as to provide the theoretical support for better project to maintain normal metabolism of bone after peripheral nerve injury. Methods A total of 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (n=6), namely a model group, a sham group, a treadmill group and an electro-acupuncture + treadmill group according to a random number table. The sciatic nerve of rabbits in the model, treadmill and electro-acupuncture + treadmill group was clamped using hemostatic forceps to establish the model of sciatic nerve injury, while that of the sham group was not clamped, just cut soft tissue around the sciatic nerve. Three days after modeling, the rabbits in treadmill group and the electro-acupuncture + treadmill group were given treadmill training and electro-acupuncture combine with treadmill training respectively, lasting 4 months, whereas those in the sham and the model groups were not given any intervention. Right after modeling, the behavior of rabbits in four groups was observed. Four weeks after treatment or feeding, their bone mineral density and bone strength of tibia were measured. Results Four weeks after treatment, there was significant reduction in bone density and bone strength of tibia in the model, the treadmill and the electro-acupuncture + treadmill groups compared with those in the sham group(P<0.05); the bone mineral density and bone strength of tibia in the electro-acupuncture + treadmill group were 0.17±0.01 g/cm2 and 161.92±43.27 N respectively, significantly higher than those in both the model and the treadmill groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Electro-acupuncture combined with treadmill training can improve tibia bone mineral density and bone strength after sciatic nerve injury and facilitate the normal metabolism of the bone and to maintain its normal function. Key words: Electro-acupuncture; Treadmill training; Bone mineral density; Bone strength; Sciatic nerve injury

The Effects of Exercise on Antioxidants in Doxorubicin Treated Type 2 Muscle

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective chemotherapy treatment that is associated with a number of deleterious side effects such as myotoxicity. Exercise has been shown previously to minimize this side effect and preserve skeletal muscle function. The protective effects of exercise on DOX-induced muscle dysfunction has been primarily studied in type I muscle, and as such, there is a lack of understanding of this exercise-induced protection in type II muscle. Exercise has been shown to preserve maximal twitch force in type 2 muscle from animals treated with DOX. In type 1 muscle, it is believed that exercise increases key antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) which help to attenuate the DOX-induced dysfunction. Understanding how exercise affects antioxidants in type 2 muscle treated with DOX could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind Dox and exercise-induced myoprotection. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of chronic treadmill (TM) and resistance training (RT) on antioxidant expression in type 2 skeletal muscle from rats receiving DOX. METHODS: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a TM, RT, or sedentary (SED) group for 10 weeks. At the end of the 10 week period, animals received a bolus DOX dose of 10 mg/kg, 12.5 mg/kg, or 15 mg/kg. Three days after injection, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were excised and analyzed for SOD1, GPX, and CAT expression using Western immunoblotting. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among groups regardless of DOX dose or exercise condition. GPX was on average 54.4% higher in TM+DOX groups and 71.9% higher in the RT+DOX groups when compared to those in the SED+DOX groups. SOD1 was on average 54.5% to 70.2% more prolific among the TM+DOX and RT+DOX groups. CAT content was on average 72.7.9%-73.3% more common among the TM+DOX and RT+DOX groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that exercise-induced protection against DOX dysfunction in type 2 muscles is not necessarily due to alterations in SOD1, GPX, or CAT. There are likely other mechanisms that contribute to this myoprotection in type 2 skeletal muscle that warrant further investigation.

Exercise Attenuates Age‐Associated Reductions in Muscle Strength and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Mice

Aging is associated with losses in muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness that may be offset with regular exercise. While exercise adaptations may diminish with age, robust adaptations still occur. We tested the hypothesis that aging reduces muscle function and cardiorespiratory endurance, however voluntary (running wheel, RW) or prescribed (treadmill (TM) training) exercise will attenuate these aging‐associated decreases in strength and fitness. In vivo plantarflexor maximal force and fatigue (% of max force after 10 contractions) were measured in young (4 mo. old) and aged (24 mo. old) sedentary (SED) mice and following 2 wks of RW (24h wheel access) or TM training (45 min/day, 5 day/wk). Cardiorespiratory adaptations were assessed with pre‐ and post‐maximal treadmill tests. Maximal muscle force was lower in aged than young SED mice (1.1±0.04 vs. 1.6±0.07 g/kg BW, respectively, p&lt;0.05). In young groups, neither RW nor TM increased force over SED. In aged groups, RW and TM were associated with respective 22 and 26% higher maximal forces than aged SED mice (p&lt;0.05), but still were lower than young groups. Plantarflexor fatigue resistance was higher in aged than young SED mice (50±3 vs. 35±3% of max, respectively, p&lt;0.05) with no age differences in RW and TM groups. In treadmill pre‐tests, young groups ran longer than aged groups (9:23±0:52 vs. 5:09± 0:51, respectively p&lt;0.05). Increases in treadmill time after training occurred only in young and aged TM with respective 25:34±8:24 and 16:42±2:39 increases from pre to post test (p&lt;0.05). These findings suggest voluntary and prescribed exercise attenuate some age‐associated reductions in muscle force, but prescribed exercise is most effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in young and older mice.

The effect of rebound exercise and treadmill walking on the quality of life for patients with non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes

Patients often require rehabilitation following complications or co-morbidities associated with diabetes. Exercise is recommended for glycemic control in diabetic patients but they do not engage in physical activities due to fatigue or fear of worsening their condition resulting in poor quality of life (QoL). Treadmill activities and rebound exercise on a mini-trampoline are used for cardio-respiratory and general fitness but their effect on the QoL in non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) has not been determined. This study was designed to compare the effect of moderate intensity rebound exercise and treadmill walking on the QoL of T2D patients. One hundred and fifty patients were randomized equally into control, rebound or treadmill group and received hypoglycemic medication and diabetic counseling. The control group did not engage in exercise, rebound group bounced or jumped on a mini-trampoline and treadmill group walked on a treadmill at 40-60 % of heart rate maximum (220-age) for 20-30 minutes, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. QoL using the SF-36 questionnaire was assessed pre-and post-interventions. Results showed a drop out of 6(12 %) control; 11(22 %) rebound and 13(26 %) treadmill groups respectively. There were significant improvements in all domains post-rebound exercise (P 0.05) and control a significant decline in vitality and mental health (P < 0.05). Rebound exercise and treadmill walking can be used to improve QoL for T2D patients and possibly reduce the side effects and co-morbidities associated with diabetic medication and diabetes.

Suryanamaskar: An equivalent approach towards management of physical fitness in obese females.

Background:In India, obesity is highly prevalent in women as compared to men. As the obesity epidemic spreads, there are growing concerns about efficient obesity management.Aims:To compare between circuit training (CT), treadmill (TM) walking and suryanamaskar (SN) training in weight management and physical fitness enhancement in obese females.Settings and Designs:Comparative controlled study conducted in a community setting.Materials and Methods:119 females of age between 20 and 40 years of body mass index (BMI) between 25.1 and 34.9 kg/m2. 87 participants completed the study. Group 1: CT; group 2: TM walking; group 3: Modified SN; group 4: Control. Outcome Measures: Body composition, cardio-respiratory and muscle endurance, flexibility.Statistical Analysis:Within-group data was analyzed with the paired t-test. P =0.05. Analysis between the groups was done using one way ANOVA test. Analysis between the groups was done using ANCOVA test controlling for baseline differences only for those variables that have significant differences at baseline. For those which do not have significant difference at baseline, RMANOVA was done at end of 8 weeks.Results:Reducation in mean body weight in CT group (2.2%), TM (1.7%) and SN (1.6%), (P < 0.05), BMI in all the three groups (P < 0.01), total body fat % in the CT (5%) and SN (3.7%), (P < 0.01), metabolic age with CT (2%) and TM (2%), (P = 0.001). Improvement in muscle mass in CT (4%, P = 0.009), VO2max in CT group by 17.2%, SN (14%), TM group (8%) (P < 0.05). Upper limb Muscle endurance in CT (51.3%), SN group (51.24%) and in TM group (40%), (P = 0.05), in lower limb TM (21.2%) and SN (24.5%) (P = 0.05), flexibility in SN (12.4%, P = 0.0001).Conclusions:All three methods were effective in weight and physical fitness management. CT and SN were more effective in improving cardio-respiratory fitness and upper limb muscle endurance while only SN was effective in improving body flexibility.

The effect of weight-bearing exercise and non-weight-bearing exercise on gait in rats with sciatic nerve crush injury.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to access the effect of weight bearing exercise (treadmill exercise) and non-weight-bearing exercise (swimming exercise) on gait in the recovery process after a sciatic nerve crush injury. [Subjects and Methods] Rats were randomly divided into a swimming group (n=3) with non-weight-bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush and a treadmill group (n=3) with weight bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush. Dartfish is a program that can analyze and interpret motion through video images. The knee lateral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and metatarsophalangeal joint of the fifth toe were marked by black dots before recording. [Results] There were significant differences in TOK (knee angle toe off) and ICK (knee angle at initial contact) in the swimming group and in TOK, ICA (ankle angle at initial contact), and ICK in the treadmill group. In comparison between groups, there were significant differences in TOA (ankle angle in toe off) and ICA at the 7th day. [Conclusion] There was no difference between weight bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise in sciatic nerve damage, and both exercises accelerated the recovery process in this study.

Comparison of Tread Mill and Ergometer Cycle and its Effects on Lipid Profile

The aim of this study is to compare the tread mill and ergometer cycle and to identify the better instrument which favours the lipid profile. This study includes 40 subjects, and divided into two groups Group A consists of 20 subjects who underwent treadmill training and Group B consists of 20 subjects who underwent cycling. All subjects underwent aerobic training of moderate intensity for 12 weeks, five days in a week, one hour per day on tread mill for Group A individuals and five days in a week, fifteen minutes per day on the cycle for Group B individuals. The mean difference between pre and post tests of treadmill, cycle groups respectively were compared to know which one is the best instrument and gives favourable results for lipid profile. Treadmill group showed higher energy expenditure and more favourable results compared to cycle group

Effects of a multifactorial fall prevention program on balance, gait, and fear of falling in post-stroke inpatients.

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of a multifactorial fall prevention program on balance, gait, and fear of falling in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-five stroke patients were divided randomly into multifactorial fall prevention program group (n=15) and control treadmill group (n=10). [Methods] All interventions were applied for 30 min, five times per week, for five weeks. The fall prevention program included interventions based on the “Step Up to Stop Falls” initiative and educational interventions based on the Department of Health guidelines. For those in the treadmill group, the speed was increased gradually. The Korean falls efficacy scale and Korean activities-specific balance confidence scale were used to assess fear of falling. To assess balance and walking ability, the Korean performance-oriented mobility assessment scale and the 10-m and 6-minute walk tests were used. [Results] The fall prevention program interventions were found to be very effective at improving gait, balance, and fear of falling compared with the treadmill intervention and therefore seem appropriate for stroke patients. [Conclusion] A multifactorial fall prevention program is effective at improving balance, gait ability, and fear of falling. It is a more specific and broad intervention for reducing falls among inpatients in facilities and hospitals.

Effect of the Body Weight Support Associated to Treadmill Approach in Parkinson Disease

Physical therapy may be of great importance in Parkinson disease. The objective of the study is to analyze the gait in patients with Parkinson disease treated with an equipment of body weight support associated with a treadmill as compared with the conventional physical therapy. All subjects presented lower fatigue at the last session than at baseline. The body weight support associated with a treadmill group showed significant improvement in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scale score, while the conventional physical therapy group improved in the 6-minute walk test distance parameter. No technique proved universally better than another, and treatments led to good results considering the variables analyzed.

A forced running wheel system with a microcontroller that provides high-intensity exercise training in an animal ischemic stroke model.

We developed a forced non-electric-shock running wheel (FNESRW) system that provides rats with high-intensity exercise training using automatic exercise training patterns that are controlled by a microcontroller. The proposed system successfully makes a breakthrough in the traditional motorized running wheel to allow rats to perform high-intensity training and to enable comparisons with the treadmill at the same exercise intensity without any electric shock. A polyvinyl chloride runway with a rough rubber surface was coated on the periphery of the wheel so as to permit automatic acceleration training, and which allowed the rats to run consistently at high speeds (30 m/min for 1 h). An animal ischemic stroke model was used to validate the proposed system. FNESRW, treadmill, control, and sham groups were studied. The FNESRW and treadmill groups underwent 3 weeks of endurance running training. After 3 weeks, the experiments of middle cerebral artery occlusion, the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), an inclined plane test, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed platform. The proposed platform showed that enhancement of motor function, mNSS, and infarct volumes was significantly stronger in the FNESRW group than the control group (P<0.05) and similar to the treadmill group. The experimental data demonstrated that the proposed platform can be applied to test the benefit of exercise-preconditioning-induced neuroprotection using the animal stroke model. Additional advantages of the FNESRW system include stand-alone capability, independence of subjective human adjustment, and ease of use.

Effects of Hippotherapy on Recovery of Gait and Balance Ability in Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the the effects of hippotherapy on gait and balance ability in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks. [Results] Berg Balance Scale score, gait velocity, and step length asymmetry ratio were significantly improved in the group receiving hippotherapy training. However, in the group receiving treadmill training, only step length asymmetry ratio was significantly improved. In the comparison between the hippotherapy group and treadmill group, there was no significant difference in Berg Balance Scale score, but a significant difference was found in gait velocity and step length asymmetry ratio. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that hippotherapy is a helpful treatment for stroke patients.

The Effects of Hippotherapy on Elderly Persons’ Static Balance and Gait

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hippotherapy on elderly persons’ static balance and gait. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two elderly persons residing in the community were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks. [Results] Step lengths increased significantly, and step time and sway path lengths significantly decreased in both groups. A comparison of sway path lengths after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the hippotherapy group showed larger decreases than the treadmill group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that hippotherapy may improve the static balance and gait of elderly persons residing in the community.

Attenuation of morphine withdrawal signs, blood cortisol and glucose level with forced exercise in comparison with clonidine.

Background:Morphine withdrawal usually results in undesired outcomes, despite partial benefits of alternative medication such as methadone, because of the lack of mental sedation during the withdrawal period, may not lead to the desired result. In this study, forced exercise by treadmill is used to manage morphine dependence in animal model.Materials and Methods:Forty adult male mice were divided into 5 groups, from which 4 groups became dependent by increasing daily doses of morphine for 6 days (20-45 mg/kg, SC). Afterwards, the animals were treated for 21 days by either of the following protocol: Positive control (dependent) received once daily 45 mg/kg of morphine sulfate (SC) for 21 day, group under treatment by clonidine (0.4 mg/kg, SC) for 21 day group under treatment by forced exercise by treadmill for 21 day, group under treatment by combination of clonidine (0.4 mg/kg, SC) and forced exercise by treadmill for 21day and the negative control group(independent) received saline injection like other groups. Each of this administration was injected at 8 AM. Finally, in the test day (day 28), all animals received a single dose of naloxone (3 mg/kg, SC) at 8 AM and then were observed for withdrawal signs, and Total Withdrawal Score (TWS) was determined as described previously. After withdrawal sign evaluation for evaluation of stress level of dependent mice, blood cortisol and glucose level were measured in non-fasting situations well.Results:This study showed that TWS significantly decreased in all treatment groups in comparison with positive control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, blood cortisol and glucose level significantly decreased in group under treatment by clonidine (0.4 mg/kg) and group under treatment by combination of clonidine (0.4 mg/kg) and forced exercise by treadmill groups in comparison with control positive (dependent) (P < 0.05).Conclusion:This study suggested that forced exercise can be useful as adjunct therapy in dependent people and can ameliorate side effects and stress situation of withdrawal syndrome periods.

Effect of Stationary Cycle Exercise on Gait and Balance of Elderly Women

[Purpose] A stationary bicycle exercise and a treadmill exercise were conducted in order to determine the effect of these exercises on the balance and walking ability of elderly women. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four elderly women aged 65 or older were equally assigned to a stationary bicycle exercise group and a treadmill exercise group, and they performed exercise three times per week for 8 weeks for 20 minutes each time. In order to examine gait, step length and time were measured as parameters of walking ability, and in order to examine dynamic balance, subjects were evaluated with the Berg balance scale (BBS). [Results] After the intervention, step time and step length and BBS significantly increased significantly decreased, in both groups. A comparison of BBS after the intervention between the two groups revealed that the stationary bicycle group showed larger increases than the treadmill group. [Conclusion] The stationary bicycle exercise group and treadmill exercise group showed significant improvements in gait and balance. Stationary bicycle exercise can help to prevent falls by improving the balance of elderly persons.

Irisin Is Elevated in Skeletal Muscle and Serum of Mice Immediately after Acute Exercise

Recent findings regarding the response of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (Fndc5) and irisin to exercise are partly controversial. While the 25 kDa form of Fndc5 can be observed in muscle and serum of different species, the ~12 kDa irisin band was not detectable up to now. The present study aimed to clarify whether irisin exists in its theoretical size of ~12 kDa in mice and if it is affected by exercise. Male mice were randomly assigned to a sedentary control group (CO), a group with free access to running wheels (RW), and a treadmill group (TM). Blood and leg muscles were collected to investigate the regulatory cascade including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1-alpha (Ppargc1a) and Fndc5. In western blot analysis, antibodies were used capable of differentiation between full-length Fndc5 and irisin. This enabled us to demonstrate that irisin exists in muscle and serum of mice independent of exercise and that it is increased immediately after acute exercise. Different transcripts of Ppargc1a mRNA, but not Fndc5 mRNA, were up-regulated in the TM group. Furthermore, neither Fndc5 (25 kDa) nor Ppargc1a protein was elevated in muscle tissue. The Ppargc1a-Fndc5/irisin pathway did not clearly respond to mild exercise in the RW group. Our results provide evidence for the existence of irisin and for its immediate response to acute exercise in mice.

The effect of underwater gait training on balance ability of stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of underwater treadmill gait training on the balance ability of stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-two patients with stroke were randomly assigned to an underwater treadmill group (n =11) or a control group (n =11). [Methods] Both groups received general rehabilitation for 30 min per session, 5 times per week, over a 4-week period. The underwater treadmill group received additional underwater gait training for 30 min per session, 5 times per week, over the same 4-week period. Static and dynamic balances were evaluated before and after the intervention. [Results] The means of static and dynamic balance ability increased significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. [Conclusion] Compared to the general rehabilitation program, underwater treadmill gait training was not more effective at improving the balance ability of stroke patients than land-based training.

The effects of intensive gait training with body weight support treadmill training on gait and balance in stroke disability patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of intensive gait training with body weight support treadmill training on gait and balance in stroke disability patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-six stroke patients (20 men and 6 women) participated in this study. All subjects were hospitalized patients. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (body weight supported treadmill training group, n=14) and control group (treadmill group, n=12). The mean ages were 52.07 years (experimental group) and 53.83 years (control group). Subjects in both groups received conventional training 10 times/wk. Subjects in the experimental group practiced body weight supported treadmill training for 30 minutes a day, 3 day/wk. Subjects in the control group practiced treadmill training for 30 minutes. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and GAITRite were used to evaluate balance and gait parameters (step length, cadence and gait speed) before and after the intervention. Results: BBS scores in the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement (4.33±1.54), compared with the control group (p<0.05). Significantly greater improvement in the gait speed (24.13±4.53 cm/s), affected side step length (10.40±3.42 cm), sound side step length (11.97±3.29 cm), and cadence (23.88±5.52 step/min), compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Intensive gait training with Body Weight Support Treadmill Training may improve gait and balance in subacute stroke.

Comparative study of stretching modalities in healthy women: Heating and application time

A lack of muscle flexibility affects the functionality of the human body, making it difficult to carry out certain activities of daily living. The aim of the present study was to compare the technique of passive static stretching on hamstring muscles in isolation, or combined with heating techniques and different application times. Fifty women were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 10 each): The Microwave Diathermy Group had the hamstrings heated by microwave before stretching; Treadmill Group, in which warm-up walking was performed before stretching; 30-Second Group, in which 30 s of stretching was performed; 10-Minute Group, which involved stretching for 10 min and Control Group. In all groups, the leg extension range of motion was assessed, and the flexibility by the third finger-ground test was performed before and after application. The individuals in the experimental groups performed three stretching sessions on three consecutive days. All statistical analysis was performed with p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that all treatments were effective compared to the control group. The Treadmill Group and the 10-Minute group were superior for an acute effect (soon after the stretch--related to a decreased muscular viscoelasticity). The 10-Minute Group was the most effective for the chronic effect (long lasting--related to increased numbers of sarcomeres). A 10-minute stretch, when performed over four subsequent days, is suggested for faster increase in flexibility. The results could suggest a systemic warming (such as the one provided by a treadmill workout) before stretching for an acute gain of flexibility in the same day. It was possible to identify the inefficiencies associated with the use of microwaves in terms of stretching to gain flexibility. In fact, the values recorded were similar to stretching without any heat at all.

Expected for acquisition movement exercise is more effective for functional recovery than simple exercise in a rat model of hemiplegia

Background and purposeThe use of novel rehabilitative approaches for effecting functional recovery following stroke is controversial. Effects of different but effective rehabilitative interventions in the hemiplegic patient are not clear. We studied the effects of different rehabilitative approaches on functional recovery in the rat photochecmical cerebral infarction model.MethodsTwenty-four male Wistar rats aged 8 weeks were used. The cranial bone was exposed under deep anesthesia. Rose bengal (20 mg/kg) was injected intravenously, and the sensorimotor area of the cerebral cortex was irradiated transcranially for 20 min with a light beam of 533-nm wavelength. Animals were divided into 3 groups. In the simple-exercise group, treadmill exercise was performed for 20 min every day. In the expected for acquisition movement-training group, beam-walking exercise was done for 20 min daily. The control group was left to recover without additional intervention. Hindlimb function was evaluated with the beam-walking test.ResultsFollowing cerebral infarction, dysfunction of the contralateral extremities was observed. Functional recovery was observed earlier in the expected for acquisition training group than in the other groups. Although rats in the treadmill group recovered more quickly than controls, the beam-walking group had the shortest overall recovery time.ConclusionsExercise facilitated functional recovery in the rat hemiplegic model, and expected for acquisition exercise was more effective than simple exercise. These findings are considered to have important implications for the future development of clinical rehabilitation programs.