Treadmill Training Research Articles

Exercise Induced Changes in the Hippocampal Proteome of Mice during Aging

Clinical studies suggest that regular and moderate physical activity has a positive influence on the general health of individuals, including neuro-psychological well-being. In particular, physical exercise can improve memory storage and learning ability, thus reducing the risk of developing serious neurodegenerative diseases and some forms of dementia. The same should happen for brain aging, where cognitive decline has been mainly related to dysregulation of synaptic function, in turn associated with changes in multiple intracellular processes, including protein turnover and activity that appear to be crucial in brain aging. Since the influence of physical exercise on this aspect is not yet clear, the aim of our investigation was to evaluate, through proteomic analysis, whether physical exercise can modulate the expression of proteins potentially implicated in cognitive functions. We used adult female CD-1 mice, a healthy control strain, and divided animals in sedentary and trained groups. After different periods (2,4 and 6 months) of treadmill training, the mouse hippocampal proteome was analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis and MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. Exercise influenced the expression of 18 proteins, whose expression was confirmed by LIFT technology and Western Blot analysis. These proteins are involved in several processes such as enhancing antioxidant defence, maintaining the efficiency of mitochondrial energy metabolism and cellular plasticity. Our data would indicate that the exercise-modified activity of these molecules could be relevant to support the brain’s capacity for learning and memory storage and, therefore, to preserve the cognitive performance against age-related decline.

Exploring the effects of anti-gravity treadmill training in musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) comprise a great variety of medical conditions, and the economic and sanitary burdens they cause are a major concern for the sanitary systems worldwide. Conventional rehabilitation is effective; however, with the rise of new technologies, it can be further improved. Anti-gravity treadmills are starting to enter the clinical rehabilitation practice of MSD due to their characteristics, which allow weight support while performing walking and running exercises. Thus, this systematic review aims to explore the effects and use of anti-gravity treadmills in MSD. A systematic search of literature was performed by collecting articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on the use of anti-gravity treadmills in MSD management. The PEDro scale tool and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Relevant data were collected in tables, and the primary outcomes were discussed narratively. Of the 185 articles screened, 11 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The findings of the selected articles encourage the use of anti-gravity treadmills in MSD rehabilitation to improve gait functionality, balance, pain relief rct, range of motion, and fracture healing. The protocols and outcomes evaluated showed high heterogeneity, and quantitative synthesis could not be performed. In conclusion, the anti-gravity treadmill proved feasible, safe, and well tolerated by individuals with different MSD, and greater improvements were seen in participants who performed anti-gravity exercises than in those who performed only conventional rehabilitation.

Enhancing cognitive function after traumatic brain injury in male mice: The benefits of running regardless of intervention timing

The significant benefits of physical activity are well-documented in academic literature, with growing evidence highlighting its positive effects (among others) on memory and cognitive function. Exercise, particularly aerobic activities, has been shown to mitigate neuroinflammatory processes, promote neuronal regeneration, facilitate recovery from cerebral trauma, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Among neurological conditions, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common in individuals under 50, with 80-90% of cases categorized as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This study investigates the impact of exercise on visual and spatial memory deficits in mice following mTBI. ICR mice were subjected to a seventeen-day treadmill training protocol initiated at four different time intervals post-mTBI (2, 7, 13, and 30days). A battery of specific behavioral tests was used to assess anxiety-like behaviors, motor skills, and visual and spatial memory. Our results indicate that running positively affected mTBI in both novel object recognition (p<0.001) and Y-maze (p<0.001) regardless of the running protocol's initiation time, demonstrating that aerobic exercise significantly alleviates cognitive deficits associated with mTBI. Importantly, mTBI did not appear to impact motor abilities or anxiety-like behaviors based on the assessment paradigms utilized. In conclusion, aerobic exercise effectively enhances visual and spatial memory post-mTBI, with promising results observed even when the running protocol is initiated up to one-month post-injury.

Matching Clinical Profiles with Interventions to Optimize Daily Stepping in People with Stroke.

Individualizing interventions is imperative to optimize physical activity in people with chronic stroke. This secondary analysis grouped individuals with chronic stroke into clinical profiles based on baseline characteristics and examined if these clinical profiles preferentially benefitted from a specific rehabilitation intervention to improve daily step-activity. Participants had non-cerebellar strokes ≥6 months prior to enrollment, were 21-85 years old, had walking speeds of 0.3-1.0 m/s, and took <8,000 steps-per-day. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 interventions: high-intensity treadmill training (FAST), a step-activity behavioral intervention (SAM), or a combined intervention (FAST+SAM). The primary outcome was the interaction of latent class (clinical profile) and intervention group (FAST, SAM, FAST+SAM) on a change in steps-per-day. Key clinical characteristics to identify the latent classes included walking speed, walking endurance, balance self-efficacy, cognition, and area deprivation. Of the 190 participants with complete pre- and post-intervention data (mean [SD] age, 64 [12] years; 93 females [48.9%]), 3 distinct profiles of people with chronic stroke were identified. Within our sample, class 1 had the lowest walking capacity (speed and endurance), lowest balance self-efficacy, and highest area deprivation, and had the greatest change in step-activity when enrolled in the SAM (mean[95%CI], 1624 [426 - 2821]) or FAST+SAM (1150 [723 - 1577]) intervention. Class 2 had walking capacity, baseline steps-per-day, and self-efficacy values between Class 1 and 3, and had the greatest change in step-activity when enrolled in the SAM (2002 [1193-2811]) intervention. Class 3 had the highest walking capacity, highest self-efficacy, and lowest area deprivation and the greatest change in step-activity when enrolled in the FAST+SAM (1532 [915-2150]) intervention. People with chronic stroke require different interventions to optimize a change in step-activity. Clinicians can use clinically relevant measures to personalize intervention selection to augment step-activity in people with chronic stroke. NCT02835313; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02835313.

Effects of Exercise Interventions on Cardiac Structure, Function, and Mechanics in Individuals with Chronic Motor-Complete Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above T6 face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks due to altered autonomic control and physical inactivity. Arm cycle ergometry training (ACET) or body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) may improve cardiovascular health, but the impact on cardiac structure and function remains unclear. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the impact of two exercise interventions on cardiac measures in individuals with chronic SCI. Methods: Participants with motor-complete SCI (C4-T6, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A or B) were randomly assigned to perform 72 ACET or BWSTT sessions. Left ventricular (LV) echocardiography assessments were performed pre and post training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Results: Twelve participants underwent analysis (6 per group), revealing significant Group (ACET, BWSTT) x Time (pre, post) interactions for global circumferential systolic and diastolic strain rate (SR) and early diastolic filling velocity (p ≤ .018; Cohen’s d &amp;gt; .8/ -.8). Within-group post hoc testing demonstrated a significant decrease in global circumferential systolic SR (p &amp;lt; .001, d = -4.00) and a significant increase in global circumferential diastolic SR (p = .025, d = 2.48) following ACET, with no significant differences following BWSTT. Although there were no statistically significant within-group post hoc changes (p &amp;gt; .58) for diastolic filling, there was a large effect size favoring ACET (d = 1.11). Conclusion: This exploratory study suggests that ACET alters LV mechanics and potentially diastolic function in a cohort of individuals with chronic, cervical or upper thoracic, motor-complete SCI. Conversely, no significant changes were observed following BWSTT. These findings indicate that ACET can improve cardiac function relative to BWSTT in individuals with SCI, though further studies are warranted.

Neuromuscular Regeneration of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury in Response to Agrin-Functionalized Tissue Engineered Muscle Grafts and Rehabilitative Exercise.

Neuromuscular deficits compound the loss of contractile tissue in volumetric muscle loss (VML). Two avenues for promoting recovery are neuromuscular junction (NMJ)-promoting substrates (e.g., agrin) and endurance exercise. Although mechanical stimulation enhances agrin-induced NMJ formation, the two modalities have yet to be evaluated combinatorially. It is hypothesized that the implantation of human myogenic progenitor-seeded tissue-engineered muscle grafts (hTEMGs) in combination with agrin treatment and/or exercise will enhance neuromuscular recovery after VML. The hTEMGs alone transplant into VML defects promote significant regeneration with minimal scarring. A sex-appropriate, low-intensity continuous running exercise paradigm increases acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster density in male mice twofold relative to hTEMG alone after 7weeks of treadmill training (p<0.05). To further promote neuromuscular recovery, agrin is incorporated into the scaffolds via covalent tethering. In vitro, agrin increases the proliferation of hMPs, and trends toward greater myogenic maturity and AChR clustering. Upon transplantation, both hTEMGs+agrin and hTEMGs+exercise induce near 100% recovery of muscle mass and increase twitch and tetanic force output (p>0.05). However, agrin treatment in combination with exercise produces no additional benefit. These data highlight the unprecedented regenerative potential of using hTEMGs together with either agrin or exercise supplementation to treat VML injuries.

Comparison of anti-gravity treadmill training and traditional treadmill training in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Aerobic exercise is recommended to alleviate pain and protect the joint for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis, however, its clinical implementation is challenging due to the potential for exacerbating pain. The study aimed to compare the effects of anti-gravity treadmill training with traditional treadmill training in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. This single-blinded randomized-controlled trial included 30 women with knee osteoarthritis. All participants received hotpack, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound. Additionally, group 1 received anti-gravity treadmill, while group 2 received traditional treadmill training. Group 3 served as the control. The interventions were administered three-times a week for eight-weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), six-minute-walk-test distance (6MWD), and femoral cartilage thickness were evaluated at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. VAS-pain significantly reduced over time in both anti-gravity (P < 0.001) and control (P = 0.004) groups. The anti-gravity group also showed significant improvements in WOMAC-pain (P = 0.008), WOMAC-total (P = 0.048), and 6MWD (P < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis indicated significant time (P < 0.001, effect size, ηp2 = 0.682) and interaction (P = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.271) effects on VAS, with no significant between-group differences. Femoral cartilage thickness showed no significant between-group differences, except within-group differences in the treadmill group (P = 0.037). Anti-gravity treadmill training significantly improved pain, functionality, and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis, while traditional treadmill resulted in a reduction in femoral cartilage thickness. Further research should investigate long-term outcomes and more diverse populations. NCT05319964.

Effects of interval treadmill training on spatiotemporal parameters in children with cerebral palsy: A machine learning approach

Quantifying individualized rehabilitation responses and optimizing therapy for each person is challenging. For interventions like treadmill training, there are multiple parameters, such as speed or incline, that can be adjusted throughout sessions. This study evaluates if causal modeling and Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) can be used to accurately track the direct effects of treadmill training on gait. We developed a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to specify the assumed relationship between training input parameters and spatiotemporal outcomes during Short Burst Locomotor Treadmill Training (SBLTT), a therapy designed specifically for children with cerebral palsy (CP). We evaluated outcomes after 24 sessions of SBLTT for simulated datasets of 150 virtual participants and experimental data from four children with CP, ages 4-13years old. Individual BART models were created from treadmill data of each step. Simulated datasets demonstrated that BART could accurately identify specified responses to training, including strong correlations for step length progression (R2=0.73) and plateaus (R2=0.87). Model fit was stronger for participants with less step-to-step variability but did not impact model accuracy. For experimental data, participants' step lengths increased by 26±13% after 24 sessions. Using BART to control for speed or incline, we found that step length increased for three participants (direct effect: 13.5±4.5%), while one participant decreased step length (-11.6%). SBLTT had minimal effects on step length asymmetry and step width. Tools such as BART can leverage step-by-step data collected during training for researchers and clinicians to monitor progression, optimize rehabilitation protocols, and inform the causal mechanisms driving individual responses.

Optimizing rehabilitation strategies in Parkinson’s disease: a comparison of dual cognitive-walking treadmill training and single treadmill training

Dual cognitive-walking treadmill training (DTT), designed to replicate real-life walking conditions, has shown promise effect in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aims to compare the effects of DTT versus single treadmill training (STT) on cognitive and walking performance under both single and dual task conditions, as well as on fall, patients’ subjective feeling, and quality of life. Sixteen individuals with PD were randomly assigned to DTT or STT group and underwent 8 weeks of training. The DTT group received treadmill training with cognitive loads, while the STT group received treadmill training without cognitive load. Outcome measures included gait parameters (speed, step length) and cognitive performance (reaction time, accuracy, composite score) under both single and dual task conditions. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-part III (UPDRS-III), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were also measured. Both DTT and STT groups showed increased comfortable walking speed and step length. Only the DTT group demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive composite score under both single and dual task conditions, as well as UPDRS-III, FES, and PDQ-39(p < 0.05). DTT can enhance cognitive function without compromising walking ability and also have real-world transferability.

Effects of cannabidiol on AMPKα2 /HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX signaling pathway in skeletal muscle injury.

Cannabidiol: (CBD) is a non-psychoactive natural active ingredient from cannabis plant, which has many pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-skeletal muscle injury. However, the mechanism of its effect on skeletal muscle injury still needs further research. In order to seek a scientifically effective way to combat skeletal muscle injury during exercise, we used healthy SD rats to establish an exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury model by treadmill training, and systematically investigated the effects and mechanisms of CBD, a natural compound in the traditional Chinese medicine Cannabis sativa L., on combating skeletal muscle injury during exercise. CBD effectively improved the fracture of skeletal muscle tissue and reduced the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. Biochemical indexes such as CK, T, Cor, LDH, SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px in serum of rats returned to normal. Combining transcriptome and network analysis results, CBD may play a protective role in exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury through HIF-1 signaling pathway. The experimental results implied that CBD could down-regulate the expression of IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, Keap1, AMPKα2, HIF-1α, BNIP3 and NIX, and raised the protein expression of IL-10, Nrf2 and HO-1. These results indicate that the protective effect of CBD on exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, thus inhibiting skeletal muscle injury through AMPKα2/HIF-1α/BNIP3/NIX signal pathways.

Antigravity treadmill training after knee surgery: A scoping review.

Antigravity treadmill training provides a viable option for physiotherapeutic care after knee surgery, especially for conditions that do not allow full weight bearing during the early phase post-intervention. This overview of the current state of knowledge identifies gaps and highlights areas where more research on antigravity treadmill training after knee surgery is needed. This review aimed to analyze and summarize the available evidence concerning the effects of antigravity treadmill training on patients after knee joint surgical procedures, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and total (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Several databases were searched for relevant material, including PubMed, Epistemonikos, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Seven studies investigating antigravity treadmill training after various procedures were included, including ACLR and TKA. The studies were summarized, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the appropriate tools. The evidence yielded by these studies suggests that antigravity treadmill training might be useful after knee surgery. However, the superiority over traditional physiotherapeutic measures has yet to be established. Therefore, future high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to investigate the effect of antigravity treadmill training due to the low quality of available evidence. Also, a cost-effectiveness analysis is required to determine whether the investigated intervention fits the purpose.

High-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training alleviate vascular dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats through the inhibition of pyroptosis

Evidence-based guidelines suggest that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is more beneficial than aerobic exercise for patients with cardiovascular disease, but the differences in underlying pathophysiological mechanisms require further confirmation. The comparison between HIIT and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) in regulating vascular dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), along with their underlying mechanisms, has not been previously reported. The purpose of this study is to provide an experimental basis for exercise prescription therapy in hypertensive patients. In this study, six-week-old male SHR were randomly assigned to a HIIT group, MICT group, or sedentary group. Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) of the same age were used as the control group. The weight, heart rate, and blood pressure of the rats were monitored weekly throughout twelve weeks of treadmill training. At the end of the protocol, serum and aortic vascular tissues were collected for further vascular function tests and molecular and biochemical analyses. The results show that MICT is more favorable for weight control than HIIT, while both forms of exercise offer equal protection against hypertension. However, MICT demonstrates a greater benefit in preserving vascular morphology, whereas HIIT is more effective in reducing oxidative stress. Both HIIT and MICT ameliorate vascular dysfunction in SHR by suppressing nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin-domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3)-induced pyroptosis. The superior effect of HIIT on vascular dysfunction may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress injury through AMPKα-SIRT1 activation. This study provides insight into the dose-effect relationship of exercise for cardiovascular health and offers foundational evidence for the development of exercise prescription therapies.

Effects of Treadmill Walking and Overground Walking in Young Children With Non-progressive Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Introduction Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are responsible for childhood brain dysfunction and developmental disability. Physical therapists are important team members in providing a beneficial impact on the gross motor function of children with NDDs. Early intervention provides a beneficial effect on the improvement of gross motor function; however, most of the studies on treadmill training were in late age and the effect of early treadmill walking along with conventional physiotherapy was not studied. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compare the effect of overground walking with treadmill walking in young children aged 12-36 months with non-progressive NDDs. Methodology An experimental study was performed for one year on diagnosed cases of non-progressive NDD. A total of 36 children with non-progressive NDD were recruited for the study between the ages of 12 and 36 months of either gender and were allocated into treadmill walking and overground walking groups. The intervention was given for eight consecutive weeks, four days per week, and for 20-25 minutes per day. The children were assessed using Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) and Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) for both stationary and locomotion components. Results The comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (stationary) at baseline, follow-up, and post intervention reported mean values of 25.56 ± 12.16, 27.22 ± 11.74, and 28.44 ± 11.72, respectively, in the overground walking group and 28.72 ± 8.96, 29.72 ± 9.46, and 31.33 ± 8.85 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.0022). Additionally, the comparison of both the groups with PDMS-2 (locomotion) reported mean values of 35.78 ± 24.02, 39.11 ± 23.21, and 43.00 ± 23.58, respectively, in the overground walking group and 39.67 ± 22.28, 43.17 ± 22.94, and 46.61 ± 24.16 in the treadmill walking group, respectively, with statistically significant results (p = 0.020). Moreover, the comparison of both the groups with total GMFM-66 reported mean values of 16.97 ± 14.52, 18.35 ± 14.88, and 20.49 ± 16.86, respectively, in the overground walking group and 18.52 ± 14.28, 21.66 ± 15.76, and 25.92 ± 16.95 in the treadmill walking group with statistically significant results (p = 0.0118). Conclusion The present study concluded that between both the groups, a statistically significant difference was observed for PDMS-2 (stationary and locomotion)and GMFM-66 after a scheduled intervention of eight weeks. Hence, walking should be carried out as a part of therapy in early intervention and further studies can be performed to determine the long-term effect of these interventions and their role in the prevention of secondary complications.

Effect of Core Stability Exercise and Treadmill Training on Balance in a patient with Cerebellar Ataxic Cerebral palsy- A Case Report

Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a set of developmental illnesses that affect posture and mobility, causing activity restriction owing to abnormalities that are not progressive in the developing brain of the fetus or neonate. Children with cerebellar ataxic CP often exhibit undeveloped or malformed cerebellar structures, resulting in challenges for the cerebellum to integrate the neural input required to control movement and balance smoothly. Patients with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty in maintaining balance and trunk control which leads to difficulty in performing their activities of daily living and result in dependency. Thus, reporting cases like these is crucial to evaluate the impact of core stabilization intervention and treadmill walking on balance in a child having cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy. A 7-year-old female child born at full term delivered via normal vaginal delivery with a birth weight of 2700 gm had no difficulties during antenatal, natal or postnatal phases. At the age of 6 years, mother noticed that the child had difficulty in standing and walking independently, she had difficulty in performing her activities of daily living independently. The patient underwent an 8-week intervention consisting of core stabilization exercise protocol and treadmill walking along with traditional physiotherapy intervention. The outcome measures included Pediatric Balance Scale for static balance and MFT for dynamic balance. The patient showed significant improvement in both static as well as dynamic balance following the intervention. Thus, combined impact of core stabilization exercise protocol and treadmill walking can bring early effective changes on balance in a patient with cerebellar ataxic cerebral palsy.

Effects of four-week lasting aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers, oxidative stress parameters, metabolic enzymes activities and histological characteristics in liver tissue of hyperhomocysteinemic rats.

Disruptions in homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism may increase the liver's susceptibility to developing conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine effects of aerobic treadmill training on hepatic injury biomarkers in sera, oxidative stress parameters, the activity of metabolic enzymes, and histological characteristics in the liver tissue of rats with experimentally induced hyperhomocysteinemia. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (N = 10, per group): C-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; H-homocysteine 0.45µmol/g b.w. 2×/day for 14days + saline 0.5mL ip.1×/day for 28days; CPA-saline 0.2mL/day sc. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days; and HPA-homocysteine 0.45µmol/gb.w. 2×/day for 14days + aerobic treadmill training for 28days. The serum albumin concentration was decreased in both physically active (PA) groups compared to sedentary groups. Concentration of malondialdehyde in liver tissue homogenates was lower in both PA groups compared to the H group. The total lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly elevated in the HPA group compared to the C and H groups. Activities of aminotransferases in sera samples, and activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase in liver tissue did not significantly differ between groups. No significant histological changes were found in liver tissue in groups. This study demonstrated that aerobic treadmill training can reduce lipid peroxidation in liver tissue under hyperhomocysteinemic conditions, providing a protective effect. However, hyperhomocysteinemia can alter energy metabolism during aerobic exercise, shifting it toward anaerobic pathways and leading to elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity in the liver. Given that conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and liver damage, understanding how exercise influences these dynamics could guide therapeutic approaches.

Effect of Endurance Exercise Training on Gut Microbiota and ER Stress

Regular exercise as part of one’s lifestyle is well-recognized for its beneficial effect on several diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity; however, many questions remain unanswered regarding the effects of exercise on the gut environment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term endurance exercise on modulating inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Fifteen-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to six months of endurance treadmill training, while age-matched controls remained sedentary. Results showed that IL-6 mRNA levels in colon tissues were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the sedentary group. Exercise activated a significant ER stress-induced survival pathway by increasing BiP and phosphorylation of eIF2α (p-eIF2α) expressions in the liver and colon, while decreasing CHOP in the liver. Gene expressions of MUC2, Occludin, and Claudin-2 were increased in the colon of the exercise group, indicating enhanced intestinal integrity. Furthermore, the data showed a positive correlation between microbiota α-diversity and BiP (r = 0.464~0.677, p &lt; 0.05). Populations of Desulfovibrio C21 c20 were significantly greater in the exercise group than the sedentary group. Additionally, predicted functions of the gut microbial community in terms of enzymes and pathways supported the enhancement of fatty-acid-related processes by exercise. These findings suggest that prolonged endurance exercise can affect the colon environment, which is likely related to changes in inflammation, ER stress, mucin layers and tight junctions, associated with modifications in the gut microbiome.

Physical therapist burden delivering gait training for a patient with lateropulsion after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation: a single-case design

Background/Aims Gait training for patients with lateropulsion after stroke improves outcomes (eg reduced lateropulsion and improved function) but can be burdensome on the physical therapist. This study describes the physical therapist burden and performance of a patient with moderate lateropulsion during three gait training approaches during inpatient rehabilitation. Methods A physical therapist delivered gait training (one session each of overground robotic exoskeleton, overground supported walking, and body weight-supported treadmill training) for a patient with lateropulsion (scoring 8 out of 17 on the Burke Lateropulsion Scale). Outcomes were physiological burden (heart rate, metabolic equivalents, respiratory exchange ratio and energy expenditure), which were measured via a wearable metabolic system and perceptual burden (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) on the physical therapist. Patient performance (step count, time walking, time spent upright and time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity) was recorded. Results During overground robotic exoskeleton gait training, the physical therapist's physiological metrics included an average heart rate of 116 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 98–127, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 0%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.2 (minimum–maximum: 1.7–4.3), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.79 (minimum–maximum: 0.70–0.93), an energy expenditure of 228 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 33.3. The patient walked 228 steps, spent 15.4 minutes upright, 8.7 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During overground supported walking, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 113–164, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 87%), average metabolic equivalents of 4.7 (minimum–maximum: 2.7–6.0), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.96 (minimum–maximum: 0.81–1.16), an energy expenditure of 343 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 60.8. The patient walked 588 steps, spent 19.6 minutes upright, 10.5 minutes walking and achieved 38% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. During body weight-supported treadmill training, the physical therapist's metrics included an average heart rate of 112 beats per minute (minimum–maximum: 69–137, time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity was 34%), average metabolic equivalents of 3.9 (minimum–maximum: 3.2–4.4), a respiratory exchange ratio of 0.89 (minimum–maximum: 0.82–0.95), an energy expenditure of 281 kcal/hour and a perceptual burden of 32.5. The patient walked 682 steps, spent 16.0 minutes upright, 10.0 minutes walking and achieved 0% in moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Conclusions As concordance between physical therapist burden and patient gait performance was low in this study, future efforts to identify gait training approaches that minimise therapist burden while maximising outcomes for the patient with lateropulsion are necessary for the health of both. Implications for practice Physical therapists may consider advanced technology use such as overground robotic exoskeletons to reduce the burden during the provision of gait training for patients with lateropulsion. Gait training performance of patients with lateropulsion may vary across different gait training approaches with low correspondence to therapist burden.

C-reactive Protein Changes Following Treadmill And Cycling High-intensity Interval Training

C-reactive Protein Changes Following Treadmill And Cycling High-intensity Interval Training

Efeitos do treinamento em esteira ergométrica sobre a funcionalidade na paralisia cerebral: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

Objective: The aim of this integrative literature review was to analyze the key benefits of treadmill training (TT) for the functionality of ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Searches were conducted in the Pubmed, EMBASE, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases for studies published between 2013 and 2023. Results: Out of 428 studies found, 17 were selected for analysis and synthesis of knowledge. The studies demonstrated positive effects on ambulatory function, with changes in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of gait, as well as positive outcomes in gait capacity and performance measures. Additionally, significant changes were observed in gross motor function, mobility, and functional balance. TT protocols and methods varied among the studies, but most initiated training at lower walking speeds and durations, gradually increasing over the course of treatment, utilizing partial body weight support (PBWS) and manual facilitations depending on the severity of CP and gait function limitations. To enhance functionality, combining TT with other therapeutic modalities such as strength training and ground walking is recommended. Overall, the studies conducted TT two to three times per week, lasting six to twelve weeks. Conclusion: TT proved to be an effective and feasible therapeutic modality for application in the treatment of ambulatory children and adolescents with CP.

The Effects of Treadmill Training with Visual Feedback and Rhythmic Auditory Cue on Gait and Balance in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effects of Treadmill Training with Visual Feedback and Rhythmic Auditory Cue on Gait and Balance in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial