Walking Exercise Research Articles

Physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of knee dekstra et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introduction: anterior cruciate ligament injury is one of the common knee injuries among athletes, which can cause functional activity impairment of the knee, such as pain, edema, range of motion limitation, contracture, and anxiety. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to restore the stability and function of the knee. Patients who undergo Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction require appropriate physiotherapy management to accelerate the healing and recovery process. Aim: this study aims to determine the physiotherapy management of functional activity disorders of the knee joints and the causes of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: this study used a case study method with a research subject of a 24-year-old male who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the right knee and underwent Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Data were collected using instruments such as the VAS pain scale, goniometer to measure a range of motion, MMT to measure muscle strength, and international knee documentation committee questionnaire to measure functional activity. Results: showed a decrease in pain, an increase in range of motion, an increase in muscle strength, and an increase in functional activity on the right knee caused post-op Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after receiving physiotherapy intervention for 9 sessions. Conclusion: physiotherapy management given in the form of electrical muscle stimulation, prone hang, passive range of motion exercise, patella mobilization, isotonic & isometric strengthening, and walking exercise, as well as education, can help overcome functional activity impairment on the right knee et cause post-op anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Feasibility and acceptability of a telerehabilitation intervention on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in Iran: randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionTelerehabilitation is a promising avenue to enhance post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rehabilitation by improving accessibility, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Despite its potential benefits, its application in the context of TKA in...

Potential Benefits of Aerobic Walking Exercise on Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, and Bone Health in Non-Ambulatory Stroke Survivors: A Narrative Review

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. After stroke, people commonly experience additional cardiovascular disease, cognitive declination, sensorimotor disability, pulmonary dysfunction, psychological problems, and bone health declinations. In stroke rehabilitation research, most of previous studies focused on recovery of sensorimotor function, with few studies examined outcomes in cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, and bone health, particularly in non-ambulatory individuals who are at even higher risk of secondary complications. In this narrative review, we reviewed the health benefits of aerobic walking exercise on cardiovascular, pulmonary, and bone health in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We started with a review of health issues in cardiopulmonary system and bones in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We then reviewed the current state of clinical research findings of aerobic walking exercise in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We reviewed the aerobic exercise guidelines for non-ambulatory stroke survivors and whether walking exercise was recommended for them. Then, we investigated the exercise position (standing vs. sitting) to see which exercise position would be recommended to improve or at least maintain the health of cardiopulmonary and bone in non-ambulatory stroke survivors. We finally reviewed the walking assistive devices that makes walking exercise feasible for non-ambulatory stroke survivors.

Respiratory muscle strength can improve the prognostic assessment in COPD

Impaired lung function, respiratory muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are present in COPD and contribute to poor prognosis. However, the contribution of the combination of these manifestations to define prognosis in COPD is still unknown. This study aimed to define cut-off points for both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP, respectively) for mortality prediction over 42-months in patients with COPD, and to investigate its combination with other noninvasive established prognostic measures (FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD) to improve risk identification. Patients with COPD performed pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, six-minute walk and cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and were followed over 42 months to analyze all-cause mortality. A total of 79 patients were included. The sample was mostly (91.1%) comprised of severe (n = 37) and very severe (n = 34) COPD, and 43 (54%) patients died during the follow-up period. Cut-points of ≤ 55 and ≤ 80 cmH2O for MIP and MEP, respectively, were associated with increased risk of death (log-rank p = 0.0001 for both MIP and MEP) in 42 months. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improved the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1 (log-ranks p = 0.006 for MIP and p < 0.001 for MEP), V̇O2peak (log-rank: p < 0.001 for both MIP and MEP) and 6MWD (log-ranks: p = 0.005 for MIP; p = 0.015 for MEP). Thus, patients severely affected by COPD presenting MIP ≤ 55 and/or MEP ≤ 80 cmH2O are at increased risk of mortality. Furthermore, MIP and MEP substantially improve the mortality risk assessment when combined with FEV1, V̇O2peak and 6MWD in patients with COPD.

The Effect of Walking Exercise Program for Reducing Fatigue in Cancer Patients Undergoing Medical Treatment

The Effect of Walking Exercise Program for Reducing Fatigue in Cancer Patients Undergoing Medical Treatment

Brisk Walking Exercise Has Benefits of Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertension Sufferers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Brisk walking exercise is an aerobic exercise with the moderate intensity that can reduce the risk in people with hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of interventions related to brisk walking and blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients. Search strategy through the PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases limited from 2018 to 2023. The components measured are systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. This study uses the Black and Downs checklist to measure the quality of the study, which consists of 3, namely high quality, medium quality, and low quality. Effect size analysis of the study used the standard mean difference between brisk walking exercise and not doing brisk walking exercise. The results of the identification of the database obtained 1700 articles, then limited by title, year, abstract (n = 381), and full-text article feasibility (n = 76) to obtain nine articles included. Nine articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis by study quality: six studies of high quality, 2 of medium quality, and 1 of low quality. Systolic blood pressure had a substantial effect size in all studies (P<0.05; SMD: -0.55) while diastolic blood pressure had an effect medium size (P=0.05; SMD: 0.13). Brisk walking exercise can significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension-recommendations for the future to carry out community-based physical activity in improving physical health, including heart health.

Identifying Subgroups of Suicidality Among Adolescents and Influencing Factors Using Latent Class Analysis.

We aimed to classify subgroups of suicidality among adolescents and identify the influencing factors of the classification of these latent classes. Suicidal thought, plans, and attempts as well as the feelings of sadness/hopelessness and loneliness were utilized as indicators to derive the suicidality classes. Additionally, health behaviors, such as dietary habits, physical activity, experiences of violence victimization, sexual activity, and deviant behavior, along with demographic factors, such as sex, school year, grades, and household income, were considered as influencing factors. The analysis utilized data from the 18th Youth Health Behavior Survey (2022) conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, involving 51,850 middle and high school students. The findings revealed three latent classes of suicidality among adolescents: "active suicidality," "passive suicidality," and "non-suicidality." The influencing factor analysis indicated that all factors, with the exception of high-intensity physical activities, significantly influenced the classification of latent classes of suicidality. Notably, walking exercise and the frequency of exercise during physical education class were found to be factors that differentiated between active and passive suicidality within the suicidality classes. This study employed nationwide data to identify the exhibited suicidality classes among adolescents and tested the influencing factors necessary for predicting such classes. The study's findings offer valuable insights for policy development in suicide prevention and suggest the need for developing customized interventions tailored to each identified class.

Rehabilitation of cardiological patients with post-COVID syndrome: morphofunctional data report

INTRODUCTION. Post-COVID is a common complication of COVID-19, occurring in more than a third of patients, and condition will persist for more than 3 months after infection with the SARS-CoV-2. AIM. To evaluate impact and potential effectiveness of a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program on health of cardiac patients with complications of a previously suffered new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study involved 128 cardiology patients with post-COVID syndrome. The study participants comprised three groups depending on the 12-week physical rehabilitation program. The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed through parameters of cardiopulmonary testing, as well as the 6-minute walk exercise test and the degree of dyspnea according to modified mMRC dyspnea questionnaire. RESULTS. The mMCR index in CPR group was 1.0 [0.0–1.0] point, compared with 2.0 [1.0–2.0] in control and comparative groups (p 0.05); exercise tolerance VO2max increased by 8.3 ± 3.8 % (p 0.05); normalization of heart rate and blood pressure in response to physical activity after 12 weeks in intervention group was 5.0 ± 2.1 % compared to comparative and control groups; 6MWT test results 688 m, in the intervention group, versus 490 m, for participants in control group (p 0.05). DISCUSSION. A comparative analysis of previously conducted studies confirmed pattern between the inclusion of combined cardiorespiratory training in the protocol for 12-week rehabilitation of post-COVID complications among cardiac patients, and a decrease in the degree of shortness of breath, as well as an increase in exercise tolerance. CONCLUSIONS. Based on experimental data obtained, it is advisable to analyze the effects of Cardiopulmonary Physical Rehabilitation program in the framework of larger randomized clinical trials. This will allow a more detailed assessment of the clinical consequences, as well as the ability to adjust mode and dose of physical activity of proposed rehabilitation program.

The effectiveness of partial body weight support treadmill training on walking in people with cerebral palsy

Background: People with Cerebral Palsy (CP) face daily motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments that significantly impact their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to investigate RCTs regarding the effectiveness of treadmill walking with partial body weight support (PBWSTT) in individuals with CP. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Research Gate. The study selection process was conducted by two separate reviewers. The quality of the final studies included in the systematic review was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Out of the 673 studies initially identified, 6 studies were included. The results showed that (PBWSTT) leads to an increase in scores on the GMFM scale, as well as improvement in walking pattern, speed, endurance, and rhythm. The method of PBWSTT in comparison to conventional physiοtherapy did not show better results, as the included studies in this review showed conflicting results. Conclusion: The effect of therapeutic exercise with partial body weight support has a positive impact on improving the gross motor function of patients with Cerebral Palsy. However, the question of whether PBWSTT is more effective than conventional physiotherapy and over-ground walking exercise cannot be conclusively answered yet, highlighting the importance of conducting further research in this field.

#899 The effect of exercise training on microRNAs in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Physical inactivity is a risk factor for mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Therefore, physical exercise (PE) is recommended as part of the management of HD patients. Although the benefits of PE for HD patients have been well documented in the literature, the pathophysiological mechanism still needs to be fully understood. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have come to light as potential mediators of PE's therapeutic effects in healthy individuals. Currently, no information is available about how PE affects the expression of miRNAs in HD patients, mainly for osteogenic differentiation, a critical process in forming vascular calcification. Therefore, this observational longitudinal study aims to assess the expression of miR-9 and miR-30b, two regulators of the osteogenic commitment from endothelial progenitor cells, in HD patients engaged in an interdialytic exercise program. Method Male HD patients aged between 50 and 80 could walk for at least six meters were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were uncorrected anemia, acute infectious disease, uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism, active oncologic disease, and severe cardio-respiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological conditions inhibiting exercise training. Patients were engaged in a structured interdialytic program supervised by an exercise facilitator. Exercise training was performed at home or the dialysis centre based on the patient's needs and preferences. It consisted of a 10-minute session/day of low-intensity walking and/or resistance exercises. The speed was increased weekly and controlled with a metronome application on the patient's smartphone. The maximum distance covered evaluates the patients' physical performance, as measured by the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). It was assessed at baseline and the 6-month follow-up. Blood samples for miRNA analysis were collected during the short interdialytic period at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up. MiRNAs will be extracted from serum samples using the miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Advanced Kit. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS 21.0. The difference between the two groups was assessed using a t-test for paired data. P-values&amp;lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Patients’ characteristics at baseline are shown in Table 1. Five patients were enrolled in the study, three undergoing exercise training at the dialysis centre and two at home. At six months, miR-30b expression appeared significantly upregulated in all patients (p&amp;lt;0.03) (Fig. 1). At the same time, the upregulation of miR-9 did not reach significance (p = 0.07). In one patient, miR-9 was not detected (Fig. 2). The mean distance covered during the 6MWT did not improve at six months (255 ± 129 meters) compared to baseline (235 ± 118 meters) (p = 0.49). Conclusion Preliminary results of this longitudinal observational study show that miR-30b was upregulated in patients engaged in the exercise training period at the 6-month follow-up despite no improvement in physical performance. The upregulation of miR-30b levels can potentially reduce the dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells into an osteoblastic-like phenotype. At the end of our study, novel evidence concerning the potential effect of exercise training on miRNA expressions correlated to the vascular calcification process in HD patients will be available.

Preoperative walking exercise to improve prognosis in patients with supratentorial brain tumours after craniotomy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCardiopulmonary complications and cognitive impairment following craniotomy have a significantly impact on the general health of individuals with brain tumours. Observational research indicates that engaging in walking is linked to...

Using wavelet phase coherence of heart rate variability and blood flow oscillations to compare mechanisms of action between Tai Chi mind-body exercise and brisk walking aerobic exercise

Tai Chi exercise has been demonstrated to be beneficial for health and quality of life. However, the mind–body effect of Tai Chi on modulating interactions of the cardiovascular components has not been investigated. This study aimed to differentiate the effect of Tai Chi (mind–body exercise) and brisk walking (aerobic exercise) on modulating skin blood flow oscillations (BFO) of the upper and lower limbs and heart rate variability (HRV). Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi for 15 min and brisk walking for 15 min were performed by 30 adults in two different days. Wavelet phase coherence was employed to assess the coordination between HRV and BFO before and after exercise. Two indices were proposed to quantify the coherence, i.e., the area (Aϕ) and maximal difference (dmax) between the coherence function and the threshold obtained by surrogate test. The results demonstrated that Tai Chi resulted in a significant decrease in phase coherence between HRV and BFO of the upper limb in the frequency interval 0.05–0.15 Hz (Aϕ baseline 0.1600 ± 0.0288, post-exercise 0.0486 ± 0.0220, p < 0.001; dmax baseline 0.3222 ± 0.0220, post-exercise 0.2578 ± 0.0219, p < 0.005), but not between HRV and BFO of the lower limb. Brisk walking resulted in a significant increase in phase coherence between HRV and BFO of the lower limb in the frequency interval 0.05–0.15 Hz (Aϕ baseline 0.0455 ± 0.0251, post-exercise 0.1190 ± 0.0241, p < 0.05; dmax baseline 0.2191 ± 0.0225, post-exercise 0.3103 ± 0.0208, p < 0.05) but not between HRV and BFO of the upper limb. Our finding indicates that mind–body exercise and aerobic exercise modulate cardiovascular regulations through different mechanisms of action.

Exercise Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease.

To summarize evidence regarding exercise treatments for lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Supervised walking exercise is recommended by practice guidelines for PAD. Supervised treadmill exercise improves treadmill walking distance by approximately 180m and 6-min walk distance by 30-35m, compared to control. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services covers 12weeks of supervised exercise, but most people with PAD do not participate. Home-based walking exercise may be more convenient and accessible than supervised exercise. In randomized clinical trials, home-based walking exercise interventions incorporating behavioral methods, such as accountability to a coach, goal-setting, and self-monitoring, improved 6-min walk distance by 40-54m, compared to control. Arm and leg ergometry also improved walking endurance for people with PAD, but efficacy compared to walking exercise remains unclear. Walking exercise is first-line therapy for PAD-related walking impairment and can be effective in either a supervised or a structured home-based setting.

Clinical effects of walking exercise program for older adults applied with an exercise assist robot (Bot Fit): A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInterval walking exercise (IWE) consists of repeated walking for 3 min with high intensity, followed by 3 min of walking with low intensity. A wearable robot is an exoskeleton system that is worn on the body and helps the body move. Research questionThe purpose of this study is to verify the effects of performing IWE using Bot Fit (Samsung Electronics, Korea) on older adults. MethodsThe experimental group (EG; n = 10) performed the IWE program with Bot Fit, and the control group (CG; n = 12) performed the IWE program without Bot Fit, three times a week for six weeks. Both groups were evaluated for spatio-temporal parameters, pelvic movement, function, muscle power, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) at before, after three weeks and after six weeks of exercise. ResultsThere was a significant difference between the two groups in the pelvic tilt range after six weeks of exercise (P < 0.05). The pelvic rotation range showed a significant difference after six weeks of exercise in the EG (P < 0.01). During the stance phase, rectus abdominis (RA) muscle power and its contraction ratio significantly increased after six weeks of exercise in the EG (P < 0.05). The WHR was significantly lower after six weeks of exercise in EG than in the CG (P < 0.05). SignificanceBot Fit maximizes the normal walking effect, promotes correct posture and physical activity to prevent falls, improves quality of life (QOL). It has shown clinical effects and has been used for successful aging of older adults.

Abstract 2037: Investigating Changes In Satellite Cell Proliferation And Angiogenic Potential In Response To Exercise

Background: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic process leading to vessel obstruction. Supervised walking exercise is a first-line treatment to improve walking ability and quality of life scores of patients. Despite its known benefits, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Thus, this study focuses on satellite cells (SCs), known for their role in muscular regeneration but also found to have an under investigated role as mediators of vascular growth through the secretion of cytokines and growth factors. Previous in vivo models have demonstrated increased migration of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, as well as blood vessel growth in response to SC activity. Aims: The project aims to enhance the efficacy of exercise therapy through a better understanding satellite cell biology and their pro-vasculogenic ability. Hypothesis: Exercise therapy will enhance SCs proliferation and secretion of paracrine growth factors inducing increased cell migration and vascular growth. Methods: Aortic Ring Assay: Murine thoracic aortic sections were embedded in a Type I collagen matrix in 96-wells. The wells were seeded with Opti-MEM (control), Opti-MEM+0.3% Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF)(+ control), SC Conditioned Media (CM) (24hr incubation, 2M cells/plate), or denatured CM (56°C, 1 hr). The total length and number of branches were measured via ImageJ. Flow Cytometry: 18+ months old C57BL/6 were housed with voluntary running wheels with activity counter until day 28. Satellite cells were mechanically and chemically digested and were labeled as: CD11b-, CD45-, CD31-, Sca1-, and α7-integrin+ at 7-day intervals. Results: Aortic Ring Assay: SC CM showed significantly higher total branch length (13381.89±2470.44μm, n=6) (****p&lt;0.0001) and numbers (19.24±3.87, n=6) (**p&lt;0.01) compared to control (2158.18±382.31μm, n=9), (5.76±0.81, n=9). Flow Cytometry: SC proportion on day 21 (2.55±0.14,n=2) was significantly higher than control (1.54±0.298,n=8)(*p&lt;0.05). Conclusion(s): These findings indicate that SC CM induces angiogenesis by secreting pro-angiogenic factors. The angiogenic activities could potentially be heightened through the proliferation of SCs under exercise therapy.

Effectiveness of Yijinjing on cognitive and motor functions in patients with Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor and non-motor functions, significantly reducing patients' quality of life. No effective drug-based treatments are known to solve this problem. Non-drug therapies such as Yijinjing exercise have shown potential in improving cognitive and motor functions in PD patients. However, solid evidence must still be provided to support their clinical efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yijinjing exercise interventions in PD patients and explore the underlying mechanisms between the cognitive and motor functions in PD. This is a single-center randomized controlled trial in which 96 eligible PD patients will be randomly assigned to receive either Yijinjing exercise group or brisk walking group or control group in a ratio of 1:1:1. Interventions (Yijinjing exercise or brisk walking training, 40 min per session) will be provided in 3 sessions per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for 12 weeks, with a total of 36 sessions. After the treatment, there will be a 1-month follow-up period. The primary outcomes will be measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor section (UPDRS-III). Secondary outcomes include balance function, executive function, walking function, sleep quality, and quality of life. Additionally, the prefrontal cerebral and sensorimotor cortex blood oxygen signal level will be collected to explore the underlying mechanisms. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, at the end of 12 weeks of treatment and after an additional 1-month follow-up period. The results of the study protocol will provide high-quality evidence for the potential of intervention measures based on the Yijinjing exercise to improve the cognitive and activity levels of Parkinson's disease patients. We envision the Yijinjing exercise as a non-pharmacological family activity that can provide a new and more effective method for the treatment of Parkinson's disease patients or those at risk. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai (2020-05-01). The trial has been registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2200055636).

General Treatments Promoting Independent Living in Parkinson's Patients and Physical Therapy Approaches for Improving Gait-A Comprehensive Review.

This study delves into the multifaceted approaches to treating Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function but also manifesting in a variety of symptoms that vary greatly among individuals. The complexity of PD symptoms necessitates a comprehensive treatment strategy that integrates surgical interventions, pharmacotherapy, and physical therapy to tailor to the unique needs of each patient. Surgical options, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), have been pivotal for patients not responding adequately to medication, offering significant symptom relief. Pharmacotherapy remains a cornerstone of PD management, utilizing drugs like levodopa, dopamine agonists, and others to manage symptoms and, in some cases, slow down disease progression. However, these treatments often lead to complications over time, such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, highlighting the need for precise dosage adjustments and sometimes combination therapies to optimize patient outcomes. Physical therapy plays a critical role in addressing the motor symptoms of PD, including bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, tremors, postural instability, and akinesia. PT techniques are tailored to improve mobility, balance, strength, and overall quality of life. Strategies such as gait and balance training, strengthening exercises, stretching, and functional training are employed to mitigate symptoms and enhance functional independence. Specialized approaches like proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), the Bobath concept, and the use of assistive devices are also integral to the rehabilitation process, aimed at improving patients' ability to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of falls. Innovations in technology have introduced robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) and other assistive devices, offering new possibilities for patient care. These tools provide targeted support and feedback, allowing for more intensive and personalized rehabilitation sessions. Despite these advancements, high costs and accessibility issues remain challenges that need addressing. The inclusion of exercise and activity beyond structured PT sessions is encouraged, with evidence suggesting that regular physical activity can have neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing disease progression. Activities such as treadmill walking, cycling, and aquatic exercises not only improve physical symptoms but also contribute to emotional well-being and social interactions. In conclusion, treating PD requires a holistic approach that combines medical, surgical, and therapeutic strategies. While there is no cure, the goal is to maximize patients' functional abilities and quality of life through personalized treatment plans. This integrated approach, along with ongoing research and development of new therapies, offers hope for improving the management of PD and the lives of those affected by this challenging disease.

Blood flow restriction training does not negatively alter the mechanical strength or histomorphology of uninjured equine superficial digital flexor tendons.

Low load exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has become increasingly used by human physical therapists to prescribe controlled exercise following orthopaedic injury; its effects on the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), however, are unknown. To investigate outcomes of pressure specific BFR walking exercise on uninjured equine SDFT biomechanics and histomorphology. Controlled in vivo experiment. Four forelimbs of four horses were exposed to 40 BFR-walk sessions (10-min interval walking) on a treadmill over a 56-day study period with their contralateral forelimbs serving as untreated controls. Similarly, four forelimbs of four control horses were exposed to 40 sham cuff walk sessions. On study Day 56, all horses (n = 8) were humanely euthanised and forelimb SDFTs underwent non-destructive biomechanical testing and corresponding histomorphological analysis. Significance in biomechanical parameters between treatment groups was analysed using a mixed-effects ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc tests. Statistically significant differences in SDFT stiffness for both first (p = 0.02) and last cycles (p = 0.03) were appreciated within the BFR treated group only, with BFR exposed forelimbs being significantly stiffer than the contralateral unexposed forelimbs. When normalised to cross-sectional area, no significant differences were appreciated among treatment groups in elastic modulus for the first (p = 0.5) or last cycles (p = 0.4). No histological differences were appreciated among treatment groups according to Bonar, Movin, or musculotendinous junction evaluation criteria. Short-term comparisons were performed in a small sample population without correlation to performance outcome measures. Optimal occlusion percentages and walk protocols remain unknown. This study demonstrated no negative impact of BFR on mechanical strength of the equine SDFT; however, evidence suggests that BFR results in increased tendon stiffness based on biomechanical testing and subsequent calculations. No consistent detrimental histomorphological changes were seen.

An abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program for older patients with constipation: Development and feasibility study.

Older patients with constipation are at higher risk for inadequate bowel preparation, but there are currently no targeted strategies. This study aims to develop an abdominal vibration combined with walking exercise (AVCWE) program and assess its feasibility among older patients with constipation. Phase I: Using the Delphi technique, eight experts across three professional fields were consulted to develop the AVCWE program. The experts evaluated and provided recommendations on demonstration videos and detailed descriptions of the preliminary protocol. Phase II: A single-arm feasibility study of the AVCWE program was conducted on 30 older patients with constipation undergoing colonoscopy at a tertiary hospital in China. A 10-point exercise program evaluation form and several open-ended questions were used to gather feedback from participants regarding the program. In both phases, content analysis was used to critically analyze and summarize qualitative suggestions for protocol modifications. Based on feedback from the expert panel, the AVCWE program developed in Phase I included two procedures during laxative ingestion: at least 5,500 steps of walking exercise and two cycles of moderate-intensity abdominal vibration (each cycle consisted of 10 min of vibration and 10 min of rest). The feasibility study in Phase II showed high positive patient feedback scores for the program, ranging from 9.07 ± 0.74 to 9.73 ± 0.52. The AVCWE program was developed by eight multidisciplinary experts and was well accepted by 30 older patients with constipation. Study participants believed that this program was simple, safe, appropriate, and helpful for their bowel preparation. The findings of this study may provide valuable information for optimizing bowel preparation in older patients with constipation.

Short-duration aerobic high-intensity intervals versus moderate exercise training intensity in patients with peripheral artery disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (the Angiof-HIIT Study)

IntroductionSupervised exercise training is among the first-line therapies for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Current recommendations for exercise include guidance focusing on claudication pain, programme and session duration, and...