ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine variations in stress, metabolic, and physiological parameters of horses used in the traditional equestrian team sport of Kök-Börü in relation to winning and losing outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To accomplish this, blood samples were taken from horses on four different teams who participated in two separate games, both before and after game. These samples were used to measure levels of cortisol, ACTH, beta-endorphin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) via species-specific commercial ELISA kits. The autoanalyzer tested biochemical and hematological parameters. The gathered data were then analyzed statistically based on the teams' winning or losing status. RESULTS: The results suggested that winning teams had lower MID, red blood cell, HGB, RDW-SD, HCT, platelet distribution width, and creatine kinase values post-game in comparison to their pre-game state. Conversely, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and CREA values increased in the winning teams' post-game. Additionally, horses in the winning teams showed a decrease in cortisol, beta-endorphin, and ACTH levels post-game but increased levels of adrenaline and T3. Considering the pre-game values, it was found that GRA and Cl levels were lower in the winning teams. Before the game, adrenaline and T3 levels were higher in the winning teams. No significant difference was observed in post-game hematological parameters between the teams. However, post-game K, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels were higher among the winning teams' horses, while cortisol and beta-endorphin levels were heightened in horses from the losing side. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, significant differences were not observed in the distribution of hematological and biochemical parameters of horses following the Kök-Börü games, regardless of the outcome. However, decreased post-game cortisol, ACTH, and beta-endorphin levels in winning teams may suggest better stress management abilities among these horses.
Subject(s)
Sports , Animals , Horses/physiology , Male , Female , Stress, PhysiologicalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Decreased postural control, sensory integration deficits and fatigue are important problems that cause functional impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). PURPOSE: To examine the effect of modified clinical Pilates exercises on sensory interaction and balance, postural control and fatigue in pwMS. METHODS: Eleven patients with multiple sclerosis and 12 healthy matched controls were recruited in this study. Limits of stability and postural stability tests were used to evaluate postural control by Biodex Balance System and sensory interaction assessed. Fatigue was assessed by Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Pilates exercises were applied two times a week for 10 weeks and measurements were repeated to pwMS after exercise training. RESULTS: Postural control and fatigue (except psychosocial parameter) of pwMS were significantly worser than healthy controls (p<0.05). Significant improvements occurred in sensory interaction (eyes open, foam surface) and total, physical and cognitive scores of fatigue after 10-week modified clinical Pilates training (p<0.05). No significant changes were detected in postural control after the pilates exercises (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ten-week Pilates training is effective to improve sensory interaction and to decrease fatigue. Pilates exercises can be applied safely in ambulatory pwMS for enhance sensory interaction and balance and combat fatigue. More investigations are needed.