Effects of a Bio-Electromagnetic Energy Regulation Blanket on Thoracolumbar Epaxial Muscle Pain in Horses.

Back pain and inflammation of the epaxial musculature is a significant problem in all equine athletes. Treatment of back pain can be challenging and often requires a multimodal approach. In humans, bio-electromagnetic energy regulation therapy (BEMER) has been reported to be effective in pain modulation. With its increased use in people comes a similar robust application in veterinary medicine unfortunately, there is unsubstantiated evidence for this type of therapy in horses. Objectives of this study were to assess analgesic responses and biomechanical outcome variables using a bio-electromagnetic energy regulation therapy blanket, and to evaluate serum biomarkers as a method to monitor the treatment effects in horses with thoracolumbar epaxial muscle pain. Cohort study of 8 horses treated for 3 consecutive days. Horses with naturally-occurring thoracolumbar epaxial muscle pain were used in this study. Objective outcome variables were recorded daily for 5 days, which included spinal evaluation, mechanical nociceptive thresholds, electromyography, kinematics, kinetics, and serum biomarkers. BEMER blanket therapy significantly improved thoracolumbar epaxial muscle nociceptive thresholds. Center of pressure displacement as a measure of postural stability was significantly improved as well as significant gains in spinal flexibility were demonstrated at study completion. A significant treatment effect was not appreciated in measures of muscle tone, ground reaction forces or serum biomarkers. Limitations include the lack of a control group and a definitive structural diagnosis of thoracolumbar epaxial muscle pain. The BEMER blanket produced significant clinical and biomechanical effects in horses with back pain.

The effects of diet- and diet plus exercise-induced weight loss on basal metabolic rate and acylated ghrelin in grade 1 obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Diet and exercise are often prescribed as primary intervention regarding obesity-related disorders. Additionally, recent studies have shown beneficial effects of weight loss through diet and exercise in ghrelin concentrations in obese subjects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 5% weight loss on lipid profile, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and acylated ghrelin (AG) using two different methods of intervention (diet or diet plus exercise). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen subjects (twelve women and six men) aged 20-40 years with a body mass index of 30-34.9 kg/m(2) (grade 1 obesity) were randomized into two intervention groups: diet (n=9) or diet plus exercise (n=9). Both groups underwent treatment until 5% of the initial body weight was lost. At baseline and upon completion, RMR and AG were analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant decrease in body fat percentage and fat mass. The diet-plus-exercise group showed a decrease in AG (pre: 54.4±25.3 pg/mL and post: 33.2±19.1 pg/mL) and an increase in RMR (pre: 1,363±379 kcal/day, post: 1,633±223 kcal/day). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that diet plus exercise induced weight loss and had beneficial effects on AG concentration and RMR, essential factors to ensure the benefits of a weight-loss program.