Impact of carbimazole combined with vitamin E on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats: oxidative/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways.

Thyroid hormones play essential roles in spermatogenesis, but their effects on infertile males remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of combining carbimazole (CBZ) with vitamin E (VE) on testicular injury induced by experimental hyperthyroidism in adult albino rats, focusing on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. In this experimental study, 64 adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Group I (control-untreated), Group II (CBZ-control), Group III (VE-control), Group IV (CBZ + VE-control), Group V (levothyroxine-induced testicular injury), Group VI (levothyroxine + CBZ-treated), Group VII (levothyroxine + VE-treated), and Group VIII (levothyroxine + CBZ + VE-treated). The study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University (Ismailia, Egypt). After cervical decapitation, both testes and epididymis were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Significant differences were observed among groups concerning malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT; all P < 0.001). Polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant differences in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl2), p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA levels (all P < 0.001). Hyperthyroid group treated with CBZ alone (Group VI) exhibited testicular side effects, affecting seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. However, the Group VIII showed improved spermatogenesis and a decrease in testicular side effects. The addition of VE to the treatment of hyperthyroid rats with CBZ reduced testicular side effects and seminiferous tubular affection when potentially improving spermatogenesis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms fully.

Is thyroid dysfunction a common cause of telogen effluvium?: A retrospective study.

Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of hair loss characterized by excessive resting hair shedding. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the possible causes of TE. On the other hand, the link between thyroid disorder and TE is still being debated. The aim of this retrospective is to investigate the link between thyroid dysfunction and TE. This retrospective study included 500 female patients with TE who had thyroid function testing between January 2012 and December 2022. Patients were eligible if they had a confirmed TE diagnosis and thyroid function tests within 3 months of being diagnosed with TE. The thyroid function of the participants was classified as euthyroid, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. The severity of hair loss was determined using the severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score. The study included 500 TE females, 248 of whom were euthyroid, 150 had hypothyroidism, and 102 had hyperthyroidism. The hypothyroid group had a significantly higher mean SALT score than the other 2 groups. Furthermore, patients in the hypothyroid group had a higher proportion of severe hair loss. The mean SALT score did not differ significantly between groups with normal thyroid function and those with hyperthyroidism. A common cause of TE is thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism have more severe hair loss than those with normal thyroid function or hyperthyroidism. To effectively identify and manage such cases, thyroid function testing should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with TE.

Development of GBRT Model as a Novel and Robust Mathematical Model to Predict and Optimize the Solubility of Decitabine as an Anti-Cancer Drug.

The efficient production of solid-dosage oral formulations using eco-friendly supercritical solvents is known as a breakthrough technology towards developing cost-effective therapeutic drugs. Drug solubility is a significant parameter which must be measured before designing the process. Decitabine belongs to the antimetabolite class of chemotherapy agents applied for the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In recent years, the prediction of drug solubility by applying mathematical models through artificial intelligence (AI) has become known as an interesting topic due to the high cost of experimental investigations. The purpose of this study is to develop various machine-learning-based models to estimate the optimum solubility of the anti-cancer drug decitabine, to evaluate the effects of pressure and temperature on it. To make models on a small dataset in this research, we used three ensemble methods, Random Forest (RFR), Extra Tree (ETR), and Gradient Boosted Regression Trees (GBRT). Different configurations were tested, and optimal hyper-parameters were found. Then, the final models were assessed using standard metrics. RFR, ETR, and GBRT had R2 scores of 0.925, 0.999, and 0.999, respectively. Furthermore, the MAPE metric error rates were 1.423 × 10-1 7.573 × 10-2, and 7.119 × 10-2, respectively. According to these facts, GBRT was considered as the primary model in this paper. Using this method, the optimal amounts are calculated as: P = 380.88 bar, T = 333.01 K, Y = 0.001073.

Comparative effectiveness study of low versus high-intensity aerobic training with resistance training in community-dwelling older men with post-COVID 19 sarcopenia: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To find and compare the clinical and psychological effects of low and high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training in community-dwelling older men with post-COVID-19 sarcopenia symptoms. DESIGN: Randomized control trial. SETTING: University physiotherapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Men in the age range of 60-80 years with post-COVID-19 Sarcopenia. INTERVENTION: All participants received resistance training for whatever time of the day that they received it, and that in addition they were randomized into two groups like low-intensity aerobic training group (n = 38) and high-intensity aerobic training group (n = 38) for 30 minutes/session, 1 session/day, 4 days/week for 8 weeks. OUTCOMES: Clinical (muscle strength and muscle mass) and psychological (kinesiophobia and quality of life scales) measures were measured at the baseline, fourth week, the eighth week, and at six months follow-up. RESULTS: The 2 × 4 group by time repeated measures MANOVA with corrected post-hoc tests for six dependent variables shows a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). At the end of six months follow up, the handgrip strength, -3.9 (95% CI -4.26 to -3.53), kinesiophobia level 4.7 (95% CI 4.24 to 5.15), and quality of life -10.4 (95% CI -10.81 to -9.9) shows more improvement (P < 0.001) in low-intensity aerobic training group than high-intensity aerobic training group, but in muscle mass both groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-intensity aerobic training exercises are more effective in improving the clinical (muscle strength) and psychological (kinesiophobia and quality of life) measures than high-intensity aerobic training in post-COVID 19 Sarcopenia.

Optimization of pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life in adolescents with thoracic burns after a 2-month arm cycling exercise programme: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Burns to the thorax are at high risk for long-term pulmonary complications due to chest muscle contractures and chronic inflammation in both adolescents and young adults. Few studies have investigated the effects of arm cycling exercise in those individuals. For that reason, this study examined pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with thoracic burns subsequent to 2-month arm cycling exercise programme. METHODS: A single-blinded, two-month randomized prospective controlled study was carried out between July 2019 and March 2020 on thirty adolescents with chest burns aged 11-17 years. They were randomized into two equal groups (n = 15), traditional physiotherapy programme (control group), and arm cycling exercise plus traditonal physiotherapy (arm cycling exercise group) for 2 consecutive months. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), six-minute walk test (6MWT), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were measured in both groups at baseline and after 2-month after intervention. RESULTS: No statistical significance was detected at baseline between control and arm cycling exercise groups (FVC, p = 0.903, FEV1, p = 0.835, 6MWT, p = 0.817, and PedsQL, p = 0.612). 2 months after intervention showed statistical improvements in the arm cycling exercise group in all measures (FVC, p = 0.001, FEV1, p < 0.0001, 6MWT, p = 0.001, and PedsQL, p = 0.001) however, the control group showed statistical improvements in FVC, p = 0.044 and FEV1, p = 0.024 with non-statistically significant changes in 6MWT, p = 0.145 and PedsQL, p = 0.067. The arm cycling exercise group showed greater improvements than control group in the outcome measures (FVC, p = 0.034, FEV1, p < 0.017, 6MWT, p = 0.037, and PedsQL, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study clearly demonstrated positive and beneficial influences of two-month arm cycling exercise in the optimization of pulmonary functions, functional performance, and QOL in adolescents suffering from chest burns and thereby eliminating post-burn complications.

Clinical and physical efficiency of virtual reality games in soccer players with low back pain / Eficiencia de los juegos de realidad virtual en jugadores de futbol con dolor de espalda baja / Eficiência clínica e física de jogos de realidade virtual em jogadores de futebol com dor lombar

ABSTRACT Introduction: Virtual reality training (VRT) is an advanced technology that creates virtual games by a computer through specific software. It is a type of rehabilitation training commonly used in balance problems to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Objective: To determine and compare the effects of virtual reality games with those of core stabilization training on physical efficiency in soccer players with chronic low back pain. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled study was conducted on 60 LBP participants at a university hospital. The first group (n=20) received virtual reality (VR) training; the second group (n=20) received core stabilization (CS) training; and the third group (n=20) received conventional training exercises for four weeks. Scores of clinical and sports performance were measured at baseline, and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months. Results: The baseline demographic and clinical characters did not show any significant differences (p>0.05) in the statistical analysis, which shows a homogenous population. Four weeks following the training, the VR training group showed more significant changes in clinical scores than the CS training and control groups (p≤0.001). The scores for sports performance also showed more significant improvement in the VR training group than in the other two groups (p≤0.001). The same improved clinical and sports performance changes were seen at 8 weeks and 6 months of follow-up in the VR training group, when compared to the other two groups (p≤0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that training through virtual reality games results in long-term improvement in clinical and sports performance compared to other forms of training in soccer players with chronic low back pain.Level of evidence I b; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: El entrenamiento de realidad virtual (VRT) es una tecnología avanzada, que crea juegos virtuales por computadora a través de un software específico. Es un tipo de entrenamiento de rehabilitación que se usa comúnmente en problemas de equilibrio para tratar afecciones musculoesqueléticas. Objetivo: Encontrar y comparar los efectos de los juegos de realidad virtual sobre el entrenamiento de estabilización central sobre la eficiencia física en jugadores de fútbol con dolor lumbar crónico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio controlado, aleatorizado, doble ciego en 60 participantes con dolor lumbar en un hospital universitario. El primer grupo (n = 20) recibió entrenamiento de realidad virtual (VR), el segundo grupo (n = 20) recibió entrenamiento de estabilización central (CS) y el tercer grupo (n = 20) recibió ejercicios de entrenamiento convencionales durante cuatro semanas. Los puntajes de rendimiento clínico y deportivo se midieron al inicio del estudio, después de 4 semanas, 8 semanas y 6 meses. Resultados: Los caracteres demográficos y clínicos basales no mostraron ninguna diferencia significativa (p. 0,05) en el análisis estadístico lo que indica una población homogénea. Cuatro semanas después del entrenamiento, el grupo de entrenamiento de RV mostró cambios más significativos en las puntuaciones clínicas que los de entrenamiento de CS y los grupos de control (p≤0,001). Las puntuaciones de rendimiento deportivo también mostraron una mejora significativa en el grupo de entrenamiento de RV comparadas con los otros dos grupos (p≤0,001). Hubo los mismos cambios clínicos y de rendimiento deportivo a las 8 semanas y 6 meses de seguimiento en el grupo de entrenamiento de RV y en los otros dos grupos (p≤0,001). Conclusión: Nuestro estudio sugirió que el entrenamiento a través de juegos de realidad virtual mejoró el rendimiento clínico y deportivo más que otros entrenamientos en jugadores de fútbol con dolor lumbar crónico a largo plazo. Nivel de evidencia Ib; Estudios terapéuticos, investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: O treinamento com realidade virtual (TRV) é uma tecnologia avançada que cria jogos virtuais para computador por meio de software específico. É um tipo de treinamento de reabilitação comumente usado em problemas de equilíbrio no tratamento de doenças musculoesqueléticas. Objetivo: Determinar e comparar os efeitos dos jogos de realidade virtual com o treinamento de estabilização central na eficiência física de jogadores de futebol com dor lombar crônica. Métodos: Estudo randomizado, duplo-cego e controlado realizado com 60 participantes com lombalgia em um hospital universitário. O primeiro grupo (n = 20) recebeu treinamento de realidade virtual (RV), o segundo grupo (n = 20) recebeu treinamento de estabilização central (EC) e o terceiro grupo (n = 20) recebeu exercícios de treinamento convencional por quatro semanas. Os escores de desempenho clínico e esportivo foram medidos no início do estudo e depois de 4 semanas, 8 semanas e 6 meses. Resultados: As características demográficas e clínicas basais não mostraram diferença significativa (p > 0,05) na análise estatística, o que indica população homogênea. Quatro semanas depois do treinamento, o grupo RV mostrou mudanças mais significativas nos escores clínicos do que os grupos EC e controle (p ≤ 0,001). Os escores de desempenho esportivo também mostraram melhora significativa no grupo RV do que nos outros dois grupos (p ≤ 0,001). As mesmas mudanças benéficas de desempenho clínico e esportivo foram observadas em 8 semanas e 6 meses de acompanhamento no grupo RV em comparação com os outros dois grupos (p ≤ 0,001). Conclusão: Este estudo sugere que o treinamento com jogos de realidade virtual resulta em melhora do desempenho clínico e esportivo a longo prazo do que outras formas de treinamento em jogadores de futebol com dor lombar crônica. Nível de evidência Ib; Estudos terapêuticos, Investigação dos resultados de tratamentos.

Effects of Postoperative Rehabilitation on Gait Parameters and Electromyography Variables in Acute and Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Football Players.

RESULTS: The results of the a-ACLR, c-ACLR, and control groups were compared. At 8 weeks following postoperative rehabilitation, the a-ACLR group shows more significant changes than the c-ACLR group (p < 0.001). At 6 and 12 months, there are normal values of kinematic and kinetic values in a-ACLR compared with the results of the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study showed that postoperative rehabilitation provides significant effects in the kinematic, kinetic, and EMG gait parameters in acute ACLR than chronic ACLR subjects. Early surgical intervention and postrehabilitation are mandatory to get the significant effects in the clinical parameters in acute and chronic ACL injury.

A Low-Fat Diet Combined with Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise is More Effective than a Low-Fat Diet or Aerobic Exercise Alone on Dyslipidemia and Depression Status in Obese Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Exercise and dietary interventions are used to control dyslipidemia and depression in obese individuals, whilst rare investigations have examined the concurrent effects of a low-fat diet and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training (MIAET) on dyslipidemia and depression in obese patients. Hence, we assessed the potential influences of a low-fat diet combined with MIAET on blood lipids and depression in those individuals. METHODS: Forty-two obese patients aged 30-50 years have been enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. They have been randomized equally into MIAET group (n=14, 60-70% of the maximum heart rate (Max HR), three sessions a week), a low-fat diet group (n=14, fat, 30% Kcal/day), and a low-fat diet plus MIAET (n=14) for 10 consecutive weeks. Body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) have been assessed on two occasions, pre and post- 10 weeks. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that a low-fat diet group showed an improvement in total cholesterol (T-Ch), p=0.046, with no changes in triglycerides (TGs), p=0.343, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), p=0.187, and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), p=0.224; however, MIAET group showed an improvement in TGs, p=0.042, HDLs, p=0.038 with no changes in T-Ch, p=0.126, and LDLs, p=0.368. Regarding the low-fat diet plus MIAET group, significant improvements were identified in TGs, p=0.003, T-Ch, p<0.001, LDLs, p=0.004, and HDLs, p<0.001. For the depression status, all groups showed a significant improvement in HDRS, p<0.001, with a low-fat diet plus MIAET group showing greater advantages, p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The results of the current trial suggest an important implication for promoting improvement in blood lipids and a reduction in depression status in obese patients with dyslipidemia following 10-week of a concurrent low-fat diet and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise more than low-fat diet or MIAET alone.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Pulsed High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Objective: This study explored the different effects of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus pulsed electromagnetic field (EMF) in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain (ChNsLBP). Methods: Between August and December 2019, 51 ChNsLBP participants with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.6 years were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. At random, they were divided into three groups, 17 in each; HILT, EMF, and controls. HILT group was recruited for Nd:YAG laser using the following parameters: a wavelength of 1064 nm, fluency of 610-810 mJ, frequency of 10-40 Hz, average power of 10.5 W, and 120 µs short pulse duration in scanning mode. All groups received the treatment twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. They were assessed for the modified Oswestry disability index (MODI), pain disability index (PDI), visual analog scale (VAS), and lumbar flexion range of motion (flex ROM) before and after 8 weeks of study program. Results: The results showed greater improvement in the HILT group (VAS, PDI, MODI, and lumbar flex ROM, p = 0.001) than the EMF group (VAS, p = 0.002, PDI, p = 0.045, MODI, p = 0.002, and lumbar flex ROM, p = 0.042), with significant difference between the two groups in favor of the HILT group (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusions: Depending on the results of the study, both HILT and EMF are useful physiotherapy modalities in the treatment of ChNsLBP with HILT exhibiting better outcomes than EMF. Clinical recommendations should be highlighted to instigate the use of HILT in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, distinctively ChNsLBP.

Inspiratory muscle training for recovered COVID-19 patients after weaning from mechanical ventilation: A pilot control clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on recovered COVID-19 patients after weaning from mechanical ventilation. Therefore, this study assessed the efficacy of IMT on recovered COVID-19 patients following mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Forty-two recovered COVID-19 patients (33 men and 9 women) weaned from mechanical ventilation with a mean age of 48.05 ±â€Š8.85 years were enrolled in this pilot control clinical study. Twenty-one patients were equipped to 2-week IMT (IMT group) and 21 matched peers were recruited as a control (control group). Forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), dyspnea severity index (DSI), quality of life (QOL), and six-minute walk test (6-MWT) were assessed initially before starting the study intervention and immediately after intervention. RESULTS: Significant interaction effects were observed in the IMT when compared to control group, FVC% (F = 5.31, P = .041, ηP2 = 0.13), FEV1% (F = 4.91, P = .043, ηP2 = 0.12), DSI (F = 4.56, P = .032, ηP2 = 0.15), QOL (F = 6.14, P = .021, ηP2 = 0.17), and 6-MWT (F = 9.34, P = .028, ηP2 = 0.16). Within-group analysis showed a significant improvement in the IMT group (FVC%, P = .047, FEV1%, P = .039, DSI, P = .001, QOL, P < .001, and 6-MWT, P < .001), whereas the control group displayed nonsignificant changes (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: A 2-week IMT improves pulmonary functions, dyspnea, functional performance, and QOL in recovered intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients after consecutive weaning from mechanical ventilation. IMT program should be encouraged in the COVID-19 management protocol, specifically with ICU patients.

Prevalence and Nonpharmacological Interventions for Sarcopenia among Cirrhotic Patients.

Sarcopenia is the most common feature of hepatic cirrhosis characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function and increases permanently the mortality and morbidity rates among those patients. The incidence of sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients ranged 40-70% associating with impaired quality of life and augmented rates of infection. Based on these issues, this review is aimed at determining the prevalence and main causes of sarcopenia among cirrhotic patients and recognizing the recent diagnostic and physical treatment modalities that prevent risk factors for sarcopenia in those patients. No ideal modality is currently demonstrated for diagnosing sarcopenia in hepatic diseases, particularly cirrhosis; however, recent studies reported different diagnostic modalities for muscle function in different individuals including handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index, six-min walk test, liver frailty index, short physical performance battery, and radiological assessments for quadriceps and psoas muscles. Exercise training and therapeutic nutrition are strongly recommended for controlling sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients. The exercise program is designed and carried out on a frequent basis within an extensive scheduled time aimed at improving functional performance, aerobic capacity, and healthy conditions. Finally, a combination of exercise training and therapeutic nutrition is powerfully recommended to control sarcopenia in cirrhosis.

Falls and potential therapeutic interventions among elderly and older adult patients with cancer: a systematic review.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review for previous publications that have assessed the incidence, risk factors, and favorable procedures to prevent and manage falls among cancer survivors of elderly and older adults. Materials: This systematic review was undertook using PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane Database of clinical studies and systematic reviews to determine the incidence, risk factors, favorable inpatient and outpatient management, and non-pharmacological interventions for falls among elderly and older adult patients with cancer from 2010 to October, 2020. Results: After the comprehensive screening, clinical studies, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, and established guidelines were included in this review. Only 5 clinical studies (3 randomized and 2 single-arm studies), 5 systematic reviews, and 6 established guidelines were considered eligible. The five systematic reviews provide risk factors of falls and the 6 guidelines provide assessment & prevention modalities of falls, however, the 6 clinical studies provide the non-pharmacological intervention for falling among cancer survivors. Many factors associated are demonstrated among wide range of elderly individuals. Earlier falls were reliably listed as an important risk factor of falls in the two inpatient and outpatient environments including both general older people and geriatric cancer populations. Conclusions: This review concludes that the assessment of falls among older individuals with cancer is the most important way for determining who could need additional observation and treatment program. Health professions involving physical therapy and occupational therapy have an important function for promoting health well-being in elderly and older adults with cancer.

Potential efficacy of sensorimotor exercise program on pain, proprioception, mobility, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns: A 12-week randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and burn injuries lead to physical and psychological impairments. Foot burns are still a challenging health condition because of its important sensory role. No previous studies have assessed the physical therapy intervention on diabetic patients with foot burns. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential efficacy of sensorimotor exercise on pain, proprioception, mobility, balance, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns. METHODS: Between July 2019 and February 2020, thirty-three diabetic patients with foot burns, aged 32 to 46yrs, were enrolled in this randomized control study, and randomized consecutively into two groups, study group (n=16) and control group (n=17). The study group underwent a sensorimotor exercise program thrice a week for 12 consecutive weeks, however the control group did not undergo the exercise intervention. Both groups were instructed to conduct home exercises. Visual analogue scale (VAS), proprioceptive responses, time-up and go (TUG) values, and short form-36 (SF-36) have been assessed prior and subsequent to the study intervention. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups regarding baseline data (p˃0.05). Subsequent to 12wk intervention, the study group showed significant improvements in outcome measures (proprioceptive responses, p˂0.05, VAS, p˂0.001, TUG, p=0.003, and SF-36, p˂0.001) and the control group exhibited significant changes in VAS and SF-36 (p=0.004, p=0.043 respectively) however, no significant changes were found in proprioceptive responses and TUG values (p˃0.05). Between groups, the post-intervention comparison demonstrated statistical differences with tending toward the study group (proprioceptive responses, p˂0.05, VAS, p˂0.001, TUG, p=0.013, and SF-36, p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Sensorimotor exercise training may improve, pain, proprioceptive responses, mobility, balance, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns. Physiotherapists and rehabilitation providers should include the sensorimotor exercise in their protocols in the treatment of diabetic patients with foot burns.

Short-term clinical efficacy of the pulsed Nd: YAG laser therapy on chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) is gradually increasing among populations worldwide and affects their activities. Recently, the Nd:YAG laser has been presented in the rehabilitation field. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the short-term effects of the Nd:YAG laser on chronic non-specific LBP individuals. METHODS: Thirty-five individuals with chronic nonspecific LBP were included in the study from December 2019 to March 2020. Randomly, they were categorized to Nd:YAG group (n = 18) and sham laser as a control (n = 17) thrice weekly for a 6-week intervention. Modified Oswestry disability index (MODI), pain disability index (PDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) have been assessed pre and post-6 weeks of the intervention. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the Nd:YAG group (MODI, P < .001; PDI, P = .007; VAS, P < .001; lumbar ROM, P = .002), whereas the sham group showed no significant changes (MODI, P = .451; PDI, P = .339; VAS, P = .107; lumbar ROM, P = .296) after 6-week intervention. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in tending toward the Nd:YAG group (MODI, P < .001; PDI, P = .046; VAS, P < .001; lumbar ROM, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the present study outcomes, short-term pulsed Nd:YAG laser (6 weeks) may reduce functional disabilities and pain intensity, and improve the lumbar flexion ROM in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP. Further well-designed randomized controlled studies with large sample sizes should be conducted regarding laser treatment.

Comparative effects of virtual reality training and sensory motor training on bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers in post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of virtual reality training (VRT) and sensory-motor training (SMT) in bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and inflammatory biomarkers expression in post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after the anterior cruciate ligament injury. Through a simple random sampling method, 60 eligible participants were allocated into VRT (n = 20), SMT (n = 20), and control groups (n = 20). They underwent training programs for 4 weeks. Clinical (pain intensity and functional disability) and biochemical (bone morphogenic proteins and inflammatory biomarkers) values were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 3 months follow up. Four weeks following training, the VRT group shows more significant changes in pain intensity and functional disability than SMT and control groups (P < 0.001). Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) measures such as BMP 2, 4, 6, and 7 don't show any significant changes between the groups. But at the same time, the VRT group shows positive improvement in inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) analysis than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Our study suggests that including virtual reality training in PTOA shows beneficial changes in pain, functional disability, and modification of inflammatory biomarkers than sensory-motor training, but at the same time it shows a negligible effect on bone morphogenic proteins.

Comparative Effects of Isokinetic Training and Virtual Reality Training on Sports Performances in University Football Players with Chronic Low Back Pain-Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to find and compare the effects of isokinetic training and virtual reality training on sports performances in university football players with chronic low back pain. DESIGN: This is a randomized, double-blinded controlled study. METHODS: The study was conducted on 45LBP participants at university hospital. First group (n = 15) received isokinetic training, second group (n = 15) received virtual reality training, and the control group (n = 15) received conventional training exercises for four weeks. Clinical (pain intensity and player wellness) and sports performance (40 m sprint, 4 × 5 m sprint, submaximal shuttle running, countermovement jump, and squat jump) scores were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. RESULTS: Four weeks following training VRT group shows more significant changes in pain intensity and player wellness scores than IKT and control groups (p ≤ 0.001). Sports performance variables (such as 40 m sprint, 4 × 5 m sprint, submaximal shuttle running, countermovement jump, and squat jump) scores also show significant improvement in VRT group than the other two groups (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, our study suggests that strength training through virtual reality training protocol improves pain and sports performances than isokinetic training and other conventional trainings in university football players with chronic low back pain.

Effect of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Hepatic Fat Content and Visceral Lipids in Hepatic Patients with Diabesity: A Single-Blinded Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Limited studies have assessed the effect of moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise on hepatic fat content and visceral lipids in hepatic patients with diabesity. This study was designed to evaluate hepatic fat content and visceral lipids following moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise in hepatic patients with diabesity. DESIGN: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial. METHODS: Thirty-one diabetic obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were recruited into this study. The patients were randomly classified into exercise and control groups, fifteen patients in the exercise group and sixteen patients in the control group. The exercise group received an 8-week moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise program with standard medical treatment, while the control group received standard medical treatment without any exercise program. Hepatic fat content and visceral lipids were assessed before and after intervention at the end of the study. RESULTS: Baseline and clinical characteristics showed a nonsignificant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the end of the intervention, the aerobic exercise showed significant improvements (serum triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), p ≤ 0.002, total cholesterol, p=0.004, visceral fats, p=0.016, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), p=0.022, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), p=0.038, alanine transaminases (AL), p=0.044, intrahepatic triglyceride and HOMA-IR, p=0.046, and body mass index (BMI), p=0.047), while the control group showed a nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05). The postintervention analysis showed significant differences in favor of the aerobic exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise reduces the hepatic fat content and visceral lipids in hepatic patients with diabesity. Recommendations should be prescribed for encouraging moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training, particularly hepatic patients with diabesity.