Effect of melatonin on reproductive function in propylthiouracil induced hypothyroidism in adult male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, reproduction, and growth. Hypothyroidism is connected with lower sperm count and motility, leading to male infertility. Oxidative stress is likely to be linked to this interaction. Melatonin, being known as an oxidative scavenger, may offer a feasible treatment method for reproductive dysfunction accompanying hypothyroidism in adult male rats. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the mechanism by which melatonin treatment affected spermatogenic and steroidogenic function in an experimental model-induced hypothyroidism in adult male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male albino adult rats weighing between 150 and 210 g were used in this experiment. Rats were split into three groups and studied for 11 weeks. The control euthyroid group, in which rats received 0.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) solution by intraperitoneal injection [solvent for 6-propyl 2-thouracil (PTU)], 6 days/week for 8 weeks; the PTU-induced hypothyroid group, in which chemical thyroidectomy was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PTU at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight, 6 days/week for 8 weeks; and the melatonin-treated hypothyroid group, which received 3 mg/kg melatonin intraperitoneally daily for 21 days plasma free Triiodothyronine (T3), free Thyroxin (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and prolactin were measured. Also, semen analysis, testicular tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were accessed. RESULTS: The results indicated that melatonin significantly increased sperm viability and motility compared to the untreated PTU-induced hypothyroid group (p<0.001). Testicular MDA and TNF-α showed a significant decrease in the melatonin-treated hypothyroid group compared with the PTU-induced hypothyroid group (p<0.05). In addition, plasma testosterone levels were significantly increased, accompanied by a significant reduction of plasma prolactin levels compared to the untreated hypothyroid group (p<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study findings, melatonin could mitigate gonadal dysfunction induced by hypothyroidism by improving several components of semen analysis, such as sperm motility and sperm viability, as well as by enhancing testosterone production focusing on oxidative and inflammatory stress as the underlying mechanisms.

Virtual reality-based exercises' effects on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term consequences of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which include altered lung functions and compromised cardiopulmonary capacity, impact functional performance and quality of life. This study investigates the effects of virtual reality-based exercise programs on pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life in children with repaired CDH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. Fifty-two children with repaired CDH (aged 6-10 years) were enrolled and randomly allocated to virtual reality-based exercises plus traditional physical therapy (VR-EX group, n = 26) or traditional physical therapy alone (control group, n = 26). Interventions were conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The VR-EX group demonstrated significantly enhanced post-treatment pulmonary functions and cardiopulmonary capacity compared to the control group after accounting for the pre-treatment values (p < 0.05). In addition, the values in functional performance and quality of life measures showed significantly larger improvements in the VR-EX group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with repaired CDH may benefit more from VR-based exercises when combined with traditional physical therapy than from traditional physical therapy alone regarding their pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary capacity, functional performance, and quality of life.

Effects of intermittent aerobic training on exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, and gait parameters in asthmatic children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is no evidence that exercise training program is effective in improving aerobic capacity, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and quality of life in asthmatic children with cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore, the effects of intermittent aerobic training on exercise capacity, pulmonary function, and gait parameters in asthmatic CP children have been evaluated in the current study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical trial included thirty-six asthmatic CP children between January and December 2021. Their ages were between 7 and 12 years old. They were randomly allocated to the intermittent aerobic exercise group (IAEG) and a control group (CG), with 18 per each group. The children have been recruited for the 10-week interventional program. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), stride length, cadence, gait speed, and pediatric asthma quality of life (PAQLQ) were all measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Pre-post analysis in the IAEG showed noteworthy changes (6MWT, p=0.005; FVC, p=0.002; FEV1, p<0.001; overall score of PAQLQ, p<0.001; stride length, p<0.001; cadence, p<0.001; and gait speed, p˂0.001), while the control group showed non-significant changes (p>0.05). There were noteworthy differences between IAEG and CG post-treatment (6MWT, p=0.019; FVC, p=0.031; FEV1, p<0.001; overall score of PAQLQ, p=0.031; stride length, p<0.001; cadence, p=0.009; and gait speed, p<0.001) in favor of the IAEG. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the study findings, 10 weeks of intermittent aerobic exercise may improve exercise capacity, pulmonary function, gait parameters, and quality of life in asthmatic CP children. Based on what we found, this protocol should be used in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for children with CP who have breathing problems.

The effect of McKenzie protocol vs. deep neck flexor and scapulothoracic exercises in subjects with chronic neck pain - a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of McKenzie exercises against deep neck flexor (DNF) combined with scapulothoracic exercises on improving pain severity, cervical mobility, and functional disability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five subjects suffering from chronic neck pain participated in this randomized controlled study. They were randomly assigned to three groups; the DNF group, which was treated by traditional physical therapy (i.e., physical therapy agents, stretching, and isometric exercises), combined with DNF, and scapulothoracic exercises; the McKenzie group, treated by traditional physical therapy, combined with McKenzie exercises; and finally, a control group, treated by traditional physical therapy. Before and after 6 weeks of treatment, they were assessed for neck pain severity, cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability using a visual analog scale (VAS), a gravity-reference goniometer, and the Copenhagen neck functional disability scale (CNFDS), respectively. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, all groups showed a significant decrease in neck pain severity and disability (p <0.05), and there was a significant increase in neck flexion/extension, lateral right flexion/left flexion, and right/left rotation ROMs (p<0.05). The improvement of the McKenzie group was significantly higher than the DNF group, and control group. Moreover, the improvement of the DNF group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The McKenzie exercises were better than DNF combined with scapulothoracic exercises to treat neck pain, functional disability, and mobility.

Distinct effects of trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down syndrome: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a 3-month, trampoline-based stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises on muscle strength and postural control in children with Down's syndrome (DS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two children with DS aged between 7-9 years were enrolled and randomly assigned into the control group (n = 16); received standard physical therapy (sPT) or SSC group (n = 16); received sPT in addition to a 15-minute, trampoline-based SSC training program twice per week for 12 successive weeks. Lower limb muscle strength and postural stability [anterior/posterior stability index (A/P-SI), medial/lateral stability index (M/L-SI)], and overall stability index (O-SI) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Strength of hip extensor (p=0.034) and adductor (p=0.015), knee extensor (p=0.028) and flexor (p=0.01), and ankle dorsi (p=0.033) and plantar flexor (p=0.007) muscles increased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group. Also, the A/P-SI (p=0.019), M/L-SI (p=0.002), and O-SI (p=0.021) decreased significantly in the SSC group when compared with the control group, suggesting better postural control. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of trampoline-based SSC exercises are likely effective for enhancing muscle strength and postural control in children with DS and should consequently be included in the rehabilitation programs for these children.

Incorporation of Pilates-based core strengthening exercises into the rehabilitation protocol for adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate how a Pilates-based core strengthening exercise program affected pain, lower limb muscle strength, functional status, and health-related quality of life in adolescents with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 teenagers with PFPS (ages 14-17) were randomly assigned to receive either a standard PT program (control group) or Pilates exercises plus the conventional program (study group). Both groups continued the treatment sessions for 3 months (3 sessions/week). Pain intensity, lower limb muscle strength (hip abductors and external rotators and knee extensors), functional status, and health-related quality of life were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. RESULTS: Pain intensity (p =.005) reduced significantly post-treatment in the study group as compared to the control group, when controlled for the pre-treatment value. Also, muscle strength of hip abductors (p =.002) external rotators (p < .001), knee extensors (p = .013), functional status (p = .002), and health-related quality of life (p < .001) increased significantly in the study group when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that Pilates-based core strengthening exercises can help adolescents with PFPS reduce pain, enhance muscle strength, and improve their functional status and quality of life.