Abstract This study aimed to examine the impact of two resistance training methods, 3/7 and the Cluster-Set (CS) protocol, on acute exercise responses related to the anabolic and metabolic environment, as well as muscle damage. Thirteen active women (21.81 ± 4.04) participated in the study. The 3/7 protocol involved 5 sets with an increasing number of repetitions in successive sets (3-7 reps) with 15 s between sets at 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM). The CS method consisted of 3 sets of 8 reps with 120 s rest between sets and 30 s rest within sets at 85-90% 1RM. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately after the first session, and after the final session at week eight to assess serum growth hormone (GH), Cortisol, Testosterone, as well as Lactate, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations. Following a resistance training session, significant increases in GH, Testosterone, Lactate, and CK were observed in the 3/7 group, while the CS group showed significant increases in GH, T, and LDH. Additionally, the 3/7 group exhibited a statistically significant rise in GH at T3 compared to T2. The 3/7 group showed substantial increases in GH, CK, and Lactate compared to T1, whereas the CS group demonstrated significant rises in Lactate and LDH. In the intergroup comparison, the 3/7 group outperformed the CS group, as evidenced by a significant increase in GH at T2 and T3, and in Lactate at T2. Consequently, the 3/7 protocol appears to be an effective training technique for enhancing specific hormonal and metabolic responses in active women, especially given the shorter session durations. In contrast, a high-intensity CS protocol, while effective, may offer less efficiency in eliciting these responses.

Abstract Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia. The diabetic heart becomes more susceptible to ischemic injury. Although exercise induces a cardioprotective phenotype, the determination of accurate protocol is crucial. We compared two different exercise intensities in the diabetes model and evaluated the role of myokines in exercise-induced cardioprotection. Male, adult, Wistar albino rats were used (n = 20 each). First, animals were divided into two groups: Non-Diabetic (ND), Diabetic (DM); then groups were further divided into subgroups: Sedentary (S), Training-1 (T1 = 10 m/min, 0° inclination), and Training-2 (T2 = 20 m/min, 10° inclination). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg; i.p.). Animals exercised on a treadmill 5 days/a week for 6 weeks. Then, hearts were attached to the Langendorff apparatus and baseline functional parameters were measured. After 30’/120’I/R protocol, infarct size was evaluated with tetrazolium chloride staining. Interleukin-6, FNDC5, and myonectin levels were measured both in the soleus and the left ventricle. We observed cardiac hypertrophy and impaired baseline LV function in diabetes. Infarct size was significantly larger in diabetics and only T1 decreased the infarct size whereas T2 further aggravated it. Moreover, post-ischemic recovery was worst in diabetic-T2 group. Irisin and myonectin levels were decreased in the soleus muscle of diabetic animals. T1 increased the myonectin levels in the left ventricle of non-diabetics, and this effect was blunted in diabetic-T1 animals. As a conclusion, light-intensity exercise is a better approach to prevent ischemic damage in diabetes besides moderate intensity may be hazardous in diabetic population.

Abstract Saddles are almost certainly one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment and are used by the majority of riders in many equestrian disciplines. Despite a large number of studies relating to saddle fit and function, there appear to be no published data describing the basic demographics of saddle use, rider preferences or discipline differences. This study was designed as an online survey consisting of 20 closed questions and 4 open free text questions split into three sections: (1) participant demographics; (2) saddle use; and (3) impact of saddle use on the horse and rider. The survey was live for 20 days and 65% of the responses were obtained within the first 8 days. A total of 4,527 horse owners/keepers undertook the survey with 3,624 complete responses (80.1% completion rate). The majority of respondents were female (98.1%, n = 3,555). The four most popular disciplines respondents participated in were pleasure riding/hacking (82.6%, n = 2,994), dressage (71.6%, n = 2,595), show jumping (48.2%, n = 1,747) and eventing (33.3%, n = 1,205). Most horse owners and keepers engaged in non-competitive or local/unaffiliated level competition (59.0%, n = 2,136). The majority of respondents (59.2%, n = 2,145) did not use saddles on more than one horse. When selecting a saddle, respondents valued comfort for the horse as essential (92.6%, n = 4,073), followed by injury prevention (essential; 66.5%, n = 2,838) and then performance related attributes (essential; 56.9%, n = 2,459). When selecting a saddle to buy, durability was the most important feature for respondents (92.5%), who also rated weight, price, and leather (63.0%, 66.5% and 67.7%, respectively) as key attributes they would require.

Abstract Obesity results from excessive body fat accumulation. Leash-walking is a practical way to increase activity in treating obesity; however, limited studies have focused on the frequency and duration of dog leash-walking. There is few research reporting on whether initiating exercise or increasing physical activity in obese dogs can induce stress. Therefore, the present study conducted a clinical trial of the leash-walking effect on weight management and identified the relationship between stress and weight management. Thirty-one dogs participated in a 4-week weight management and were divided into four groups according to their leash-walking frequency and duration. Low walking group (LW): approximately 30 min, 3 times per week; Group 1: approximately 60 min, 3 times per week; Group 2: approximately 30 min, 5 to 7 times per week; Group 3: approximately 60 min, 5 to 7 times per week. Body weight and hair cortisol concentrations of participated dogs were also evaluated. There were significant () differences in the weight loss rate between the Group 2 (−1.08 ± 0.34%/week) and Group 3 (−1.26 ± 0.54%/week) compared to the LW (−0.13 ± 0.49%/week). However, there was an increasing tendency of hair cortisol concentration in Group 1 (0.15 ± 0.10 μg/dl to 0.20 ± 0.19 μg/dl) and Group 3 (0.19 ± 0.19 μg/dl to 0.45 ± 0.76 μg/dl) which are approximately 60 min of leash-walking duration groups. The results of this study suggest that it is more efficient to increase leash-walking frequency than duration for weight loss. However, suddenly increasing leash-walking may be a stress-inducing factor during weight management in overweight dogs. Therefore, it is important to start weight management with appropriate frequency and manageable duration of leash-walking and gradually increase the leash-walking times step by step.

Abstract Methods to determine exercise intensity thresholds, such as the aerobic and anaerobic threshold, that separate different exercise intensities in exercising horses in the field setting or on the treadmill often require equipment, standardised conditions and/or blood sampling. Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) is a heart rate variability variable proposed as a non-invasive tool for exercise intensity monitoring and with a potential association with exercise intensity thresholds and fatigue. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the first component of DFA (DFA-α1) during standardised field incremental exercise tests in sport horses in active Eventing competition and in sport horses ridden without the goal of participating in competitions, and (2) to determine if DFA-α1 is associated with blood lactate concentration. Null hypotheses of the study were that (1) DFA-α1 is not correlated with blood lactate concentration measurements and (2) the correlation between DFA-α1 and blood lactate concentration is not stronger than the one between blood lactate concentration and heart rate or blood lactate concentration and speed. An in vivo observational study was performed analysing exercising electrocardiograms obtained in 59 standardised exercise tests in the field. DFA-α1 was significantly and moderately correlated with blood lactate concentration (, ). A strong correlation was observed between blood lactate concentration and speed (, ), as well as between blood lactate concentration and heart rate (, ). DFA-α1 correlation with blood lactate concentration was moderate but weaker than the correlation of blood lactate concentration and heart rate or blood lactate concentration and speed. DFA-α1 was not a useful surrogate of blood lactate concentration in field incremental standardised tests used for sport horses in this setting.

Abstract Inflammation and muscle soreness sometimes occur after high-intensity exercise in some athletes. This study aimed to determine the effect of a ginger supplement period on serum cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin (IL)-6 in response to exhaustive exercise in female taekwondo athletes. In this semi-experimental study, 24 semi-professional female taekwondo athletes (mean age 19.75 ± 2.03 years, height 160 ± 6 cm, weight 53.99 ± 7.49 kg) were selected voluntarily. Subjects were randomly assigned to the ginger supplement + exhaustive (GE + EE) and exhaustive exercise (EE) groups. 24 doses of 2,000 mg of pure ginger supplement (3 days/week for 8 weeks) were taken in the morning and evening (4 capsules of 500 mg: 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening). Then Bruce’s test was performed as an exhaustive exercise. Blood samples were collected in two stages before and after the intervention, and serum levels of COX2, PGE2, and IL-6 were measured using the Elisa method. T-tests and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used to examine intra-group changes and compare between groups from pre-test to post-test using SPSS version 25 software. The results showed a significant increase in the level of serum COX2 (), and no significant increase in the level of serum PGE2 () and IL-6 () in the EE group compared to baseline levels. Also, there was a significant decrease in the level of serum PGE2 (), COX2 (), and IL-6 () in the group of GE + EE compared to baseline levels. In addition, there was a significant difference between the group of GE + EE and the EE (). GE + EE group, in comparison with the EE group, partially reduced inflammation. Taking 8-weeks of ginger supplementations can effectively reduce muscle inflammation following exhaustive exercise in female taekwondo athletes.

Abstract Older adults frequently experience falls, which is a serious issue that can have severe effects on both the individual and society. Physiotherapy can play an important role in older persons to avoid falling. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the potential efficacy of Otago exercise and Pilates based exercise for preventing falls. On the basis of inclusion criteria 75 older adult women were randomly assigned into three groups, i.e. Group A (Otago exercise group), Group B (Pilates exercise group) and Group C (Control group). Mobility, fear of fall, activities of daily living, balance and sleep quality were examined at baseline and after 6 weeks of the intervention. Otago exercise group session was administered for 30 min per day, at a frequency of 5 sessions per week, for a period of 6 weeks, whereas Pilates based exercise group session was for 30 min., 3 days/week for 6 weeks. There was a significant difference in time up and go test score (), fall efficacy scale (), Berg balance scale (), whereas no or minimal significant was the Barthel index score (). Sleep quality improved by Pilates based exercise () more than other groups. Main findings of the present study suggest that Otago exercise program improve mobility, activity of daily living, balance, decrease fear of fall and Pilates can be used to improve sleep.

Abstract The use of trauma databases for epidemiological study of equestrian injuries is well established. However, such databases fail to capture minor injuries or injuries when medical attention is not sought. Additionally, concerns about chronic pain in equestrians have only been explored in small samples. The current study is the first nationwide survey of American equestrians 12 years and older participating in all equestrian disciplines. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of self-reported acute injuries, behaviours of seeking medical attention for acute injuries, and chronic pain. A convenience sample of 2,573 American equestrians completed an anonymous online survey with questions on acute injury anatomical region, type, and if they sought medical attention. Additional questions identified frequency and location of chronic pain. In total, 2,049 survey responses were complete, with 96% female and representation from all regions of the United States. Participation status (PS) was categorised as professionals (19%), amateurs (43%), and recreational (38%). PS was associated with acute injury and chronic pain frequency. Only 3.9% had never experienced an acute injury from equestrian activity. Of all injuries, foot injuries were most reported (13% of all injuries; 52% of participants) with only 39% seeking medical attention. Professionals had higher odds of experiencing acute injuries in most anatomical regions. 42% indicated they had encountered a concussion; of those, 71% sought medical assistance due to a suspected concussion. Chronic back pain frequency was reported at 27.5%. This study is the first to evaluate self-reported injury in a large convenience sample of American equestrians. The current study found a higher rate of lower extremity injuries in equestrians than previously captured in trauma databases. Prior concussion and acute injury increased the odds of individuals experiencing regional chronic pain, suggesting that future studies and interventions should focus on improving preventative and rehabilitative care.

Abstract Exercise-and training-induced changes in plasma (PV) and blood volumes (BV) have been well documented in racehorses but not in endurance horses. We aimed to determine and compare the effects of training and exercise on BV and PV in Thoroughbred racehorses and endurance horses. Six endurance horses underwent a 4-month training program under saddle and 11 Thoroughbreds completed a racehorse-appropriate interval training program for 3-4 months on a racetrack. PV and BV were measured before and after training at rest and post-exercise using the indocyanine green dilution technique. For the Thoroughbreds, exercise consisted of a 1000 m breeze on a racetrack. The endurance horses completed rides of 10, 20 and 30 miles during training and 50 miles when fully trained. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney test and paired t test, with significance set at . Although absolute PV and BV were greater in Thoroughbreds, mass-specific PV and BV were mostly greater in endurance horses. Untrained endurance horses had a greater mass-specific PV and BV at rest (PV: 65 ± 4.1 vs 54 ± 5.7 ml/kg, ; BV: 101 ± 8.0 vs 83 ± 8.8 ml/kg; ) and a greater PV (60 ± 3.8 vs 44 ± 4.8 ml/kg; ) but not BV (108 ± 2.0 vs 112 ± 14.3 ml/kg) after exercise. Training induced an increase in resting PV and BV to 73 ± 4.3 and 116 ± 14.1 ml/kg, respectively, in endurance horses (), and an increase in PV and BV after 30 miles endurance exercise (PV: 60 ± 3.8 vs 80 ± 15.8 ml/kg; ; BV: 108 ± 2.0 vs 139 ± 26.5 ml/kg; ). Resting and post-exercise PV and BV increased following training in the Thoroughbreds: resting PV = 57 ± 5.1 ml/kg (), resting BV = 89 ± 8.3 ml/kg (); post-exercise PV = 49 ± 4.8 ml/kg (), post-exercise BV = 112 ± 14.3 ml/kg (untrained) vs 124 ± 18.2 ml/kg (trained), ). PV increased in response to exercise in endurance horses but decreased in Thoroughbreds. Endurance horses had smaller absolute PV and BV but greater mass-specific resting PV and BV than Thoroughbreds.

Abstract Knee pain is the most common and challenging pain, that affects the performance and activities of daily living. Apart from the bones, the surrounding neuromuscular structures too are an integral part of the knee joint. The development of knee pain due to these surrounding neuromuscular structures, i.e. hip joint and ankle-foot complex is studied in this literature review. This systematic review was done for the purpose to summarise the literature mainly related to various neuromuscular factors related to neuro-muscle imbalances that affect knee pain other than degeneration. Observational studies related to knee pain published up to 2020 were reviewed in this paper. Strength of hip muscles and foot alignment were included in the study. We searched electronic database online for articles on ‘muscular imbalance that causes knee pain’ from Google scholar & PubMed the quality of the selected researches was measured by using PEDro scale. Of the total, 14 selected studies demonstrated that individuals with knee pain had decreased muscular strength for hip abduction, external rotation and extension on the affected side compared with healthy individuals. Flat foot, abnormal Q angle and over pronation or supination of foot can also results in knee pain. This review concluded that hip muscle weakness and abnormal subtalar mal-alignment place extra stress on knee and create muscular imbalance leading to knee pain. This should be prevented by either proper posture or strengthening programs.