Effects of dance movement therapy on the rheological properties of blood in elderly women

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL MONITORING IN DANCESPORT ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction The dancesport is an emerging sports competition that integrates competitive sports and dance; college students have been using the training for aesthetic purposes in body delineation. However, the biochemical alterations are still underexplored. Objective Explore the physiological and biochemical changes caused by dancesport. Methods The volunteers were submitted to a two-week high-intensity dancesport protocol. Changes in physiological and biochemical indicators were monitored before and after the experiment. Results The athletes exhibited individual changes in biochemical indicators (P<0.05), with emphasis on an increase in hemoglobin (from 152.3g/L to 169.2g/L). The physiological indices also changed significantly, with an average body fat reduction of over 5%. Conclusion Dancesport proved to help improve its practitioners’ physical and biochemical function. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds

BACKGROUND

Feed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp-based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin production in vitro.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.

METHODS

Eight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (baseline; BL) and after receiving a diet containing GF (CON: 0 g/day, LO: 160 g/day or HI: 480 g/day) for 28 days. Total manure collection occurred every 2 hours for 72 hours after bead administration. Outcome measures included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, and complete biochemistry and haematology screens.

RESULTS

There was no effect of GF on GIT transit time. Faecal output was significantly lower in LO and HI horses than CON horses after 28 days on the supplement. HI horses have significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared with BL. GF also produced changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, which may indicate a role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses. Clinical pathology results support the safety of GF up to 480 g/day for 28 days with no adverse effects being observed in haematology or biochemistry results.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Future studies on GF should focus on evaluating effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility, and its effect on exercise performance and onset of fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

GF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.