درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Background: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) is a new neuro-modulatory technique.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a-tDCS on dynamic balance after exhaustion.Material and Methods: Fifteen endurance-trained men voluntarily attended five separate sessions. In the first session, Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) was measured. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to four different conditions: 1. Mental fatigue (MF)+a-tDCS, 2. MF+sham (s-tDCS), 3. a-tDCS, and 4. s-tDCS. In each session, after dynamic balance measurement, the participants were exposed to the conditions and received 20 min of anodal tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Then, the participants performed a submaximal endurance activity at 70% of MAS until exhaustion. Immediately after exhaustion, dynamic balance was measured again.Results: After exhaustion, the dynamic balance of the right leg under the a-tDCS condition was significantly higher than the MF+s-tDCS (P= 0.008). The dynamic balance significantly decreased from pre- to post-test in MF+s-tDCS and s-tDCS conditions (P= 0.0001). In the left leg, the dynamic balance under the a-tDCS condition was significantly higher than MF+s-tDCS (P= 0.025).Conclusions: Anodal stimulation of the DLPFC could be beneficial for the dynamic balance and may have a protective effect against the negative consequence of exhausting activity on the dynamic balance in endurance-trained men.

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom among older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life and functional capacity. The relationship between serotonin and fatigue in aging is complex, involving multiple neurobiological pathways that influence sleep, mood, cognitive function, and energy metabolism. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective management strategies. This review aims to elucidate the role of serotonin in the development of fatigue in elderly individuals and evaluate potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate this condition. A comprehensive review of recent literature was conducted, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms linking serotonin to fatigue, the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and future research directions. Studies were selected based on their relevance to serotonin’s role in aging and fatigue management. Serotonin plays a critical role in regulating various physiological and psychological functions that impact fatigue. Age-related declines in serotonin synthesis, receptor sensitivity, and transporter function contribute to increased fatigue through disrupted sleep, mood disorders, cognitive decline, and altered energy metabolism. Pharmacological treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have shown efficacy in alleviating fatigue related to depression and chronic pain. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, sleep hygiene, and dietary modifications, are also effective in managing fatigue. Combining these approaches may offer the best outcomes for elderly patients. Addressing fatigue in older adults requires a multifaceted approach that integrates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Personalized treatment plans considering individual patient profiles and preferences can enhance therapeutic efficacy. Future research should focus on exploring novel therapeutic targets within the serotonergic system, developing personalized medicine approaches, and evaluating the long-term impact of combined therapies.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program on post-COVID-19 patients. Method : Three patients (two women and one man) with different severities, from moderate to severe, were selected. Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, and body function were measured at the beginning and end of the exercises, which included 12 sessions of arm and leg cycle ergometer and treadmill with adjustable resistance levels. Patients’ functionality was assessed using the Barthel index, and their quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Regarding the first patient, oxygen saturation increased from 85 to 95, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 0 to 420 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 35 to 85. For the second patient, arterial oxygen saturation increased from 82 to 92, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 0 to 390 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 30 to 90. For the third patient, arterial oxygen saturation increased from 87 to 96, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 320 to 510 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 60 to 85. All the patients showed improvements in their physical functions, such as walking, personal affairs, and quality of life. This functional improvement was higher in more severe levels of the disease. Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems that pulmonary rehabilitation exercises for post-COVID-19 patients can contribute to the improvement of their status, arterial oxygen level, quality of life, and pulmonary functionality.