Elite Female Basketball Players' Body-Weight Neuromuscular Training and Performance on the Y-Balance Test

Context: Neuromuscular training enhances unconscious motor responses by stimulating both the afferent signals and central mechanisms responsible for dynamic joint control. Dynamic joint-control training is a vital component of injury-prevention programs. Objective: To investigate the effects of body-weight neuromuscular training on Y-Balance Test (YBT) performance and postural control in female basketball players. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Basketball practice sessions. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 28 healthy elite female basketball players were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). Intervention(s): Before their regular practice sessions, the experimental group warmed up with body-weight neuromuscular exercises and the control group with standard tactical-technical exercises twice weekly for 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anterior-, posteromedial-, and posterolateral-reach and composite YBT scores were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Results: Improvement over baseline scores was noted in the posteromedial (right = 86.5 ± 4.5 cm versus 89.6 ± 2.2 cm, +3.5%, P = .049; left = 85.5 ± 4.3 cm versus 90.2 ± 2.7 cm, +5.5%, P = .038)- and posterolateral (right = 90.7 ± 3.6 cm versus 94.0 ± 2.7 cm, +3.6%, P = .016; left = 90.9 ± 3.5 cm versus 94.2 ± 2.6 cm, +3.6%, P = .011)-reach directions and in the composite YBT scores (right = 88.6% ± 3.2% versus 94.0% ± 1.8%, +5.4%, P = .0004; left = 89.2% ± 3.2% versus 94.5% ± 3.0%, +5.8%, P = .001) of the experimental group. No differences in anterior reach were detected in either group. Differences were noted in postintervention scores for posteromedial reach (right = 89.6 ± 2.2 cm versus 84.3 ± 4.4 cm, +4.1%, P = .005; left = 94.2 ± 2.6 cm versus 84.8 ± 4.4 cm, +10%, P = .003) and composite scores (right = 94.0% ± 1.8% versus 87.3% ± 2.0%, +7.1%, P = .003; left = 94.8% ± 3.0% versus 87.9% ± 3.4%, +7.3%, P < .0001) between the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Body-weight neuromuscular training improved postural control and lower limb stability in female basketball players as assessed with the YBT. Incorporating neuromuscular training into the workout routines for basketball players may enhance joint awareness and reduce the risk of lower extremity injury.

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Balance and postural control in basketball players

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/1980-5918.030.002.ao12 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 319-328 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Murilo Curtolo ◽

Helga Tatiana Tucci ◽

Tayla P. Souza ◽

Geiseane A. Gonçalves ◽

Ana C. Lucato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Balance Control ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Balance Test ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Step Down

Abstract Introduction: Basketball is one of the most popular sports involving gestures and movements that require single-leg based support. Dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM), balance and postural control may influence the performance of this sport. Objective: To compare and correlate measures of balance, postural control and ankle DROM between amateur basketball athletes and non-athletes. Methods: Cross-sectional study, composed by 122 subjects allocated into one control group (CG = 61) and one basketball group (BG = 61). These groups were subdivided into two other groups by age: 12-14 years and 15-18 years. The participants were all tested for postural balance with the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), postural control with the Step-down test and DROM with the Weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT). Between-groups differences were compared using repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Normalized reaching distances were analyzed and correlated with the WBLT and Step-down test. Results: There was no difference in the scores of WBLT (P = .488) and Step-down test (P =. 916) between the groups. Scores for the anterior reach (P = .001) and total score of SEBT (P = .030) were higher in BG. The values for the posterolateral (P = .001) and posteromedial reach (P = .001) of SEBT were higher in BG at the age of 15-18. The correlation between the anterior reach of the SEBT and WBLT was significant in BG between 12-14 years (r = 0.578, P = .008), and in the CG between 15-18 years (r = 0.608, P=.001). Conclusion: The balance was better in the BG, although adolescents between 15-18 years have better balance control for the posteromedial and posterolateral reaches of the SEBT.

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Three-Week Intensive Neuromuscular Training Improves Postural Control in Professional Male Soccer Players

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism ◽

10.2478/pjst-2019-0009 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (2) ◽

pp. 14-20

Author(s):

Małgorzata Kowalczyk ◽

Paweł Tomaszewski ◽

Natalia Bartoszek ◽

Marcin Popieluch

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Training Programme ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Neuromuscular Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Short Period ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Impact ◽

Experimental Group

Abstract Introduction. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a short-term, three-week intensive neuromuscular training programme on the postural stability of professional soccer players and to establish whether lower-limb dominance affects one-leg stability. Material and methods. The experimental group consisted of 16 professional male soccer players, and the control group included 20 professional soccer players who did not undergo any additional training. The experimental group was provided with three-stage progressive training twice a day over a three-week period during the preparatory period and then trained twice per week in-season for a period of 5 months. The experimental subjects were evaluated with the use of a stabilographic platform before the programme, 3 weeks into the programme, and finally after 5 months from its commencement. Total centre of pressure (COP) sway path was measured during one leg stance for the dominant and non-dominant leg with eyes open and closed. Results. After three weeks of training, the experimental group showed a significantly shorter COP path for the measurements taken with both open (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.28) and closed eyes (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.09) compared to the initial results. It was found that the training effects were sustained five months into the training programme for the tests with eyes open (p < 0.001) and eyes closed (p < 0.05). The control group, however, showed no such improvement during that time. No differences were found between the limbs in either of the groups. Conclusions. Neuromuscular training can be effective for postural control improvement in professional male soccer players within a short period of time. Leg dominance does not affect one-leg stability.

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Benefits of Dog-Assisted Therapy in Patients with Dementia Residing in Aged Care Centers in Spain

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041471 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1471

Author(s):

Eva Vegue Parra ◽

Jose Manuel Hernández Garre ◽

Paloma Echevarría Pérez

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Alternative Therapy ◽

Group Versus ◽

Aged Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Neuropsychiatric Inventory ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Institutionalized Patients ◽

Experimental Group

(1) Background: Currently, the scientific evidence on the benefits of assisted therapy with dogs in dementia is not clear. In this study, we want to evaluate such benefits through a randomized controlled clinical trial in multiple centers across the country. (2) Methods: The participants were people over 65 years old with dementia, residing in senior centers in Spain (n = 334). The experimental group underwent assisted therapy with dogs based on the Comprehensive Cognitive Activation Program in Dementia, for 8 months, with weekly sessions of 45 min. Data were collected at the commencement, middle, and end of the program, to evaluate the aspects using the Mini-Examination Cognitive, the modified Bartell Index, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. (3) Results: The results show significant improvements in the experimental group versus the control group in the affective (T1 = p 0.000; T2 = p 0.000) and behavioral (T1 = p 0.005; T2 = p 0.000) aspects, with the affective aspect displaying greater progress in participants with additional depressive (p = 0.022) or anxiety (p = 0.000) disorders, shorter institutionalization periods (r = −0.222, p = 0.004), and those undergoing complementary psychotherapy (p = 0.033) or alternative therapy (p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: Dog therapy is effective in improving the affective and behavioral aspects of institutionalized patients with dementia.

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Effects of Long-Term Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum on the Immune System in Young Female Basketball Players. Randomized Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13010118 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 118

Author(s):

Anna Skarpańska-Stejnborn ◽

Mirosława Cieślicka ◽

Hanna Dziewiecka ◽

Sławomir Kujawski ◽

Anita Marcinkiewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Bovine Colostrum ◽

Control Group ◽

System Function ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Immune System Function ◽

Experimental Group

An intensive physical exercise program could lead to a decrease in immune system function. Effects of long-term supplementation of bovine colostrum on the response of immune function on physical exercise test in athletes were examined. Twenty-seven elite female basketball players (age 16–19) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Eventually, n = 11 athletes completed intervention in the experimental group (3.2 g bovine colostrum orally twice a day for 24 weeks), while n = 9 athletes in the control group were given a placebo. Before the supplementation, after 3 and 6 months, subjects performed the physical exercise stress test. Before, just after, and 3 h after physical exercise testing, blood was drawn and immune system indicators were examined. Plasma interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-2, IL-10, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, creatine kinase (CK MM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and WBC, lymphocyte (LYM), monocyte (MON), and granulocyte (GRA) were measured. A statistically significant change in IL-10 in response to the exercise program during the supplementation period in both groups was observed (p = 0.01). However, the results of the rest of the comparisons were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Contrary to our initial hypothesis, there were no significant effects of bovine supplementation on the dynamics of immune system function indicators.

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How cognitive loads modulate the postural control of older women with low back pain?

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02025-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Le Ge ◽

Qiuhua Yu ◽

Chuhuai Wang ◽

Huanjie Huang ◽

Xin Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Postural Control ◽

Older Women ◽

Cognitive Task ◽

Difficulty Level ◽

Control Group ◽

Low Back ◽

Dual Tasks ◽

Balance Test ◽

Arithmetic Task

Abstract Background The capacity of postural control is a key factor related to falling in older people, particularly in older women with low back pain (LBP). Cognitive involvement in postural control increases with age. However, most scholars have not considered different difficulty levels of cognitive loads when exploring the effects of cognition on postural control in older patients with LBP. The present study is to investigate how different levels of cognitive loads modulate postural control in older women with LBP. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty older women with LBP were recruited into the LBP group, and 20 healthy older women without the history of LBP were recruited into the healthy control group. Balance parameters were computed to quantify postural control. All participants underwent the balance test, which required the participant to maintain stability during standing on a force platform with or without a concurrent cognitive task. The balance test included three levels of difficulties of posture tasks (eyes-open vs. eyes-closed vs. one-leg stance) and three cognitive tasks (without cognitive task vs. auditory arithmetic task vs. serial-7 s arithmetic task). Results A repeated-measure analysis of variance (3 postural tasks × 3 congnitive tasks× 2 groups) testing the effects of the different congnitive task levels on the performance in different postural conditions. Older women with LBP had worse postural control (as reflected by larger center of pressure (COP) parameters) than control group regardless of postural or cognitive difficulties. Compared with the single task, the COP parameters of participants with LBP were larger during dual tasks, even though the difficulty level of the cognitive task was low. Larger COP parameters were shown only if the difficulty level of the cognitive task was high in control group. Correlations between sway area/sway length and the number of falls were significant in dual tasks. Conclusion Our findings shed light on how cognitive loads modulate postural control for older women with LBP. Compared with control group, cognitive loads showed more disturbing effects on postural control in older women with LBP, which was associated with falling.

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Effects of a 14-Day Hydration Intervention on Individuals with Habitually Low Fluid Intake

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1159/000515375 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aaron R. Caldwell ◽

Megan E. Rosa-Caldwell ◽

Carson Keeter ◽

Evan C. Johnson ◽

François Péronnet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Total Body Water ◽

Fluid Intake ◽

Urine Volume ◽

Urine Osmolality ◽

Body Water ◽

Control Group ◽

Intervention Phase ◽

Total Body ◽

Experimental Group

Background: Debate continues over whether or not individuals with low total water intake (TWI) are in a chronic fluid deficit (i.e., low total body water) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1">1</xref>]. When women with habitually low TWI (1.6 ± 0.5 L/day) increased their fluid intake (3.5 ± 0.1 L/day) for 4 days 24-h urine osmolality decreased, but there was no change in body weight, a proxy for total body water (TBW) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2">2</xref>]. In a small (n = 5) study of adult men, there were no observable changes in TBW, as measured by bioelectrical impedance, after increasing TWI for 4 weeks [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3">3</xref>]. However, body weight increased and salivary osmolality decreased indicating that the study may have been underpowered to detect changes in TBW. Further, no studies to date have measured changes in blood volume (BV) when TWI is increased. Objectives: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify individuals with habitually low fluid intake and determine if increasing TWI, for 14 days, resulted in changes in TBW or BV. Methods: In order to identify individuals with low TWI, 889 healthy adults were screened. Participants with a self-reported TWI less than 1.8 L/day (men) or 1.2 L/day (women), and a 24-h urine osmolality greater than 800 mOsm were included in the intervention phase of the study. For the intervention phase, 15 participants were assigned to the experimental group and 8 participants were assigned to the control group. The intervention period lasted for 14 days and consisted of 2 visits to our laboratory: one before the intervention (baseline) and 14 days into the intervention (14-day follow-up). At these visits, BV was measured using a CO-rebreathe procedure and deuterium oxide (D2O) was administered to measure TBW. Urine samples were collected immediately prior, and 3–8 h after the D2O dose to allow for equilibration. Prior to each visit, participants collected 24-h urine to measure 24-h hydration status. After the baseline visit, the experimental group increased their TWI to 3.7 L for males and 2.7 L for females in order to meet the current Institute of Medicine recommendations for TWI. Results: Twenty-four-hour urine osmolality decreased (−438.7 ± 362.1 mOsm; p < 0.001) and urine volume increased (1,526 ± 869 mL; p < 0.001) in the experimental group from baseline, while there were no differences in osmolality (−74.7 ± 572 mOsm; p = 0.45), or urine volume (−32 ± 1,376 mL; p = 0.89) in the control group. However, there were no changes in BV (Fig. <xref ref-type="fig" rid="f01">1</xref>a) or changes in TBW (Fig. <xref ref-type="fig" rid="f01">1</xref>b) in either group. Conclusions: Increasing fluid intake in individuals with habitually low TWI increases 24-h urine volume and decreases urine osmolality but does not result in changes in TBW or BV. These findings are in agreement with previous work indicating that TWI interventions lasting 3 days [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2">2</xref>] to 4 weeks [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3">3</xref>] do not result in changes in TBW. Current evidence would suggest that the benefits of increasing TWI are not related changes in TBW.

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The effect of ethanol on some hematological parameters of the australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

Genetika i razvedenie zhivotnyh ◽

10.31043/2410-2733-2021-4-85-91 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 85-91

Author(s):

D. Skafar ◽

D. Shumeyko

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Total Protein ◽

Hematological Parameters ◽

Group Versus ◽

Control Group ◽

Total Protein Content ◽

Cherax Quadricarinatus ◽

Total Hemocyte Count ◽

Red Claw Crayfish ◽

Experimental Group

Purpose: to study the effect of ethanol on the parameters of THC, the percentage of granulocytes and total protein in the hemolymph of the Red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).Materials and methods. The object of this experiment was 26 males of the Australian red-clawed crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) weighing from 23 to 83 g. The individuals were evenly divided into two experimental groups - with an injection of ethanol and a control group without an injection of 13 crayfish for each group. The injection dose was 2515 mg per 100 g of body weight. A day after the introduction of ethanol, hemolymph was taken with a syringe from the ventral sinus, the syringe was pre-washed with a 4% EDTA-Na2 solution. Three parameters were determined: the total hemocyte count (THC), percent granulocytes and percent total protein content. Counting of hemocytes and determination of granulocytes were performed in a Goryaev chamber under a light microscope. The total protein was determined by the refractometric method.Results. Differences in THC and total protein between the groups were statistically unreliable (p>0,05). THC in the experimental group is 36% more than in the control group. The total protein after the introduction of ethanol actually increased by 0,7%, and relatively by 14%. There were statistically different indicators of the proportion of granulocytes (p<0,05) - the average value of 33,1% in the experimental group versus 24,5% in the control group. A reliable (p<0,05) strong feedback was revealed between the total protein and the mass of individuals in both experimental groups, while in the experimental group there is a visible shift in the values of dependent hemolymph indicators towards an increase in smaller individuals.Conclusion. A single injection of ethyl alcohol with a dosage of 2515 mg per 100 g of body weight into the hemolymph of C. quadricarinatus does not cause significant changes in the THC and total protein after 24 hours. At the same time, the proportion of granulocytes actually increases by 9%, relative to 37%. This may indicate that granulocytes are involved in the formation of cancer defense mechanisms when exposed to toxic substances. The effect of different dosages of ethanol injections and the duration of its effect on hematological parameters requires additional consideration. It is necessary to investigate its effect on other indicators, such as the pH and buffer capacity of the hemolymph, the concentration of hemocyanin, glucose, lactates and calcium.

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Preventive Neuromuscular Training for Young Female Athletes: Comparison of Coach and Athlete Compliance Rates

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.20 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 58-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Dai Sugimoto ◽

Carl G. Mattacola ◽

Heather M. Bush ◽

Staci M. Thomas ◽

Kim D. Barber Foss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Middle School ◽

Female Athletes ◽

School Level ◽

Neuromuscular Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Injury Incidence ◽

Soccer Teams ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Basketball Teams

Context: Fewer athletic injuries and lower anterior cruciate ligament injury incidence rates were noted in studies of neuromuscular-training (NMT) interventions that had high compliance rates. However, several groups have demonstrated that preventive NMT interventions were limited by low compliance rates. Objective: To descriptively analyze coach and athlete compliance with preventive NMT and compare the compliance between study arms as well as among school levels and sports. Design: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. Setting: Middle and high school athletic programs. Participants or Other Participants: A total of 52 teams, comprising 547 female athletes, were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group and followed for 1 athletic season. Intervention(s): The experimental group (n = 30 teams [301 athletes]: 12 basketball teams [125 athletes], 6 soccer teams [74 athletes], and 12 volleyball teams [102 athletes]) participated in an NMT program aimed at reducing traumatic knee injuries through a trunk-stabilization and hip-strengthening program. The control group (n = 22 teams [246 athletes]: 11 basketball teams [116 athletes], 5 soccer teams [68 athletes], and 6 volleyball teams [62 athletes]) performed a resistive rubber-band running program. Main Outcome Measure(s): Compliance with the assigned intervention protocols (3 times per week during the preseason [mean = 3.4 weeks] and 2 times per week in-season [mean = 11.9 weeks] of coaches [coach compliance] and athletes [athlete compliance]) was measured descriptively. Using an independent t test, we compared coach and athlete compliance between the study arms. A 2-way analysis of variance was calculated to compare differences between coach and athlete compliance by school level (middle and high schools) and sport (basketball, soccer, and volleyball). Results: The protocols were completed at a mean rate of 1.3 ± 1.1 times per week during the preseason and 1.2 ± 0.5 times per week in-season. A total of 88.4% of athletes completed 2/3 of the intervention sessions. Coach compliance was greater in the experimental group than in the control group (P = .014). Coach compliance did not differ by sport but was greater at the high school than the middle school (P = .001) level. Athlete compliance did not differ by study arm, sport, or school level. Conclusions: Athletes received instruction in about 50% of each protocol. Nearly 90% of athletes performed more than 2/3 of the assigned NMT interventions. The assigned intervention was performed more often in the experimental arm compared with the control arm. Coaches at the high school level complied with the given protocol more than middle school coaches did. Athletes complied well with the protocol, but coaches did not, especially at the middle school level.

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Influence of Network Multimedia Nutritional Supplements on Basketball Exercise Fatigue Based on Embedded Microprocessor

Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing ◽

10.1155/2022/7900467 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 2022 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Qiao Chen ◽

Shihong Liu

Keyword(s):

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Nutritional Supplements ◽

Weight Lifting ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

Energy Materials ◽

Long Distance ◽

Basketball Players ◽

The Difference ◽

Experimental Group

Sports can cause the consumption of energy materials in the body. The rational use of nutritional supplements can maintain the homeostasis of the organism, which plays a very important role in improving the competitive performance of sports athletes. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of nutritional supplements on basketball sports fatigue. The method of this study is as follows: first of all, 15 basketball players in our city were selected as the experimental objects, and they were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. The members of the experimental group took nutrients. After the training, 6 days a week, 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon, and the rest was adjusted on Sunday. Before training, four weeks and eight weeks of training, the blood routine indexes and body functions of athletes were tested. The results showed that the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and average hemoglobin concentration of ligustilide supplement of the athletes were at the level of 0.05 after 4 weeks and 8 weeks, and the difference was significant ( P < 0.05 ). The nutritional supplements were used in sprint (3.4 s less), long-distance running (12.8 s less), and weight lifting (6.2 kg more) to a certain extent. Nutritional supplements are used as an auxiliary means of diet to supplement the amino acids, trace elements, vitamins, minerals, etc. required by the human body. The conclusion is that nutrition supplement can effectively improve the indexes of athletes’ body in about four weeks, but the effect is not obvious after a long time. This study provides a certain method for the research of nutritional supplements in the field of sports.

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Стимуляція продукції гормону росту у ягнят і поросят під дією Гамавіту

Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology ◽

10.15421/nvlvet7715 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (77) ◽

pp. 63-66

Author(s):

A.V. Sanin ◽

A.V. Deyeva ◽

A.N. Narovlyansky ◽

A.V. Pronin ◽

V.V. Behalo

Keyword(s):

Growth Hormone ◽

Body Weight ◽

Veterinary Medicine ◽

Body Weight Gain ◽

The United States ◽

Control Group ◽

The European Union ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Suckling Piglets ◽

Experimental Group

Among the most important issues of food safety, which conducted an extensive international discussion, is the use in livestock of drugs, such as recombinant bovine growth hormone, or somatotropin, and, in particular, ractopamine, stimulating the growth of cattle, pigs and poultry. Ractopamine is used in veterinary medicine to increase the meatiness of the carcass. Ractopamine improves feed conversion, reduces body fat through lipolysis and an intense muscle-building. In the United States, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and many other countries, ractopamine is allowed for usage as growth stimulator in livestock. However, in most countries of the European Union the use of ractopamine is forbidden. In this regard, it seems very important to develop effective and safe drugs that can stimulate the production of endogenous somatotropic hormone (STH). We propose to use for this purpose Gamavit – well-studied veterinary medicine stimulating metabolism and widely used by veterinary specialists in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus and some other countries. The aim of this work was to study the effect of Gamavit on STH production in suckling piglets and lambs. Previously it was shown elsewhere that Gamavit induced 2-fold increase in the STH blood level in calves. The experiment was done using 30 suckling piglets of Landrace breed at the age of 0 to 7 days and 10 newborn lambs of the Stavropol breed. All animals were kept in identical conditions, they were fed the same balanced diet. The study was conducted according to the following protocol: The piglets of the 1st group (control) received 0.9% NaCl solution at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg intramuscularly on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th days of the experiment. Piglets of group 2 (experimental) were inoculated with Gamavit at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg intramuscularly on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th days of the experiment. Lambs were inoculated with Gamavit at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg of body weight on 7th, 14th and 21st days after birth. Using method of enzyme immunoassay we shown that during the study level of STH in the experimental group of piglets inoculated with Gamavit gradually increased from 8.5 mIU/l before the experiment to 14.3 mIU/l on the 5th day. In the control group it ranged from 7.5 mIU/l to 10.2 mIU\l. At the end of the experiment greatest body weight gain was observed in the experimental group and amounted 45.450 g compared with 26,700 g in the control group piglets. In the experimental group of newborn lambs Gamavit induced raise in the STH serum level 2 from 6.5 mIU/l at day 0 to 13.1 mIU/l at day 21. Thus, Gamavit, unlike synthetic growth hormone, ractopamine and other beta-agonists used in livestock, induces the production of endogenous STH, which stimulates growth of the animal, while being safe and rapidly metabolizing on its own metabolic pathway.

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