Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Aquatic Exercise Combination as a Safe- Efficient Therapeutic Strategy to Ameliorate Interleukin-6 and 10, and Social Interaction in Children with Autism.

Objectives: Increasing evidence demonstrated that there are altered levels of both pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pointed out that immune dysfunction may also relate to social deficits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aquatic exercise combined with vitamin D supplementation on social interaction and two related cytokines (Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10) in children with ASD. Materials & Methods: Forty boys with ASD (mean age: 10.90; age range: 6-14 years) were randomly assigned to the three interventions (groups 1, 2, and 3) and one control group (each 10 participants). Participants in the group 1 and 3 received a 10-week aquatic exercise program. Subjects in groups 2 and 3 took orally 50,000 IU of vitamin D3/week. This study evaluated the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10, as well as the participants' social interaction at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Compared to the control group, all three interventions improved social skills scores (p< 0.001). Surprisingly, the combination strategy could significantly reduce IL-6 and increase IL-10 serum levels in children with ASD. Conclusion: Aqua-based exercise programs combined with vitamin D supplementation are recommended to benefit children with ASD and improve social and communication dysfunction.

Effect of an Energy Drink On Muscle and Liver Damage Enzymes, And Cardiovascular Indices in Soccer Players.

Despite emerging evidence about the influence of energy drinks on the quality of athletes' performance, there is little information about their effects on exercise-induced damage markers after long-term activities. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of hype energy drink (HED) to ameliorate liver and muscle damage enzymes and cardiovascular indices-induced by a soccer match. A total of 22 elite male soccer players (age 20.36 ± 1.91) were recruited. Participants performed two experimental conditions, separated by a 14-day washout period. They consumed 2 × 250 ml of HED or placebo for 5 d before the soccer match, on match day, and for 1-day post-match. Measurements of muscle (CK and LDH), and liver (ALT, AST, and ALP) damage indices, and blood pressure (BP) parameters were taken at baseline, pre-match, post-match, and 24 h post-match. The results showed that the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, CPK, and LDH enzymes significantly decreased in HED condition from pre-match to 24 h post-match, compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Also, consumption of energy drinks reduced systolic, diastolic, and mean BP. In conclusion, elevated serum levels of muscle and liver damage enzymes and higher values of BP indices are improved 24 hours after soccer match following HED ingestion, compared to placebo. Therefore, it seems that consuming HED can lead to faster recovery of muscle and liver damage and improve recovery in soccer players.

The effect of water-based intervention on sleep habits and two sleep-related cytokines in children with autism.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that children with autism have sleep disturbances and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aquatic exercise on sleep habits and two certain sleep-related cytokines of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHODS: Forty boys with ASD (aged 6-14) were recruited and randomly assigned to an aquatic exercise (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Participants in aquatic exercise group performed water-based activities for 10 weeks/2 sessions per week/60 min, while control group didn't get any intervention. The serum levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and sleep quality were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Results revealed that aquatic exercise may improve sleep quality and reduce the serum levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in children with ASD compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, it is recommended that physicians and educators should provide a safe and effective exercise environment for ASD children to alleviate sleep issues and inflammatory biomarkers.

The Effects of Aquatic Versus Kata Techniques Training on Static and Dynamic Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The present study aimed to compare the effect of a land-based and a swimming-based exercise program on balance abilities in children with autism. Thirty children were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to karate exercise, aquatic training and control groups. Participants practiced for 10 weeks, 2 sessions of 60 min per week. Before and after the 10-week intervention, static and dynamic balance tests were administered. The results showed that both interventions had a significant effect on balance abilities (p < 0.001); interestingly, we found the greater improvement in balance performance in kata techniques group. Due to the importance of balance performance on daily functions, communication and interaction skills, karate and swimming exercises can be the valuable interventions added to autism's daily programs. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number: IRCT20180626040242N1.