Simultaneous application of transcranial magnetic stimulation and low-frequency electrostatic field as treatment of carbohydrate and lipid disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome, which covers a wide variety of pathological concerns, is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. This syndrome is difficult to treat pharmacologically. Physiotherapy techniques, which have both local and systemic effects, can be employed as a suitable substitute. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of a program of simultaneous physiotherapy that included migrant transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the exposure to an alternating low-frequency electrostatic field (LFEF) in the treatment of metabolic syndrome patients. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to three study groups. While continuing the usual drug therapy the first group (30 patients) received LFEF intervention, the second group (30 patients) received TMS, and the third group (30 patients) underwent the simultaneous use of these non-invasive techniques (LFEF + TMS). All treatments involved 10 sessions with daily frequency. In all the patients before and after treatment body weight, blood pressure parameters, levels of insulin, cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, malondialdehyde, and Schiff bases, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and of the superoxide dismutase were studied. The changes in the outcomes assessed revealed a different reaction to therapy with LFEF or TMS, as well as a greater benefit when both treatments were used at the same time. A simultaneous LFEF and TMS intervention seems a promising resource for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome, particularly of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Is relaxation exercise therapy effective in the management of patients with severe arterial hypertension?

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a burning problem in the world. Antihypertensive pharmacological therapy combined by physical exercises is well-studied in patients with mild and moderate AH. However, studies that have investigated relaxation in patients with severe AH in addition to drug therapy are lacking. Optimization of a comprehensive treatment for patients with severe AH, by using a multicomponent rational antihypertensive pharmacotherapy (PT) with subsequent application of relaxation exercise therapy (RET). The study involved 32 male patients with severe AH. Initially, clinical-instrumental and laboratory examination, blood pressure registration and daily arterial blood pressure monitoring were carried out. Suitable PT was selected for all the patients. 3 months after starting PT the patients were divided in 2 groups. The patients of the 1st group were prescribed RET in addition to PT. The 2nd group of patients continued receiving PT alone. 3 months later, average daily blood pressure (ADBP)-syst and ADBP-diast were compared in both groups. Three months after PT both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in ADBP-syst and ADBP diast, but these indicators remained higher than normal and did not reach the target level. Three months after the inclusion of RET in the comprehensive treatment, the 1st group demonstrated a significant decrease in ADBP (systolic and diastolic), not only in comparison with the initial data, but also with the data observed three months after PT. After 6 months, ADBP-syst and ADBP-diast in the 1st group were significantly lower compared with those of patients in the 2nd group. The inclusion of RET in addition to a multicomponent antihypertensive PT is a promising treatment option for severe AH.