Physiology

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of prolonged hyperglycemia that damages peripheral nerves, leading to impaired sensory function, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life. Balance training has shown promising effects in improving postural stability and reducing fall risk in individuals with DPN by engaging visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems and promoting central nervous system adaptation. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of Reactive Balance Training (RBT) and Task-Oriented Training (TOT) on postural stability in patients with DPN. The study will be a single-blinded, two-group randomized controlled trial conducted over one year at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy. A sample of 36 participants will be recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated into two groups using the coin-toss method. Ethical approval will be obtained from the FUSH ERC, and written informed consent will be obtained after explaining the study procedures, risks, and benefits. Postural stability will be assessed using the Posture Assessment Checklist, Mini-BESTest, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Group A will receive RBT, while Group B will receive TOT. Each session will last 30-40 minutes, including a 5-7-minute warm-up, 20-30 minutes of group-specific intervention, and a 5-minute cool-down. Participants will receive 60-second rest intervals after every three sets or 8-10 repetitions. The intervention will continue for six weeks, with three sessions per week, totaling 18 sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at week 3, and post-intervention at week 6 using the same outcome measures.

The study aim is to determine whether acute inhibition of endogenous prostaglandin synthesis by paracetamol affects the release of gut hormones, glucose absorption and glycemia in healthy young individuals

The investigators will seek to determine the relationship between heart rate and middle cerebral artery (MCA) cerebral blood flow (CBF), as well as better understand the hemodynamic determinants of MCA CBF velocity. In order to manipulate heart rate, the investigators will recruit patients already scheduled for clinically indicated elective electrophysiological studies, where temporary pacing catheters placed in the right atrium can be used to artificially pace the heart at controlled rates. MCA CBF will be measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound.

This study is designed to compare the effects of four relaxation interventions on both physiological and psychological outcomes in lactating mothers of preterm infants. The interventions being tested include: * Guided Imagery Meditation (GIM) * Religious Recitation (RR) * Infant Video with Music * Distraction with News and Media * A Control session The primary objectives of the study are to evaluate and compare how these different relaxation techniques influence the physiological and psychological well-being of mothers and identify which intervention is most effective for lactating mothers who deliver prematurely. The main research questions are: 1. How do different interventions (GIM, RR, Infant Video with Music, Distraction with Media, and Control) affect physiological and psychological outcomes when measured within the same participants? 2. Are there significant differences in physiological and psychological outcomes when participants are exposed to different interventions (GIM, RR, Infant Video with Music, Distraction with Media, and Control) within the same group? 3. Among the interventions, which one demonstrates the most beneficial effects on physiological and psychological outcomes within the same participants? Study Design: Each participant will be exposed to five different sessions (one for each intervention), with a gap of 1-2 days between sessions. The interventions will be administered as follows: * Guided Imagery Meditation (GIM) * Religious Recitation (RR) * Infant Video with Music * Distraction with News and Media * A Control session Expected Outcomes: This study will assess the following physiological and psychological outcomes: Physiological changes: * Heart Rate (HR) * Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) * Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) * Fingertip Temperature (FT) * Breast milk cortisol concentration Psychological changes: •. Perceived Relaxation