The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in various processes, including brain plasticity, learning and memory, neuronal development, nociception, inflammation, appetite regulation, digestion, metabolism, energy balance, motility, and regulation of stress and emotions. Physical exercise (PE) is considered a valuable non-pharmacological therapy that is an immediately available and cost-effective method with a lot of health benefits, one of them being the activation of the endogenous cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are generated as a response to high-intensity activities and can act as short-term circuit breakers, generating antinociceptive responses for a short and variable period of time. A runner’s high is an ephemeral feeling some sport practitioners experience during endurance activities, such as running. The release of eCBs during sustained physical exercise appears to be involved in triggering this phenomenon. The last decades have been characterized by an increased interest in this emotional state induced by exercise, as it is believed to alleviate pain, induce mild sedation, increase euphoric levels, and have anxiolytic effects. This review provides information about the current state of knowledge about endocannabinoids and physical effort and also an overview of the studies published in the specialized literature about this subject.

Nerve-transfer surgery is the treatment of choice for traumatic brachial plexus injuries (tBPIs). Combined electromyography (EMG) follow-ups and results obtained by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may provide useful follow-up of rehabilitation outcomes of elbow flexion in C5-C7 tBPIs. A total of 11 patients with complex tBPIs, operated by the Oberlin surgical technique, were assessed clinically (British Medical Research Council’s score—MRC) and by EMG + TMS after undergoing neuromuscular electrical stimulation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Dynamometer quantitative muscle strength (DQMS) was also assessed for overall grip strength evaluation. Six patients continued rehabilitation three times a week, whereas five patients did not follow recommendations for continuous physical therapy (PT). All patients were assessed after 6 months as planned. Following a 6-month PT protocol, clinical improvements correlated with decreases of the Motor Evoked Potential (MEP) latency recorded at the first dorsal interosseous muscle, biceps brachii, and cortical level in the sublot group with continuous PT protocol compliance. We obtained significant amelioration of MEP latency and needle EMG signs of amelioration in these six patients. These cases also correlated to the MRC improvement in elbow flexion, as well as DQMS parameters. TMS parameters also mildly and inconstantly improved in the other five patients who limited themselves just to PT after surgery; however, there was no correlation with the EMG findings or MRC scaling. PT influences the cortical representation within the motor area of the upper limb when performed continuously. The electrical signals within the motor cortex promote the utility adherence to long-term PT protocols.

Diabetic Neuropathy (DN) is a complication that affects at least half of the patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Unlike other symptoms and signs that may sooner alarm the patients, DN manifestations tend to be rather silent, and so usually neglected by the patient for a long period of time, which can last for years. Therefore it’s a “hidden complication of diabetes” label. Unfortunately, it is only when symptoms already affect the quality of life that the treatment becomes challenging when it comes to speaking of either etiological, symptomatic or rehabilitation strategies. Early diagnosis can also be tricky while aiming for lifestyle corrections and proper individualized treatment strategies. Rehabilitation methods for DN aim especially towards the improvement of articulation mobility and muscular strength amelioration, the suggested brief review of literature promoting this part of therapy essential for both prevention and amelioration of overall morbidity. Keywords: diabetic neuropathy, physical therapy, interdisciplinary approach, quality of life,

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disorder consisting in autoimmune and inflammatory manifestations. Its evolution is characterized by axonal demyelination among the central nervous system. A growing body of evidence suggests lately that vitamin D deficiency is a very common condition in Multiple Sclerosis. On the other hand, during the last years, several studies have shown a correlation between high vitamin D serum levels and a decreased risk either for developing this illness, or preventing its evolution towards disability. Vitamin D is currently being considered an important environmental factor for this disease, therefore being widely debated whether its supplementation would actually be benefic, and if yes, what results can be expected in such a therapeutic approach. Our brief look upon some of the latest results in the field of research for this matter is intended to synthesize what is known at this moment and what future directions would be.

No abstract