Background: Both resistance training (RT) and endurance training (ET) improve cardiovascular health. This review compares that which exercise is more effective in reducing RHR. Methods: Sixteen studies (508 participants) met eligibility criteria: 5 RT-only studies (8 arms, n=115), 4 ET-only studies (5 arms, n=79), and 5 direct RT-vs-ET comparisons (n=174); 2 additional crossover studies (Cornelissen 2009, n=72; Thomas et al. 2021, n=68) were used only in sensitivity analyses and are not counted in the primary pools. Random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) meta-analysis pooled mean RHR change for single-arm models and mean difference in RHR change for the direct comparison. Results: RT produced no significant change in RHR (pooled Δ = -0.09 bpm, 95% CI [-2.03, 1.85]). ET produced a significant reduction (pooled Δ = -5.08 bpm, 95% CI [-8.23, -1.92]; I²=95.6%). The direct comparison showed no significant difference between modalities (pooled MD = 0.02 bpm, 95% CI [-0.54, 0.57]). Conclusion: ET significantly reduced RHR relative to baseline while RT did not. But in direct comparison no modality is superior. Direct-comparison evidence is of very low certainty (GRADE), dominated by one high-risk-of-bias study. ET reliably lowers RHR relative to inactivity while in direct comparison evidence is limited to establish superiority of either modality.
Background: Obesity is showed as increase body fat which poses risk of insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidaemia, cell organelles stress, vascular inflammation & metabolic dysregulation. Altogether an altered lipid metabolism and oxidative stress associated with obesity and affect the nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Motor and Sensory nerve conduction velocity (MNCV & SNCV) is a routine electrodiagnostic technique for detecting any changes in nerve conduction parameters (Distal Motor Latency, Compound Muscle Action potential, Sensory Nerve Action Potential, Conduction Velocity). Few studies reported delayed or prolongation of distal latency and other parameters like CMAP& CV observed reduced accordance to some investigator while other studied observed either decrease or no changes in conduction velocity with changes in BMI.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between NCV and Body Mass Index (BMI)Materials and Methods: This Cross-Sectional study was conducted among one hundred twenty-five (125) students of Gauhati medical college, categorized according to their Body mass index (BMI)as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. Median nerve conduction studies were performed in the Neurophysiology Laboratory of the Department of Physiology with the help of Neuroperfect machine. Correlation analysis was applied to assess the relationship between BMI and Nerve conduction velocity parameters.Results: We observed significant positive correlation between BMI categories and latency of right(r-value=0.642) & left(r-value=0.582) Median NCV. Negative correlation between BMI category with CMAP, CV and SNAP parameters of median NCV. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that nerve function in healthy individuals may vary with increasing BMI. Higher BMI appears to be associated with changes in nerve conduction parameters, indicating that excess body weight can influence peripheral nerve performance. Hence, further studies required larger sample sizes and more comprehensive investigative methods.
Introduction: Measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT) is one method of assessing cardiovascular risk. Several normal ranges have been reported, particularly among Caucasians. However, few studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of our study was to determine intima-media thickness values in Black Togolese subjects without cardiovascular risk factors and, specifically, to analyze these values in relation to anthropometric parameters Background and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from August 1 to November 30, 2024, in the Kara region. Included in the study were patients or their companions without cardiovascular risk factors, based on a preliminary screening for the presence or absence of major cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, and abdominal obesity. Results: We included 104 subjects, aged between 19 and 73 years, with a mean age of 32.70 ± 13.56 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.36, with a predominance of males. Within our sample, the mean intima-media thickness (IMT) was 0.56 ± 0.10 mm when measured on the right and 0.58 ± 0.09 mm on the left. The mean IMT measured on the left was higher than that measured on the right. There was no significant difference between IMT measurements in women and men (p=0.87). With regard to age, we found a significant association between age and an increase in IMT values. Specifically, as age increases by one year, intima-media thickness increases on average by 0.0037 mm on the left (p=0.002) and by 0.0035 mm on the right (p=0.001). In our study, we found a correlation between variations in intima-media thickness values and body weight and body surface area. We did not find any significant variation between blood pressure levels, heart rate, and IMT values. Conclusion: This is the first study to determine IMT values in Black Togolese subjects without cardiovascular risk factors. While timely, multicenter studies are needed to determine normal IMT values in Black African subjects.
Context: Sleep is essential for the recovery and performance of athletes. In sub-Saharan Africa, data on athletes' sleep are almost nonexistent, limiting the possibilities for appropriate screening and management. Objective: To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and identify risk factors among Senegalese university athletes. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted among 300 athletes and coaches of Gaston Berger University (Saint-Louis, Senegal) between January and March 2025, using 2 validated questionnaires: Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) and Athlete Sleep Behaviour Questionnaire (ASBQ). The Sleep Difficulty Score (SDS) was used to grade sleep disorders into four levels (none, mild, moderate, severe). Results: The sample included 82% student-athletes and 18% supervisors, mostly male (68%), aged 18 to 35 years. The average sleep duration was 6.2 ± 1.1 hours per night. The prevalence of sleep disorders reached 63%: mild disorders (38.67%), moderate (15.67%), severe (8.67%). Subjective dissatisfaction concerned 40% of participants. The main identified risk factors were screen use before bedtime (72%), caffeine consumption (64.7%), late training (53%), and competitive stress. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of sleep disorders among university athletes. Systematic screening during the fitness medical examination and education on sleep hygiene are necessary. These results highlight the urgency of developing prevention and management strategies adapted to the African context.
Background: Medical pre-clinical education is a pivotal period during which students progressively constructthe conceptual and epistemological foundations required for clinical practice. Physiology, as a bridge disciplinebetween basic sciences and clinical reasoning, holds a central role in this process. Understanding how pedagogicalperceptions and motivational profiles evolve between Year 1 (Y1) and Year 2 (Y2) of the medical curriculum isessential for evidence-informed curriculum design, particularly in sub-Saharan African institutions facingstructural resource constraints.Objective: To compare pedagogical perceptions and motivational profiles between Y1 (n = 39) and Y2 (n = 39)medical students at UADB, Senegal, across six thematic dimensions, and to identify longitudinal improvementpathways.Methods: A cross-sectional comparative survey using an anonymous five-point Likert-scale questionnaire wassimultaneously administered to both cohorts during the 2024-2025 academic year. Responses were aggregatedinto three categories (agreement, neutrality, disagreement). Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for inter-cohort comparisons. Thematic mean scores were computed by aggregating items within each dimension.Results: The two cohorts differed notably in gender distribution (Y1: 69.2% female vs Y2: 53.8% male). Perceiveddifficulty of physiology fell sharply from 69.2% (‘difficult’) in Y1 to 20.5% in Y2, while 15.4% of Y2 rated it‘easy’. Intrinsic motivation increased significantly (Δ = +0.43/5; p < 0.001) and surface learning approachesdeclined sharply (Δ = −0.59/5; p < 0.001). Recognition of physiology’s utility for medical practice reached 100%in Y2. Assessment perception improved significantly (p < 0.001). In contrast, laboratory availability fell critically(Δ = −37.5%; p = 0.001) and participatory inhibition increased paradoxically in Y2.Conclusion: Progression from Y1 to Y2 is accompanied by a remarkable motivational and epistemologicalmaturation characterised by deep learning consolidation and full integration of physiology’s medical value.This trajectory is, however, undermined by deteriorating material conditions and persistent participatoryinhibition. Structural investment in Y2 infrastructure and targeted active-learning strategies are priorityinterventions.
Background: Central obesity is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in reducing abdominal adiposity. Zumba, a dance-based aerobic exercise, is increasingly popular among women, but limited prospective data exist on its effect on central obesity markers. Aim: To assess the effect of regular Zumba exercise on BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) among females aged 18–40 years. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 100 females aged 18–40 years in Guwahati. Participants underwent supervised Zumba sessions (60 minutes, 3 days/week) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters (BMI, WC, WHR) were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention values. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant reductions were observed after 12 weeks of Zumba. BMI decreased from 27.24 ± 2.27 kg/m² to 25.49 ± 2.39 kg/m² (p < 0.001). Waist circumference reduced from 88.13 ± 5.72 cm to 82.25 ± 5.71 cm (p < 0.001). WHR decreased from 0.89 ± 0.04 to 0.85 ± 0.05 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Regular Zumba exercise significantly reduces central obesity markers and may serve as an effective, enjoyable, and sustainable strategy for obesity management among young and middle-aged women.
Introduction: Disruption in sleep pattern is common in modern society due to work schedule demand.Aim: to investigate the effects of altered sleep patterns on cognitive performance among nursing staff.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Government Medical College, Jammu, enrolling 81 nursingstaff working either day(N=41) or nightshifts(N=40). Data was gathered through self-administered questionnairesand cognitive assessment tools: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA) respectively.Results: The study revealed a significant difference in sleep deprivation among shift workers with 67.5% of nightshift nurses reporting sleep deprivation compared to 26.82% of day shift staff. Cognitive assessments indicatedthat night shift nurses had significantly lower MoCA scores (mean score:24.39±3.98) compared to day shift nurses(meanscore:29.52±4.22). Cognitive parameters such as attention, short-term memory recall, and executive functionwere significantly compromised in sleep-deprived nurses as compared to Non sleep-deprived counterparts.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the detrimental impact of night shift work on sleep quality and cognitiveperformance among nursing staff. A substantial proportion of nurses experience sleep deprivation, leading tocognitive impairments.
Background: Physiology is a fundamental and complex discipline in medical education, the mastery of which underpins understanding of clinical sciences. In the African context, characterised by limited teaching resources and growing student cohorts, assessing student perceptions is an essential lever for improving teaching quality. Objective: This study aims to explore the perceptions and motivations of first-year medical students (Year 1) regarding the teaching of physiology at Alioune Diop University of Bambey (UADB), Senegal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 39 Year 1 students using a structured anonymous questionnaire with five-level Likert-scale items. Themes covered pedagogical content, tutorial sessions (TD), teacher–student interaction, material conditions, and student motivation. Results: Students were predominantly female (69.2%), with a mean age of 20.2 years, mostly single (97.4%), and of Senegalese nationality (82.1%). They rated the pedagogical content positively (69–76% agreement on key items) and the teacher–student interaction favourably (87–92% for communication-related items). Tutorial sessions were highly valued, with 76.9% agreement on their contribution to understanding. In contrast, material conditions received mixed to negative ratings: only 38.9% found classrooms suitable. Intrinsic motivation remained high: 89.5% believed that every physiology class can be interesting if one works hard, and 89.7% found the course genuinely interesting. Conclusion. Despite significant infrastructural constraints, Year 1 students expressed an overall positive perception of physiology teaching and sustained intrinsic motivation. Targeted investment in teaching equipment and the strengthening of tutorial sessions could substantially improve learning outcomes.
Context: Metabolic therapy encompasses a range of strategies that involve the utilization of metabolic inhibitors,dietary interventions, and natural compounds that modulate metabolic regulators. These methodologies exhibitpromising outcomes in preclinical models and early-phase clinical trials for cancer treatment.Objectives: To elucidate how metabolic therapy disrupts energy production in neoplastic cells while protectingnormal cells.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing scientific databases.Results: Metabolic therapy targets cancer cells’ energy pathways with inhibitors like metformin and dichloroacetate,disrupting growth without harming normal cells. Dietary strategies, including the ketogenic diet, starve cancer cellsand promote fat consumption. Natural compounds like curcumin and resveratrol regulate metabolic processes incancer cells, potentially slowing tumor growth.Discussion: Clinical trials have demonstrated encouraging outcomes with the implementation of metabolictherapies.Conclusion: Strategic exploitation of metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells offers a promising avenue foreffective therapeutic interventions in the battle against cancer.
Introduction: Air pollution is a major public health concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing African cities where vehicular traffic dominates. Road transport workers are at risk of chronic carbon monoxide (CO) exposure, but data on its health effects are limited. This study assessed CO exposure, carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) levels, and their association with subclinical symptoms and arterial stiffness among public transport workers in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 76 publics transports workers. Sociodemographic, occupational, and smoking data were collected via questionnaire. Exhaled CO and HbCO levels were measured, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed. Logistic and linear regression analyses evaluated associations between HbCO and respiratory symptoms or PWV, adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, and employment duration. Results: Participants were predominantly male, mean age 35.2 ± 8.3 years, BMI 24.8 ± 3.1 kg/m², working 16 ± 1.5 hours/day and 6.2 ± 0.8 days/week; 11.8% were current smokers. Mean exhaled CO was 3.72 ± 3.21 ppm, and mean HbCO was 1.26 ± 0.53%, with 26% exceeding 1.5%. HbCO strongly correlated with exhaled CO (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Neurological (headache 23.7%) and musculoskeletal (back pain 21.1%) complaints were common. Respiratory symptoms occurred in 19.7% of participants, with higher prevalence in those with HbCO >1.5% (27% vs 8%, p = 0.003). PWV averaged 12.03 ± 14.0 m/s; participants with HbCO >1.5% had significantly higher PWV, and linear regression showed a positive association between HbCO and PWV (β = 0.29, 95% CI 0.02–0.56, p = 0.034). Conclusion: Public transport workers in Dakar experience chronic CO exposure. Elevated HbCO was associated with increased respiratory symptoms and arterial stiffness, suggesting early subclinical cardiovascular and respiratory effects. These findings highlight the need for occupational health interventions and further research on air pollution impacts in sub-Saharan Africa.
Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most dreaded complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with DN have a high risk of early mortality and is associated with increased mortality when associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). The aim of this study was to assess cardiac autonomic control in patients with DN. Methods: A cross-sectional study were conducted in 50 (17 females) outpatients with DN. Cardiac autonomic control was assessed by a monitoring of cardiac activity at supine and standing positions by a Holter EKG. RR interval data were exported in Kubios HRV Standard Software and 5 minute segments were read. HRV were classify according Sammito et al. and cardiac autonomic neuropathy were diagnosed by criteria of Bellavere et al. Results: Parasympathetic nervous system parameters were in 22, 20 and 21 patients at supine position. Sympathovagal balance was also low in thirty-one patients. At the transition to orthostatic position only parasympathetic parameters such as pNN50 and HF.nu. were reduced significantly. CAN was diagnosed in thirty patients and majority of them were at the severe form (p < 0.0001) and arterial baroreflex was altered in seventeen patients. Conclusion: Cardiac autonomic control was altered in majority of patient with diabetic nephropathy.
Background: Quarrying is the process by which rock, sand, gravel, or other minerals from the earth are removed to producematerials for construction work and other uses. During the process of quarrying, large amounts of dust particles of heavymetals, silica, and organic solvents are emitted from the earth’s .Kuppam region of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the greencoloured granite stone which has global demand, which is specifically found in the kuppam and surrounding villages,hence number of Quarries are more and causing respiratory diseases of local quarry workers. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of physiology with total of 50 Quarry workers for more than or equalto 5 years duration of working, both gender is randomly selected between 25-55 years of age. 50 Apparently normal healthyindividuals of both genders were chosen from 5 km away from the quarry area as the control group. Ethical approval forthe study protocol was obtained from Institutional Ethical Clearance committee (IECC). After inclusion & exclusion criteria,lung function tests were done in quarry and the normal healthy subjects. Results: There is a statistically significant change in FEV1, FVC & PEFR among quarry workers. Positive correlation ofparameters with number of years of exposure to quarry work and with distance from the quarry site. PEFR has shownnegative correlation with the distance from the quarry sites. Conclusions: Not only quarry workers but also nearby residing population are also at the risk of deterioration of lungfunction tests.
INTRODUCTION: Adansonia digitata leaves are used in the traditional treatment of arterial hypertension in Senegal. The objective of this study was to determine the vasorelaxant effect of the hydro-ethanol leaf extract of Adansonia digitata (ADF) on porcine coronary arteries and to elucidate the mechanisms involved MATERIAL AND METHODS : Porcine coronary arteries were suspended in organ chambers for the recording of changes in isometric forces. Rings with intact endothelium were incubated with or without various inhibitors. L-nitro-arginin (L-NA), an inhibitor of endothelial NO synthase; Mn (III) tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (MnTMPyP); Polyethylene glycol catalase (PEG-CAT); N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), inhibitors of intracellular production of reactive oxygen species; Catalase (CAT), an inhibitor of extracellular reactive oxygen species; Wortmannin, an inhibitor of the redox-sensitive pathway PI3 kinase/Akt; PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine), an inhibitor of Src kinase; apamin (APA), an inhibitor of small conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels (SKCa); and Tram-34, an inhibitor of intermediate conductance calcium-dependent potassium channels (IKCa); and indomethacin (INDO), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, were applied before contraction with U46619 and the generation of a concentration-relaxation curve to ADF. In some experiments, the endothelium was removed before contraction with U46619 and the generation of a concentration-relaxation curve to ADF. The phosphorylation levels of Akt and eNOS were assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: ADF produced 100% relaxation at 10 µg/ml in endothelium intact arteries pre-contracted with U46619. ADF induces a redox-sensitive endothelium-dependent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries. This effects is mediated by NO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing (EDH) whereas prostacyclins do not appear to play a role in the vascular effects. However, ADF induced sustaining phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: Adansonia digitata induces vasodilation, which may explain its antihypertensive effect and its use in traditional African medicine.
Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a hydroethanolic extract of Ficus vallis-choudae (EFFV) leaves canprevent the sickling of red blood cells in individuals with sickle cell carriers(AS) and homozygous sickle cells (SS).Material and Methods: Ten grammes of Ficus vallis-choudae leaf powder were macerated in 100 ml of a 60% hydroethanolicsolution. After filtration, the macerate was subjected to rotary evaporation until a dry crude extract was obtained. This dryextract was reconstituted in water to prepare two solutions with concentrations of 5 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml. Emmel testswere performed following incubation of the extract solutions with blood from individuals with the AS sickle cell trait,SS homozygous sickle cell disease, and normal AA controls. The percentage of sickled cells was determined using opticalmicroscopy. Results: The hydroethanolic extract of Ficus vallis-choudae (EFFV) significantly reduces sickle cell formation in both AS andSS individuals. This antisickling effect is dose-dependent. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the hydroethanolic crude extract of Ficus vallis-choudae (EFFV) could havebeneficial effects in the context of sickle cell disease. These findings offer promising prospects for the development ofcost-effective treatments for this condition.
Background: The bark of Combretum glutinosum Perr. (Combretaceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of arterial high blood pressure in Senegal. The aim of this study was to determine the vasorelaxant effect of a methanolic fraction of Combretum glutinosum bark extract (MSCG01) on isolated porcine coronary arteries and to investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods: Rings of porcine coronary arteries were suspended in organ chambers to record changes in isometric tension. Rings with intact endothelium were incubated in the presence or absence of various inhibitors, including L-nitro-arginine (L-NA), an inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), UCL, an inhibitor of calcium-dependent small conductance potassium channels (SKCa), and Tram-34, an inhibitor of calcium-dependent intermediate conductance potassium channels (IKCa). Indomethacin (INDO), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenases, was also used. Thirty minutes after incubation with an inhibitor, the rings were contracted with U46619, a thromboxane A2 mimetic, and subsequently relaxed with increasing concentrations of MSCG01. In some experiments, the endothelium was removed before contraction with U46619 and relaxation with MSCG01. Results: MSCG01 induces 100% relaxation at 10 µg/ml in endothelium-intact artery rings pre-contracted with U46619. The MSCG01-induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by nitric oxide (NO), but not by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDH) or prostanoids. Conclusions: Combretum glutinosum induces vasodilation which may contribute to explain its antihypertensive effect and its use in traditional African medicine.
This study was conducted in a hospital in the city of Tikrit from the first of December 2023 to the first of March 2024. The aim is to study the difference between the high and low concentrations of milk hormone in single and married women and to identify the dangers and benefits of high and low levels of this hormone, as samples were taken from both cases and at different ages and treated with (prolactin kit) from Accu Bind, and the level of milk hormone was measured. The results of the samples of married women suffering from high levels of milk hormone were the first group, and the mean of their ages was 33 years, and the arithmetic mean of the percentage of milk hormone in the blood of the samples was 24. As for the results of the samples of single women suffering from low levels of milk hormone, the mean age of the subjects was 30 years, and the arithmetic mean of the milk hormone ratio in the blood of the samples was 25.47, and the increase in milk hormone levels leads to many of the symptoms that appeared in the studied samples, including Delayed menstruation, the appearance of milk discharge in non-breastfeeding or single women, as well as a marked increase in the appearance of hair in the body areas in general. It was observed significances differences in patients from single women suffering from low milk hormone in the presence of an increase in the hormone dopamine, which is the hormone responsible for reducing the level of milk hormone, which is the result of a disorder in the pituitary gland due to some incorrectly prescribed medications, especially in cases of severe headaches.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is an established non-invasive marker used to assess autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of HRV as an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction in prediabetes, particularly for middle-aged individuals. The early age detection will help in early treatment and prevention of dysautonomia like neuropathy, retinopathy. Early diagnosis of dysautonomia can potentially lead to a better prognosis and quality of life. This systematic review aims to highlight the current researches on HRV in prediabetic populations aged 45–60 years, exploring the relationship between reduced HRV and early cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. Studies employing traditional HRV measures are used to identify the predictive value of HRV in prediabetes and the progression to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in middle aged individuals using PRISMA guidelines with two independent reviewers assessing the quality of included studies. The studies have shown a high corelation between heart rate variability (HRV) and prediabetes among individuals aged 45-60 years (middle aged).HRV could be used as a predictor of dysautonomia in prediabetic individuals for progression of diabetes (T2DM)
Background: Medical Physiology is a fundamental component of the undergraduate medical curriculum, essential for developing a deep understanding of clinical practice. Traditionally, medical education has relied on teacher-centered approaches; however, recent trends emphasize student-centered methods such as active learning. This study investigates the perceptions of first-year MBBS students at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute regarding various teaching-learning methodologies and their effectiveness.Objectives: This study aims to identify preferred and least preferred teaching-learning approaches among first-year MBBS students and to explore the qualities of teachers that most influence student learning.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The study was carried out from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, with 108 out of 150 students participating. The questionnaire, validated through a pilot study, was analyzed using MS Excel to determine preferences in teaching methods, aids, and teacher qualities.Results: The study found that practical classes were the most favored teaching method (60%), while conventional didactic lectures were the least preferred (10%). Early clinical exposure classes (25%) and small group discussions (15%) were also positively received. Among teaching aids, a combination of blackboard and PowerPoint presentations (53%) was preferred, followed by video demonstrations (22%). Case-based lectures (48%) were identified as the most effective method for active recall, with quizzes (20%) and role plays (16%) also favored. The ideal lecture duration was 45 minutes (60%). The most valued teacher qualities were the ability to simplify concepts (73%) Conclusion: The study indicates a strong preference for active learning methods such as practical classes and early clinical exposure over traditional lectures. Effective teaching strategies should incorporate a blend of modern aids and interactive approaches to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Additionally, teachers who simplify complex concepts and possess deep subject knowledge are highly valued by students.
Background: Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a measure of fitness and an indication of cardiac health. The decrease in heart rate occurring immediately after exercise is caused by increased vagal activity and sympathetic withdrawal occurring after exercise.Objective: Our aim was to study the relationship between of the clinical severity of the lower limb artery disease (Fontaine classification) assessed during a 6-minute walking test and the decrease in heart rate (HR) from maximal exercise HR at 1-minute post-exercise (HRR1).Material and method: We studied patients were enrolled from January to December 2021 and screened in the vascular function exploration unit of the Souro SANOU University Hospitalof Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, sub-Saharan Africa.Results: A total of 98 patients were included with a mean age of 53.6 ± 11.2 years, predominantly female (60.2%). The mean values were:0.834 ± 0.16 for ABI, 77± 11 bpm for resting HR, 108 ± 14bpm for end-exercise HR, 15bpm ± 8bpm for HRR1, 296± 95 m for maximum walking distance. Among the groups of the Fontaine classification, group IV walked the least (224±115m) and had the smallest HRR1 (11±8 bpm). Conclusion: Our study showed a significant relationship between HRR1 after a 6-minute walk test and the severity of lower limb ischemia. This could potentially lead to better peripheral arterial disease management strategies based on post-exercise cardiac recovery.
