The effect of physical activity on the manifestation of age-related degenerative changes in the neuromuscular apparatus in dogs

Abstract

Degenerative changes in neuromuscular structures are an irreversible process in the pathogenesis  of  age-related  changes.  These include a decrease in the proportion of muscle  tissue,  the  replacement  of  nerve  structures  with  connective  tissue  elements,  the development  of  synoptic  depression  and  a decrease in the excitability and lability of the neuromuscular  apparatus  as  a  result.    An important aspect of maintaining the quality of life of dogs older than 9 years is the prvention and  postponement  of  irreversible degenerative processes. For this purpose, the introduction of  physical  activity  into  the protocols  of  prevention  and  rehabilitation after injuries is widespread in humane medicine. However, there  is no convincing evidence base for the effectiveness of physical activity in relation to the prevention of age-related degenerative changes for animals. In the  course  of  the  work,  the  influence  of physical  activity  on  the  manifestation  of degenerative  changes  in  animals  aged  9  to 11 years was studied using an electrophysiological research method - electroneuromyography (ENMG). This technique helps to assess  the  functional  state  of  neuromuscular structures  using  a  graphical  image  (M-response curve). The obtained results show that the condition of the studied structures in the experimental group of animals according to  the  obtained  electrophysiological  data  is estimated  as  more  functionally  preserved, compared  with  the  animals  of  the  control group. This is due to the fact that kinesiotherapy has a positive effect on the metabolic  processes  occurring  at  the  cellular  and tissue levels, thereby improving microcirclation  and  innervation  of  neuromuscular structures,  and  also  has  a  restorative  effect on the entire animal body The obtained results  indisputably  indicate  the  beneficial effect of physical activity on the state of the neuromuscular system of animals.