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Li Z, Schoonjans E, Allaert J, De Smet S, Kappen M, Houfflyn J, Ottaviani C, De Raedt R, Pulopulos MM, Vanderhasselt MA. Unraveling the temporal interplay of slow-paced breathing and prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation on cardiac indices of autonomic activity. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14650. [PMID: 38997945 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The neurovisceral integration model proposes that information flows bidirectionally between the brain and the heart via the vagus nerve, indexed by vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV). Voluntary reduction in breathing rate (slow-paced breathing, SPB, 5.5 Breathing Per Minute (BPM)) can enhance vmHRV. Additionally, prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate the excitability of the prefrontal region and influence the vagus nerve. However, research on the combination of SPB and prefrontal tDCS to increase vmHRV and other cardiac (heart rate (HR) and blood pressure) and peripheral (skin conductance) indices is scarce. We hypothesized that the combination of 20 min of SPB and prefrontal tDCS would have a greater effect than each intervention in isolation. Hence, 200 participants were divided into four groups: active tDCS with SPB, active tDCS with 15 BPM breathing, sham tDCS with SPB, and sham tDCS with 15 BPM breathing. Regardless of the tDCS condition, the 5.5 BPM group showed a significant increase in vmHRV over 20 minutes and significant decreases in HR at the first and second 5-min epochs of the intervention. Regardless of breathing condition, the active tDCS group exhibited higher HR at the fourth 5-min epoch of the intervention than the sham tDCS group. No other effects were observed. Overall, SPB is a robust technique for increasing vmHRV, whereas prefrontal tDCS may produce effects that counteract those of SPB. More research is necessary to test whether and how SPB and neuromodulation approaches can be combined to improve cardiac vagal tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Li
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmanuelle Schoonjans
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jens Allaert
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Smet
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mitchel Kappen
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joni Houfflyn
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Rudi De Raedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Sos T, Melton B. A Qualitative Analysis of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Management Program to Reduce Stress and Burnout for Health Care Staff. Holist Nurs Pract 2024:00004650-990000000-00024. [PMID: 39042718 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Occupational stress in the work setting can lead to burnout. Health care workers are at a higher risk of experiencing stress and burnout. Mindfulness has gained momentum as a coping mechanism for stress and feelings of burnout, although it is unknown which mindfulness practices are the most effective for reducing feelings of occupational stress. The purpose of the qualitative portion of this mixed-methods study was to explore health care staff's perceptions of the characteristics of mindfulness interventions that were effective in reducing their stress and feelings of burnout. Health care staff consisting of nurses, State Tested Nursing Aides, housekeeping staff, culinary staff, activities staff, social workers, and chaplain staff (N = 48) in a senior care and rehabilitation setting in a Midwestern city were invited to attend a semi-structured focus group, post-intervention. Thematic analysis was used to identify 3 main themes: ease of use promotes effective implementation, positive impact of mindfulness on self and others, and home- and work-related factors affect implementation. Overall, participants perceived benefit from various mindfulness practices for reducing their feelings of stress and burnout in the workplace. Guidance, ease of use of the mindfulness practice, and addressing barriers such as time and location can help with implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Sos
- Author Affiliations: Exercise Science, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH (Drs Sos and Melton); and Health and Human Performance Department, Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois (Dr Melton)
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Natarajan A, Emir-Farinas H, Su HW. Mindful breathing as an effective technique in the management of hypertension. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1339873. [PMID: 38321984 PMCID: PMC10844494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1339873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most important, modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The popularity of wearable devices provides an opportunity to test whether device guided slow mindful breathing may serve as a non-pharmacological treatment in the management of hypertension. Methods: Fitbit Versa-3 and Sense devices were used for this study. In addition, participants were required to own an FDA or Health Canada approved blood pressure measuring device. Advertisements were shown to 655,910 Fitbit users, of which 7,365 individuals expressed interest and filled out the initial survey. A total of 1,918 participants entered their blood pressure readings on at least 1 day and were considered enrolled in the study. Participants were instructed to download a guided mindful breathing app on their smartwatch device, and to engage with the app once a day prior to sleep. Participants measured their systolic and diastolic blood pressure prior to starting each mindful breathing session, and again after completion. All measurements were self reported. Participants were located in the United States or Canada. Results: Values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced following mindful breathing. There was also a decrease in resting systolic and diastolic measurements when measured over several days. For participants with a systolic pressure ≥ 130 mmHg, there was a decrease of 9.7 mmHg following 15 min of mindful breathing at 6 breaths per minute. When measured over several days, the resting systolic pressure decreased by an average of 4.3 mmHg. Discussion: Mindful breathing for 15 min a day, at a rate of 6 breaths per minute is effective in lowering blood pressure, and has both an immediate, and a short term effect (over several days). This large scale study demonstrates that device guided mindful breathing with a consumer wearable for 15 min a day is effective in lowering blood pressure, and a helpful complement to the standard of care.
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Shaheen N, Shaheen A, Diab RA, Desouki MT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) role in hypertension: pathogenesis and promising therapeutics. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:319-328. [PMID: 38222760 PMCID: PMC10783350 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and disease development. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of miRNAs in the development and progression of essential hypertension, a common form of high blood pressure that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate hypertension are complex and multifaceted. MiRNAs target the 3' untranslated regions of mRNA molecules, thereby regulating the synthesis of specific proteins involved in cardiovascular function. For instance, miRNAs are known to regulate the expression of genes involved in blood vessel tone, cardiac function, and inflammation. The growing body of research on miRNAs in hypertension has highlighted their potential as therapeutic targets for managing this condition. Studies have shown that miRNA-based therapies can modulate the expression of key genes involved in hypertension, leading to improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated hypertension and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Conclusions In summary, this review highlights the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in essential hypertension, including their molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of miRNAs on hypertension and to develop new treatments for this common and debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Shaheen
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria
| | - Ahmed Shaheen
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria
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Robson DA, Johnstone SJ, Putwain DW, Howard S. Test anxiety in primary school children: A 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sch Psychol 2023; 98:39-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
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Bajdek N, Merchant N, Camhi SM, Yan H. Racial Differences in Blood Pressure and Autonomic Recovery Following Acute Supramaximal Exercise in Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095615. [PMID: 37174135 PMCID: PMC10178025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing popularity of high-intensity anaerobic exercise, little is known about the acute effects of this form of exercise on cardiovascular hemodynamics or autonomic modulation, which might provide insight into the individual assessment of responses to training load. The purpose of this study was to compare blood pressure and autonomic recovery following repeated bouts of acute supramaximal exercise in Black and White women. A convenience sample of twelve White and eight Black young, healthy women were recruited for this study and completed two consecutive bouts of supramaximal exercise on the cycle ergometer with 30 min of recovery in between. Brachial and central aortic blood pressures were assessed by tonometry (SphygmoCor Xcel) at rest and 15-min and 30-min following each exercise bout. Central aortic blood pressure was estimated using brachial pressure waveforms and customized software. Autonomic modulation was measured in a subset of ten participants by heart-rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity. Brachial mean arterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in Blacks compared to Whites across time (race effect, p = 0.043 and p = 0.049, respectively). Very-low-frequency and low-frequency bands of heart rate variability, which are associated with sympathovagal balance and vasomotor tone, were 22.5% and 24.9% lower, respectively, in Blacks compared to Whites (race effect, p = 0.045 and p = 0.006, respectively). In conclusion, the preliminary findings of racial differences in blood pressure and autonomic recovery following supramaximal exercise warrant further investigations of tailored exercise prescriptions for Blacks and Whites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bajdek
- Exercise and Health Sciences Department, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02184, USA
| | - Noelle Merchant
- Exercise and Health Sciences Department, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02184, USA
| | - Sarah M Camhi
- Kinesiology Department, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | - Huimin Yan
- Exercise and Health Sciences Department, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02184, USA
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Matić Z, Kalauzi A, Moser M, Platiša MM, Lazarević M, Bojić T. Pulse respiration quotient as a measure sensitive to changes in dynamic behavior of cardiorespiratory coupling such as body posture and breathing regime. Front Physiol 2022; 13:946613. [PMID: 36620213 PMCID: PMC9816793 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.946613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: In this research we explored the (homeo)dynamic character of cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) under the influence of different body posture and breathing regimes. Our tool for it was the pulse respiration quotient (PRQ), representing the number of heartbeat intervals per breathing cycle. We obtained non-integer PRQ values using our advanced Matlab® algorithm and applied it on the signals of 20 healthy subjects in four conditions: supine position with spontaneous breathing (Supin), standing with spontaneous breathing (Stand), supine position with slow (0.1 Hz) breathing (Supin01) and standing with slow (0.1 Hz) breathing (Stand01). Main results: Linear features of CRC (in PRQ signals) were dynamically very sensitive to posture and breathing rhythm perturbations. There are obvious increases in PRQ mean level and variability under the separated and joined influence of orthostasis and slow (0.1 Hz) breathing. This increase was most pronounced in Stand01 as the state of joint influences. Importantly, PRQ dynamic modification showed greater sensitivity to body posture and breathing regime changes than mean value and standard deviation of heart rhythm and breathing rhythm. In addition, as a consequence of prolonged supine position, we noticed the tendency to integer quantization of PRQ (especially after 14 min), in which the most common quantization number was 4:1 (demonstrated in other research reports as well). In orthostasis and slow breathing, quantization can also be observed, but shifted to other values. We postulate that these results manifest resonance effects induced by coupling patterns from sympathetic and parasympathetic adjustments (with the second as dominant factor). Significance: Our research confirms that cardiorespiratory coupling adaptability could be profoundly explored by precisely calculated PRQ parameter since cardiorespiratory regulation in healthy subjects is characterized by a high level of autonomic adaptability (responsiveness) to posture and breathing regime, although comparisons with pathological states has yet to be performed. We found Stand01 to be the most provoking state for the dynamic modification of PRQ (cardiorespiratory inducement). As such, Stand01 has the potential of using for PRQ tuning by conditioning the cardiorespiratory autonomic neural networks, e.g., in the cases where PRQ is disturbed by environmental (i.e., microgravity) or pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Matić
- Biomedical Engineering and Technologies, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,*Correspondence: Zoran Matić,
| | - Aleksandar Kalauzi
- Department for Life Sciences, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maximilian Moser
- Chair of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Human Research Institute, Weiz, Austria
| | - Mirjana M. Platiša
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mihailo Lazarević
- Department for Mechanics, Faculty for Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Bojić
- Department of Radiation Chemistry and Physics, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of Thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Folch A, Gasol L, Heredia L, Vicens P, Torrente M. Mindful schools: Neuropsychological performance after the implementation of a mindfulness-based structured program in the school setting. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMindfulness has attracted considerable attention in educational settings as it can have positive effects on children. However, the role of mindfulness practice in schools has yet to be understood. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of mindfulness on neuropsychological performance and psychological well-being of primary school children. It also aims to explore the teacher’s mindfulness training effect on the intervention. The present study recruited 100 children (64% girls and 36% boys) aged 9–11 from a primary school in Tarragona (Spain). The research was conducted between 2016–2018 with three experimental groups: a mindfulness intervention group with a trained mindfulness teacher, a mindfulness intervention group with a non-trained mindfulness teacher, and a control group. All groups were evaluated before and after a 13-weeks intervention, consisting of 5–10 min mindfulness daily sessions before class. After the intervention, the two groups of children receiving mindfulness sessions performed better than controls in several neuropsychological tasks involving executive functions, such as short-term and working memory, learning, mental flexibility, visuospatial abilities and processing speed. No significant differences were found in the assessment of daily stress or emotional and behavioural problems. The findings of the present study can contribute to a better understanding of the role of mindfulness practice in primary children regarding neuropsychological performance, highlighting the importance of the teacher’s mindfulness training in the teaching/learning process.
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Barresi G, Marinelli A, Caserta G, de Zambotti M, Tessadori J, Angioletti L, Boccardo N, Freddolini M, Mazzanti D, Deshpande N, Frigo CA, Balconi M, Gruppioni E, Laffranchi M, De Michieli L. Exploring the Embodiment of a Virtual Hand in a Spatially Augmented Respiratory Biofeedback Setting. Front Neurorobot 2021; 15:683653. [PMID: 34557082 PMCID: PMC8454775 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2021.683653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the embodiment of artificial limbs-the individuals' feeling that a virtual or robotic limb is integrated in their own body scheme-is an impactful strategy for improving prosthetic technology acceptance and human-machine interaction. Most studies so far focused on visuo-tactile strategies to empower the embodiment processes. However, novel approaches could emerge from self-regulation techniques able to change the psychophysiological conditions of an individual. Accordingly, this pilot study investigates the effects of a self-regulated breathing exercise on the processes of body ownership underlying the embodiment of a virtual right hand within a Spatially Augmented Respiratory Biofeedback (SARB) setting. This investigation also aims at evaluating the feasibility of the breathing exercise enabled by a low-cost SARB implementation designed for upcoming remote studies (a need emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic). Twenty-two subjects without impairments, and two transradial prosthesis users for a preparatory test, were asked (in each condition of a within-group design) to maintain a normal (about 14 breaths/min) or slow (about 6 breaths/min) respiratory rate to keep a static virtual right hand "visible" on a screen. Meanwhile, a computer-generated sphere moved from left to right toward the virtual hand during each trial (1 min) of 16. If the participant's breathing rate was within the target (slow or normal) range, a visuo-tactile event was triggered by the sphere passing under the virtual hand (the subjects observed it shaking while they perceived a vibratory feedback generated by a smartphone). Our results-mainly based on questionnaire scores and proprioceptive drift-highlight that the slow breathing condition induced higher embodiment than the normal one. This preliminary study reveals the feasibility and potential of a novel psychophysiological training strategy to enhance the embodiment of artificial limbs. Future studies are needed to further investigate mechanisms, efficacy and generalizability of the SARB techniques in training a bionic limb embodiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacinto Barresi
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Marinelli
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Caserta
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
- Movement Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Tessadori
- Visual Geometry and Modelling, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Angioletti
- International Research Center for Cognitive Applied Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Boccardo
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Freddolini
- Rehab Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dario Mazzanti
- Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nikhil Deshpande
- Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Albino Frigo
- Movement Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Balconi
- International Research Center for Cognitive Applied Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
- Research Unit in Affective and Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gruppioni
- Centro Protesi INAIL, Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro, Bologna, Italy
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Wattanapanyawech J, Thaveeratitham P. The Effect of Breathing Cycles Program on Heart Rate and Sleep Parameters in Healthy Young Adults. SLEEP MEDICINE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.17241/smr.2020.00668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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