1
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Szulczewski MT, D'Agostini M, Van Diest I. Expiratory-gated Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) does not Further Augment Heart Rate Variability During Slow Breathing at 0.1 Hz. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:323-333. [PMID: 36920567 PMCID: PMC10412484 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09584-4] [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] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
As cardiac vagal control is a hallmark of good health and self-regulatory capacity, researchers are seeking ways to increase vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) in an accessible and non-invasive way. Findings with transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) have been disappointing in this respect, as its effects on vmHRV are inconsistent at best. It has been speculated that combining taVNS with other established ways to increase vmHRV may produce synergistic effects. To test this idea, the present study combined taVNS with slow breathing in a cross-over design. A total of 22 participants took part in two sessions of breathing at 6 breaths/min: once combined with taVNS, and once combined with sham stimulation. Electrical stimulation (100 Hz, 400 µs) was applied during expiration, either to the tragus and cavum conchae (taVNS) or to the earlobe (sham). ECG was recorded during baseline, 20-minutes of stimulation, and the recovery period. Frequentist and Bayesian analyses showed no effect of taVNS (in comparison to sham stimulation) on the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats, mean inter-beat interval, or spectral power of heart rate variability at a breathing frequency of 0.1 Hz. These findings suggest that expiratory-gated taVNS combined with the stimulation parameters examined here does not produce acute effects on vmHRV during slow breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina D'Agostini
- Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Van Diest
- Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Gandarillas MÁ, Goswami N. Diversity of Hemodynamic Reactive Profiles across Persons—Psychosocial Implications for Personalized Medicine. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133869. [PMID: 35807154 PMCID: PMC9267141 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed the individual differences in hemodynamic time patterns and reactivity to cognitive and emotional tasks, and explored the diversity of psycho-physiological profiles that could be used for the personalized prediction of different diseases. An analysis of heart rate (HR)—blood pressure (BP) relationship patterns across time using cross-correlations (CCs) during a logical-mathematical task and a task recalling negative emotions (rumination) was carried out in a laboratory setting on 45 participants. The results showed maximum HR–BP CCs during the mathematical task significantly more positive than the maximum HR–BP CCs during the rumination task. Furthermore, our results showed a large variety of hemodynamic reactivity profiles across the participants, even when carrying out the same tasks. The most frequent type showed positive HR–BP CCs under cognitive activity, and several positive–negative HR–BP CCs cycles under negative emotional activity. In general terms, our results supported the main hypothesis. We observed some distinct time-based “coordination strategies” in the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system under emotional vs. cognitive loading. Overall, large individual, as well as situational, specificities in hemodynamic reactivity time patterns were seen. The possible relationships between this variety of profiles and different psychosocial characteristics, and the potential for integrative predictive health within the provision of highly personalized medicine, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Gandarillas
- Department of Social, Work, and Differential Psychology, School of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Campus de Somosagua, Ctra. de Húmera, s/n, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-626-125-229
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Cheron G, Ristori D, Petieau M, Simar C, Zarka D, Cebolla AM. Effects of Pulsed-Wave Chromotherapy and Guided Relaxation on the Theta-Alpha Oscillation During Arrest Reaction. Front Psychol 2022; 13:792872. [PMID: 35310269 PMCID: PMC8929400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.792872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for the best wellness practice has promoted the development of devices integrating different technologies and guided meditation. However, the final effects on the electrical activity of the brain remain relatively sparse. Here, we have analyzed of the alpha and theta electroencephalographic oscillations during the realization of the arrest reaction (AR; eyes close/eyes open transition) when a chromotherapy session performed in a dedicated room [Rebalance (RB) device], with an ergonomic bed integrating pulsed-wave light (PWL) stimulation, guided breathing, and body scan exercises. We demonstrated that the PWL induced an evoked-related potential characterized by the N2-P3 components maximally recorded on the fronto-central areas and accompanied by an event-related synchronization (ERS) of the delta–theta–alpha oscillations. The power of the alpha and theta oscillations was analyzed during repeated ARs testing realized along with the whole RB session. We showed that the power of the alpha and theta oscillations was significantly increased during the session in comparison to their values recorded before. Of the 14 participants, 11 and 6 showed a significant power increase of the alpha and theta oscillations, respectively. These increased powers were not observed in two different control groups (n = 28) who stayed passively outside or inside the RB room but without any type of stimulation. These preliminary results suggest that PWL chromotherapy and guided relaxation induce measurable electrical brain changes that could be beneficial under neuropsychiatric perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Cheron
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neuroscience, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Dominique Ristori
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Petieau
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric Simar
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Machine Learning Group, Computer Science Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Zarka
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana-Maria Cebolla
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Movement Biomechanics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Xi J, Gao Y, Lyu N, She Z, Wang X, Zhang XA, Yu X, Ji W, Wei M, Dai W, Qian X. Let’s color: An online coloring game improves subjective well-being and reduces anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint). JMIR Serious Games 2022; 10:e37026. [PMID: 35575761 PMCID: PMC9273045 DOI: 10.2196/37026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 has spread worldwide and generated tremendous stress on human beings. Unfortunately, it is often hard for distressed individuals to access mental health services under conditions of restricted movement or even lockdown. Objective The study first aims to develop an online digital intervention package based on a commercially released coloring game. The second aim is to test the effectiveness of difference intervention packages for players to increase subjective well-being (SWB) and reduce anxiety during the pandemic. Methods An evidence-based coloring intervention package was developed and uploaded to an online coloring game covering almost 1.5 million players worldwide in January 2021. Players worldwide participated to color either 4 rounds of images characterized by awe, pink, nature, and blue or 4 rounds of irrelevant images. Participants' SWB and anxiety and the perceived effectiveness of the game in reducing anxiety (subjective effectiveness [SE]) were assessed 1 week before the intervention (T1), after the participants completed pictures in each round (T2-T5), and after the intervention (T6). Independent 2-tailed t tests were conducted to examine the general intervention (GI) effect and the intervention effect of each round. Univariate analysis was used to examine whether these outcome variables were influenced by the number of rounds completed. Results In total, 1390 players worldwide responded and completed at least 1 assessment. Overall, the GI group showed a statistical significantly greater increase in SWB than the general control (GC) group (N=164, t162=3.59, Cohen d=0.59, 95% CI 0.36-1.24, P<.001). Compared to the control group, the best effectiveness of the intervention group was seen in the awe round, in which the increase in SWB was significant (N=171, t169=2.51, Cohen d=0.39, 95% CI 0.10-0.82, P=.01), and players who colored all 4 pictures had nearly significant improvements in SWB (N=171, F4,170=2.34, partial ŋ2=0.053, P=.06) and a significant decrease in anxiety (N=171, F4,170=3.39, partial ŋ2=0.075, P=.01). Conclusions These data indicate the effectiveness of online psychological interventions, such as coloring games, for mental health in the specific period. They also show the feasibility of applying existing commercial games embedded with scientific psychological interventions that can fill the gap in mental crises and services for a wider group of people during the pandemic. The results would inspire innovations to prevent the psychological problems caused by public emergencies and encourage more games, especially the most popular ones, to take more positive action for the common crises of humankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- JuZhe Xi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - YuHan Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Lyu
- Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuang She
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - XinYue Wang
- College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Xin-An Zhang
- Antai College of Economics & Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - XiaoYu Yu
- School of Management, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - WeiDong Ji
- Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - MengSheng Wei
- School of Management, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - WeiHui Dai
- School of Management, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuesheng Qian
- School of Management, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Changes in Humans' Autonomic Nervous System under Dynamic Lighting Environment During A Short Rest. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:6697701. [PMID: 34462649 PMCID: PMC8403042 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6697701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Overloaded work and life stress often result in excessive fatigue and stresses in people, further leading to psychological burden and physiological disease. In this case, good rest is important in busy life. Good rest could result in good quality of life and work efficiency. In order to assist people in getting into deep rest to obtain a restorative state after fatigue, a dynamic lighting system with low-frequency change for assisting users in effective relaxation is proposed in this study. Heart rate variability analysis is used for discussing the change in the autonomic nervous system of the subjects under dynamic lighting environment, and a self-report questionnaire is applied to understand the subjects' psychological feeling. The research results indicate that the subjects significantly showed enhancement in the activities of parasympathetic nervous system within 25 minutes in the dynamic lighting process, in comparison with the steady lighting system. The questionnaire survey results also reveal that the subjects receive higher quality of rest, after the dynamic and low-illuminance lighting stimuli, with good feeling.
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6
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Lederer AM, Fredriksen PM, Nkeh-Chungag BN, Everson F, Strijdom H, De Boever P, Goswami N. Cardiovascular effects of air pollution: current evidence from animal and human studies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H1417-H1439. [PMID: 33513082 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00706.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Air pollution is a global health concern. Particulate matter (PM)2.5, a component of ambient air pollution, has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the pollutants that poses the greatest threat to public health. Cardiovascular health effects have been extensively documented, and these effects are still being researched to provide an overview of recent literature regarding air pollution-associated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in humans. Additionally, potential mechanisms through which air pollutants affect the cardiovascular system are discussed based on human and additional animal studies. We used the strategy of a narrative review to summarize the scientific literature of studies that were published in the past 7 yr. Searches were carried out on PubMed and Web of Science using predefined search queries. We obtained an initial set of 800 publications that were filtered to 78 publications that were relevant to include in this review. Analysis of the literature showed significant associations between air pollution, especially PM2.5, and the risk of elevated blood pressure (BP), acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrhythmia, and heart failure (HF). Prominent mechanisms that underlie the adverse effects of air pollution include oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic imbalance, and thrombogenicity. The current review underscores the relevance of air pollution as a global health concern that affects cardiovascular health. More rigorous standards are needed to reduce the cardiovascular disease burden imposed by air pollution. Continued research on the health impact of air pollution is needed to provide further insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Maria Lederer
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Benedicta Ngwenchi Nkeh-Chungag
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Frans Everson
- Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Hans Strijdom
- Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Division of Medical Physiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Patrick De Boever
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Research Centre, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Health Sciences, Alma Mater Europaea Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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7
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Maheshkumar K, Venugopal V, Poonguzhali S, Mangaiarkarasi N, Venkateswaran S, Manavalan N. Trends in the use of Yoga and Naturopathy based lifestyle clinics for the management of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tamilnadu, South India. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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8
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Trozic I, Platzer D, Fazekas F, Bondarenko AI, Brix B, Rössler A, Goswami N. Postural hemodynamic parameters in older persons have a seasonal dependency : A pilot study. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 53:145-155. [PMID: 30868225 PMCID: PMC7066096 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-019-01525-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aims It is known that blood pressure regulation differs seasonally. It is unknown, however, how the cardiovascular system in patients with a stroke reacts to postural changes in different seasons. The aim was therefore to investigate how different temperatures in cold and warm seasons influence the reactions of haemodynamic mechanisms as well as heart rate variability during a sit-to-stand test in patients with stroke and a control group. Methods Hemodynamic responses were assessed in both groups during a sit-to-stand test (5 min sitting followed by 5 min standing) beat to beat within two different seasons. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), stroke index (SI), cardiac index (CI) and heart rate variability (HRV) were continuously monitored. Results During the sitting baseline period delta values of DBP (+15.1 [Standard error (SE) 3.75] mmHg, p < 0.05) and MBP (+14.35 [SE 4.18] mmHg, p < 0.05) were significantly higher in colder months compared to warmer months whereas SI (−3.86 [SE 1.43] ml/beat/m2, p < 0.05) and CI (−0.4 [SE 0.11] l/min/m2, p < 0.05) were lower in colder months compared to warmer months in non-stroke participants. In patients with stroke during sitting, baseline period delta values of DBP (+19.92 [SE 8.03] mmHg, p < 0.05) and MBP (+19.29 [SE 8.6] mmHg, p < 0.05) were significantly higher in colder months compared to warmer months but SI (−5.43 [SE 1.96] ml/beat/m2, p < 0.05) was significantly lower in colder months compared to warmer months. After standing, there was a significant decrease in SBP in warmer months (−16.84 [SE 4.38] mmHg, p < 0.05) and a decrease in DBP in warmer months (−7.8 [SE 2.3] mmHg, p < 0.05) and colder months (−6.73 [SE 1.5] mmHg, p < 0.05) in non-stroke participants and a decrease in MBP in warmer months (−12.5 [SE 2.8] mmHg, p < 0.05) and colder months (−8.93 [SE 1.8] mmHg, p < 0.05) in non-stroke participants and in warmer months (−14.54 [SE 4.1] mmHg, p < 0.05) in patients with stroke. Conclusion Elderly with and
without stroke respond to orthostatic stress with a greater drop in blood pressure in the warmer seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irhad Trozic
- Gravitational Physiology, Aging and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, Graz, Austria
| | - Dieter Platzer
- Gottfried Schatz Forschungszentrum, Biophysik, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Fazekas
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Bianca Brix
- Gravitational Physiology, Aging and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Rössler
- Gravitational Physiology, Aging and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, Graz, Austria
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Gravitational Physiology, Aging and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, Graz, Austria. .,Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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9
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Sachse C, Trozic I, Brix B, Roessler A, Goswami N. Sex differences in cardiovascular responses to orthostatic challenge in healthy older persons: A pilot study. Physiol Int 2019; 106:236-249. [DOI: 10.1556/2060.106.2019.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background
Premenopausal women show a higher incidence of orthostatic hypotension than age-matched men, but there are limited data available on sex differences in cardiovascular responses to orthostatic challenge in healthy older persons. We investigated sex differences in hemodynamic and autonomic responses to orthostatic challenge in healthy older males and females.
Materials and methods
Fourteen older healthy women and 10 age-matched men performed a sit-to-stand test (5 min of sitting followed by 5 min of standing). A Task Force® Monitor continuously measured the following beat-to-beat hemodynamic parameters: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, stroke index, cardiac index, and total peripheral resistance index. Cardiac autonomic activity, low-frequency (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) normalized (LFnuRRI) and high-frequency (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) normalized (HFnuRRI) components, and the ratio between LF and HF power (LF/HF) were calculated using power spectral analysis of heart rate variability.
Results
Across all hemodynamic parameters, there were no significant differences between the sexes at baseline and during standing. LFnuRRI (median: 70.2 vs. 52.3, p < 0.05) and LF/HF ratio (median: 2.4 vs. 1.1, p < 0.05) were significantly higher, whereas HFnuRRI (median: 29.8 vs. 47.7, p < 0.05) was lower among women at baseline. All other heart rate variability measures did not differ between the sexes.
Conclusions
The data indicate that older women showed higher sympathetic and lower parasympathetic activity at rest compared to age-matched men. These results are contradictory to the observations from previous studies, which showed a reduced sympathetic and enhanced parasympathetic activity in women in all ages. Further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms contributing to higher incidence of orthostatic hypotension in older females.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sachse
- 1 Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Research in Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - I Trozic
- 1 Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Research in Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - B Brix
- 1 Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Research in Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - A Roessler
- 1 Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Research in Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - N Goswami
- 1 Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Physiology Division, Otto Loewi Center of Research in Vascular Biology, Immunity and Inflammation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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10
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Paragas ED, Ng ATY, Reyes DVL, Reyes GAB. Effects of Chromotherapy on the Cognitive Ability of Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Explore (NY) 2019; 15:191-197. [PMID: 30718190 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effects of chromotherapy on the cognitive ability of older adults. METHODS This quasi-experimental pretest and posttest study was conducted among 135 older adults in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, between August and September 2015. The participants were divided into three groups: red, green, and white lights, with 45 people in each group. The cognitive ability of older adults was measured using an adapted Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). RESULTS After the interventions, the red and green light experimental groups acquired a modest increase in cognitive ability scores against the comparison white light group (p < 0.001). However, the effects were not significantly different between the red and green lights postintervention (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The chromotherapy is effective in improving the cognitive ability of older adults. Specifically, the red and green lights are better than the white light in increasing the cognitive ability of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel D Paragas
- College of Nursing, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines; Nursing Services Department, JW Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Abigail Therese Y Ng
- College of Nursing, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines.
| | | | - Gerald Andrei B Reyes
- College of Nursing, University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines.
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11
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Laborde S, Mosley E, Mertgen A. A unifying conceptual framework of factors associated to cardiac vagal control. Heliyon 2018; 4:e01002. [PMID: 30623126 PMCID: PMC6313821 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac vagal control (CVC) reflects the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. CVC can be inferred via heart rate variability measurement, and it has been positively associated to a broad range of cognitive, emotional, social, and health outcomes. It could then be considered as an indicator for effective self-regulation, and given this role, one should understand the factors increasing and decreasing CVC. The aim of this paper is to review the broad range of factors influencing CVC, and to provide a unifying conceptual framework to integrate comprehensively those factors. The structure of the unifying conceptual framework is based on the theory of ecological rationality, while its functional aspects are based on the neurovisceral integration model. The structure of this framework distinguishes two broad areas of associations: person and environment, as this reflects adequately the role played by CVC regarding adaptation. The added value of this framework lies at different levels: theoretically, it allows integrating findings from a variety of scientific disciplines and refining the predictions of the neurovisceral integration model; methodologically, it helps identifying factors that increase and decrease CVC; and lastly at the applied level, it can play an important role for society regarding health policies and for the individual to empower one's flourishing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Department of Performance Psychology, Germany.,Normandie Université Caen, UFR STAPS, EA 4260, Germany
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12
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Enhancing cardiac vagal activity: Factors of interest for sport psychology. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 240:71-92. [PMID: 30390842 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Self-regulation plays a critical role in sport performance. An objective, psychophysiological marker of self-regulation is cardiac vagal activity, the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of factors influencing cardiac vagal activity, which can be useful for athletes. Specifically, we organize this overview in two main domains: personal factors and environmental factors. Among the personal factors, we discuss the behavioral strategies that can be used by athletes: nutrition, non-ingestive oral habits, water immersion, body temperature reduction, sleeping habits, relaxation methods, cognitive techniques, praying, music, and exercise. Among environmental factors, we discuss those linked to the social (i.e., contact with humans and animals) and physical (i.e., aromas, lights, sounds, temperature, outdoor, altitude) environment. Future research directions are given, as well as practical implications for athletes and coaches.
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13
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Goswami N, Blaber AP, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Montani JP. Orthostatic Intolerance in Older Persons: Etiology and Countermeasures. Front Physiol 2017; 8:803. [PMID: 29163185 PMCID: PMC5677785 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic challenge produced by upright posture may lead to syncope if the cardiovascular system is unable to maintain adequate brain perfusion. This review outlines orthostatic intolerance related to the aging process, long-term bedrest confinement, drugs, and disease. Aging-associated illness or injury due to falls often leads to hospitalization. Older patients spend up to 83% of hospital admission lying in bed and thus the consequences of bedrest confinement such as physiological deconditioning, functional decline, and orthostatic intolerance represent a central challenge in the care of the vulnerable older population. This review examines current scientific knowledge regarding orthostatic intolerance and how it comes about and provides a framework for understanding of (patho-) physiological concepts of cardiovascular (in-) stability in ambulatory and bedrest confined senior citizens as well as in individuals with disease conditions [e.g., orthostatic intolerance in patients with diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury (SCI)] or those on multiple medications (polypharmacy). Understanding these aspects, along with cardio-postural interactions, is particularly important as blood pressure destabilization leading to orthostatic intolerance affects 3-4% of the general population, and in 4 out of 10 cases the exact cause remains elusive. Reviewed also are countermeasures to orthostatic intolerance such as exercise, water drinking, mental arithmetic, cognitive training, and respiration training in SCI patients. We speculate that optimally applied countermeasures such as mental challenge maintain sympathetic activity, and improve venous return, stroke volume, and consequently, blood pressure during upright standing. Finally, this paper emphasizes the importance of an active life style in old age and why early re-mobilization following bedrest confinement or bedrest is crucial in preventing orthostatic intolerance, falls and falls-related injuries in older persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandu Goswami
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrew P Blaber
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Helmut Hinghofer-Szalkay
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jean-Pierre Montani
- Department of Medicine/Physiology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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The influence of new colored light stimulation methods on heart rate variability, temperature, and well-being: results of a pilot study in humans. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:674183. [PMID: 24369481 PMCID: PMC3863570 DOI: 10.1155/2013/674183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Changes of light intensity of different colors can shift many physiological parameters and conditions like melatonin, alertness, body temperature, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate acute temperature, HR, HRV, and state of mind reactivities after illumination with red (631 nm) and blue (456 nm) light (illuminance 140 lux for both). Seven healthy volunteers (5 females, 2 males; mean age ± SD 34.1 ± 11.9 years) were investigated at the Medical University of Graz, using new color light panels. Significant decreases were found only after 10 min blue light stimulation in nose temperature (P = 0.046), HR (P < 0.05), and total HRV (P = 0.029), in association with a significant alteration of the emotional state (stress level score, P = 0.006). However, red light stimulation of the same persons did not induce the same effects in these parameters. The effect of blue light as environmental stimulation on human health is not clarified in detail and needs further investigations.
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