scholarly journals Development and Pilot Test of a Virtual Reality Respiratory Biofeedback Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Blum ◽  
Christoph Rockstroh ◽  
Anja S. Göritz

Abstract Breathing exercises with biofeedback have benefits over breathing exercises without biofeedback. However, the traditional measurement of respiratory signals that is required as part of feeding back the breath incurs high cost and effort. We propose a novel virtual reality (VR) based approach to respiratory biofeedback that utilizes the positionally tracked hand controllers integrated into modern VR systems to capture and feedback the respiration-induced abdominal movements. In a randomized controlled laboratory study, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of the developed biofeedback algorithm. In total, 72 participants performed a short breathing exercise in VR with or without respiratory biofeedback. The feedback integration resulted in a satisfactory user experience, a heightened breath awareness, a greater focus on slow diaphragmatic breathing and an increased respiratory sinus arrhythmia. This evidences that the novel biofeedback approach is low-cost, unobtrusive, usable and effective in increasing breath awareness and promoting slow diaphragmatic breathing in the context of VR-based breathing exercises. Future studies need to investigate the broader applicability and long-term effects.

Author(s):  
Dr. Jaya Chandra

When you exercise and your muscles work harder, your body uses more oxygen and produces more carbon dioxide. To cope with this extra demand, your breathing has to increase from about 15 times a minute (12 litres of air) when you are resting, up to about 40–60 times a minute (100 litres of air) during exercise. Your circulation also speeds up to take the oxygen to the muscles so that they can keep moving. Any kind of exertion causes some change in vitals. Some amount of fluctuation in vitals after any kind of exertion occurs in every individual and is considered to be normal. But if there is extreme fluctuation in vitals even after mild or moderate form of exertion, it indicates some kind of abnormality or an increased stress on cardiovascular or respiratory system and needs attention.In any case if the vitals fluctuate during any kind of exertion it needs to be stabilized so that its harmful effects can be avoided. For these breathing exercises have been proven to be very beneficial. There are several types of breathing exercises such as deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, etc. The need for the study is to compare the effectiveness of Pursed-Lip Breathing & Diaphragmatic Breathing exercise instabilizing the vitals after 6 MWT in young individuals. The objective of this study is to measure the exertion level of the individual, to assess the effect of pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on vitals after exertion and also the comparison of both techniques. In the present study we took 60 subjects from saaii college, Kanpur. Method of data collection is random and study design is comparative study with study duration of 4 weeks. Subjects were divided into two equal groups. The paired samples t-test shows significant changes observed i.e., null hypothesis is rejected and alternate hypothesis is accepted and we observed that significant improvement along with effectiveness of pursed lip breathing on stabilizing vitals in overweight individuals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopala Krishna Alaparthi ◽  
Alfred Joseph Augustine ◽  
R. Anand ◽  
Ajith Mahale

Objective.To evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises and flow and volume-oriented incentive spirometry on pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery.Methodology.We selected 260 patients posted for laparoscopic abdominal surgery and they were block randomization as follows: 65 patients performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises, 65 patients performed flow incentive spirometry, 65 patients performed volume incentive spirometry, and 65 patients participated as a control group. All of them underwent evaluation of pulmonary function with measurement of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and diaphragm excursion measurement by ultrasonography before the operation and on the first and second postoperative days. With the level of significance set atp<0.05.Results.Pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion showed a significant decrease on the first postoperative day in all four groups (p<0.001) but was evident more in the control group than in the experimental groups. On the second postoperative day pulmonary function (Forced Vital Capacity) and diaphragm excursion were found to be better preserved in volume incentive spirometry and diaphragmatic breathing exercise group than in the flow incentive spirometry group and the control group. Pulmonary function (Forced Vital Capacity) and diaphragm excursion showed statistically significant differences between volume incentive spirometry and diaphragmatic breathing exercise group (p<0.05) as compared to that flow incentive spirometry group and the control group.Conclusion. Volume incentive spirometry and diaphragmatic breathing exercise can be recommended as an intervention for all patients pre- and postoperatively, over flow-oriented incentive spirometry for the generation and sustenance of pulmonary function and diaphragm excursion in the management of laparoscopic abdominal surgery.


Author(s):  
Nobuyuki Futai ◽  
Makoto Tamura ◽  
Tomohisa Ogawa ◽  
Masato Tanaka

We have developed a cast microfluidic chip for concentration gradient generation that contains a thin (~5 &mu;m^2 crosssectional area) microchannel. Durable 2 &mu;m-high microchannel mold features with a smooth bell-shaped sidewall were fabricated by exposing SU-8 photoresist to diffused 185 nm UV light emitted by a low-cost ozone lamp from the backside of the substrate to ensure sufficient crosslinking of small regions of the SU-8 photoresist. An H-shaped microfluidic configuration was used, in which the thin channel was able to maintain constant diffusion fronts beyond purely static diffusion confirmed with experiment. We also demonstrated the long-term effects of a gradient of nerve growth factor on axon elongation by primary neuronal cells cultured in the microfluidic channel.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Bittner ◽  
Fariba Mostajeran ◽  
Frank Steinicke ◽  
Jürgen Gallinat ◽  
Simone Kühn

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the efficacy of FlowVR, a virtual reality (VR) game designed to improve mood and reduce feelings of depression. The aim is to contribute to the question of whether and how VR could be used for depression therapy, as research in this area is quite rare.Method18 healthy participants (9 female; Mage = 25.9) underwent three conditions, playing FlowVR in VR with a head-mounted display, playing FlowVR on a tablet or reading a text on a tablet. For each condition, they were tested on a separate day at the same time of day within a two-week period. Before and after every condition participants completed the Becks Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the state part of the State-Trait-Anxiety-Depression-Inventory (STADI(S)) and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule-Expanded Form (PANAS-X).ResultsWhile the participants showed only a reduction in acute anxiety in the control and the tablet conditions, they showed improved affectivity in all variables measured in the VR condition. In addition, VR had significantly better results than the control condition in improving positive affectivity, negative affectivity and acute feelings of depression. Using a less conservative statistical approach, these significant differences could also be found between the tablet and the VR condition. There were no significant differences between the tablet and the control condition.ConclusionThe results indicate that due to its immersive nature, VR can be used effectively to improve mood and temporarily reduce feelings of depression. Long-term effects of FlowVR on participants with depression must be investigated in consecutive research.


1981 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
HG Gardiner ◽  
KR Shackleton

The profitability and long term viability of any business enterprise depends on careful, well thought out, long term planning. The pastoral industry is no exception and management decisions need to be based on the long term as well as short term advantages and disadvantages of any parficular strategy. Examination of the long term effects of management decisions has always been difficult. Not only is the future uncertain but the necessary financial and stock calculations are tedious, particularly if several strategies are considered. A computer program, suitable for use on programmable calculators, has been designed with the specific aim of reducing the tedium of calculation. Emphasis in the design has been placed on flexibility and applicability to actual decsion making situations. The program, devised for use on the Hewlett Packard 41C calculator, is very similar in aim to the model reported by Barber (I 9801, which aimed 'to provide a tool for producers, extension workers and researchers that could be used anywhere from the office desk to the kitchen table'. A recent summary of enterprise modelling work in 'Computers in Farming' (Department of Agriculture, Victoria 1980) indicates that most of the modelling work has been centred around larger, less portable micro-computers. The ease of operation, transportability and low cost of programmable calculators should make them a valuable tool for use on properties by managers. owners, extension workers, bankers and stock agents. They will enable the manager quickly and accurately to assess the likely outcome of various management strategies.


2022 ◽  
pp. 34-54
Author(s):  
Christine M. Baker

Few digital technologies have captured the world's imagination as much as the cluster of immersive experiences usually labelled virtual reality, augmented reality, and extended reality. A certain mythology has grown up around these technologies, their purpose, application, benefits, and risks. This chapter addresses these elements, offering insights into real-world applications and some thoughts about how the technologies could evolve. A limiting factor when writing about immersive technologies is the lack of comprehensive research into real-life applications and their long-term effects. In addition, there is a tendency for potential users and commentators to become overly optimistic about the latest developments in this niche. This research adopts an interpretivist qualitative approach, based on a review of existing literature and web sources, and the author's personal experiences as an industry professional. What is clear is that these technologies are not a passing fad and are likely to shape the human experience in social, economic, and technological terms in future years.


2019 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 446-451
Author(s):  
Oren Pasvolsky ◽  
Daniel Shepshelovich ◽  
Tamar Berger ◽  
Boaz Tadmor ◽  
Tzippy Shochat ◽  
...  

Introduction: A restrictive transfusion strategy of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has been associated with at least non-inferior patient outcomes in a variety of clinical settings. In December 2014, we conducted an educational intervention which consisted of an oral presentation and computerized notifications at a single tertiary medical center. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effects of a simple and low-cost educational intervention aimed to promote awareness to transfusion guidelines. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all PRBC transfusions ordered between 2014 and 2017. The primary end point was defined as the percentage of PRBC transfused to patients with hemoglobin (Hb) ≥8 g/dL. Results: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 27,475 PRBCs were transfused in our medical center. There was a continuous reduction in the percentage of PRBCs transfused at a Hb level ≥8 g/dL between 2014 and 2017, with a matching increase in the PRBC percentage trans­fused at Hb <7 g/dL (OR reduction of 42%, 95% CI 0.54–0.62 and OR increase of 68% [95% CI 1.56–1.81], respec­tively). Conclusion: A simple educational intervention likely contributed to sustained improvement in the appropriateness of PRBC transfusions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106689692110642
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Rohr ◽  
Heather Strah ◽  
David Berkheim ◽  
Aleem Siddique ◽  
Stanley J. Radio ◽  
...  

COVID-19, the syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has spread throughout the world, causing the death of at least three million people. For the over 81 million who have recovered, however, the long-term effects are only beginning to manifest. We performed a bilateral lung transplant on a 31-year-old male patient for chronic hypoxic respiratory failure, severe pulmonary hypertension and radiographically identified pulmonary fibrosis five months after an acute COVID-19 infection. The explant demonstrated moderate pulmonary vascular remodeling with intimal thickening and medial hypertrophy throughout, consistent with pulmonary hypertension. The parenchyma demonstrated an organizing lung injury in the proliferative phase, with severe fibrosis, histiocytic proliferation, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and alveolar loss consistent with known COVID-19 pneumonia complications. This report highlights a novel histologic finding in severe, chronic COVID-19. Although the findings in acute COVID-19 pneumonia have been well-examined at autopsy, the chronic course of this complex disease is not yet understood. The case presented herein suggests that COVID-induced pulmonary hypertension may become more common as more patients survive severe SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. Pulmonologists and pulmonary pathologists should be aware of this possible association and look for the clinical, radiographic, and histologic criteria in the appropriate clinical setting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-268
Author(s):  
Yulia G. Belotserkovskaya ◽  
◽  
Anna G. Romanovskikh ◽  
Igor P. Smirnov ◽  
Alexander I. Sinopalnikov ◽  
...  

The term “long COVID-19” describes the long-term effects of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19. Patients with severe COVID-19 who require hospitalization, as well as those who are on outpatient treatment with mild clinical forms of the disease, often report persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, cough and other respiratory and extrapulmonary symptoms for weeks and months. The generally accepted time frame that separates the duration of the acute and subacute phase of infection from the long COVID-19 is 28 days. The article describes the duration and the course of clinical disorders caused by COVID-19 and their persisting after the end of the acute phase of the disease. In addition, the current understanding of the causes of long-term consequences and the possibilities of drug and non-pharmacological correction are presented.


2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanda Iacobas ◽  
Dumitru A. Iacobas

Extensive literature documented that astrocytes release neurotransmitters, cytokines and other signaling molecules to modulate migration, maturation and myelin synthesis of oligodendrocytes through mechanisms primarily converging on cytosolic [Ca2+] transients. Considering the long-term effects, it is expected that astrocyte-conditioned medium is a major regulator of gene expression in oligodendrocytes even in the absence of cytosol-to-cytosol communication via astrocyte–oligodendrocyte gap junction channels. Indeed, by comparing the transcriptomes of immortalized precursor oligodendrocyte (Oli-neu) cells when cultured alone and co-cultured with non-touching astrocytes we found profound changes in the gene expression level, control and networking. Remarkably, the astrocyte proximity was more effective in remodeling the myelination (MYE) gene fabric and its control by cytokine receptor (CYR)-modulated intercellular Ca2+-signaling (ICS) transcriptomic network than the dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) treatment-induced transformation into myelin-associated glycoprotein-positive oligodendrocyte-like cells. Moreover, astrocyte proximity up-regulated 37 MYE genes and switched on another 14 MYE, 23 ICS and 4 CYR genes, enhancing the roles of the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor and connexins Cx29 and Cx47. The novel prominent gene analysis identified the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 as the most relevant MYE gene in the astrocyte proximity, notch gene homolog 1 in control and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 in differentiated Oli-neu cells.


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