The Effects of a Caffeine Placebo and Experimenter Expectation on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Well-Being, and Cognitive Performance

2001 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Walach ◽  
Stefan Schmidt ◽  
Yvonne-Michelle Bihr ◽  
Susanne Wiesch
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Being There ◽  
To Receive

We studied the effect of experimenter expectations and different instructions in a balanced placebo design. 157 subjects were randomized into a 2 × 4 factorial design. Two experimenters were led to expect placebos either to produce physiological effects or not (pro- vs. antiplacebo). All subjects except a control group received a caffeine placebo. They were either made to expect coffee, no coffee, or were in a double-blind condition. Dependent measures were blood pressure, heart rate, well-being, and a cognitive task. There was one main effect on the instruction factor (p = 0.03) with the group “told no caffeine” reporting significantly better well-being. There was one main effect on the experimenter factor with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” having higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008). There was one interaction with subjects instructed by experimenter “proplacebo” to receive coffee doing worse in the cognitive task than the rest. Subjects instructed by experimenter “antiplacebo” were significantly less likely to believe the experimental instruction, and that mostly if they had been instructed to receive coffee. Contrary to the literature we could not show an effect of instruction, but there was an effect of experimenters. It is likely, however, that these experimenter effects were not due to experimental manipulations, but to the difference in personalities.

scholarly journals Comparison of Autonomic Function using Valsalva Ratio, Heart Rate, and Blood Pressure in Meditators and Nonmeditators

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9
Author(s):  
Roopam Bassi ◽  
Kiran   ◽  
Kawalinder Girgla
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Valsalva Maneuver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Relaxation Techniques ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

ABSTRACT Introduction In recent years, the various health benefits of meditation have been acknowledged by the scientific community as well as by the public. Apart from its physiological benefits, it can also improve the psychological and spiritual well-being. A case–control study was planned to investigate the effect of Rajyoga Meditation on cardiovascular autonomic activity in meditators and nonmeditators. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 100 subjects, randomized into two groups: meditators (n = 50; age 35.80 ± 7.69 years) and nonmeditators (n = 50; age 36.76 ± 6.38 years). The meditator group practiced meditation for 30 minutes in the morning as well as in the evening. The control group did not practice any type of meditation or relaxation techniques. The cardiovascular parameters – heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and Valsalva maneuver tests – were performed in both the groups in the same environmental conditions. The data were compiled and analyzed using unpaired t test. Results The mean values of HR in meditators and the control group were 77.08 ± 5.39 and 80.68 ± 5.71 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean values of SBP in meditators and nonmeditators were 124.60 ± 5.39 and 129.56 ± 4.30 mm Hg respectively, while those for DBP were 77.84 ± 4.65 and 80.80 ± 4.78 mm Hg respectively. The difference in both was statistically significant. In meditators, Valsalva ratio was 1.60 ± 0.20, while in nonmeditators, it was 1.33 ± 0.13, and the difference was highly significant. Conclusion Significant improvement is seen in physiological, cardiac, and parasympathetic parameters in Rajyoga meditators. A shift of the autonomic balance toward the parasympathetic side is seen. By purposefully energizing the parasympathetic system by meditation, we can combat the ill effects of stress and help heal many health conditions. How to cite this article Kiran, Thaman RG, Bassi R, Girgla K. Comparison of Autonomic Function using Valsalva Ratio, Heart Rate, and Blood Pressure in Meditators and Nonmeditators. Curr Trends Diagn Treat 2017;1(1):6-9.

scholarly journals A Standardized Transcutaneous Electric Acupoint Stimulation for Relieving Tobacco Urges in Dependent Smokers

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Lambert ◽  
Ivan Berlin ◽  
Tat-Leang Lee ◽  
Siew Wan Hee ◽  
Audrey S. L. Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Urge To Smoke ◽  
The Difference ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Transcutaneous Electric Acupoint Stimulation ◽  
Acupoint Stimulation

The efficacy of acupuncture in smoking cessation, and its effect on the urge to smoke are unclear. We evaluated the effect of a standardized protocol of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulations (TEAS) on alleviating the urge to smoke. Ninety-eight smokers were recruited in two double-blind studies. Participants abstained from smoking for 26 h, and were randomized to receive TEAS alternating between 2 and 100 Hz at four acupoints (LI4 and PC8, PC6 and TE5) at four different intensities (10, 5, Intermittent 5 or 0 mA). The urge to smoke was assessed by the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU-Brief). In Experiment 1, the 10 mA group (n= 20) was compared with the 5 mA group (n= 20); the increase in smoking urges did not differ significantly. Considering the possibility that 5 mA may be an active intervention, in Experiment 2, a true placebo (0 mA), and a proxy of placebo [Intermittent 5 mA (i5 mA)] were compared with 10 mA TEAS. In this experiment, 10 mA (n= 20) TEAS showed a tendency to alleviate smoking urges compared with 0 mA (n= 16), and i5 mA (n= 19) TEAS. Only when the data of smokers with Fagerstöm Test for Nicotine Dependence score ≥5 were analyzed that the difference between the 10 mA group and the control group (0 and i5 mA) became significant. Based on these preliminary findings, we conclude that TEAS applied on the skin may antagonize the increase in urge to smoke in abstinent-dependent smokers. It seems warranted to assess the efficacy of TEAS in smoking cessation clinical trials involving a larger population of dependent smokers.

scholarly journals Safety of Different Anesthesia Methods Combined with Intravenous Fast Channel Anesthesia in Lower Extremity Orthopedic Surgery of the Elderly

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Peng Chen ◽  
Jia Yang ◽  
Dandan Hu ◽  
Xu Jing ◽  
Dajin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Epidural Anesthesia ◽  
Orthopedic Surgery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Fascial Space ◽  
Spinal Epidural

Objective. To compare the safety of different anesthesia methods combined with intravenous fast channel anesthesia in elderly lower extremity surgery and the effect on postoperative outcome. Methods. A total of 106 elderly patients who underwent lower extremity orthopedic surgery in our hospital from February 2018 to February 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the control group (n = 53) and the observation group (n = 53) according to random number table. All patients received intravenous fast-track anesthesia. On this basis, the control group received spinal-epidural anesthesia, and the observation group received iliac fascial space block on the affected side combined with sciatic nerve block. The operation conditions, blood pressure and heart rate changes, awakening time, postoperative ICU admission rate, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results. There was no statistical difference in the success rate of one-time operation between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). The times of using analgesics and vasoactive drugs and the dosage of propofol in the observation group during the operation were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ). At T2, T3, and T4, the levels of HR, DBP, and SBP in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ). After operation, the time of awakening, spontaneous breathing recovery, and extubation in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference were statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ). The incidence of complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, the cognitive impairment was the most significant one in the incidence of single complication, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Based on the combined intravenous fast channel anesthesia, the operation difficulty of the affected side iliac fascial space block combined with sciatic nerve block is the same as that of spinal-epidural anesthesia. It has a higher success rate of one operation, better analgesic and anesthetic effects during the operation, and little effect on blood flow of patients. It can maintain relatively stable heart rate and blood pressure and does not easily cause postoperative complications. Its safety is higher than that of spinal-epidural anesthesia.

scholarly journals An Assessment of the Glyconutrient Ambrotose™ on Immunity, Gut Health, and Safety in Men and Women: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1751
Author(s):  
Richard J. Bloomer ◽  
Matthew Butawan ◽  
Marie van der Merwe ◽  
Faith H. Keating
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Impact

Background: Certain dietary fibers have been reported to improve gut health and cellular immunity. Ambrotose is a glyconutrient supplement that contains mannose-rich polysaccharides (acemannan), reported to improve immune function. A more nutrient-dense version of this dietary supplement has been developed recently, with added aloe leaf gel powder (acemannan). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the traditional and newly developed Ambrotose products on immunity, gut health, and psychological well-being in healthy men and women. Methods: Seventy-five men and women were randomly assigned in double-blind manner to one of five treatments, as follows: Ambrotose Advanced (AA) at 2 or 4 g daily, Ambrotose LIFE (AL) at 2 or 4 g daily, or placebo. Subjects ingested their assigned treatment daily for eight weeks. Resting heart rate, blood pressure, and measures of psychological well-being were analyzed before and after four and eight weeks of supplementation. Blood samples were collected at the same times and analyzed for zonulin, hematology measures, and cytokines—IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α (analyzed both with and without stimulation via lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Results: All Ambrotose treatments were well-tolerated. There were no differences among treatments in heart rate or blood pressure across time. Self-reported well-being scores were generally higher for the Ambrotose treatments but there were no changes of statistical significance across time (p > 0.05). Differences of statistical significance were noted for select biochemical variables, the most notable being a dramatic decrease in monocytes in the Ambrotose groups. No change was noted in the cytokine response to LPS stimulation in all groups, indicating a maintenance of a healthy immune response. Conclusion:Regular supplementation with Ambrotose is safe and can improve subclinical cellular adversity (as evidenced by a decrease in monocytes), without unnecessary activation of an immune response.

scholarly journals Chinese Medicine Shensongyangxin Is Effective for Patients with Bradycardia: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfang Liu ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Zhenhua Jia ◽  
Feng Lu ◽  
Jielin Pu
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Multicenter Trial ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Trial Group ◽  
Average Heart Rate ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
To Receive

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shensong Yangxin (SSYX) in patients with bradycardia arrhythmias, a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study was conducted. Patients with bradycardia were randomly assigned to receive either SSYX (trial group,n=115) or placebo (control group,n=104) for 4 weeks. ECG, 24-hour continuous ECG recording, echocardiography, and hepatic and renal function were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. Results showed that the average heart rate, the fastest heart rate, and the lowest heart rate in the trial group were all significantly higher than those in the control group at the end of treatment (P<0.05or 0.01, resp.). Compared with pretreatment, the average heart rate, the fastest heart rate, and the lowest heart rate in the trial group all increased significantly after treatment (P<0.05or 0.01, resp.). Both the efficacy and the symptom scores in the trial group were significantly better than those in the control group after treatment (both havingP<0.01). No severe adverse effects were reported. In conclusion, SSYX treatment significantly increased the heart rate in patients with bradycardia without severe side effects. The exact mechanisms remain to be further explored.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation about the efficacy of the use of variable concentrations of Epinephrine in Tumescent solution for control of bleeding in patients with abdominal liposuction

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdolreza Khorshidifar
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Tumescent Solution ◽  
And Control ◽  
Abdominal Liposuction

Introduction: The use of epinephrine for controlling the blood loss has gained out in many dermatological surgeries; however, its use in liposuction has not been studied. In this regard, we aimed to figure out the effectiveness of using epinephrine in tumescent solution during liposuctions surgery. Material and Methods: In this study we present a prospective, double-blind, nonrandomized study evaluating the effects of adding epinephrine to tumescent solution intra-operative in patients undergoing liposuction. Thirty-six patients including 6 males and 29 females undergoing liposuction were divided into two groups. In case group we use 1-1.4 mg/L epinephrine (based on the location of surgery) in tumescent solution; and control group did not receive epinephrine. Lab data such as hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as clinical data including blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before, after 1h and 6h of liposuction.  Results: In this study, we observed that both case and control group faced a significant dropped in their hemoglobin and hematocrit; however, the decrement was significant lower in case group. In addition, both groups had a stable hemostasis after 1h and 6h of surgery. In this regard, we did not observe any significant difference between heart rate and blood pressure of two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that using epinephrine as vasoconstriction agent in tumescent solution might decrease the rate of bleeding and increase the chance of stable hemostasis both during and after abdominal liposuction.

scholarly journals Effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Patients in the Department of Long-Term Care: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristýna Machová ◽  
Radka Procházková ◽  
Petra Eretová ◽  
Ivona Svobodová ◽  
Ilja Kotík
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Experimental Group

Long-term hospital stays might have a negative psychosocial impact on our patients. One way to positively activate hospitalized patients is to introduce animal-assisted therapy (AAT). A total of 72 individuals participated in this research. The experimental group comprised 33 patients (8 males, 25 females), while the control group contained 39 patients (11 men, 28 women). The participants in the control group were aged from 58 to 100 years and the experimental group featured participants aged from 51 to 95, for whom AAT was included alongside standard care. Blood pressure, heart rate, Barthel index, and general mood were measured in both groups. Results did not reveal any changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or Barthel index in comparison between groups. A great influence was noted in assessment of the mood of the patients. The inclusion of AAT did not affect physiological parameters, but it exerted a significant effect on the psychological well-being of the patients.

Effects of Oral Clonidine on Heart Rate Changes after Neostigmine-Atropine Administration 

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 1507-1510
Author(s):  
Tetsu Kimura ◽  
Makoto Tanaka ◽  
Toshiaki Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Spontaneous Respiration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cardiovascular Disorders ◽  
Maximum Increase ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Oral Clonidine ◽  
Group A ◽  
To Receive

Background Clonidine reduces heart rate (HR) responses to atropine, whereas neostigmine causes bradycardia. This study was designed to determine whether clonidine premedication would reduce tachycardia after neostigmine-atropine administration. Methods Fifty adult patients without cardiovascular disorders who were scheduled for elective surgeries were randomly assigned to receive approximately 5 microg/kg (oral clonidine clonidine group, n=25) or no clonidine (control group, n=25) 90 min before induction of general anesthesia. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with N2O and 12% isoflurane in oxygen while patients were paralyzed with vecuronium and mechanically ventilated. When surgeries were completed, adequate spontaneous respiration, responses to verbal commands, and sustained tetanus by stimulating the ulnar nerve were confirmed, and patients' tracheas were extubated. Then a mixture of 0.05 mg/kg neostigmine and 0.02 mg/kg atropine was administered intravenously over 20 s under stable hemodynamic condition (systolic blood pressure and HR within +/-5% of preceding values), and blood pressure and HR were measured noninvasively at 1-min intervals for 10 min. Results Increases in HR in the clonidine group were significantly less 1-4 min after neostigmine--atropine injections compared with HR values in the control group. A maximum increase in HR of the clonidine group was also significantly less than the control group (15+/-7 vs. 23+/-10 beats/min; means+/-SD), whereas absolute values of mean blood pressure were similar. Severe bradycardia (HR &lt; 50 beats/min) developed in no patients in either group. Conclusions Premedication with 5 microg/kg oral clonidine attenuates the initial increases in HR without subsequent decreases in HR.

scholarly journals Effects of prayer on the vital signs of patients with chronic kidney disease: randomized controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaila Oliveira Zatiti Brasileiro ◽  
Andressa Anunciação de Oliveira Prado ◽  
Bianca Bacelar de Assis ◽  
Denismar Alves Nogueira ◽  
Rogério Silva Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Double Blind

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of prayer on blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate in patients with chronic kidney disease and learn their perception of the intervention. METHOD A randomized controlledtrial, double blind with a sample of volunteers, randomized into an intervention group (n=42) and a control group (n=37). Questionnaires addressing socio-demographic, clinical and spiritual characteristics and the Duke University Religious Index were applied. Blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate were measured. The prayer was conducted at three different moments on alternating weeks. The qualitative data were organized and analyzed through Thematic Analysis. RESULTS The sample consisted of 95 randomized volunteers. In the intra-group analysis, a statistically significant reduction (P<0001) of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate was observed in all evaluations of the people who were prayed for. The qualitative analysis resulted in the themes Prayer in a "Place of Suffering" and Positive Evaluation and in the sub-themes Relief from Suffering, Hope for Improvement, and Coping with Hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONPrayer reduced blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease, and the volunteers’ evaluation of the intervention was positive.BrazilianClinicalTrials Registry: RBR-2zv39y.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of intravenous dexmedetomidine on haemodynamic responses during tracheal extubation in patients undergoing craniotomies

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 3626
Author(s):  
Shikha Goyal ◽  
Megha Bandil ◽  
Ram Pratap Bansal
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Haemodynamic Response ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Closure ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Group D ◽  
Endotracheal Extubation

Background: Dexmedetomidine an α2 agonist reduces heart rate and blood pressure due to sympatholytic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on haemodynamic response during endotracheal extubation in patients undergoing craniotomies for intracranial space occupying lesion (ICSOL).Methods: Sixty patients of ASA grade I and II, age 18-50 years scheduled for craniotomy for nonvascular ICSOL were selected after randomization into 2 groups with 30 patients in each group. Group D and C received an IV infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/kg and normal saline 100 ml respectively over 10 min at the time of skin closure in a double-blind manner. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded just before drug administration, 3 and 5 minutes after drug administration, during extubation and at 3, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after extubation. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were analyzed at 3, 5, 10 and15 minutes after extubation. Any laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation, respiratory depression, vomiting, hypotension and bradycardia was noted.Results: Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased during emergence time in both groups (p<0.05) but this increase was more significant in control group than group D. SBP and heart rate were significantly lower in group D from 3 minutes after drug administration to 15 minutes after extubation. DBP was lower in group D during extubation till 15 minutes after extubation (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the respect of adverse events between the groups.Conclusions: Intravenous dexmedetomidine 0.5 mg/kg before extubation is attenuates haemodynamic response during endotracheal extubation in craniotomies.

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