Natural Odor Inhalers (AromaStick®) Outperform Red Bull® for Enhancing Cognitive Vigilance: Results From a Four-Armed, Randomized Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 003151252097083
Author(s):  
Rainer Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Red Bull

Two recent publications demonstrated that specifically designed essential odor inhalers can enhance performance through (a) better selective attention and scanning speed and (b) physiological changes of increased heart rate variability and blood oxygenation. In this study, we compared two natural odor inhalers with a popular energy drink (Red Bull®) with regard to their ability to improve vigilance on a computerized attention test. We employed a four-armed, randomized controlled experimental design and used a modified version of the CompACT-Vi test module to investigate whether deep inhalations of essential oil scents improved vigilance. Both inhalers markedly improved the number of correctly identified targets and participants’ reaction time when compared to a control condition and consumption of Red Bull® (0.9 < d < 1.3). Additionally, the number of correctly solved mathematical sums during the second half of the vigilance test was substantially higher (d = 1.3) with the use of inhalers than for the control and Red Bull participants. Inhaler use was also associated with relatively increased heart rate variability (d = 1.0) as a mechanism of adapting to the experimental demands. Thus, short and deep inhalations of essential oil scents delivered directly to the nose improved vigilance, while a popular energy drink failed to show an effect beyond that of a control group receiving no stimulant.

Effect of Transcutaneous Acupoint Electrical Stimulation on Post-Hemorrhoidectomy-Associated Pain, Anxiety, and Heart Rate Variability: A Randomized-Controlled Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Ling Yeh ◽  
Yu-Chu Chung ◽  
Lun-Chia Hsu ◽  
Shuo-Hui Hung
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Hemorrhoidectomy is the current best treatment for severe hemorrhoids, but it causes significant postoperative pain and anxiety, which is associated with heart rate variability (HRV). Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) was assumed to alleviate pain and anxiety, and modify the autonomic nervous system. This study aimed to examine the effects of TAES intervention on postoperative pain, anxiety, and HRV in patients who received a hemorrhoidectomy. A randomized-controlled trial with five repeated measures was conducted. The TAES group ( n = 39) received four 20-min sessions of electrical stimulation at chengshan (BL57) and erbai (EX-UE2) after hemorrhoidectomy, whereas the control group ( n = 41) did not. Data were collected using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and HRV physiological signal monitor. TAES resulted in a significant group difference in pain scores, anxiety levels, and some HRV parameters. The findings indicate that TAES can help reduce pain and anxiety associated with hemorrhoidectomy. TAES is a noninvasive, simple, and convenient modality for post-hemorrhoidectomy-associated pain control and anxiety reduction.

scholarly journals Effects of Mentha Piperita Essential Oil Uptake or Inhalation on Heart Rate Variability and Cardiopulmonary Regulation during Exercise

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
Tso-Yen Mao ◽  
◽  
Chun-Feng Huang ◽  
De-Yen Liu ◽  
Chien-Ting Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Production ◽  
Mentha Piperita ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Frequency Area

This study compares the effects of the uptake or inhalation of 50uL Mentha piperita (MP) essential oil for 10 days on heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiopulmonary regulation during various exercise intensities. Forty-eight healthy male subjects were randomly assigned to MP uptake (MPU; n=16), MP inhalation (MPI; n=16), and control group (C; n=16). All participants were measured resting HRV, respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic parameters during aerobic, anaero- bic, and graded exercise tests (GXT) before and after treatment. There were significant increases in the low-frequency area (LFa; 1.8±0.1 vs 2.2±0.2 ms²), the ratio of low frequency to respiration frequency area (LFa/RFa; 0.9±0.1 vs 1.3±0.1) at resting and carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ; 41.2±4.0 vs 49.2±6.8 mL/min -1 /kg -1 ), ventilation per minute (V E ; 80.2±4.3 vs 97.5±5.5 L/min -1 ), and respiratory rate (RR; 38.2±1.9 to 44.3±2.1 breath/min -1 ) in an anaerobic test following MPU inter- vention. In GXT, maximal carbon dioxide production (VCO 2max; 51.9±3.5 to 59.1±6.4 mL/min -1 /kg -1 ), maximal ventilation per minute (V Emax ; 126.4±6.5 to 138.4±5.4 L/min -1 ) and maximal respiratory rate (RR max ; 52.7±3.6 to 60.1±2.3 breath/min -1 ) significantly increased in MPU. The correlations of ΔLFa with ΔVCO 2max , ΔV Emax , and ΔRR max in the MPU group were signifi- cant. Continuous uptake or inhalation of 50uL MP oil for 10 days does not improve aerobic capacity and maximal exercise performance, but 10 days’ uptake of MP essential oil increased sympathetic activity at rest and may relate to respiratory regulation under high-intensity exercise.

scholarly journals Effects of rehabilitation programs on heart rate variability after stroke: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (8) ◽  
pp. 724-731
Author(s):  
Thais Regina Belli ◽  
Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza ◽  
Silméia Garcia Zanati Bazan ◽  
Rodrigo Bazan ◽  
Gustavo José Luvizutto
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Early Mobilization ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Study Results

ABSTRACT Background: It has been shown that the autonomic nervous system can be modulated by physical exercise after stroke, but there is a lack of evidence showing rehabilitation can be effective in increasing heart rate variability (HRV). Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of rehabilitation programs in modulating HRV after stroke. Methods: The search strategy was based in the PICOT (patients: stroke; interventions: rehabilitation; comparisons: any control group; outcomes: HRV; time: acute, subacute and chronic phases of stroke). We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, LILACS, and SCIELO databases without language restrictions, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCTs), and non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs). Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias and we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to rate the certainty of the evidence for each included study. Results: Four studies (two RCTs with low certainty of the evidence and two non-RCTs with very low certainty of the evidence) were included. Three of them showed significant cardiac autonomic modulation during and after stroke rehabilitation: LF/HF ratio (low frequency/high frequency) is higher during early mobilization; better cardiac autonomic balance was observed after body-mind interaction in stroke patients; and resting SDNN (standard deviation of normal R-R intervals) was significantly lower among stroke patients indicating less adaptive cardiac autonomic control during different activities. Conclusions: There are no definitive conclusions about the main cardiac autonomic repercussions observed in post-stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation, although all interventions are safe for patients after stroke.

Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Wan-Ling Chang ◽  
Jiunn-Tay Lee ◽  
Chi-Rong Li ◽  
Amy H. T. Davis ◽  
Chia-Chen Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: Autonomic dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress are associated with poorer prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback (BF) improves autonomic dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress in other patient populations, but its effect in patients with AIS is still unclear. Objective: This study investigated the effects of an HRVBF intervention on autonomic function, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress in patients with AIS. Method: In this randomized, controlled, single-blind trial, patients with AIS were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group received four HRVBF training sessions. The control group received usual care. Repeated measures of HRV, mini-mental status examination (MMSE), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) were collected prior to and at 1 and 3 months postintervention. Results: A total of 35 patients completed the study (19 experimental, 16 control). HRV and HADS significantly improved in the experimental group ( p < .001) but not in the control group. Likewise, only the experimental group showed significant improvements in HRV, MMSE, and HADS over time ( p < .05). Conclusion: HRVBF is a promising intervention for improving autonomic function, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress in patients with AIS. More studies of HRVBF interventions are needed to further optimize the effects of HRVBF on autonomic, cognitive, and psychological function in patients with AIS.

scholarly journals Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca em Universitários Saudáveis Após Ingesta de Bebida Energética / Heart Rate Variability in Healthy College Students After Energy Drink Intake

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-41
Author(s):  
Daniel Cesar Shirane ◽  
Fernanda Pereira Maiolini ◽  
Dalmo Antônio Ribeiro Moreira
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Vagal Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Red Bull

Objetivo: O objetivo é analisar a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em universitários saudáveis, após ingestão de bebida energética. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, uni-cego que incluiu indivíduos de coração normal. Todos submeteram-se à monitorização eletrocardiográfica por 5 minutos, antes da ingestão de 250 ml do energético Red Bull® (grupo A – GA) ou de placebo (grupo B – GB), numa relação 3:1, num período de 10 minutos. Após 45 minutos, um outro ECG foi realizado. Os indivíduos dos GA e GB permaneceram em repouso, sentados. Foi obtida a VFC antes e após a administração das substâncias, nos domínios do tempo (DT) e da frequência (DF). Foram excluídos consumidores de energéticos, aqueles que tivessem ingerido álcool ou cafeína nas 24 h antes da investigação. Resultados: Foram incluídos 30 indivíduos no grupo A (16H, 14M, média de idade 22±3a, variando entre 17 e 36 a) e 10 no grupo B (6H, 4M, média de idade 20±5a).  Não se observou variação da frequência cardíaca antes e após nos GA e GB (70±10 vs 71±8 no GA [p=0,941] e, 69±8 vs. 70±9 no GB[p=0,881]). Houve incremento significativo da atividade vagal no GA, em comparação ao GB, tanto no DT (SDNN e RMSSD), como no DF (HF). O Red Bull® interferiu pouco no sistema simpático e na relação LF/HF nos GA e GB. Conclusões: O Red Bull® na dose empregada, aumentou a VFC por incremento do tônus parassimpáticos; não causou alteração no equilíbrio autonômico (relação LF/HF); esses achados confirmam os efeitos da cafeína sobre a VFC demonstrado em outros estudos.Palavras-chave: Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca; Bebida Energética; ArritmiasABSTRACTObjective: The objective is to analyze the heart rate variability in college students after energy drink intake. Materials and Methods. Prospective study, uni-blind which included normal individuals. All the students underwent electrocardiographic monitoring for 5 minutes before ingestion of 250 ml of Red Bull® (group A - GA) or placebo (Group B - GB) in a 3: 1 ratio, in a 10-minute period. After 45 minutes, another ECG was performed. Individuals at GA and GB remained at rest, sitting. HRV was obtained before and after administration of the substances in the time domain (TD) and frequency domain (FD). Those students categorized as frequent consumers of energy drinks and those who have been drinking alcohol or caffeine in the 24 hours prior to investigation were excluded from the study.Results: Thirty  subjects were included in group A (16M, 14F, mean age 22 ± 3a, ranging between 17 and 36 a) and 10 in group B (6 H, 4M, mean age 20 ± 5a). There was no change in heart rate before and after ingestions in  GA and GB (70 ± 10 vs 71 ± 8 in GA [p = 0.941] and 69 ± 8 vs. 70 ± 9 in GB [p = 0.881]). There was a significant increase in vagal activity in GA compared to GB, both in TD (SDNN and RMSSD) as well as in the FD (HF). The Red bull® little interfered with the sympathetic system and the LF / HF ratio in GA and GB. Conclusions: The Red Bull increased HRV by increase in parasympathetic tone; caused no change in autonomic balance (LF / HF ratio); these findings confirm the effects of caffeine on HRV shown in other studies.Keywords: Heart Rate Variability; Energy Drinks; Arrhythmias

scholarly journals The effect of spinal manipulative therapy and home stretching exercises on heart rate variability in patients with persistent or recurrent neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anders Galaasen Bakken ◽  
Andreas Eklund ◽  
David M. Hallman ◽  
Iben Axén
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Spinal Manipulative Therapy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Manipulative Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Stretching Exercises

Abstract Background Persistent or recurrent neck pain is, together with other chronic conditions, suggested to be associated with disturbances of the Autonomic Nervous System. Acute effects on the Autonomic Nervous System, commonly measured using Heart Rate Variability, have been observed with manual therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect on Heart Rate Variability in (1) a combination of home stretching exercises and spinal manipulative therapy versus (2) home stretching exercises alone over 2 weeks in participants with persistent or recurrent neck pain. Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in five multidisciplinary primary care clinics in Stockholm from January 2019 to April 2020. The study sample consisted of 131 participants with a history of persistent or recurrent neck. All participants performed home stretching exercises daily for 2 weeks and were scheduled for four treatments during this period, with the intervention group receiving spinal manipulative therapy in addition to the home exercises. Heart Rate Variability at rest was measured at baseline, after 1 week, and after 2 weeks, with RMSSD (Root mean square of successive RR interval differences) as the primary outcome. Both groups were blinded to the other group intervention. Thus, they were aware of the purpose of the trial but not the details of the “other” intervention. The researchers collecting data were blinded to treatment allocation, as was the statistician performing data analyses. The clinicians provided treatment for participants in both groups and could not be blinded. A linear mixed-effects model with continuous variables and person-specific random intercept was used to investigate the group-time interaction using an intention to treat analysis. Results Sixty-six participants were randomized to the intervention group and sixty-five to the control group. For RMSSD, a B coefficient of 0.4 (p value: 0.9) was found, indicating a non-significant difference in the regression slope for each time point with the control group as reference. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for any of the Heart Rate Variability indices. Conclusion Adding four treatments of spinal manipulation therapy to a 2-week program of daily stretching exercises gave no significant change in Heart Rate Variability. Trial Registration: The trial was registered 03/07/2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number: NCT03576846. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31606042/)

scholarly journals The Effect of an mHealth remote monitoring exercise intervention on clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized controlled study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Dong Wei ◽  
Lingyun Ouyang ◽  
Shuyi Liu ◽  
Shuyi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Supervised Exercise

BACKGROUND Exercise has been recommended as a cornerstone for diabetes management. Supervised exercise is more effective than unsupervised exercise, but is less convenient and inaccessible for most subjects. Exercise under remote monitoring by fitness app and heart rate band may be useful to improve exercise efficiency. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of exercise on type 2 diabetes under remote monitoring using fitness app and heart rate monitor compared with traditional exercise. METHODS This is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Type 2 diabetic patients without severe complications or comorbidities were recruited. Both groups were asked to follow the same exercise prescription. The app group was given heart rate band plus remote monitoring by app, while the control group was given traditional exercise guidance. Cardiopulmonary endurance, indices of body composition, and other parameters were assessed before and after intervention. The study had an average follow-up of 3 months. RESULTS 101 patients were enrolled and 85 completed the study. With the exception of age and history of hypertension, two groups were similar in most clinical measures. Self-reported total exercise time in control group was longer than app-recorded time in app group (214 vs 193 min/week). However, compared with control group, app group had a larger increase in cardiopulmonary endurance (-2.0 vs 1.0 beats/min, p=0.023) and a larger decrease in body-fat percentage (-1.8 vs-0.8%, p=0.013). There was no difference in HbA1c between two groups, yet four subjects in app group stopped taking hypoglycemic drugs and nine lowered drug dosage, compared with one and two in the control group. There were no serious adverse reactions in both groups. CONCLUSIONS This was the first pragmatic RCT in China that tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the effect of exercise under remote monitoring using app and heart rate band. This study suggested that exercise remotely supervised by app and heart rate band were more effective than unsupervised exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number, ChiCTR1800015963

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