scholarly journals Changes in fatigue, autonomic functions, and blood biomarkers due to sitting isometric yoga in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takakazu Oka ◽  
Tokusei Tanahashi ◽  
Nobuyuki Sudo ◽  
Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren ◽  
Yu Yamada
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Autonomic Functions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Isometric Yoga

scholarly journals The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on blood biomarkers, autonomic functions, and psychological parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takakazu Oka ◽  
Tokusei Tanahashi ◽  
Battuvshin Lkhagvasuren ◽  
Yu Yamada
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Longitudinal Effects ◽  
Isometric Yoga ◽  
Tas 20

Abstract Background In a previous randomized controlled trial, we found that practicing seated isometric yoga regularly for 2 months improved the fatigue of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who are resistant to conventional therapy. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the possible mechanisms behind this finding by comparing blood biomarkers, autonomic nervous function, and psychological indices before versus after an intervention period of seated isometric yoga practice. Methods Fifteen patients with CFS who did not show satisfactory improvements after at least 6 months of conventional therapy practiced seated isometric yoga (biweekly 20-min sessions with a yoga instructor and daily practice at home) for 2 months. The longitudinal effects of seated isometric yoga on fatigue, blood biomarkers, autonomic function, and psychological state were investigated by comparing the following parameters before and after the intervention period: Fatigue severity was assessed by the Chalder fatigue scale (FS) score. Levels of the blood biomarkers cortisol, DHEA-S, TNF-α, IL-6, prolactin, carnitine, TGF-β1, BDNF, MHPG, HVA, and α-MSH were measured. The autonomic nervous functions assessed were heart rate (HR) and HR variability. Psychological indices included the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results Practicing seated isometric yoga for 2 months resulted in significant reductions in the Chalder FS (P = 0.002) and HADS-depression (P = 0.02) scores. No significant changes were observed in any other parameter evaluated. The change in Chalder FS score was not correlated with the change in HADS-depression score. However, this change was positively correlated with changes in the serum TNF-α levels (P = 0.048), the high frequency component of HR variability (P = 0.042), and TAS-20 scores (P = 0.001). Conclusions Regular practice of seated isometric yoga for 2 months reduced the fatigue and depressive symptom scores of patients with CFS without affecting any other parameters we investigated. This study failed to identify the markers responsible for the longitudinal fatigue-relieving effect of seated isometric yoga. However, considering that the reduced fatigue was associated with decreased serum TNF-α level and TAS-20 scores, fatigue improvement might be related to reduced inflammation and improved alexithymia in these patients. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000009646. Registered Dec 27, 2012.

scholarly journals Brain Responses in CFS and TMD to Autonomic Challenges: An Exploratory fMRI Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-232
Author(s):  
Q.C. Vuong ◽  
J.R. Allison ◽  
A. Finkelmeyer ◽  
J. Newton ◽  
J. Durham
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Temporomandibular Disorder ◽  
Insular Cortex ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Autonomic Functions ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Brain Responses

Introduction: Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Both conditions have poorly understood pathophysiology. Several brain structures that play a role in pain and fatigue, such as the insular cortex and basal ganglia, are also implicated in autonomic function. Objectives: ANS dysfunction may point to common neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying the predominant symptoms for CFS and TMD. No studies to date have investigated the combination of both conditions. Thus, our aim was to test whether patients with CFS with or without TMD show differences in brain responses to autonomic challenges. Methods: In this exploratory functional imaging study, patients with CFS who screened positive for TMD (n = 26), patients who screened negative for TMD (n = 16), and age-matched control participants (n = 10) performed the Valsalva maneuver while in a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. This maneuver is known to activate the ANS. Results: For all 3 groups, whole-brain F test showed increased brain activation during the maneuver in the superior and inferior frontal gyri, the left and right putamen and thalamus, and the insular cortex. Furthermore, group contrasts with small-volume correction showed that patients with CFS who screened positive for TMD showed greater activity in the left insular cortex as compared with patients who screened negative and in the left caudate nucleus as compared with controls. Conclusion: Our results suggest that increased activity in the cortical and subcortical regions observed during autonomic challenges may be modulated by fatigue and pain. ANS dysfunction may be a contributing factor to these findings, and further work is required to tease apart the complex relationship among CFS, TMD, and autonomic functions. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Brain activity related to activation of the autonomic nervous system in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who screened positive for painful temporomandibular disorder was greater than in patients who screened negative; activity was seen in brain regions associated with autonomic functions and pain. These findings suggest that autonomic dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of both conditions, explain some of the apparent comorbidity between them, and offer avenues to help with treatment.

scholarly journals Changes in circulating microRNA after recumbent isometric yoga practice by patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an explorative pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Takakura ◽  
Takakazu Oka ◽  
Nobuyuki Sudo
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Circulating Microrna ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Isometric Yoga

Abstract Background Yoga is a representative mind-body therapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated that isometric yoga (i.e. yoga programs that we developed so individuals can practice yoga poses with a self-adjustable isometric load) reduces the fatigue of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several studies have suggested that the micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression of ME/CFS patients is different from that of healthy subjects. However, it has not to date been determined if the practice of isometric yoga can affect miRNA expression. Therefore, we sought to investigate if isometric yoga is associated with changes in the expression levels of serum miRNA of patients with ME/CFS. Methods The study included nine patients with ME/CFS who failed to show satisfactory improvement after at least 6 months of treatment administered at our hospital. Patients practiced recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months; they met with a yoga instructor every 2 to 4 weeks and participated in daily in-home sessions. The effect of recumbent isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention scores on the Japanese version of the 11-item Chalder fatigue scale (CFQ 11). Patient blood samples were drawn pre- and post-intervention, just prior to practicing recumbent isometric yoga with an instructor. The serum was used for miRNA array analysis with known human miRNAs. Results The average CFQ 11 score decreased significantly (from 25.3 ± 5.5 to 17.0 ± 5.8, p <  0.0001) after practicing recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months. The miRNA microarray analysis revealed that four miRNAs were significantly upregulated, and 42 were downregulated after the intervention period. Conclusions This explorative pilot study is the first to demonstrate changes in the serum levels of several miRNAs after regular practice of recumbent isometric yoga. These miRNAs might represent biomarkers for the fatigue-relieving effects of isometric yoga of patients with ME/CFS. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) 000023472. Registered Aug 4, 2016.

Long- and short-term blood pressure andRR-interval variability and psychosomatic distress in chronic fatigue syndrome: authors’ reply 1

1999 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.A. DUPREZ ◽  
M.L. DE BUYZERE ◽  
B. DRIEGHE ◽  
F. VANHAVERBEKE ◽  
Y. TAES ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Diagnostic Concordance Between Categorical and Dimensional Instruments to Assess Personality Disorder in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-165
Author(s):  
Natalia Calvo ◽  
Naia Sáez-Francàs ◽  
Sergi Valero ◽  
Jesús Castro-Marrero ◽  
José Alegre Martín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Personality Assessment ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Harm Avoidance ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Self Transcendence

Abstract. The study examines the relationship between a categorical and a dimensional personality assessment instrument in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). A total of 162 CFS patients were included in the study (91.4% women; mean age 47.5 years). All subjects completed the Spanish versions of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) and the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R). Results: 78 (48.1%) of the patients presented a Personality Disorder (PD), the most frequent being Cluster C, specifically Obsessive-compulsive disorder, followed by Avoidant disorder. PDs showed a specific pattern of correlation with temperament scales. All PD clusters correlated positively with Harm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence, and negatively with Reward Dependence, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness. In a logistic regression analysis, Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness predicted PD presence. The findings are consistent with previous studies in non-CFS samples and suggest that the combination of the Temperament and Character dimensions (low Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness and high Harm Avoidance and Self-Transcendence) correlates with PD severity, and that Self-Directedness and Cooperativeness are associated with PD presence in CFS patients. The integration of these two perspectives expands the current comprehension of personality pathology in CFS patients.

Politics, science, and the emergence of a new disease: The case of chronic fatigue syndrome.

1997 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 973-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard A. Jason ◽  
Judith A. Richman ◽  
Fred Friedberg ◽  
Lynne Wagner ◽  
Renee Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome
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