scholarly journals The Implications of the Diving Response in Reducing Panic Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kyriakoulis ◽  
Michael Kyrios ◽  
Antonio Egidio Nardi ◽  
Rafael C. Freire ◽  
Mark Schier
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Breath Holding ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Diving Response ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Panic Symptoms ◽  
Facial Immersion

Increased CO2 sensitivity is common in panic disorder (PD) patients. Free divers who are known for their exceptional breathing control have lower CO2 sensitivity due to training effects. This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of cold facial immersion (CFI), breath holding and CO2 challenges on panic symptoms. Healthy participants and patients with PD were subjected to four experimental conditions in a randomly assigned order. The four conditions were (a) breath-holding (BH), (b) CFI for 30 s, (c) CO2 challenge, and (d) CO2 challenge followed by CFI. Participants completed a battery of psychological measures, and physiological data (heart rate and respiration rate) were collected following each experimental condition. Participants with PD were unable to hold their breath for as long as normal controls; however, this finding was not significant, potentially due to a small sample size. Significant reductions in both physiological and cognitive symptoms of panic were noted in the clinical group following the CFI task. As hypothesized, the CFI task exerted demonstrable anxiolytic effects in the clinical group in this study by reducing heart rate significantly and lessening self-reported symptoms of anxiety and panic. This outcome demonstrates the promise of the CFI task for clinical applications.

scholarly journals Comparison of different Parameters of Heart Rate Frequency of Tasks Performed during Aircraft Open-Basket Ground Deicing Activities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Landau K
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Evaluation Measure ◽  
Cardiac Cost ◽  
Working Heart

Plane deicing is mandatory to insure safe plane take-off. Previous human factors studies have shown that open-basket deicing activity can be improved. The objective of the paper is to compare heart rate assessment models within a field study with numerous influencing variables and small sample size as well as to deepen our understanding of the most demanding openbasket tasks using cardiac output. A field study in a Canadian centered plane deicing facility was conducted in 2016-2017. 12 participants contributed to a thorough description and analysis of open-basket deicing activities. Respiratory and cardiac output of these participants was collected using Hexoskin vests. Working heart rate, heart rate reserves as well as calculations of absolute cardiac cost were done. Working heart rate (WHR), Heart Rate Reserve (HRR) and Absolute Cardiac Cost (ACC) do not behave uniformly for the majority of participants. In field studies with a large number of influencing variables on the heart rate, it is usually not sufficient to consider one single evaluation measure like WHR. In the interest of protecting employees, it seems to make sense to use the more cautious measures HRR or ACC as parameters instead of WHR. Superimposed activities (e.g. forced postures and dynamic use of upper body) have a significant effect on heart rate increases. In 8 out of 11 cases we have fatigue-related increases in heart rate over the observation period. Similar studies need to be conducted in other aircraft deicing facilities.

Effectiveness of Directional Microphones and Noise Reduction Schemes in Hearing Aids: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (07) ◽  
pp. 473-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth A. Bentler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to find evidence of real-world effectiveness of directional microphone and digital noise reduction features in current hearing aids. The evidence was drawn from randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized intervention studies, and descriptive studies. The quality of each study was evaluated for factors such as blinding, power of statistical analyses, and use of psychometrically strong outcome measures. Weaknesses in the identified studies included small sample size, resultant poor power to detect potentially worthwhile differences, and overlapping experimental conditions. Nine studies were identified for directional microphones, and the evidence (albeit weak) supports effectiveness. Two studies were identified for the noise reduction feature, and the evidence was equivocal. For the researcher, such a systematic review should encourage the careful consideration of appropriate methodologies for assessing feature effectiveness. For the clinician, the outcomes reported herein should encourage use of such a systematic review to drive clinical practice.

scholarly journals Bench behaviour of ice hockey coaches: Psychophysiological and verbal responses to critical game incidents

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D Kennedy ◽  
Camilla J Knight
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Critical Incidents ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Team Sports ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Ice Hockey ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Verbal Responses

The purpose of this study was to examine coaches’ psychophysiological and verbal responses to different game situations. The in-game heart rate and verbal responses of three elite ice hockey coaches to four critical game incidents (Goals For/Against; Penalties Taken/Drawn) over four university women’s games were assessed. Verbal comments were categorised using the Coach Behaviour Assessment System, and then comments and heart rate were sequenced to critical incidents recorded on video review. Overall, in-game heart rate was greater than rest and coaches were rarely silent. General encouragement and general commentary were the most common verbal comments. Two hundred and eight critical incident comments were recorded (Goals For/Against 34.6 %; Penalties Taken/Drawn 65.4%) associated with a 10 bpm greater heart rate. Most common verbal responses to critical incidents were general commentary, silence and organisation. The type of comment was affected by the type of critical incident. In 78% of critical incidents, the type of comment made before incidents differed to type of comment after the incident, coaches rarely talked at the same time and silence was common. These novel findings are limited to ice hockey coaches given the small sample size. However, these results should encourage more research into the psychophysiological and verbal responses of coaches in other team sports real game situations to better understand in game coaching behaviour.

scholarly journals Energy drink consumption pattern and the effect of consumption on university students’ blood pressure and heart rate

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-119
Author(s):  
K. Nagy ◽  
A. Csomós ◽  
B. Dániel ◽  
Gy. Mara
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
University Students ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Arterial Blood

Abstract Energy drink (ED) consumption, even mixed with alcohol, is popular among adolescents and young adults. The side effects of ED are attributed to their active ingredients and their cumulated effect. A cross-sectional study to identify university students’ ED consumption habit was realized. A small sample size (n = 10) experiment examining the effect of ED consumption on arterial blood pressure and heart rate was carried out. From the total number of 240 interviewed students, 87.1% consumed ED at least once, and one third of them did so on a monthly basis. Students consume energy drinks mainly for its taste, very rarely for studying. Differences in consumption place preferences were observed between sexes, females preferring bars, while males the dormitory. We have demonstrated the increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP) for one type of energy drink in young and healthy volunteer students. Other changes in blood pressure and heart rate were not observed.

Midface Osteotomy versus Distraction: The Effect on Speech, Nasality, and Velopharyngeal Function in Craniofacial Dysostosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 353-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Pereira ◽  
Debbie Sell ◽  
Alan Ponniah ◽  
Rob Evans ◽  
David Dunaway
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Median Difference ◽  
Group Design ◽  
Postoperative Changes ◽  
Craniofacial Dysostosis ◽  
Velopharyngeal Function

Objective: To assess speech outcomes following midface advancement and to explore whether the type of advancement surgery affects speech differently in patients with craniofacial dysostosis. Design: Prospective, before-after group design. Subjects: Fifteen consecutive patients were included in the study. Eight underwent advancement by osteotomy and seven by distraction. All patients were seen preoperatively and at least once postoperatively. Main Outcome Measures: Percentage of consonants correct, nature and type of articulation errors, nasalance score, severity ratings of resonance and of velopharyngeal function using nasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy, and amount of forward advancement. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between groups for pre- and postoperative changes of percentage of consonants correct (p  =  .755, median difference 3.0, 95% confidence interval for median difference [−14.22, 20.22]) and nasalance (p  =  .171, median difference  =  −12.00, 95% confidence interval for median differences [−30.46, 6.46]). There was no statistically significant correlation between amount of forward advancement and nasalance (r  =  .87, p  =  .799) and percentage of consonants correct (r  =  −.550, p  =  .064). Findings from lateral videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy are described. Individual changes of speech outcomes are reported. Conclusions: In view of the small sample size, results need to be interpreted with caution. However, the study adds to current limited knowledge with this clinical group. Further research with bigger sample sizes and randomization of patients into the different surgical groups is warranted.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal Gait Patterns During Overt and Covert Evaluation in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease and Healthy Subjects: Is There a Hawthorne Effect?

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verónica Robles-García ◽  
Yoanna Corral-Bergantiños ◽  
Nelson Espinosa ◽  
María Amalia Jácome ◽  
Carlos García-Sancho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Time Variability ◽  
Expectancy Effects ◽  
Experimental Conditions

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and aging lead to gait impairments. Some of the disturbances of gait are focused on step length, cadence, and temporal variability of gait cycle. Under experimental conditions gait can be overtly evaluated, but patients with PD are prone to expectancy effects; thus it seems relevant to determine if such evaluation truly reflects the spontaneous gait pattern in such patients, and also in healthy subjects. Thirty subjects (15 subjects with PD and 15 healthy control subjects) were asked to walk using their natural, preferred gait pattern. In half of the trials subjects were made aware that they were being evaluated (overt evaluation), while in the rest of the trials the evaluation was performed covertly (covert evaluation). During covert evaluation the gait pattern was modified in all groups. Gait speed was significantly increased (P = .022); step cadence and average step length were also significantly modified, the average step length increased (P = .002) and the cadence was reduced (P ≤ .001). Stride cycle time variability was unchanged significantly (P = .084). These changes were not significantly different compared between elderly and young healthy controls either. Due to the small sample size, a note of caution is in order; however, the significant results suggest that covert evaluation of gait might be considered to complement experimental evaluations of gait.

Using stimulation of the diving reflex in humans to teach integrative physiology

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia K. Choate ◽  
Kate M. Denton ◽  
Roger G. Evans ◽  
Yvonne Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Breath Holding ◽  
Diving Response ◽  
Diving Reflex ◽  
Integrative Physiology ◽  
Facial Immersion ◽  
Physiology Students ◽  
Cardiovascular Variables

During underwater submersion, the body responds by conserving O2 and prioritizing blood flow to the brain and heart. These physiological adjustments, which involve the nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, are known as the diving response and provide an ideal example of integrative physiology. The diving reflex can be stimulated in the practical laboratory setting using breath holding and facial immersion in water. Our undergraduate physiology students complete a laboratory class in which they investigate the effects of stimulating the diving reflex on cardiovascular variables, which are recorded and calculated with a Finapres finger cuff. These variables include heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, and arterial pressures (mean, diastolic, and systolic). Components of the diving reflex are stimulated by 1) facial immersion in cold water (15°C), 2) breathing with a snorkel in cold water (15°C), 3) facial immersion in warm water (30°C), and 4) breath holding in air. Statistical analysis of the data generated for each of these four maneuvers allows the students to consider the factors that contribute to the diving response, such as the temperature of the water and the location of the sensory receptors that initiate the response. In addition to providing specific details about the equipment, protocols, and learning outcomes, this report describes how we assess this practical exercise and summarizes some common student misunderstandings of the essential physiological concepts underlying the diving response.

scholarly journals Impact of Equine-Assisted Interventions on Heart Rate Variability in Two Participants with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1073
Author(s):  
Maria Amado-Fuentes ◽  
Margarita Gozalo ◽  
Andres Garcia-Gomez ◽  
Sabina Barrios-Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
22Q11.2 Deletion Syndrome ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Deletion Syndrome ◽  
22Q11.2 Deletion ◽  
Equine Assisted

People with disabilities due to genetic origin often present high levels of stress: non-pharmacological interventions such as Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAI) may be a useful strategy. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate stress levels in two participants with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome diagnosis, immediately after carrying out the EAI. A single case experimental design methodology was chosen due to the small sample size. Two participants with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, a rare disease, with different comorbidities were included. The present study considered the EAI as the independent variable while the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) represented the dependent one, as HRV is considered an indicator of stress level. Measurements were performed before and after carrying out the interventions. The results showed an HRV increase in one of the participants and an increase in the arousal level evidenced by a decrease in his HRV. After having carried out the program, EAI seems to cause an impact on the activation level of the participants depending on the typology and nature of the intervention. However, these results should be treated with caution due to the small sample size. This study is a pilot to test the feasibility of the proposed interventions on the variable under study.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Stress Relief Program for Depression

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (06) ◽  
pp. 419-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bregje M. Hartogs ◽  
Agna A. Bartels-Velthuis ◽  
Karen Van der Ploeg ◽  
Elske H. Bos
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Prolonged Treatment ◽  
Single Subject

SummaryBackground: Depressive disorders often have a chronic course and the efficacy of evidence-based treatments may be overestimated.Objective: To examine the effectiveness of the Heart Rate Variability Stress Reduction Program (SRP) as a supplement to standard treatment in patients with depressive disorders.Methods: The SRP was individually administered in eight weekly sessions. Seven participants completed the full protocol and were enrolled in a single-subject ABA multiple baseline experimental design. To perform interrupted time-series analyses, daily measures were completed in a diary (depression, resilience, happiness, heart coherence and a personalized outcome measure).Results: Five out of seven patients improved in depressed mood and/or a personalized outcome measure. The effect of treatment was reversed in four patients during the withdrawal phase. One patient reliably improved on depression, whereas two patients recovered on autonomy and one on social optimism. No consistent relationship was found between the heart rate variability-related level of coherence and self-reported mood levels.Conclusions: The SRP is beneficial in some domains and for some patients. A prolonged treatment or continued home practice may be required for enduring effects. The intervention had more clinical impact on resilience-related outcome measures than on symptoms. The small sample size does not permit generalization of the results. We recommend future investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the SRP.

Valpromide increases amplitude of heart rate circadian rhythm in remitted bipolar and unipolar disorders.A placebo-controlled study

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 424-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Lemoine ◽  
J Fondarai ◽  
T Faivre
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Bipolar Disorders ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Sleep Diary ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Sleep Study

The aim of this study was to investigate for the effects of valpromide on heart rate circadian rhythm in remitted recurrent unipolar and bipolar disorders (DSM-III-R). It consisted of a comparative, randomized, double-blind, repeated cross-over study of valpromide versus placebo over four four-week periods. The primary evaluation criteria was heart rate (HR). Secondary criteria comprised motor activity (MA) and the Bech and Rafaelsen mania assessment scale, Horne and Ostberg questionnaire, Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale, Spiegel questionnaire, a sleep diary, and Clinical Global Impression. Fifteen patients were included, giving 60 one-month periods (30 valpromide periods and 30 placebo periods).Cosinor analysis of HR and MA data revealed a difference in amplitude (P = 0.037, analysis of variance, one-tailed test).The clinical sleep study shows that the duration of sleep was greater with valpromide than with placebo (P = 0.007, one-tailed test). Similarly, evaluation of the quality of sleep by patients themselves showed valpromide to be superior to placebo (P = 0.045, one-tailed test). The results of analysis of the Spiegel questionnaire also confirm the superiority of valpromide over placebo. Safety and compliance were comparable for the active drug and the placebo.In conclusion, the relatively small sample size requires cautious interpretation of this study. Nevertheless, these initial results show a definite effect of valpromide on a biological rhythm that leads one to suppose that it may be effective through a ‘synchronizing’ effect.

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