scholarly journals Cardiovascular effects of reflexology in healthy individuals: evidence for a specific increase in blood pressure

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Ruiz Padial ◽  
Nieves Torres López ◽  
Javier Luna Bujaldón ◽  
Isabel Espadas Villanueva ◽  
Gustavo Reyes del Paso
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity

The present study evaluates the cardiovascular effects of reflexology in a healthy sample. Forty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: reflexology (n=15), non-professional foot massage (n=14), and a waiting time control group (n=12). Dependent variables were systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, inter-beat interval, heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity measured pre- and post- interventions. The study was performed during three 40-min sessions separated by weekly intervals. Results show that the three manipulations produce similar increases in inter-beat interval, heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity. Reflexology specifically produces an increase in blood pressure, which increases gradually over the three sessions. The parallel increase in heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity together with the increase in blood pressure suggest that reflexology is associated with a co-activation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the Autonomic Nervous System. These changes could be helpful in optimizing homeostatic activity, promoting the healing process and increasing the human organism’s capacity to respond adaptively to internal and external challenges. Finally, the observed physiological changes in the waiting-time control group shows the relevance of habituation processes and suggests the need for addition of waiting-time control groups in future studies.

Validation of spontaneous assessment of baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and its relation to heart rate variability in the ovine fetus pre- and near-term

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (9) ◽  
pp. 736-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin G. Frasch ◽  
Thomas Müller ◽  
Mark Szynkaruk ◽  
Matthias Schwab
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Vasoactive Drugs ◽  
Sequence Method ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity ◽  
Ovine Fetus ◽  
Fetal Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Near Term

Assessment of baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) in the ovine fetus provides insight into autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Currently, assessment of BRS relies on vasoactive drugs, but this approach is limited by feasibility issues and by the nonphysiologic nature of the stimulus. Thus we aimed to validate the method of spontaneous BRS assessment against the reference method of using vasoactive drugs in preterm (0.76 gestation, n = 16) and near-term (0.86 gestation, n = 16) chronically instrumented ovine fetuses. The BRS measures derived from the spontaneous and reference methods correlated at both gestational ages (R = 0.67 ± 0.03). The sequence method of spontaneous BRS measures also correlated both to the root mean square of standard deviations (RMSSD), which is a measure of fetal heart rate variability reflecting vagal modulation (R = 0.69 ± 0.03), and to fetal body weight (R = 0.65 ± 0.03), which is a surrogate for growth trajectory of each fetus. The methodology presented may aid in developing new models to study BRS and cardiovascular control in ovine fetus in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability during Trigger Point Acupuncture

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoji Kitagawa ◽  
Kenichi Kimura ◽  
Sohei Yoshida
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Spectral Analysis ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Trigger Point ◽  
Tibialis Anterior Muscle ◽  
Trigger Points ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Right

Objectives To clarify changes in the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system function due to trigger point acupuncture, we evaluated differences in responses between acupuncture at trigger points and those at other sites using spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Methods Subjects were 35 healthy men. Before measurements began the subjects were assigned to a trigger point acupuncture or control group based on the presence/absence of referred pain on applying pressure to a taut band within the right tibialis anterior muscle. The measurements were conducted in a room with a temperature of 25°C, with subjects in a long sitting position after 10 min rest. Acupuncture needles were retained for 10 min at two sites on the right tibialis anterior muscle. ECG was performed simultaneously with measurements of blood pressure and the respiratory cycle. Based on the R–R interval on the ECG, frequency analysis was performed, low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components were extracted and the ratio of LF to HF components (LF/HF) was evaluated. Results The trigger point acupuncture group showed a transient decrease in heart rate and an increase in the HF component but no significant changes in LF/HF. In the control group, no significant changes were observed in heart rate, the HF component or LF/HF. There were no consistent changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in either group. Conclusions These data suggest that acupuncture stimulation of trigger points of the tibialis anterior muscle transiently increases parasympathetic nerve activity.

scholarly journals Heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity in early- versus late-onset preeclampsia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. e0186521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Michael Weber ◽  
Helmut Karl Lackner ◽  
Andreas Roessler ◽  
Ilona Papousek ◽  
Vassiliki Kolovetsiou-Kreiner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex Sensitivity

Autonomic Cardiovascular Dysregulation at Rest and During Stress in Chronically Low Blood Pressure

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Duschek ◽  
Alexandra Hoffmann ◽  
Casandra I. Montoro ◽  
Gustavo A. Reyes del Paso
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Stroke Volume ◽  
Total Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Baroreflex Sensitivity ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Blood Pressure

Abstract. Chronic low blood pressure (hypotension) is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, reduced drive, faintness, dizziness, cold limbs, and concentration difficulties. The study explored the involvement of aberrances in autonomic cardiovascular control in the origin of this condition. In 40 hypotensive and 40 normotensive subjects, impedance cardiography, electrocardiography, and continuous blood pressure recordings were performed at rest and during stress induced by mental calculation. Parameters of cardiac sympathetic control (i.e., stroke volume, cardiac output, pre-ejection period, total peripheral resistance), parasympathetic control (i.e., heart rate variability), and baroreflex function (i.e., baroreflex sensitivity) were obtained. The hypotensive group exhibited markedly lower stroke volume, heart rate, and cardiac output, as well as higher pre-ejection period and baroreflex sensitivity than the control group. Hypotension was furthermore associated with a smaller blood pressure response during stress. No group differences arose in total peripheral resistance and heart rate variability. While reduced beta-adrenergic myocardial drive seems to constitute the principal feature of the autonomic impairment that characterizes chronic hypotension, baroreflex-related mechanisms may also contribute to this state. Insufficient organ perfusion due to reduced cardiac output and deficient cardiovascular adjustment to situational requirements may be involved in the manifestation of bodily and mental symptoms.

The Role of the Baroreceptor Reflex in the Cardiovascular Effects of Propranolol in the Conscious Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

1979 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. J. Struyker-Boudier ◽  
J. F. Smits ◽  
H. Van Essen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Hypotensive Effect ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive

1. The role of baroreceptors in the cardiovascular mechanism of action of dl-propranolol has been studied by comparing the acute effects of subcutaneous injection of 1 and 5 mg/kg (3·3 × 10−6 and 16·5 × 10−6 mol/kg) of this drug in conscious baroreceptor-denervated spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats with those in sham-operated control SH rats. 2. At 5 mg/kg (16·5 × 10−6 mol/kg) propranolol caused a small, but significant, increase in blood pressure in sham-operated SH rats, whereas both after 1 and 5 mg/kg (3·3 × 10−6 and 16·5 × 10−6 mol/kg) immediate hypotension was observed in baroreceptor-denervated animals. 3. Heart rate dropped rapidly after injection of 1 or 5 mg/kg (3·3 × 10−6 and 16·5 × 10−6 mol/kg) propranolol both in the baroreceptor-denervated and sham-operated SH rats. Bradycardia was significantly larger in the baroreceptor-denervated animals after an injection of 5 mg/kg (16·5 × 10−6 mol/kg). 4. It is concluded that the lack of an early hypotensive effect of propranolol in intact animals is caused by an increased baroreceptor reflex activity as a consequence of the fall in cardiac output.

scholarly journals Integrating Breathing Techniques Into Psychotherapy to Improve HRV: Which Approach Is Best?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick R. Steffen ◽  
Derek Bartlett ◽  
Rachel Marie Channell ◽  
Katelyn Jackman ◽  
Mikel Cressman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Critical Writing ◽  
Breathing Techniques ◽  
Randomized Controlled Experiment ◽  
Video Condition

IntroductionApproaches to improve heart rate variability and reduce stress such as breathing retraining are more frequently being integrated into psychotherapy but little research on their effectiveness has been done to date. Specifically, no studies to date have directly compared using a breathing pacer at 6 breaths per minute with compassion focused soothing rhythm breathing.Current StudyIn this randomized controlled experiment, 6 breaths per minute breathing using a pacer was compared with compassion focused soothing rhythm breathing, with a nature video being used as a control group condition.MethodsHeart rate variability (HRV) measures were assessed via electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration belt, and an automated blood pressure machine was used to measure systolic diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (HR). A total of 96 participants were randomized into the three conditions. Following a 5-min baseline, participants engaged in either 6 breath per minute breathing, soothing rhythm breathing, or watched a nature video for 10 min. To induce a stressful state, participants then wrote for 5 min about a time they felt intensely self-critical. Participants then wrote for 5 min about a time they felt self-compassionate, and the experiment ended with a 10-min recovery period.ResultsConditions did not significantly differ at baseline. Overall, HRV, as measured by standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low frequency HRV (LF HRV), and LF/HF ratio, increased during the intervention period, decreased during self-critical writing, and then returned to baseline levels during the recovery period. High frequency HRV (HF HRV) was not impacted by any of the interventions. The participants in the 6 breath per minute pacer condition were unable to consistently breathe at that rate and averaged about 12 breaths per minute. Time by Condition analyses revealed that both the 6 breaths per minute pacer and soothing breathing rhythm conditions lead to significantly higher SDNN than the nature video condition during breathing practice but there were no significant differences between conditions in response to the self-critical and self-compassionate writing or recovery periods. The 6 breath per minute pacer condition demonstrated a higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio than the soothing rhythm breathing condition, and both intervention conditions had a higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio than the nature video.ConclusionsAlthough the 6 breath per minute pacer condition participants were not able to breath consistently at the low pace, both the participants attempting to breathe at 6 breaths per minute as well as those in the soothing rhythm breathing condition effectively increased HR variability as measured by SDNN, and attempting to breathe at 6 breaths per minute led to the highest LF HRV and LF/HF ratio. Both breathing approaches impacted HRV more than watching a relaxing nature video and can potentially be used as key adjuncts in psychotherapy to aid in regulating physiological functioning, although it appears that consistent breathing practice would be needed.

Is Substance P the Transmitter at the First Synapse of the Baroreceptor Reflex in Rats and Cats?

1980 ◽  
Vol 59 (s6) ◽  
pp. 295s-297s ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Haeusler ◽  
R. Osterwalder
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Substance P ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflex ◽  
Solitary Tract ◽  
Anaesthetized Rats ◽  
Contrast Exposure ◽  
Brain Ventricle ◽  
Dose Dependent

1. Substance P, injected into a lateral brain ventricle of urethane-anaesthetized rats, caused dose-dependent increases in blood pressure and heart rate. 2. By contrast, exposure of the obex region of the medulla oblongata to pieces of filter paper soaked in substance P-containing solution resulted in falls of blood pressure and heart rate in both rats and cats. 3. A more precise application of substance P to the first synapse of the baroreceptor reflex by micro-injection into defined areas of the nucleus of the solitary tract also led to an activation of the baroreceptor reflex. 4. Capsaicin, which is known to release substance P from primary afferents, mimicked the sympatho-inhibitory and cardiovascular effects of substance P when applied locally to the nucleus of the solitary tract. 5. The results are compatible with a transmitter or neuromodulatory role for substance P at the first synapse of the baroreceptor reflex.

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