Relaxation Effects of Musically Guided Resonance Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominik Fuchs ◽  
Thomas K Hillecke ◽  
Marco Warth
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Relaxation Effects ◽  
Experimental Group

Recent evidence shows that both music therapy and resonance breathing (breathing at about 0.1 Hz) may be effective in treating stress-related symptoms and promoting relaxation. However, no study has yet explored the potential of integrating the working mechanisms into a combined approach using live played music to guide respiration. Therefore, the objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the psychophysiological effects of a combined intervention. A total of 60 healthy adults were randomized to either the experimental group or the control group (where participants listened to prerecorded relaxation music). Heart rate and heart rate variability were extracted for the following 5-minute segments: Resting baseline, stress task, intervention, resting post-intervention. Additionally, self-evaluation scores for relaxation and general well-being were assessed with visual analogue scales. Significant time × group interaction effects were found for general well-being (p = .028) and heart rate variability as measured by RMSSD (p < .001), indicative of increased parasympathetic outflow in the experimental group. In conclusion, the combination of music therapy and resonance breathing seems to be a well-received and effective way to induce relaxation and well-being in healthy adults.  

Effects of music therapy on subjective sensations and heart rate variability in treated cancer survivors: A pilot study

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 224-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Yuan Chuang ◽  
Wei-Ru Han ◽  
Pei-Chun Li ◽  
Shuenn-Tsong Young
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cancer Survivors

Effects of Electrical Acupuncture on Acupoint BL15 Evaluated in Terms of Heart Rate Variability, Pulse Rate Variability and Skin Conductance Response

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (01) ◽  
pp. 23-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Chieh Hsu ◽  
Ching-Sung Weng ◽  
Te-Sheng Liu ◽  
Yuh-Show Tsai ◽  
Yung-Hsien Chang
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Pulse Rate ◽  
Skin Conductance Response ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pulse Rate Variability ◽  
Electrical Acupuncture ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Frequency Power

In this research, heart rate variability (HRV), pulse rate variability (PRV) and human skin conductance (SC) of all acupoints on Heart Meridian were used to evaluate the effects of electrical acupuncture (EA) on acupoint BL15 (Bladder Meridian). Ten healthy volunteers (aged 23 ± 6) were selected as the control group on the first day, and then used again as the experimental group on the second day. The control group received sham EA during the study, while subjects of the experimental group were stimulated by 2 Hz EA on acupoint BL15 for 10 minutes. Electrocardiogram (ECG), wrist blood pressure pulse meter and skin conductance response (SCR) device were used to measure and analyze HRV, PRV and SCR for the two groups before and after stimulation. From the spectrum analysis of ECG and pulse pressure graph, we found that the EA applied on BL15 could induce a significant increase in the normalized high frequency power (nHFP) component of HRV and PRV, as well as a significant decrease in the normalized low frequency power (nLFP) part ( p < 0.05). Moreover, both the heart rate and pulse rate were reduced in the analysis of the time domain of ECG and PRV. Furthermore, most of the SCR values at acupoints were decreased after stimulation. These results also indicate that the stimulation of BL15 by EA could cause relaxation, calmness and reduce feeling of tension or distress.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Mobile Phone App to Support Recovery From Addiction in China: Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Han ◽  
Jing Ying Zhang ◽  
Yih-Ing Hser ◽  
Di Liang ◽  
Xu Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Urine Test ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Urine Testing ◽  
Experimental Group

BACKGROUND Mobile health technologies have been found to improve the self-management of chronic diseases. However, there is limited research regarding their feasibility in supporting recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) in China. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a mobile phone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) app by testing the concordance of drug use assessed by the EMA, urine testing, and a life experience timeline (LET) assessment. METHODS A total of 75 participants dependent on heroin or amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) in Shanghai were recruited to participate in a 4-week pilot study. Of the participants, 50 (67% [50/75]) were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 25 (33% [25/75]) were assigned to the control group. The experimental group used mobile health (mHealth) based EMA technology to assess their daily drug use in natural environments and received 2 short health messages each day, whereas the control group only received 2 short health messages each day from the app. Urine tests and LET assessments were conducted each week and a post-intervention survey was administered to both groups. The correlations among the EMA, the LET assessment, and the urine test were investigated. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 41.6 (SD 8.0) years, and 71% (53/75) were male. During the 4 weeks of observation, 690 daily EMA survey data were recorded, with a response rate of 49.29% (690/1400). With respect to drug use, the percent of agreement between the EMA and the LET was 66.7%, 79.2%, 72.4%, and 85.8%, respectively, for each of the 4 weeks, whereas the percent of agreement between the EMA and the urine test was 51.2%, 65.1%, 61.9%, and 71.5%, respectively. The post-intervention survey indicated that 46% (32/70) of the participants preferred face-to-face interviews rather than the mHealth app. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated poor agreement between the EMA data and the LET and found that the acceptance of mHealth among individuals with SUDs in China was not positive. Hence, greater efforts are needed to improve the feasibility of mHealth in China.

scholarly journals The Effect of Respiratory and Physical Intervention on Selected Parameters of Heart Rate Variability in Hematooncological Patients after Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Martina Šperková ◽  
Kateřina Kapounková ◽  
Iva Hrnčiříková ◽  
Zora Svobodová ◽  
Alexandra Malá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Respiratory Training ◽  
The University ◽  
Respiratory Intervention ◽  
Experimental Group

The aim of this research was determined the effect of respiratory intervention for twelve weeks and physical intervention for twelve weeks on selected parameters of heart rate variability in hematooncological patients after treatment. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability was measured by DiANS PF8 machine with Medical DiANS PC software. Evaluated were complex indices – Total score and Sympathovagal balance (S-V balance). The intervention programme was composed of three months of respiratory training and then three months of physical training. The experimental group, which absolved this combination of respiratory and physical intervention, was assessed at free time points: firstly, before the respiratory intervention, secondly between the respiratory and the physical intervention and thirdly after the physical intervention. The control group (without intervention) was measured twice between six months. 30 hematooncological patients (16 women and 14 men) were participated in this research, ranging in age 53,74±14,76 years from Internal Hematology and Oncology Clinic of The University Hospital Brno. Results of selected parameters of heart rate variability showed improvements, but without statistically significant effect of intervention programme.

scholarly journals Interval Hypoxic Training in Rehabilitation Program for Adolescents with Overweight / Obesity and Comorbid Arterial Hypertension: Open-Label Randomized Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61
Author(s):  
Alexandra V. Mashanskaya ◽  
Anna V. Pogodina ◽  
Alina V. Atalyan ◽  
Lyubov V. Rychkova ◽  
Olga V. Bugun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Arterial Hypertension ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hypoxic Training ◽  
Psychoemotional State ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Age And Sex

Background. Searching for new strategies for the rehabilitation of adolescents with obesity and comorbid arterial hypertension (AHT) before significant pathological changes development in the cardiovascular system remains the urgent challenge. Objective. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of interval hypoxic training (IHT) on blood pressure (BP) levels in adolescents with overweight / obesity and comorbid AHT. Methods. Adolescents aged 14-17 years with body mass index SDS ≥ 1 and grade I AHT (mean level of systolic and/or diastolic BP ≥ 95th percentile for population of corresponding age, sex and height) have been randomized to the group «aerobic training» (treadmill walking) and “aerobic training + IHT” (usage of hypoxicator in intermittent operation cycles). All patients were on subcaloric diet (10% reduction in caloric intake for given age). Primary outcome measure was the difference between groups on systolic/diastolic BP levels according to 24-hour BP monitoring after completion of training program (10 classes each). The effects of IHT on body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis), heart rate variability and psychoemotional state (Spielberger scale, assessment of health, activity and mood) were further estimated. Results. 43 patients were assigned to the index group, and 42 — to the control group. 67 patients have completed the research program. 5 patients (12%) from the IHT group and 13 patients (31%; p = 0.029) from the control group prematurely discontinued participation in the trial due to poor exercise tolerance. The groups were comparable in baseline systolic and diastolic BP. Decrease in BP occurred in both groups after 10 workouts. There were no differences in decrease value: mean difference for SBP was 2.4 mm Hg (95% CI -6.6 ... 1.8), for DBP — 0.2 mm Hg (-3.6 ... 4.0). However, the incidence of reaching the targeted SBP (< 95th percentile for the corresponding age and sex) after completion of the treatment was recorded in 66% patients in the experimental group and in 42% patients in the control group (p = 0,047). Positive dynamics in several indicators of heart rate variability and psychoemotional state were mentioned in the IHT group. Conclusion. The IHT implementation in the complex of rehabilitation program for adolescents with overweight / obesity and AHT has no additional positive effect on BP levels. However, the incidence of reaching the targeted SBP (< 95th percentile for the corresponding age and sex) after completion of the treatment was recorded in 66% patients in the experimental group and in 42% patients in the control group (p = 0,054).

Effects of Music Therapy on Psychological Symptoms and Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Dementia. A Pilot Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Raglio ◽  
Osmano Oasi ◽  
Marta Gianotti ◽  
Veronica Manzoni ◽  
Silvia Bolis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Psychological Symptoms

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 The Effect of Animal-Assisted Therapy on the State of Patients’ Health After a Stroke: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristýna Machová ◽  
Radka Procházková ◽  
Michal Říha ◽  
Ivona Svobodová
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Animal Assisted Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Constraints ◽  
Significant Aspect ◽  
Experimental Group

A stroke is a condition that can give rise to consequences such as cognitive and physical constraints, which sometimes manifest in the psychological condition of the patient. Such patients commence rehabilitation as soon as is possible, which involves a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. One aspect of complementary rehabilitation could be animal-assisted therapy (AAT). A total of 15 individuals were split into an experimental group comprising 6 patients (2 males, 4 females), and a control group of 9 patients (3 males, 6 females). The participants in the control group were aged from 43 to 87 years and the experimental group featured participants aged from 45 to 76 years. Both groups received standard physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In addition, the experimental group was supplemented with AAT, with the animal in question being a dog. The tools primarily applied to measure the outcomes were the Barthel index, blood pressure, and heart rate measurements, whereas the Likert scale was employed to discern the mood of the patients. The results showed that changes in the values for heart rate and blood pressure were insignificant. However, a statistically significant aspect of the research pertained to the patients confirming that they felt better after the AAT sessions. Hence, AAT could potentially bolster the effectiveness of other therapies.

scholarly journals The Influence of New Colored Light Stimulation Methods on Heart Rate Variability, Temperature, and Well-Being: Results of a Pilot Study in Humans

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Litscher ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Ingrid Gaischek ◽  
Gerhard Litscher
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Blue Light ◽  
Red Light ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Light Stimulation ◽  
State Of Mind ◽  
Environmental Stimulation ◽  
Nose Temperature

Changes of light intensity of different colors can shift many physiological parameters and conditions like melatonin, alertness, body temperature, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this pilot study was to investigate acute temperature, HR, HRV, and state of mind reactivities after illumination with red (631 nm) and blue (456 nm) light (illuminance 140 lux for both). Seven healthy volunteers (5 females, 2 males; mean age ± SD 34.1 ± 11.9 years) were investigated at the Medical University of Graz, using new color light panels. Significant decreases were found only after 10 min blue light stimulation in nose temperature (P=0.046), HR (P<0.05), and total HRV (P=0.029), in association with a significant alteration of the emotional state (stress level score,P=0.006). However, red light stimulation of the same persons did not induce the same effects in these parameters. The effect of blue light as environmental stimulation on human health is not clarified in detail and needs further investigations.

scholarly journals Feasibility and effect of interactive telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Ching Chen ◽  
Chueh-Ho Lin ◽  
Sheng-Wen Su ◽  
Yu-Tai Chang ◽  
Chien-Hung Lai
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Kinect Camera ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background Stroke survivors need continuing exercise intervention to maintain functional status. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of an interactive telerehabilitation exergaming system to improve balance in individuals with chronic stroke, compared to conventional one-on-one rehabilitation. Methods In this prospective case–control pilot study, 30 Taiwanese individuals with chronic stroke were enrolled and randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group. All participants received intervention 3 times per week for 4 weeks in the study hospital. The experiment group underwent telerehabilitation using a Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system in an independent room to simulate home environment. In contrast, the control group received conventional one-on-one physiotherapy in a dedicated rehabilitation area. The effectiveness of interactive telerehabilitation in improving balance in stroke survivors was evaluated by comparing outcomes between the two groups. The primary outcome was Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores. Secondary outcomes were performance of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Motricity Index, and Functional Ambulation Category. Results Comparison of outcomes between experimental and control groups revealed no significant differences between groups at baseline and post-intervention for all outcome measures. However, BBS scores improved significantly in both groups (control group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.49; experimental group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.70). Completion times of TUG tests also improved significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.005, effect size = 0.70). Conclusion The Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system demonstrates superior or equal efficacy compared to conventional one-on-one physiotherapy for improving balance in individuals with chronic stroke. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03698357. Registered October 4, 2018, retrospectively registered.

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