ABSTRACT
Aims: The s-IgA/total protein ratio and α-amylase activity in saliva have been used as indexes of stress because they change according to the physiological stress. Using both indexes, this study aimed to compare the circadian rhythm of stress levels in wheelchairdependent persons with congenital physical disabilities with those in without disability middle-aged persons. Study Design: Physiological stress was measured by biochemical analysis of the saliva. Place and Duration of Study: Collection of saliva was performed at participant’s house by own self and with the care worker. Biochemical analysis was carried out at Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan, from September 2012 to March 2013. Methodology: Subjects were 12 wheelchair-dependent persons with congenital physical disabilities and 12 without disability persons of the same generation. Saliva was collected in the morning (on awakening, after breakfast and before lunch), in theafternoon (after lunch, at 15:00 and before dinner) and at night (after dinner and at bedtime). The s-IgA in saliva supernatant was determined by ELISA method. A difference among mean values of the s-IgA/total protein ratio and α-amylase activity was examined by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (disability presence × collection period), with only one-way pairing (collection period). Results: The s-IgA/protein ratio was significantly affected by the period factor; results of the post hoc test revealed that the ratio was higher in the morning than in the afternoon and at night in the both groups. A significant interaction was observed with regard to α- amylase activity; results of the post hoc test revealed that α-amylase activity in the afternoon and at night was higher in the disability group than in the without disability group, and in the disability group, the activity was lower in the morning than in the afternoon and at night. Conclusion: Wheelchair-dependent persons with congenital physical disabilities have higher physiological stresses and greater circadian rhythm fluctuation than without disability middle-aged persons.
ABSTRACT
Objective: The physiological changes of the respiro-circulatory functions between skilled subject and unskilled subjects during the practice of Up-right Standing Posture of Shaolin Internal Qigong were compared. Method: The heart rate (HR), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2), respiratory efficiency (RE), and respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure, and lactic acid in the blood were measured.Results: The high correlations between the HR and the VO2 values obtained from the exhaustion test were observed in all subjects. The higher values than at the rest were observed in the average HR and the average VO2 during practicing the Up-right Standing Posture both in the skilled subject and unskilled subjects. However, both HR and VO2 levels were almost constant during the practice in both the skilled subjectand unskilled subjects. The RE values changed in the time course of the practice, whereas the RR values were almost constant during the practice. The average RE showed different patterns between the skilled subject and unskilled subjects, the former increased and the latter decreased their RE levels.In addition, the average values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the skilled subject increased each 10 mmHg approximately at pre- and post- Up-right Standing Posture, and the increasing tendency was also recognized in the unskilled subjects. The values of the lactic acid in the blood of the skilled subject increased slightly, whereas the average values of the unskilled subjects increased by 3.4 mmol/1. Conclusion: Shaolin Internal Qigong could improve respiratory efficiency by the maximum isometric muscle contraction while the skilled subject maintained natural breathing. In addition, Shaolin Internal Qigong was considered to influence the reflex system because it inhibited both blood pressure increase and respiratory rate change. Shaolin Internal Qigong fit very well with Tuina doctor training course for promoting the physical ability and manipulation abilities of them.