Effect of walk training combined with blood flow restriction on resting heart rate variability and resting blood pressure in middle-aged men

Aim: To investigate the effects of low-intensity walk training with and without blood flow restriction (BRF) on resting heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged men. Methods: Twenty-one men were randomly assigned into the walk training group with (BRF-W; n = 11) and without (NOR-W; n = 10) BFR. The resting HRV and blood pressure were assessed pre- and post-6 weeks of the intervention [3 times/week, 5 sets of 3-min walking (6 km.h-1) with 1-min of rest, totalizing 18 sessions of training]. The BFR-W group received the occlusive stimulus before of training sessions though of a standard sphygmomanometer and performed the training sessions with the vascular occlusion (80-100 mmHg) in both the legs. Results: Only BRF-W group improved HRV on time domain indices (SDNN and RMSSD; p < 0.05) after training but it was not found differences on frequency domain indices. In addition, systolic blood pressure (SBP) improved after training (PRE: 128.5 ± 5.9 vs POST: 119.1 ± 8.6 mmHg; Cohen's d = -1.30; p < 0.01) only in BFR-W group. There was not a significant difference on diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after training, however, effect size was moderate for BFR-W (Cohen's d = -0.56; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that walking training with blood flow restriction can improve health cardiovascular parameters in middle-aged men.(AU)

Effects of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides L on neurobehavioral function and the contents of monoamine neurotransmitters in rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides L on the nervous behavior and the expression of neurotransmitters in rats. Methods 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:blank group,total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides L treatment with 4 mg·kg-1 ·d-1 ( low dose group) ,8 mg·kg-1 ·d-1( medium dose group) and 16 mg·kg-1 ·d-1( high dose group) groups. After successive intragastric administration for 30 days,the locomotor activity was applied to test the nervous behavior and emotional state of rats in each group. After behavioral tests were finished,the contents of trypto-phan (Trp),5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP),5-serotonin (5-HT),5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), norepinephrine (NE),epinephrine (E) and dopamine (DA) were detected by ELISA in serum and brain. Results In the experiment of locomotor activity,compared with blank group ((95.33±12.75) times),the numbers of horizontal movement of Sophora alopecuroides L in medium and high dose group ( ( 61. 64 ± 5.91),(64.62±5.79)times both P0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that the degree of au-tonomic activity in rats with the content of 5-HT,5-HIAA and DA in serum was negatively correlated (P<0.05, P<0.01) ,the degree of emotional stress and the content of 5-HT,5-HIAA in brain was negatively cor-related (P<0.05, P<0.01) . Conclusion The total alkaloids of Sophora alopecuroides L can reduce the ac-tivity of rats and increase the degree of emotional stress. And the mechanism may be correlated with the in-creasing level of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in serum and brain.

Valsalva ratio: Assessment of autonomic modulation in patients of cervical spondylosis

Background: Cervical spondylosis is a common progressive degenerative disorder of the human spine often caused by the natural aging process. Osteophytic formations contribute to biomechanical changes that result in neural and vascular compression. The spinal compression of the obliquely passing cervical nerve roots can result in possible autonomic imbalance in the body. Valsalva maneuver is a simple, non-invasive and cost effective means to assess the autonomic activity. The results are appreciably reproducible if done properly under standardized conditions. Valsalva ratio is an important index of the baroreflex-mediated bradycardia and gives a fair idea about the parasympathetic tone. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the level of autonomic activity by studying the valsalva ratio in patients with cervical spondylosis and to compare it with healthy controls. Materials and methods: This prospective random case control study was conducted at Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. The study sample comprised of group I consisting of thirty randomly selected age and sex matched healthy controls and group II of thirty patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis (age group 30-60 years of either sex). Results: In our study, valsalva ratio was found to be significantly low (p<0.01) in patients of cervical spondylosis as compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: Altered parasympathetic tone can predispose the patients to hemodynamic instability leading to adverse cardiovascular implications in the long run.

A Pharmacodynamical Study on the Improvement of Senile Drosophilas with Fragmented Sleep with the Administration of Shuang Xia Decoction / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study aimed at unfolding the therapeutic effects of freeze-dried powder separated from Shuang Xia decoction (SXD) on female senile drosophila melanogaster with fragmented sleep.Taking drosophilas as the model organisms,the locomotor activity was monitored using the autonomic monitoring software to explore the regulation of fragmented sleep in senile drosophilas by the treatment of SXD.As a result,it was found that the optimum concentration of SXD was 2.50％,while the desirable therapeutic duration was 4 days.In comparison with the control group,35-day-old virgin drosophilas'sleep was prolonged in the SXD group and the positive control group.The positive drug mainly affected their sleep in the daytime,while SXD impacted their sleep at night featuring the prolonged fragmented sleep.In conclusion,it was demonstrated that the freeze-dried powder of SXD effectively alleviated intermittent insomnia in the female senile drosophilas.Compared with positive drug,SXD also mitigated intermittent insomnia at night without significant changes in the sleep of the drosophilas in the daytime.Above all,SXD was beneficial in the regulation of sleep-wake rhythm in the drosophilas.

SHORT TERM PHYSICAL TRAINING AND ITS BENEFIT ON CARDIOVASCULAR AND AUTONOMIC RESPONSE

Purpose of the study: Physical training results in favorable cardiovascular changes and that autonomic nervous system “the prime mediator” of these changes. Aim: The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that short duration of physical training may result in improved Cardiovascular recovery profile in humans. Material and Methods: Over a two month period, 58 healthy adult volunteers in age group of 17 to 20 years, the study was conducted in the Department of Physiology Gandhi Medical College Bhopal. Cardiovascular physical performance parameters were measured in terms of heart rate and blood pressure during physical exercise (Bicycle ergometery) as well as post exercise period. A standard battery of autonomic function tests including both activity and reactivity was used.Sympathetic reactivity is evaluated by diastolic blood pressure response to hand grip test and Parasympathetic reactivity is evaluated by heart rate variability during deep breathing. Results and Interpretation: In the present study heart rate increased with physical exercise linearly upto day 5th, after that increase in heart rate was less. Students ‘ t’ test revealed a statistically significant (P< 0.001) decline in heart rate value recorded on day 1 and day 15th.With training , there is rise in systolic blood pressure with decrease of diastolic blood pressure which is statistically significant, but the observation revealed that the systolic and diastolic pressure values on day 1st and 15th did not show any statistically significant change with exercise. Sympathetic reactivity as evaluated by diastolic blood pressure response to hand grip test showed a decrease at 4th minute though it was not statistically significant. Parasympathetic reactivity is evaluated by heart rate variability during deep breathing which is not statistically significant. Conclusion: It could be concluded from our study that a short term physical training improved the cardiovascular status in humans by increased reading of blood pressure at beginning of exercise due to rapid vagal withdrawal and decreased reading of blood pressure after training due to increase in vagal tone. A trend of an increase in parasympathetic tone and decrease in sympathetic tone was observed.

Physiology of nostril breathing exercises and its probable relation with nostril and cerebral dominance: A theoretical research on literature

This article discuss about scientific basis of benefits of practicing slow pranayama, especially alternate nostril breathing pranayama. It explains the basis of benefit of alternate nostril breathing exercises and its probable relation with nasal cycle, cerebral dominance and autonomic nervous system. The airflow through one nostril is greater than next at any point of time which later switches to another. This is called nasal cycle. The nasal cycle lasts from 30 minutes to 2-3 hours. The nasal cycle occurs naturally. This nasal cycle is related with the cerebral dominance. When one nostril is dominant, the contra lateral hemisphere is active. The right nostril breathing leads to increased sympathetic activity while left nostril breathing decreases sympathetic activity and increases parasympathetic tone. So it has been speculated that these three phenomenon viz. nasal cycle, cerebral dominance and autonomic activities are correlated. This review also suggests that practicing alternate nostril breathing (Nadisodhan pranayma) regularly keeps the two hemispheres active and balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic activities in the body. Sympathetic or parasympathetic activity alternates automatically in our body which is important for our survival. Due to our hectic and stressful life, this naturally occurring alternate breathing cycle gets disrupted and we suffer from different ailments. These ailments are due to imbalance of autonomic nervous system which can be resolved by practicing alternate nostril breathing, the Nadisodhan pranayama. It’s just like returning back to nature.

Blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese young adults.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for chronic diseases. There exists an autonomic imbalance in these persons. The blood pressure response to exercise is an useful method to evaluate cardiac status. Hence this project was undertaken to study the blood pressure responses to steady treadmill exercise in overweight and obese persons. The study was carried out on 85 young healthy adults (Normal weight = 30, Overweight = 25 and Obese = 30) in the age group of 18-22 yrs. Steady dynamic exercise test was done on treadmill for 5 mins. Blood pressure and Pulse rate were recorded before, during 3rd min of exercise, immediately after cessation of exercise and after 5 mins of recovery. Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests for between group comparisons. The resting blood pressure was higher in overweight and obese group when compared to normal group. There was increased systolic pressure response to exercise in study groups where as the diastolic pressure decreased during exercise. Heart rate response was also higher in study groups. Over weight and obese young adults had elevated resting blood pressure and showed increased response to steady exercise which could be due to alterations in the autonomic activity in these persons.

Respostas cardiovasculares a mudança postural e capacidade aeróbia em homens e mulheres de meia-idade antes e após treinamento físico aeróbio / Cardiovascular responses to postural change and aerobic capacity among middle-aged men and women before and after aerobic physical training

OBJETIVO: Comparar respostas cardiovasculares a Manobra Postural Passiva (Tilt Test) e capacidade cardiorrespiratória em homens e mulheres de meia-idade antes e após treinamento físico aeróbio. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Sete homens - GH (44,6±2,1 anos) e sete mulheres - GM (51,7±4,8 anos), participaram de treinamento físico aeróbio por 12 semanas. Foi realizado protocolo de Tilt Test (cinco minutos supino, dez minutos inclinado 70º, cinco minutos supino), com monitoração da pressão arterial e freqüência cardíaca. Para mensuração da capacidade cardiorrespiratória foi realizado protocolo em cicloergômetro. RESULTADOS: Na condição sedentária, GH mostrou maior influência parassimpática no controle da freqüência cardíaca evidenciada por maior intervalo RR (iRR) durante Tilt Test. Na condição treinada, os valores de iRR de ambos os grupos se assemelham, tendo as mulheres iRR maior em supino, mas na inclinação os homens mantêm iRR mais elevado. Para pressão arterial, as mulheres permanecem com valores superiores após treino, mas a freqüência cardíaca tende a se assemelhar em ambos. Já na capacidade cardiorrespiratória, homens e mulheres têm um padrão de comportamento semelhante após treino. Com exceção dos valores absolutos da freqüência cardíaca, sem diferenças entre os grupos, para todas as outras variáveis os homens obtiveram valores superiores aos das mulheres. Observa-se ainda que, após o treinamento, houve redução significativa dos valores de pressão arterial no GM, mesmo continuando superiores aos dos homens. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento parece ter reduzido os níveis pressóricos nas mulheres, além de serem observadas melhorias na capacidade cardiorrespiratória de ambos os grupos, permanecendo os homens com melhor desempenho do que as mulheres.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular responses to passive postural maneuvers (tilt test) and the cardiorespiratory capacity in middle-aged men and women, before and after aerobic physical training. METHODS: Seven men (44.6±2.1 years old) and seven women (51.7±4.8 years old) participated in aerobic physical training for 12 weeks. The tilt test protocol (five minutes supine, ten minutes tilted at 70º and five minutes supine) was followed, with arterial blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. A cycle ergometer protocol was used to measure cardiorespiratory capacity. RESULTS: In the sedentary condition, men showed greater parasympathetic influence in heart rate control, as demonstrated by their higher RR interval (iRR) during the tilt test. After training, the iRR values became more similar in the two groups, although the women had higher iRR in the supine position and the men continued to present higher iRR under tilted conditions. The women's blood pressures continued to be higher after training, but heart rate tended to become similar in the two groups. The cardiorespiratory capacity patterns in the two groups were similar after training. Except for absolute heart rate values, for which there were no differences between the groups, the men's values were higher than those of the women for all other variables. It was also observed that, after the training, the women's blood pressures were significantly lower, even though their pressures remained higher than the men's. CONCLUSIONS: The training seemed to reduce the women's arterial blood pressure levels and improve both groups' cardiorespiratory capacity, but the men continued to present better performance than the women.

Assessment of Autonomic Function in Stroke Patients by Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Rate Variability

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of orthostatic stress with a head-up tilt on the autonomic nervous system and to determine how a cerebral stroke influences the cardiac autonomic function, using the power spectral analysis(PSA) of heart rate variability(HRV). METHOD: We studied 11 stroke patients with a left hemiplegia and 14 patients with a right hemiplegia. Their hemispheric brain lesions were confirmed by the MRI. The ECG and respiration signals were recorded at the tilt angle of 0o and 70o for 5 minutes under the condition of frequency controlled respirtaion(0.25 Hz). Data were compared with the age- and sex-matched 12 healthy controls. RESULT: In a control group, the normalized high frequency power showed a significant decrease during the head-up tilt(p0.05). Compared with the right hemiplegia and control groups, the left hemiplegia group was associated more with a reduced low and high frequency power and showed no significant changes under the orthostatic stress. CONCLUSION: PSA of HRV can identify the reduced cardiac autonomic activity in stroke patients, with a greater reduction in the left hemiplegia group than in the right hemiplegia group, which may cause a high risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.