Automatic adjustment of cycle ergometer power output to accurately clamp heart rate.

We assessed the accuracy and inter-sessional reliability of traditional (manual) compared to automatic (AutoHR) heart rate (HR) clamping methods during submaximal intensity continuous cycling. On separate occasions, thirteen males cycled at an HR corresponding to 80% of the ventilatory threshold for 18 min. Cycling power output was adjusted using either manual or AutoHR methods, encompassing three trials per method. For the manual method, cycling power output was adjusted every 30 s by 0, 5 or 10 W at the experimenter's discretion. Conversely, AutoHR automatically adjusted power output based on the difference between target and actual HR. Participants' HR was measured at 1 Hz. Root-mean square error (RMSE) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated from the difference between measured and target HR to represent accuracy and reliability of each method. The RMSE for the manual method (3.2 ± 2.6 bpm) was significantly higher compared to AutoHR (2.8 ± 2.3 bpm) (p < 0.01, r = 0.13); inter-day ICC were 0.92 and 0.89 for manual adjustment and AutoHR, respectively. Automatic methods to clamp HR are more accurate than manual approaches during submaximal intensity continuous cycling and can be easily implemented for uniform HR control in individual and group training sessions at minimal cost.

Recovery following exercise-induced fatigue: Influence of a single heart rate clamped cycling session under systemic hypoxia.

We investigated whether a single heart rate clamped cycling session under systemic hypoxia affects the recovery of physical and psycho-physiological responses from residual fatigue compared to normoxia. On separate occasions, twelve trained males performed a 3-d acute training camp scenario. On days 1 and 3, participants cycled for 60 min at a constant heart rate (80% of ventilatory threshold). On day 2, fatigue was induced through a simulated team game circuit (STGC), followed by a 60-min intervention of either: (1) heart rate clamped cycling in normoxia; (2) heart rate clamped cycling in hypoxia (simulated altitude ~ 3500 m); or (3) no cycling. Countermovement jump height and leg stiffness were assessed before and after every session. Perceptual fatigue was evaluated daily. Compared to baseline, jump height decreased at all timepoints following the STGC (all p < 0.05). Leg stiffness and cycling power output only decreased immediately following the STGC, with a 48% further decrease in cycling power output in hypoxia compared to normoxia (p < 0.05). Perceived fatigue, decreased sleep quality, and increased muscle soreness responses occurred on day 3 (p < 0.05). A single heart rate-clamped cycling session in hypoxia reduced mechanical output without affecting recovery of physical performance and perceptual measures from residual fatigue induced through team sport activity.

Maintenance of internal load despite a stepwise reduction in external load during moderate intensity heart rate clamped cycling with acute graded normobaric hypoxia in males.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the acute effects of graded hypoxia on external and internal loads during 60 min of endurance cycling at a clamped heart rate. DESIGN: Repeated measures. METHODS: On separate visits, 16 trained males cycled for 60 min at a clamped heart rate corresponding to 80 % of their first ventilatory threshold at sea-level and 2500 m, 3000 m, 3500 m and 4000 m simulated altitudes (inspired oxygen fractions of 20.9 %, 15.4 %, 14.5 %, 13.6 % and 12.7 %, respectively). Markers of external (power output) and internal (blood lactate concentration, tissue saturation index, cardio-respiratory and perceptual responses) loads were measured every 15 min during cycling. Neuromuscular function of knee extensors was characterised pre- and post-exercise. RESULTS: Compared to sea-level (101 ±â€¯22 W), there was a stepwise reduction in power output with increasing hypoxia severity (-17.9 ±â€¯8.9 %, -27.1 ±â€¯10.7 %, -34.2 ±â€¯12.0 % and - 44.6 ±â€¯15.1 % at 2500 m, 3000 m, 3500 m, and 4000 m, respectively, all p < 0.05). Blood lactate and tissue saturation index were not different across hypoxia severities, and perceptual responses were exacerbated at 4000 m only, with increased breathing difficulty. Knee extensor torque decreased post-exercise (-14.5 ±â€¯9.0 %, p < 0.05), independent of condition. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing hypoxia severity reduces cycling power output and arterial oxygen saturation in a stepwise fashion without affecting exercise responses between sea-level and simulated altitudes up to 3500 m despite breathing difficulty being elevated at 4000 m.

Exercise responses to heart rate clamped cycling with graded blood flow restriction.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the acute effects of graded blood flow restriction on the interaction between changes in mechanical output, muscle oxygenation trends and perceptual responses to heart rate clamped cycling. DESIGN: Repeated measures. METHODS: Twenty-five adults (21 men) performed six, 6-min cycling bouts (24 min of recovery) at a clamped heart rate corresponding to their first ventilatory threshold at 0 % (unrestricted), 15 %, 30 %, 45 %, 60 % and 75 % of arterial occlusion pressure with the cuffs inflated bilaterally from the fourth to the sixth minute. Power output, arterial oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) and vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) were monitored during the final 3 min of pedalling, whilst perceptual responses (modified Borg CR10 scales) were obtained immediately after exercise. RESULTS: Compared to unrestricted cycling, average power output for minutes 4-6 decreased exponentially for cuff pressures ranging 45-75 % of arterial occlusion pressure (P < 0.001). Peripheral oxygen saturation averaged ∼96 % across all cuff pressures (P = 0.318). Deoxyhemoglobin changes were larger at 45-75 % versus 0 % of arterial occlusion pressure (P < 0.05), whereas higher total haemoglobin values occurred at 60-75 % of arterial occlusion pressure (P < 0.05). Sense of effort, ratings of perceived exertion, pain from cuff pressure, and limb discomfort were exaggerated at 60-75 % versus 0 % of arterial occlusion pressure (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Blood flow restriction of at least 45 % of arterial occlusion pressure is required to reduce mechanical output during heart rate clamped cycling at the first ventilatory threshold. Whilst power decreases non-linearly above this pressure threshold, higher occlusion levels ranging 60-75 % of arterial occlusion pressure also accentuate muscle deoxygenation and exercise-related sensations.

A Tailored Music-Motor Therapy and Real-Time Biofeedback Mobile Phone App ('GotRhythm') to Promote Rehabilitation Following Stroke: A Pilot Study.

Background: Stroke persists as an important cause of long-term disability world-wide with the need for rehabilitation strategies to facilitate plasticity and improve motor function in stroke survivors. Rhythm-based interventions can improve motor function in clinical populations. This study tested a novel music-motor software application 'GotRhythm' on motor function after stroke. Methods: Participants were 22 stroke survivors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation in a subacute stroke ward. Participants were randomised to the GotRhythm intervention (combining individualised music and augmented auditory feedback along with wearable sensors to deliver a personalised rhythmic auditory stimulation training protocol) or usual care. Intervention group participants were offered 6-weeks of the GotRhythm intervention, consisting of a supervised 20-minute music-motor therapy session using GotRhythm conducted 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The primary feasibility outcomes were adherence to the intervention and physical function (change in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery score) measured at baseline, after 3-weeks and at end of the intervention period (6-weeks). Results: Three of 10 participants randomised to the intervention did not receive any of the GotRhythym music-motor therapy. Of the remaining 7 intervention group participants, only 5 completed the 3-week mid-intervention assessment and only 2 completed the 6-week post-intervention assessment. Participants who used the intervention completed 5 (IQR 4,7) sessions with total 'dose' of the intervention of 70 (40, 201) minutes. Conclusion: Overall, adherence to the intervention was poor, highlighting that application of technology assisted music-based interventions for stroke survivors in clinical environments is challenging along with usual care, recovery, and the additional clinical load.

Clinical trial on tonal tinnitus with tailor-made notched music training.

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a result of hyper-activity/hyper-synchrony of auditory neurons coding the tinnitus frequency, which has developed due to synchronous mass activity owing to the lack of inhibition. We assume that removal of exactly these frequencies from a complex auditory stimulus will cause the brain to reorganize around tonotopic regions coding the tinnitus frequency through inhibition-induced plasticity. Based on this assumption, a novel treatment for tonal tinnitus--tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT)--has been introduced and was tested in this clinical trial. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial in parallel group design was performed in a double-blinded manner. We included 100 participants with chronic, tonal tinnitus who listened to tailor-made notched music for two hours a day for three consecutive months. Our primary outcome measures were the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scales measuring perceived tinnitus loudness, awareness, distress and handicap. Participants rated their tinnitus before and after the training as well as one month after cessation of the training. RESULTS: While no effect was found for the primary outcome measures, tinnitus distress, as measured by the Tinnitus Questionnaire, a secondary outcome measure, developed differently in the two groups. The treatment group showed higher distress scores while the placebo group revealed lower distress scores after the training. However, this effect did not reach significance in post-hoc analysis and disappeared at follow-up measurements. At follow-up, tinnitus loudness in the treatment group was significantly reduced as compared to the control group. Post hoc analysis, accounting for low reliability scores in the Visual Analog Scales, showed a significant reduction of the overall Visual Analog Scale mean score in the treatment group even at the post measurement. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on TMNMT that was planned and conducted following the CONSORT statement standards for clinical trials. The current work is one more step towards a final evaluation of TMNMT. Already after three months the effect of training with tailor-made notched music is observable in the most direct rating of tinnitus perception - the tinnitus loudness, while more global measures of tinnitus distress do not show relevant changes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04840953; Trial registration date: 17.07.2013.

Evaluation of iPod-Based Automated Tinnitus Pitch Matching.

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is the perception of sound unrelated to any external source. Diagnostic approaches to assess tinnitus characteristics such as tinnitus pitch are crucial for new attempts of tinnitus therapy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate reliable tinnitus pitch-matching procedures. Existing procedures usually require audiometric equipment and are time consuming. However, some patients with tinnitus find it hard to match their tinnitus in one single session. Therefore, we developed an iPod-based application for self-administered tinnitus pitch matching and compared it with a standardized audiometric procedure. STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 17 patients with chronic tonal tinnitus participated in two sessions including both pitch-matching procedures. METHOD: In the conventional audiometric test, the investigator adjusted the frequency and loudness of pure tones led by the responses of the patient. For the iPod-based procedure, we used a recursive two-interval forced-choice test that required no interaction with an investigator. Both procedures included loudness matching and testing for octave confusion. RESULTS: The iPod-based procedure resulted in lower pitch matches as compared with the conventional audiometry. Psychometric qualities such as test-retest reliability of both methods were comparable. Participants rated the iPod-based procedure as easier to perform and more comfortable to use. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we find that the use of self-administered tinnitus pitch-matching procedures on a mobile device is feasible and easier in practice without any loss of reliability and validity. A major advantage is the possibility of repeated measurements without expensive equipment and experienced staff. Repeated measurements of tinnitus pitch can provide more information about the stability of the tinnitus perception and may improve the ability of participants to match their tinnitus.

Auditory feedback improves heart rate moderation during moderate-intensity exercise.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to determine whether exposure to automated HR feedback can produce improvements in the ability to regulate HR during moderate-intensity exercise and to evaluate the persistence of these improvements after feedback is removed. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults performed 10 indoor exercise sessions on cycle ergometers over 5 wk after a twice-weekly schedule. During these sessions (FB), participants received auditory feedback designed to maintain HR within a personalized, moderate-intensity training zone between 70% and 80% of estimated maximum HR. All feedback was delivered via a custom mobile software application. Participants underwent an initial assessment (PREFB) to measure their ability to maintain exercise intensity defined by the training zone without use of feedback. After completing the feedback training, participants performed three additional assessments identical to PREFB at 1 wk (POST1), 2 wk (POST2), and 4 wk (POST3) after their last feedback session. Time in zone (TIZ), defined as the ratio of the time spent within the training zone divided by the overall time of exercise, rate of perceived exertion, instrumental attitudes, and affective attitudes were then evaluated to assess results using two-way, mixed-model ANOVA with sessions and gender as factors. RESULTS: Training with feedback significantly improved TIZ (P < 0.01) compared with PREFB. An absence of significant differences in TIZ between FB, POST1, POST2, and POST3 (P ≥ 0.35) indicated that these improvements were maintained after feedback was removed. No significant differences in rate of perceived exertion (P ≥ 0.40) or attitude measures (P ≥ 0.30) were observed. CONCLUSION: Auditory biofeedback is an effective mechanism for entraining HR regulation during moderate-intensity exercise in healthy adults.

Study protocol: Münster tinnitus randomized controlled clinical trial-2013 based on tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT).

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a result of hyper-activity/hyper-synchrony of auditory neurons coding the tinnitus frequency, which has developed to synchronous mass activity owing the lack of inhibition. We assume that removal of exactly these frequency components from an auditory stimulus will cause the brain to reorganize around tonotopic regions coding the tinnitus frequency. Based on this assumption a novel treatment for tonal tinnitus - tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:1207-1210, 2010; Ann N Y Acad Sci 1252:253-258, 2012; Frontiers Syst Neurosci 6:50, 2012) has been introduced and will be tested in this clinical trial on a large number of tinnitus patients. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) in parallel group design will be performed in a double-blinded manner. The choice of the intervention we are going to apply is based on two "proof of concept" studies in humans (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 107:1207-1210, 2010; Ann N Y Acad Sci 1252:253-258, 2012; Frontiers Syst Neurosci 6:50, 2012; PloS One 6(9):e24685, 2011) and on a recent animal study (Front Syst Neurosci 7:21, 2013).The RCT includes 100 participants with chronic, tonal tinnitus who listened to tailor-made notched music (TMNM) for two hours a day for three months. The effect of TMNMT is assessed by the tinnitus handicap questionnaire and visual analogue scales (VAS) measuring perceived tinnitus loudness, distress and handicap. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial applying TMNMT on a larger number of patients with tonal tinnitus. Our data will verify more securely and reliably the effectiveness of this kind of completely non-invasive and low-cost treatment approach on tonal tinnitus. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04840953.