Abstract
Background: Laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) constitute an objective clinical diagnostic method used to investigate the functioning of the nociceptor system, including signaling in thin peripheral nerve fibers: Aδ and C fibers. There is preliminary evidence that phase locking LEPs with the breathing cycle can improve the parameters used to evaluate LEPs. Methods: We tested a simple breathing protocol as a low-cost improvement to LEP testing of the hands. Twenty healthy participants all underwent three variants of LEP protocols: following a video-guided twelve-second breathing instruction, watching a nature video, or using the classic LEP method of focusing on the hand being stimulated. Results: The breath protocol produced significantly shorter latencies as compared with the nature or classic protocol. It was also the least prone to artifacts and was deemed most acceptable by the subjects. There was no difference between the protocols regarding LEP amplitudes. Conclusions: Using a breathing video can be a simple, low-cost improvement for LEP testing in research and clinical diagnostics.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.