Body Rhythms Research Articles

Meter Against Essentialism

AbstractRecent scholarship on poetic materiality has found itself caught between celebration of the way rhythm might link language and the body, on the one hand, and critiques of the way such a link can lead and has led to various types of essentialism, on the other. Rhythm has a long history of activating essentialist tropes of primitivism and savagery, which in turn see certain groups (children, women, the “insane,” or racialized others) as fully determined by sensory language and bodily rhythm. In the face of this history and its afterlives, I argue for meter as a resource to help readers and scholars of poetry identify and critique essentializing approaches while upholding at least the possibility of claims for the affective and somatic efficacy of poetic language.

Systemic neurophysiological entrainment to behaviorally relevant rhythmic stimuli.

Physiological oscillations, such as those involved in brain activity, heartbeat, and respiration, display inherent rhythmicity across various timescales. However, adaptive behavior arises from the interaction between these intrinsic rhythms and external environmental cues. In this study, we used multimodal neurophysiological recordings, simultaneously capturing signals from the central and autonomic nervous systems (CNS and ANS), to explore the dynamics of brain and body rhythms in response to rhythmic auditory stimulation across three conditions: baseline (no auditory stimulation), passive auditory processing, and active auditory processing (discrimination task). Our findings demonstrate that active engagement with auditory stimulation synchronizes both CNS and ANS rhythms with the external rhythm, unlike passive and baseline conditions, as evidenced by power spectral density (PSD) and coherence analyses. Importantly, phase angle analysis revealed a consistent alignment across participants between their physiological oscillatory phases at stimulus or response onsets. This alignment was associated with reaction times, suggesting that certain phases of physiological oscillations are spontaneously prioritized across individuals due to their adaptive role in sensorimotor behavior. These results highlight the intricate interplay between CNS and ANS rhythms in optimizing sensorimotor responses to environmental demands, suggesting a potential mechanism of embodied predictive processing.

The Telegraphic Body: Dyspepsia, Modern Life, and 'Gastric Time' in Nineteenth-Century Medicine and Culture.

From Italian physician Hieronymus Mercurialis's contention that the stomach was 'the king of the belly', to its promotion by the end of the nineteenth century to the 'monarch of humanity' in patent medicine, to Byron Robinson's discovery of the enteric nervous system in 1907 (a mesh of neural connectivity that led him to dub the gut 'the second brain'), there has historically been a longstanding awareness of the expansive reach of the gut in the functions of the body. In the nineteenth century, the authority of the gut and its allyship with the brain became a focus for writers thinking about the intersections of illness and 'modern life'. In medical texts, domestic health manuals, patent medicine, and fiction, the electric telegraph in particular became a way of envisaging what we would now call the 'gut-brain axis'. The telegraphic metaphor enabled a view of digestion as not simply a mechanical or chemical process, but one that was understood in terms of time, space, and communication. However, such a framework also suggested problems of connection that were common to both systems, emphasising not only the healthy body's quasi-telegraphic networks but also its vulnerability to delay, disruption, and pathological incoherence. This article will explore the use of telegraphic technologies as proxies for theorising gastric connection and more broadly the concept of 'gastric time' as a key conceit for understanding digestion as a process that was and is subject to the idiosyncrasies of bodily rhythms.

Pratimarsh Nasya: The Philosophical Nexus Connecting Pran Vayu and Consciousness in Ayurvedic Healing

In the rich tapestry of Ayurvedic medicine, Pratimarsh Nasya emerges as a profound practice that harmonizes the breath (Pran Vayu) with the mind's consciousness. This ancient therapy not only revitalizes the senses but also bridges the gap between physical and spiritual well-being. Ayurveda, the science of life, intertwines the physical and metaphysical through various practices. Among these, Pratimarsh Nasya stands out for its unique ability to connect the vital life force, Pran Vayu, with the deeper realms of consciousness, offering a holistic approach to healing. This gentle yet potent ritual not only revitalizes the senses but also holds the promise of enhancing the quality of sleep, aligning the body's rhythms with a harmonious balance. By channeling the subtle energies of Pran Vayu and fostering a serene state of consciousness, Pratimarsh Nasya offers a holistic approach to healing that extends its benefits to improving sleep quality and overall well-being. It offers a pathway to enhance mental clarity and spiritual balance by aligning the breath with the mind's essence. Pratimarsh Nasya, a revered practice in Ayurveda, serves as a bridge between the vital force of Pran Vayu and the profound depths of consciousness. By exploring its philosophical and therapeutic dimensions, we gain insights into its transformative impact on holistic health. In the pursuit of optimal health and wellness, Pratimarsh Nasya stands out as a beacon of Ayurvedic wisdom. This practice harmonizes the dynamic energies of Pran Vayu with the contemplative aspects of consciousness, paving the way for improved sleep and profound healing. Delving into its effects reveals how this ancient tradition can be a key player in modern holistic health strategies.

Meaningful body talk: Emotional experiences with music-based group interactions

Music-based group interaction (MGI) is a complex social phenomenon that is important for individuals' emotional experiences. However, research on emotion in tourism lacks a focus on group interaction integrating the mind and body. Guided by Damasio's neurocognitive-evolutionary theory, this study used an adapted go-along method at Midi Festivals to analyze festivalgoers' emotional experiences during MGI. Meanings of the body and its agency-related roles were captured between emotions, music, and group interaction. Results revealed three patterns of MGI—dissociative, reflective, and immersive—based on the extent of congruence between social and bodily rhythms. MGI allows participants to achieve a clear sense of self and shared belonging thanks to the unity between body and mind. The findings provide insights into contemplating emotions, the body, and group interaction within a musical context. Results suggest that music tourism holds value for enhancing individuals' emotion regulation and well-being, offering implications for practitioners in event management.

Participation of Ca2+-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II in the Antidepressant-Like Effects of Melatonin.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine secreted by the pineal gland during the dark phase of the photoperiod. Its main function is the synchronization of different body rhythms with the dark-light cycle. Research on melatonin has significantly advanced since its discovery and we now know that it has considerable significance in various physiological processes, including immunity, aging, and reproduction. Moreover, in recent years evidence of the pharmacological possibilities of melatonin has increased. Indoleamine, on the other hand, has antidepressant-like effects in rodents, which may be mediated by the activation of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and are also related to the regulation of neuroplasticity processes, including neurogenesis, synaptic maintenance, and long-term potentiation. Remarkably, patients with major depression show decreased levels of circulating melatonin in plasma. This review presents evidence of the antidepressant-like effects of melatonin in preclinical models and the participation of CaMKII in these actions. CaMKII's role in cognition and memory processes, which are altered in depressive states, are part of the review, and the effects of melatonin in these processes are also reviewed. Furthermore, participation of CaMKII on structural and synaptic plasticity and the effects of melatonin are also described. Finally, the advantages of using melatonin in combination with other antidepressants such as ketamine for neuroplasticity are described. Evidence supports that CaMKII is activated by melatonin and downstream melatonin receptors and may be the common effector in the synergistic effects of melatonin with other antidepressants. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review compiled evidence supporting that melatonin causes antidepressant-like effects in mice through calmodulin kinase II stimulation of downstream melatonin receptors as well as the participation of this enzyme in neuroplasticity, memory, and cognition. Finally, we describe evidence about the effectiveness of antidepressant-like effects of melatonin in combination with ketamine.

When the Heart Meets the Mind: Exploring the Brain-Heart Interaction during Time Perception.

Recent studies suggest that time estimation relies on bodily rhythms and interoceptive signals. We provide the first direct electrophysiological evidence suggesting an association between the brain's processing of heartbeat and duration judgment. We examined heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) and contingent negative variation (CNV) during an auditory duration-reproduction task and a control reaction-time task spanning 4, 8, and 12 s intervals, in both male and female participants. Interoceptive awareness was assessed with the Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ) and interoceptive accuracy through the heartbeat-counting task (HCT). Results revealed that SAQ scores, but not the HCT, correlated with mean reproduced durations with higher SAQ scores associating with longer and more accurate duration reproductions. Notably, the HEP amplitude changes during the encoding phase of the timing task, particularly within 130-270 ms (HEP1) and 470-520 ms (HEP2) after the R-peak, demonstrated interval-specific modulations that did not emerge in the control task. A significant ramp-like increase in HEP2 amplitudes occurred during the duration-encoding phase of the timing but not during the control task. This increase within the reproduction phase of the timing task correlated significantly with the reproduced durations for the 8 s and the 4 s intervals. The larger the increase in HEP2, the greater the under-reproduction of the estimated duration. CNV components during the encoding phase of the timing task were more negative than those in the reaction-time task, suggesting greater executive resources orientation toward time. We conclude that interoceptive awareness (SAQ) and cortical responses to heartbeats (HEP) predict duration reproductions, emphasizing the embodied nature of time.

The role of circadian rhythms and sleep in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: New evidence from bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Research shows that people with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder often have sleep issues and problems with the body's natural daily rhythms, known as circadian rhythms. By exploring the genetic variants associated with these rhythms and the conditions, this study reveals that these rhythm changes and sleep patterns are directly linked to autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It found that the timing of one's most active hours can increase the likelihood of having both autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Importantly, it also shows that good sleep quality might protect against autism spectrum disorder, while disturbed sleep in people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder seems to be a result rather than the cause of the condition. This understanding can help doctors and researchers develop better treatment approaches that focus on the specific ways sleep and body rhythms affect those with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, considering their unique associations with circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Understanding these unique links can lead to more effective, personalized care for those affected by these conditions.

The Importance of Breathing Training in Folk Dance Teaching

The importance of breathing training in dance teaching is reflected in the two aspects of enhancing the quality of dance movements and sublimating the connotation of dance movements. For example, high-quality breathing can help performers complete the dance movements and improve the coordination of the movements; at the same time, the unique body rhythm formed by breathing can strengthen the visual effect of the performance and convey its spirit and soul to the audience. This requires folk dance teachers to carry out relevant training and teaching activities based on the categories and skills of dance breathing, such as changing students’ ideological cognition, developing periodic breathing training courses, providing personalized guidance to students, and allowing students to adjust their learning and practice methods in the evaluation.

Application of music therapy during the COVID-19

The sudden attack of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the rapid spread of the virus, has caused a severe impact on the psychology of medical staff, patients and ordinary people. In order to reduce the negative impact of the epidemic on the people's psychology, China has begun to provide professional music mental health services for different groups of people to reduce the psychological harm caused by the epidemic. Chinese music therapists actively participated in epidemic prevention operations and launched a number of "fighting the epidemic-psychological assistance for music therapy" programs. According to people's emotional and psychological adjustment needs during the epidemic, the project carried out music psychological public welfare activities for various key groups. Activities include music listening, music relaxation, music imagination, music painting, song discussion, song lyrics, body rhythm, etc., from listening and experiencing music to participating music interaction and other rich group music psychological activities. Through music experience and interaction, the activity relieves negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, increases positive and pleasant emotions, promotes communication and interaction among participants, reduces loneliness caused by isolation, and promotes family harmony.

Application of music therapy during the COVID-19

The sudden attack of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the rapid spread of the virus, has caused a severe impact on the psychology of medical staff, patients and ordinary people. In order to reduce the negative impact of the epidemic on the people's psychology, China has begun to provide professional music mental health services for different groups of people to reduce the psychological harm caused by the epidemic. Chinese music therapists actively participated in epidemic prevention operations and launched a number of "fighting the epidemic-psychological assistance for music therapy" programs. According to people's emotional and psychological adjustment needs during the epidemic, the project carried out music psychological public welfare activities for various key groups. Activities include music listening, music relaxation, music imagination, music painting, song discussion, song lyrics, body rhythm, etc., from listening and experiencing music to participating music interaction and other rich group music psychological activities. Through music experience and interaction, the activity relieves negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, increases positive and pleasant emotions, promotes communication and interaction among participants, reduces loneliness caused by isolation, and promotes family harmony.

The Application of Body Rhythm in Music Therapy - Taking the Experience of Autistic Children as An Example

According to the data of 2021, the number of autistic people in China exceeds 10 million, and the number of autistic children exceeds 2 million. However, there is no specialisation in autism rehabilitation and intervention in the domestic education system, and most practitioners receive training only after joining the profession. In the new period of the "14th Five-Year Plan", the state has put forward new guidance for the development of the autism industry, and the number of special education institutions and practitioners has increased rapidly, but at the same time, they are also facing the bottleneck of the application of diversified methods of rehabilitation therapy, and the insufficient construction of the accreditation system and standardisation, and other problems. Based on the concept of music therapy and the scientific theories required for the rehabilitation of children with special needs, the study explores the integration of the role of music and rehabilitation interventions, combining musical elements with the practice of somatic rhythms, and paving the way for medical rehabilitation after long-term planned training, promoting physical coordination, exercising imitation and observation skills. The assessment system for the application of body movement derived from the practice is summarised to provide reference for the service model and future development of children with special needs.

Togetherness in musical interaction

Playing music as part of a group is challenging, but also rewarding. What factors come together to maximize rewarding group playing experiences? How do feelings of enjoyment, frustration, and social (dis)connection shape group performance as it unfolds? This paper addresses these questions with a discussion of the conditions and processes that underlie rewarding experiences in musical interaction. The concept of musical togetherness is introduced, and defined as the feelings of social connection and pleasure that result from being and acting as part of a group during musical interaction. It is argued that three conditions must be fulfilled for togetherness experiences to occur. First, participants in an interactive setting must be aware of one another as intentional co-performers capable of exchanging expressive ideas. Second, interaction must unfold reliably in real-time, allowing for a mutual perception of liveness. Third, participants must adapt and build off of one another in a way that allows for mutual perception of responsivity. Whether these conditions are met is codetermined by the constraints of the environment in which the interaction takes place and the skills and communication techniques that interaction participants are able to deploy. Togetherness experiences are further supported by alignment between group members in body rhythms and a sense of we-agency, or the feeling of shared contribution to the collective musical output. The social and emotional rewards that are associated with musical togetherness are strengthened through a shared positive emotional response to successful interaction. Musical togetherness is hypothesized to contribute to shaping group performance in real-time by motivating group members to interact in ways that lead them to feel more together. This framework provides structure for a construct that has been used casually in the music psychology literature, has implications for how the performance behaviour of ensemble musicians is understood.

The role of biorhythms in ensuring human life activities and their effects on the mental and physical activity of students

Annotation. In the modern world, more and more people are interested in their health and are looking for ways to improve their quality of life. One of them is the study of biorhythms and their influence on human health. Biorhythms are cyclic physiological processes that occur in our body, and they can have an important impact on our physical and mental health.
 Human biological rhythms are interesting primarily because the maximum and minimum activity of various biological processes do not coincide in time. Of all the cycles found in humans, the most studied was the daily cycle as the main one. The biological clock, triggered by the change of day and night, carries about 50 rhythms that change their characteristics from day to night. All body rhythms are subject to hierarchical dependence — they are divided into leading (main) and subordinate. The biorhythms of the central nervous system are leading. The reason for their «leadership» is clear: they are responsible for communication with the surrounding environment, the safety of the organism depends on the degree of their readiness and ability to respond adequately to the influence of the environment.
 The study aims to determine the impact on human biorhythms for physical training for improvement of the educational process during physical education lessons.
 This paper considers the classification and characterization of human morphology, basic biorhythms of living organisms, including the process of human development in all aspects of life.
 The subject of research is the influence of biorhythms on the formation of human development. Attention is also paid to physical, physiological, genetic, intellectual, emotional, psychological, social adaptive stages and meanings, mechanisms of regulation; as well as – disorders of biorhythms, methods of treatment and prevention.

Abstract WP9: Ischemic Stroke Progression After Witnessed Onset in Daytime vs Night-Time

Introduction: Early neurologic deterioration (END) and poor functional outcomes are more frequent with night than daytime onset of ischemic stroke. This variation may be related to: 1) circadian variation endogenous bodily rhythms and/or 2) extrinsic environmental time cues. Methods: To assess the contribution of extrinsic environmental time to ischemic stroke course, we evaluated patients with acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) onset within last 2h, enrolled in the NIH FAST-MAG trial of prehospital neuroprotection, consisting of patients with witnessed/wake onset. Results: Among 1235 ACI patients (ischemic stroke 1033, TIA 202), age was 70.8 [±13.2], 45.3% female, initial NIHSS 7 (IQR 2-15), LKW to randomization 59 mins (IQR 46-80), and 473 (38%) treated with IV lytics. Onset occurred during clock daytime (07:00-22:59) in 1147 (92.9%) and night-time (23:00-06:59) in 88 (7.1%). Patients were similar in 18 baseline characteristics, but night-onset had higher initial SBP (162 vs 155, p=0.01) and longer onset to paramedic times (33m vs 23m, p = 0.0002). Among non-lytic patients, both unadjusted and adjusted clinical outcomes were similar in night vs daytime patients, including END (13.6% vs 16.4%), 90d mRS 0-2 (63.6% vs 58.5%), and 90d mortality (10.2% vs 12.8%). Among lytic patients, clinical outcomes were also similar in night vs daytime onset patients, including unadjusted END (36% vs 21.7%), 90d mRS 0-2 (52% vs 46.9%), and 90d mortality (12% vs 17.4%). Night vs daytime onset did not modify the effect of magnesium vs placebo on outcome among either non-thrombolytic or thrombolytic-treated patients (Figure). Conclusion: Among acute cerebral ischemia patients, efficacy, safety, and neuroprotective agent response outcomes were not modified by witnessed onset during active versus inactive phase clock times. These findings suggest biological wake-sleep state rather than chronologic clock time is the driver of known circadian rhythmicity in stroke course.

Evaluating Body Rhythm Elements as Applied in Classical Dance Teaching Topic for Thesis

Focusing on the application of rhythm in Chinese classical dance, this article deeply explores the importance of rhythm in Chinese classical dance by analyzing its expressive forms and artistic effects. The article first analyzes the characteristics of rhythm in Chinese classical dance, including diversity, hierarchy, and close integration with music. Furthermore, this article elaborates on the role of rhythm in shaping dance images, expressing themes, and guiding audience emotions, revealing how rhythm enhances dance expression through change and control. In addition, the article also explores how dancers can enhance their dance skills and artistic appeal by accurately grasping and applying rhythm.

‘The night is for sleeping’: how nurses care for conflicting temporal orders in older person care

ABSTRACT This paper examines the conflicting temporal orders of the regional nurse, a role which has been introduced to deal with the increasing demands of aged care and workforce shortages in regional settings. We build on ethnographic research in the Netherlands, in which we examine regional district nurses as a new professional role that attends to (sub)acute care needs, connecting and coordinating different places of care during out of office hours. We use the concept of ‘temporal regional order’ to reflect on the different ways caring practices are temporally structured by management and care practitioners, in close interaction with patients and informal care givers. In the results three types of disruptions of the regional temporal order are distinguished: interfering bodily rhythms and needs; (un)expected workings of technologies; and disrupting acts of patient and relatives. It was region nurses’ prime responsibility to stabilise these interferences and prevent or soften a disruption of the regional order. In accomplishing this, we show how nurses craft their professional role in between various care settings, without getting involved too much in patient care, to be mobile as ‘temporal caregivers’.

Biological rhythms of the liver.

The biological rhythm is a fundamental aspect of an organism, regulating many physiological processes. This study focuses on the analysis of the molecular basis of circadian rhythms and its impact on the functioning of the liver. The regulation of biological rhythms is carried out by the clock system, which consists of the central clock and peripheral clocks. The central clock is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and is regulated by signals received from the retinal pathway. The SCN regulates the circadian rhythm of the entire body through its indirect influence on the peripheral clocks. In turn, the peripheral clocks can maintain their own rhythm, independent of the SCN, by creating special feedback loops between transcriptional and translational factors. The main protein families involved in these processes are CLOCK, BMAL, PER and CRY. Disorders in the expression of these factors have a significant impact on the functioning of the liver. In such cases lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, bile acid metabolism, alcohol metabolism, and xenobiotic detoxification can be significantly affected. Clock dysfunctions contribute to the pathogenesis of various disorders, including fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis and different types of cancer. Therefore understanding circadian rhythm can have significant implications for the therapy of many liver diseases, as well as the development of new preventive and treatment strategies.

Advances in Non-Invasive Neuromodulation: Designing Closed-Loop Devices for Respiratory-Controlled Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation.

Studies suggest non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a potential therapeutic option for various pathological conditions, such as epilepsy and depression. Exhalation-controlled taVNS, which synchronizes stimulation with internal body rhythms, holds promise for enhanced neuromodulation, but there is no closed-loop system in the literature capable of performing such integration in real time. In this context, the objective was to develop real-time signal processing techniques and an integrated closed-loop device with sensors to acquire physiological data. After a conditioning stage, the signal is processed and delivers synchronized electrical stimulation during the patient's expiratory phase. Additional modules were designed for processing, software-controlled selectors, remote and autonomous operation, improved analysis, and graphical visualization. The signal processing method effectively extracted respiratory cycles and successfully attenuated signal noise. Heart rate variability was assessed in real time, using linear statistical evaluation. The prototype feedback stimulator device was physically constructed. Respiratory peak detection achieved an accuracy of 90%, and the real-time processing resulted in a small delay of up to 150 ms in the detection of the expiratory phase. Thus, preliminary results show promising accuracy, indicating the need for additional tests to optimize real-time processing and the application of the prototype in clinical studies.

Gradation of Cosmic Rays

Humans follow the diurnal rhythm of the sun to form an internal rhythm of 24-hour cycles. On the other hand, when such restrictions are removed, an internal rhythm of 25-hour cycles reminiscent of the lunar cycle emerges. In addition, women’s menstrual cycles are also seen to be in sync with the monthly rhythms. In order to elucidate the truth behind these events, I created a new theoretical system (gradation theory) by combining the two facts of the orbital motion of the moon and the cosmic ray arrival. By applying it, I found that the human body rhythm is formed in dependence on external factors. In addition, a logical answer was derived from it about the nature of sleep. In the future, sleep will take an increasingly prominent place in human endeavors.