Breathing Frequency Research Articles

Effect of a Ventilatory Assist Device in Addition to Supplemental Oxygen on Exercise Endurance in Subjects With COPD.

This study assessed the clinical effects of a ventilatory assist (VA) device in addition to supplemental O2 (VA+O2) on exercise endurance in subjects with severe to very severe COPD managed with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). This was a crossover clinical feasibility study of the effects of VA+O2 in subjects with severe to very severe COPD managed with LTOT (N = 15). At visit 1, physiologic measures were obtained, and subjects were tested on the cycle ergometer with VA. Peak work rate and flow for continuous supplemental O2/VA+O2 were established. At visit 2, subjects exercised at a constant work rate of 80% peak work rate to maximum endurance after allocation to VA+O2 or O2. Cardiorespiratory variables, work rate, and dyspnea were included to define potential clinical benefits of VA+O2. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Fifteen subjects with COPD (mean ± SD, age 67.9 ± 9.0 y, FEV1 0.89 ± 0.35 observed) completed the study. Exercise duration in minutes was significantly longer with VA+O2 versus O2 (least squares mean [standard error], 12.0 [2.0] vs 6.2 [2.0], P = .01). VA+O2 versus O2 was also associated with significantly greater isotime improvements in Borg dyspnea scores (3.6 [0.5] vs 5.7 [0.5], P < .001), SpO2 (96.9 [0.9] vs 91.4 [0.9], P < .001), leg fatigue scores (3.8 [0.6] vs 5.2 [0.6], P = .008), and breathing frequency (22.8 [0.9] vs 25.8 [0.9] breaths/min, P = .01). There were no differences in heart rate. In symptomatic subjects with severe to very severe COPD, VA+O2 significantly increased exercise time and improved dyspnea, SpO2 , breathing frequency, and leg fatigue versus O2 alone.

Cardiopulmonary function in paediatric post-COVID-19: a controlled clinical trial

Recently, the importance of post-COVID-19 in children has been recognized in surveys and retrospective chart analysis. However, objective data in the form of cardiopulmonary exercise test as performed in adults suffering from this condition are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the cardiopulmonary effects of post-COVID-19 on children and adolescents. In this cross-sectional study (the FASCINATE study), children fulfilling the criteria of post-COVID-19 and an age- and sex-matched control group underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill and completed a questionnaire with regard to physical activity before, during and after the infection with SARS-CoV-2. We were able to recruit 20 children suffering from post-COVID-19 (mean age 12.8 ± 2.4 years, 60% females) and 28 control children (mean age 11.7 ± 3.5 years, 50% females). All participants completed a maximal treadmill test with a significantly lower V˙O2peak\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{{\ ext{V}}}{{\ ext{O}}}_{2}{\ ext{peak}}$$\\end{document} in the post-COVID-19 group (37.4 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min vs. 43.0 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min. p = 0.019). This significance did not persist when comparing the achieved percentage of predicted V˙O2peak\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{{\ ext{V}}}{{\ ext{O}}}_{2}{\ ext{peak}}$$\\end{document}. There were no significant differences for oxygen pulse, heart rate, minute ventilation or breathing frequency. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate post-COVID-19 in children using the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Although there was a significantly reduced V˙O2peak\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\dot{{\ ext{V}}}{{\ ext{O}}}_{2}{\ ext{peak}}$$\\end{document} in the post-COVID-19 group, this was not true for the percent of predicted values. No pathological findings with respect to cardiac or pulmonary functions could be discerned. Deconditioning was the most plausible cause for the experienced symptoms. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT054445531, Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Post Covid-19—Full Text View—ClinicalTrials.gov.What is Known:• The persistence of symptoms after an infection with SARS-CoV 2, so-called post-COVID-19 exists also in children.• So far little research has been conducted to analyze this entity in the pediatric population.What is New:• This is the first study proving a significantly lower cardiopulmonary function in pediatric patients suffering from post-COVID-19 symptoms.• The cardiac and pulmonary function appear similar between children suffering from post-COVID-19 and those who don’t, but the peripheral muscles seem affected.

Neurotoxic pesticides change respiratory parameters in early gill-breathing, but not in skin-breathing life-stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Neurotoxic compounds can interfere with active gill ventilation in fish, which might lead to premature death in adult fish, but not in skin-breathing embryos of zebrafish, since these exclusively rely on passive diffusion across the skin. Regarding lethality, this respiratory failure syndrome (RFS) has been discussed as one of the main reasons for the higher sensitivity of adult fish in the acute fish toxicity test (AFT), if compared to embryos in the fish embryo toxicity test (FET). To further elucidate the relationship between the onset of gill respiration and death by a neurotoxic mode of action, a comparative study into oxygen consumption (MO2), breathing frequency (fv) and amplitude (fampl) was performed with 4 d old skin-breathing and 12 d old early gill-breathing zebrafish. Neurotoxic model substances with an LC50 FET/AFT ratio of > 10 were used: chlorpyrifos, permethrin, aldicarb, ziram, and fluoxetine. Exposure to hypoxia served as a positive control, whereas aniline was tested as an example of a narcotic substance interfering non-specifically with gill membranes. In 12 d old larvae, all substances caused an increase in MO2, fv and partly fampl, whereas effects were minor in 4 d old embryos. An increase of fv in 4 d old embryos following exposure to chlorpyrifos, aldicarb and hypoxia could not be correlated with an increased MO2 and might be attributed either to (1) to the successfully postponed decrease of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) through support of skin respiration by increased fv, (2) to an unspecific stimulation of the sphincter muscles at the base of the gill filaments, or (3) to the establishment of oxygen sensing for later stages. In gill-breathing 12 d old zebrafish, a concentration-dependent increase of fv was detected for aniline and chlorpyrifos, whereas for aldicarb, fluoxetine and permethrin, a decline of fv at higher substance concentrations was measured, most likely due to the onset of paralysis and/or fatigue of the gill filament sphincter muscles. Since alterations of fv serve to postpone the decrease in arterial PO2 and MO2 increased with decreasing fv, the respiratory failure syndrome could clearly be demonstrated in 12 d old zebrafish larvae. Passive respiration across the skin in zebrafish embryos could thus be confirmed as a probable reason for the lower sensitivity of early life-stages to neurotoxicants. Integration of respiratory markers into existing testing protocols with non-protected developmental stages such as embryos might help to not underestimate the toxicity of early life-stages of fish.

HYDROTHERAPY-STIMULATED RESPIRATORY SYSTEM REHABILITATION FOR PEOPLE RECOVERING FROM COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has obvious effects on people’s health and mental state. COVID-19 is known to be a respiratory disease that is usually mild and starts gradually with such symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing. Therefore, after recovery from COVID-19, people should pay close attention to respiratory rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to improve respiratory rehabilitation process with hydrotherapy. The pilot study was carried out in view of the research aim from 17 January 2022 to 20 February 2022 at Salaspils swimming pool. 12 subjects (females) aged 19-62 recovering from COVID-19 took part in the pilot study and were observed up to one month after COVID-19. A course of breathing exercises in water was prepared. The course consisted of 10 practical lessons 45 minutes each. The analysis of the average result dynamics in the heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements during the experiment showed that the difference was statistically insignificant, α&gt;0.05. The analysis of the breathing frequency dynamics during the experiment showed that the difference was statistically insignificant, α&gt;0.05, but the difference in chest excursion was statistically significant, α&lt;0.05. The analysis of the PEF dynamics during the experiment showed that the difference was statistically significant, α&lt;0.05, which implied an increase in the subjects’ PEF after the research and that their respiratory system worked more efficiently. The effectiveness of the hydrotherapy-stimulated respiratory system rehabilitation course was positive in terms of PEF and chest excursion difference. This pilot study experimental group helped to determine the next steps of the study and specified if any adjustments in the methodology was required. &#x0D; &#x0D; One of the steps is to improve the validity of the study for which the number of subjects should be increased (n=30).

The effect of high-flow oxygen via tracheostomy on respiratory pattern and diaphragmatic function in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation: A randomized, physiological, crossover study

BackgroundCompared to conventional oxygen devices, high-flow oxygen treatment (HFOT) through the nasal cannulae has demonstrated clinical benefits. Limited data exist on whether such effects are also present in HFOT through tracheostomy. Hence, we aimed to examine the short-term effects of HFOT through tracheostomy on diaphragmatic function and respiratory parameters in tracheostomized patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation. MethodsA randomized, crossover, physiological study was conducted in our ICU between December 2020 and April 2021, in patients with tracheostomy and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The patients underwent a 30-min spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and received oxygen either via T-piece or by HFOT through tracheostomy, followed by a washout period of 15-min breathing through the T-piece and receipt of 30-min oxygen with the other modality in a randomized crossover manner. At the start and end of each session, blood gasses, breathing frequency (f), and tidal volume (VT) via a Wright's spirometer were measured, along with diaphragm ultrasonography including diaphragm excursion and diaphragmatic thickening fraction, which expressed the inspiratory muscle effort. ResultsEleven patients were enrolled in whom 19 sessions were uneventfully completed; eight patients were studied twice on two different days with alternate sessions; and three patients were studied once. Patients were randomly assigned to start the SBT with a T-piece (n=10 sessions) or with HFOT (n=9 sessions). With HFOT, VT and minute ventilation (VE) significantly increased during SBT (from [465±119] mL to [549±134] mL, P <0.001 and from [12.4±4.3] L/min to [13.1±4.2] L/min, P <0.05, respectively), but they did not change significantly during SBT with T-piece (from [495±132] mL to [461±123] mL and from [12.8±4.4] mL to [12.0±4.4] mL, respectively); f/VT decreased during HFOT (from [64±31] breaths/(min∙L) to [49±24] breaths/(min∙L), P <0.001), but it did not change significantly during SBT with T-piece (from [59±28] breaths/(min∙L) to [64±33] breaths/(min∙L)); partial pressure of arterial oxygen increased during HFOT (from [99±39] mmHg to [132±48] mmHg, P <0.001), but it decreased during SBT with T-piece (from [124±50] mmHg to [83±22] mmHg, P <0.01). In addition, with HFOT, diaphragmatic excursion increased (from [12.9±3.3] mm to [15.7±4.4] mm, P <0.001), but it did not change significantly during SBT with T-piece (from [13.4±3.3] mm to [13.6±3.3] mm). The diaphragmatic thickening fraction did not change during SBT either with T-piece or with HFOT. ConclusionIn patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation, HFOT through tracheostomy compared with T-piece improves ventilation, pattern of breathing, and oxygenation without increasing the inspiratory muscle effort. Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov ldentifer: NCT04758910.

Cerebral Hemodynamics and Vagally Mediated HRV Associated with High- and Low-frequency Yoga Breathing: An Exploratory, Randomized, Crossover Study.

Volitionally modifying respiration leads to changes in middle cerebral arterial (MCA) blood flow. The effect of changes in breath rate on MCA blood flow has not been reported. To determine the effect of slow (bumblebee yoga breathing) and fast (high frequency yoga breathing) yoga breathing techniques on MCA blood flow and vagally mediated heart rate variability. Thirty participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 27.3 ± 4.2 years) were assessed on 2 separate days practicing either high frequency yoga breathing (HFYB, breath frequency 54.2/min) or slow frequency bumblebee yoga breathing (BBYB, breath frequency 3.8/min) in random order to determine the effects of changes in breath frequency on MCA hemodynamics. Assessments included transcranial Doppler sonography, vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV), and respiration. Both HFYB and BBYB (i) reduced MCA flow velocities, i.e., peak systolic, end diastolic, and mean flow velocities, and (ii) increased MCA pulsatility indices. There was an increase in VmHRV during BBYB based on increased power in high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF). LF reflects VmHRV for slow breath frequencies. In BBYB the average breath rate was 3.8 breaths/min. In contrast, VmHRV decreased during HFYB (based on reduced HF power; repeated measures analysis of variance, P < 0.05, all cases). Hence, irrespective of the differences in breath frequency, both HFYB and BBYB appear to reduce MCA flow velocities and increase the resistance to blood flow bilaterally, although the VmHRV changed in opposite directions. MCA velocity and pulsatility changes are speculated to be associated with low global neural activity during yoga breathing.

Impact of Age on Cognitive Testing Practice Effects and Cardiorespiratory Responses.

Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that healthy aging attenuates cognitive practice effects and, consequently, limits the familiarity-associated reductions in heart rate (HR) and breathing frequency (BF) responses during retesting. Methods: Twenty-one cognitively normal older and younger adults (65 ± 2 vs. 26 ± 1 years old) participated in the study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit-Span-Test (DST), Trail Making Test (TMT-B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II) were administered twice at 3-week intervals, while HR and BF were monitored by electrocardiography and plethysmography, respectively. Results: Cognitive performances were not affected by the age factor, and the retest factor only affected CVLT-II. HR and BF increased only in the younger adults (p < .01) during cognitive tests; retesting attenuated these responses (retest factor p < .01). Long-delay free-recall in CVLT-II was unchanged in cognitively normal older versus younger adults. Healthy aging did not diminish short-term memory assessed by DST and CVLT-II short-delay or long-delay free-recalls. Conclusions: Only CVLT-II, but not MMSE, DST or TMT-B, demonstrated cognitive retesting practice effects in the younger and older adults. Cognitive testing at 3-week intervals in cognitively normal older and younger subjects revealed divergent cardiorespiratory responses to MMSE, DST, and TMT-B cognitive testing, particularly HR, which increased only in younger adults and to a lesser extent during retesting despite the absence of practice effects.

Effects of combined interventions to optimize performance during high‐intensity exercise in trained individuals

AbstractDifferent interventions can independently improve athletic performance via different central or peripheral mechanisms, but little is known about their potential combination. We tested the effects of seven combined interventions (enhanced recovery package [ERP]) on performance during intermittent high‐intensity cycling compared with placebo. Sixteen trained men (maximal power output: 5.0 ± 0.5 W･kg−1) completed six 30‐s cycling sprints with 3‐min breaks in‐between under ERP, placebo, and control conditions. The ERP combined neck cooling, carbohydrate and caffeine mouth rinsing, carbohydrate and water ingestion, hyperventilation, hyperoxia, and potentiation maneuvers. Power output, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, rate of perceived exertion, and gas exchange were compared between the ERP and placebo conditions. Mean power output was higher during ERP compared with placebo (570 ± 74 W vs. 560 ± 71 W, p &lt; 0.001, dz = 1.15). Heart rate was higher (+3 ± 4 bpm, p = 0.012) during ERP, as was breathing frequency (+2.4 ± 4.0 breaths･min−1, p = 0.028) and respiratory exchange ratio (+0.12 ± 0.06, p &lt; 0.001). Oxygen uptake was 80 ± 109 mL･min−1 lower (p = 0.013) for ERP. No differences were found with regards to the rate of perceived exertion or blood lactate concentration. Performance gains with ERP were small in magnitude but consistent across individuals. The ERP might have prevented a loss of aerobic efficiency or increased reliance on anaerobic energy. Testing combined interventions might increase the chances to see beyond daily variability in practice.

The frequency of sleep-disordered breathing in preschool children with asthma and its effects on control of asthma.

The frequency and score of SDB were higher in patients with uncontrolled asthma. Frequency and score of SDB were significantly affected by the severity of asthma. SDB must be evaluated in preschool children with uncontrolled asthma. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is more common in asthmatic patients than in non-asthmatic persons, and SDB affects negatively to control asthma. A limited number of studies are discovered on the effect of SDB in preschool asthmatic children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its effect on control and severity of asthma in preschool children. A pediatric sleep questionnaire was completed by parents of asthmatic children. Patients who received a score of 0.33 or higher were diagnosed with SDB. Control and severity of asthma was assessed by a pediatric allergy specialist based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria. The study included 249 patients, with a mean±SD age of 4.37±1.04 (range: 2-5.9) years; 69% were boys; 56.6% children had uncontrolled asthma and 28.7% had SDB. The SDB score was significantly different between controlled and uncontrolled asthma (0.19 vs 0.28; P < 0.001). The frequency of uncontrolled asthma in patients with and without SDB was 74.3% and 49.4%, respectively (P < 0.010). Based on the severity of asthma, the frequency of SDB among patients with mild, moderate, and severe asthma was 23.4%, 35.2%, and 47.4%, respectively (P = 0.010).

Емтихан стресінің әр-түрлі соматотиптері бар білім алушылардың алаңдаушылық деңгейіне және тыныс алу көрсеткіштеріне әсері

The article studied the level of situational and personal anxiety of students with different somatotypes, as well as external indicators of breathing: respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume at rest (TVR), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV) under exam stress. Currently, the health of students requires a lot of attention, because students are one of the representative groups of the population of our country. The health of the younger generation is formed under the influence of biological and social factors. The ability to maintain the resistance of one’s body to exogenous factors and to adapt to changing environmental conditions depends on the state of physical development of students, the functioning of organs and systems. Adaptation to a complex of factors characteristic of higher education in a modern pedagogical environment is a complex and multi-level socio-psycho-physiological process, accompanied by significant tension in the body’s compensatory systems. Anxiety is a mental state of a person associated with increased emotional or physical stress, a tendency to experience anxiety and fear in specific social situations. The relevance of studying the factors of anxiety and emotional stability (tolerance) is determined, first of all, by the extremity and dynamics of the subject’s current life, which leads him to stress, chronic psycho-emotional tension and fear in space and time. Homeostasis of the respiratory system is a prerequisite for its normal functioning and is ensured by a number of physiological mechanisms, among which the conditioning function of the lungs occupies a particularly important place. The change in temperature and humidity of inhaled air to the state of the body is carried out due to complex processes of heat and mass transfer in the respiratory tract. Many aspects of this process in normal conditions and especially in pathologies of the respiratory system are controversial issues. Our study showed a decrease in the adaptive and physical abilities of first-year students with different somatotypes to learning conditions, and changes in physiological indicators after exam stress. During the study, first-year students with an asthenic somatotype had very high levels of personal and situational anxiety; this increase in anxiety indicates insufficient emotional adaptation to an extreme situation. A high level of anxiety threatens a person’s mental health and contributes to the development of neurotic conditions. A high level of constant anxiety is considered as a condition leading to the development of psychosomatic pathology. The article examines the indicators of the respiratory system in first-year students during the exam: in comparison with hypersthenic students and asthenic students, normosthenic students have significantly increased hemodynamic indicators, which indicates the influence of exam stress on a significant increase in respiratory rate, which is a large factor. Degree is related to the volume of breathing and, to a lesser extent, to the breathing frequency of the subjects.

Infant periodic breathing and apneic threshold.

A mathematical model was proposed to predict the role played by apneic threshold in periodic breathing in preterm infants. Prior models have mainly applied linear control theory which predicted instability but could not explain sustained periodic breathing. Apneic threshold to CO2 which has been postulated to play a major role in infant periodic breathing is a nonlinear effect and cannot be described by linear theory. Another previously unexplored nonlinear factor affecting instability is brain vascular volume change with CO2 which affects time delay to chemoreceptors. The current model explored the influences of apneic threshold, central and peripheral chemoreceptor gains, cardiac output, lung volume, and circulatory time delay on periodic breathing. Apneic threshold was found to play a major role in ventilatory responses to spontaneous sighs. Sighs led to apneic pauses followed by periods of periodic breathing with peripheral chemoreceptor CO2 gain, cardiac output, and lung volume were at reported normal levels. Apneic threshold when exceeded was observed to cause an asymmetry in the periodic breathing cycling and an increased periodic breathing frequency. Sighs in infants occur frequently enough to lead to repeated stimulation within the epoch duration of periodic breathing for a single sigh. Multiple sighs may then play a major role in promoting continuous periodic breathing in infants. Peripheral chemoreceptor gain estimated using endogenous CO2 led to validated predicted periodic breathing cycle duration as a function of age. Brain vascular volume increase with CO2 contributes to periodic breathing in very young (1-2 day old) preterm infants.

Influence of Respiratory Frequency of Slow-Paced Breathing on Vagally-Mediated Heart Rate Variability.

Breathing techniques, particularly slow-paced breathing (SPB), have gained popularity among athletes due to their potential to enhance performance by increasing cardiac vagal activity (CVA), which in turn can help manage stress and regulate emotions. However, it is still unclear whether the frequency of SPB affects its effectiveness in increasing CVA. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a brief SPB intervention (i.e., 5min) on CVA using heart rate variability (HRV) measurement as an index. A total of 75 athletes (22 female; Mage = 22.32; age range = 19-31) participated in the study, attending one lab session where they performed six breathing exercises, including SPB at different frequencies (5 cycles per minute (cpm), 5.5cpm, 6cpm, 6.5cpm, 7cpm), and a control condition of spontaneous breathing. The study found that CVA was significantly higher in all SPB conditions compared to the control condition, as indexed by both root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) and low-frequency HRV (LF-HRVms2). Interestingly, LF-HRVms2 was more sensitive in differentiating the respiratory frequencies than RMSSD. These results suggest that SPB at a range of 5cpm to 7cpm can be an effective method to increase CVA and potentially improve stress management and emotion regulation in athletes. This short SPB exercise can be a simple yet useful tool for athletes to use during competitive scenarios and short breaks in competitions. Overall, these findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating SPB into athletes' training and competition routines.

Physiological Response of Broiler Chicken To Cage Temperature

This study aims to study the physiological response shown by broiler chickens to cage temperatures at different times. A completely randomised design was used in this research, with three treatments and five replications of each. The treatments were the average temperature of the cage in the afternoon (30.15oC) , afternoon (27.04oC), and morning (26.01 °C). Each treatment was repeated six times, and each replication consisted of 5 chickens. The variables measured in this study are respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature in broiler chickens. If the results of the analysis of variance show that there is a significant difference between treatments, it is continued with the Duncan Multiple Range test. The results showed that the temperature of the cage during the day significantly increased the frequency of breathing of broiler chickens (74.90 times/minute), heart rate (279.50 times/minute), and rectal temperature (41.53 oC) compared to the frequency of breathing (57 times). ,27 times/minute and 55.77 times/minute), heart rate (274.07 times/minute and 272.47 times/minute), and rectal temperature (40.74oC and 40.61oC) In the afternoon and the morning, it can be concluded that the temperature of the cage during the day resulted in the frequency of breathing, heart rate and rectal temperature in broilers which were significantly higher than the temperature of the cell in the afternoon and morning, while the temperature of the cell in In the afternoon, the respiratory frequency, heart rate, and rectal temperature were not significantly higher than the cage temperature in the morning.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTONOMIC IMBALANCE DIAGNOSTIC METHODS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Introduction. An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system regulation, known as dysautonomia, is one of the most common clinical syndromes that accompany several diseases. The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on the body can rapidly change during dynamic processes, especially in cases of infectious and acute diseases, where autonomic regulation plays an active role in shaping the immune response. In children with respiratory diseases, the influence of the vagus nerve (n.vagus) on the frequency and depth of breathing is also important but remains relatively understudied. Assessment of vegetative balance in pediatrics is carried out using various methods depending on the child's age and condition, with commonly used approaches including questionnaires, calculation of the Kerdo autonomic index, and orthostatic testing.&#x0D; The aim. To compare the diagnostic capabilities of different methods for assessment of the autonomic nervous system state in school-age children on the model of acute bronchitis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The paper presents data from a study that assessed the state of the autonomic nervous system in 52 school-age children (12-16 years old) divided into two groups: 30 children with acute bronchitis in the convalescent period and 22 clinically healthy individuals. Three different methods were used: the A.M. Wayne scale, the Kerdo index, and the orthostatic test.&#x0D; Results. The survey based on Wayne's questionnaire did not reveal a significant difference between the groups of healthy children and those affected by bronchitis. Dynamic tests proved to be more suitable for assessing acute pathology, such as Kerdo's autonomic index and the orthostatic test. The autonomic Kerdo index in children with bronchitis was significantly higher (14.2±2.38 points) than in healthy children (6.4±3.18 points, p&lt;0.05). In children with acute bronchitis, dysautonomia with a predominance of sympathicotonia was recorded, which may be attributed to insufficient vagal innervation and a decrease in parasympathetic influence on the formation of an adequate immune response to the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract.&#x0D; Conclusions. Determining the autonomic Kerdo index and conducting the orthostatic test is suitable for diagnosing dysautonomia in children with acute respiratory pathology. These tests are dynamic, functionally based, and easy to perform and evaluate.

Breathing a low-density gas reduces respiratory muscle force development and marginally improves exercise performance in master athletes.

We tested the hypothesis that breathing heliox, to attenuate the mechanical constraints accompanying the decline in pulmonary function with aging, improves exercise performance. Fourteen endurance-trained older men (67.9 ± 5.9 year, [Formula: see text]O2max: 50.8 ± 5.8ml/kg/min; 151% predicted) completed two cycling 5-km time trials while breathing room air (i.e., 21% O2-79% N2) or heliox (i.e., 21% O2-79% He). Maximal flow-volume curves (MFVC) were determined pre-exercise to characterize expiratory flow limitation (EFL, % tidal volume intersecting the MFVC). Respiratory muscle force development was indirectly determined as the product of the time integral of inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure (∫Pmouth) and breathing frequency. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure maneuvers were performed pre-exercise and post-exercise to estimate respiratory muscle fatigue. Exercise performance time improved (527.6 ± 38 vs. 531.3 ± 36.9s; P = 0.017), and respiratory muscle force development decreased during inspiration (-22.8 ± 11.6%, P < 0.001) and expiration (-10.8 ± 11.4%, P = 0.003) with heliox compared with room air. EFL tended to be lower with heliox (22 ± 23 vs. 30 ± 23% tidal volume; P = 0.054). Minute ventilation normalized to CO2 production ([Formula: see text]E/[Formula: see text]CO2) increased with heliox (28.6 ± 2.7 vs. 25.1 ± 1.8; P < 0.001). A reduction in MIP and MEP was observed post-exercise vs. pre-exercise but was not different between conditions. Breathing heliox has a limited effect on performance during a 5-km time trial in master athletes despite a reduction in respiratory muscle force development.

Rapid implementation of home oxygen treatment and remote monitoring for COVID-19 patients at the verge of the Omicron wave in Turku, Finland

BackgroundIn Turku, Finland, we introduced a home oxygen treatment and app-based monitoring program for hospitalized COVID-19 patients to facilitate an early discharge during the Omicron wave. In this case series we explore the clinical parameters of patients enrolled in the program and evaluate the cost–benefit and safety issues of the program.MethodsHospitalized COVID-19 patients with marked hypoxemia but otherwise in stable condition were screened from Turku City Hospital and Turku University Hospital by treating doctors for eligibility in the program. Peripheral oxygen saturation of > 92% and breathing frequency < 30/min in rest with oxygen supplementation were among the criteria. All patients actively participating in the program between 10th of January 2022 and 30th of September 2022 were included in this case series. Clinical data of hospitalization and monitoring were analysed, and cost–benefit evaluation was based on the number of saved hospitalization days.ResultsNineteen COVID-19 patients were included in this case series and recruited from three different hospital departments in the Turku city region, South-West Finland. All patients were male, the median age was 59 years and the median duration of hospitalization before enrolment in the program was 6 days (range 3—20 days). The median duration of home oxygen treatment was 13 days (range 3—72 days) and the median duration of home monitoring was 18 days (range 7—41 days). A total of 210,5 hospital days were prevented, resulting in savings of €144,490 of healthcare expenditure (on average 9 days and €7,605 per patient). No major safety issues were reported during the program.ConclusionsIn our case series, home oxygen treatment combined with home monitoring was safe and economically beneficial. Application based monitoring could be considered in other post-acute pulmonary conditions to reduce hospitalization and healthcare costs.

Implementation of Deep Breath Relaxation Techniques As An Effort to Overcome Shortness Of Breath in Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a cardiovascular disease that is defined as a deadly disease in the world. CHF is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood to meet the needs of oxygen and nutrients in the body's tissues. Objective: To present care with deep breathing relaxation interventions as an effort to overcome shortness of breath in congestive heart failure patients with ineffective breathing patterns. Method: The research design used is descriptive analysis with a case study approach. Subjects in this case study were adult patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and ineffective breathing patterns. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, physical examination, and documentation studies. Result: The case study at the assessment stage found that the client complained of shortness of breath. The intervention and implementation used to reduce shortness of breath is by providing breathing relaxation exercises for 10 minutes when complaints of shortness of breath are felt. After the intervention, the client's breathing frequency decreased from 28 x/minute to 22 x/minute, while the subjective data from the anamnesis showed that the client's shortness of breath was reduced. Conclusion: Nursing care for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and shortness of breath is well managed. Providing deep breathing relaxation interventions is effective in reducing respiratory frequency.

Comparison of ventilatory parameters with nasal versus oral breathing during submaximal exercise in patients with cardiac disease and healthy people

Abstract Introduction Inefficient ventilation, namely a high ventilation/carbon dioxide production ratio (VE/VCO2) is a well established predictor for disease progression and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Two previous studies in healthy people have found improved ventilatory efficiency with nasal compared to oral breathing during submaximal exercise. No study has compared nasal with oral breathing in patients with HF or coronary heart disease. Method Four study groups were recruited: Patients with HF, patients with acute or chronic coronary syndrome (ACS/CCS), old healthy controls (age&amp;gt;45 years) and young healthy controls (age&amp;gt;20 years and &amp;lt;35 years). Acute measurements of 5 min (after 3 min warm-up) with nasal and 5 min with oral breathing in randomized order were performed at 50% peak power. Ventilation parameters were averaged over the last minute of each condition and analysed by linear mixed models adjusted for body mass index. Results We present data of 8 patients with HF, 8 with ACS/CCS, 10 old and 15 young healthy controls. Minute ventilation, breathing frequency and end-tidal oxygen partial pressure (PETO2) were significantly lower and tidal volume and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PETCO2) significantly higher during nasal compared to oral breathing in all groups (Figure 1). Differences between breathing modes were between 5-20% and similar in all groups except for breathing frequency that declined more from oral to nasal breathing, namely by 27%, in patients with HF compared to the other groups. The largest discrepancies between patients and healthy controls were found for VE/VCO2 ratio, PETCO2 and PETO2. Conclusion Nasal breathing during submaximal exercise significantly improved the abnormal breathing pattern of patients with HF and ACS/CCS. Nasal breathing during exercise may be promising in patients with inefficient ventilation as it increases PETCO2 and is likely to increase arterial partial CO2 pressure, a known vasodilator, herewith facilitating perfusion of the working musculature.Figure 1

Potentials of radar sensor detecting the presence of an imitated user for optimising short-range presence-sensing lighting in homes

Current presence-sensing technologies for energy-efficient lighting control and building optimisation are (i) catered to commercial and institutional environments, and (ii) focused on lamp technology and occupancy detection. They often ignore user behaviour characteristics, which significantly influence energy consumption. Therefore, this study aims to identify alternative sensing techniques as part of a lighting control system that can energy-efficiently support user’s behavioural needs in mixed-function residential spaces. An exploratory study investigated the optimal placement of a non-wearable radar sensor to detect an imitated user’s breathing frequency at varying pre-set horizontal distance positions, and the sensor’s performance was validated with a spirometer. The procedure measured a balloon’s radar-detected distance, radar-detected breathing frequency, and spirometer-registered breathing frequency at each pre-set position. The radar sensor detected all simulated breathing frequencies with almost 100% data accuracy but was not comparable in detecting all distances. The radar offers a less intrusive short-range presence-sensing for homes, accurately detecting breathing frequencies in a contactless way between 0.2m to 0.8m. Further investigations are recommended to develop radar sensing that could predict lighting options based on user’s objective feedback.

Investigation of the Methodology of Specific Airway Resistance Measurements in COPD.

Specific resistance (SRaw) measurements in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients may be performed by panting or tidal breathing. The aim of this study was to compare how breathing frequency affected SRaw in COPD and compare different tangent plotting methods. Fifteen COPD patients participated. Three protocols were performed: tidal 1 - spontaneous tidal breathing; tidal 2 - tidal breathing with a flow of ±1 L/sec; panting - 60 breaths per min. Effective (SReff), total (SRtot), ±0.5 L/s (SR0.5), and mid (SRmid) specific resistance were assessed. The tidal breathing protocols provided similar results. Panting resulted in higher SReff (p = 0.0002) and SRtot (p < 0.0001) versus tidal breathing, but not SR0.5 or SRmid. Breathing frequency did not affect intra-test variance. SReff and SRtot measurements were similar, and were higher than SR0.5, during tidal breathing (p = 0.0014 and p < 0.0001 respectively) and panting (p = 0.0179 and p < 0.0001 respectively). SRtot was higher than SRmid during tidal breathing (p < 0.0001) and panting (p < 0.0001). Intra-test variance of SReff and SRtot were similar and showed the lowest percent coefficient of variation during both tidal breathing and panting. Panting and tidal breathing manoeuvres are not interchangeable in COPD patients. Panting widens the clubbing in the SRaw loop. SR0.5 and SRmid may underestimate abnormal physiology in COPD.