VU University

4 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Medicine

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity in Children

Aimée E. van Dijk^*1,2, René van Lien^*3,4, Manon van Eijsden^2,5, Reinoud J. B. J. Gemke⁶, Tanja G. M. Vrijkotte¹, Eco J. de Geus^3,4

¹Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center - University of Amsterdam, ²Department of Epidemiology, Documentation and Health Promotion, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD), ³Department of Biological Psychology, VU University, ⁴EMGO+ Institute, VU University Medical Center, ⁵Institute of Health Sciences, VU University, ⁶Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center

Measurement of autonomic nervous system activity usually confines the researcher and participant to the laboratory, which may provide an intimidating environment to children. The VU University Ambulatory Monitoring System (VU-AMS) device can record cardiac autonomic control in any setting. The VU-AMS proved very amenable to testing in children.

Biology

Effect of Male Accessory Gland Products on Egg Laying in Gastropod Molluscs

Sander van Iersel¹, Elferra M. Swart¹, Yumi Nakadera¹, Nico M. van Straalen¹, Joris M. Koene¹

¹Department of Ecological Science, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University

This video protocol demonstrates a method to study effects of seminal fluid in gastropods, using the hermaphroditic freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis.

JoVE Journal

Experimental Research Examining How People Can Cope with Uncertainty Through Soft Haptic Sensations

Femke van Horen¹, Thomas Mussweiler²

¹Marketing Department, VU University, ²Social Psychology Department, University of Cologne

To date research has focused on cognitive strategies people adopt to cope with uncertainty. This research examines instead an experiential way of dealing with uncertainty and introduces a set of experimental methods showing how the experience of haptic softness can serve as a tool to deal with uncertainty.

Education

Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion

Rick de Klerk¹, Riemer J. K. Vegter¹, Marika T. Leving¹, Sonja de Groot^1,2, DirkJan H. E. J. Veeger^3,4, Lucas H. V. van der Woude^1,5

¹Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, ²Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center Reade, Amsterdam, ³Research Institute MOVE, Faculty of Behavioral and Human Movement Sciences, VU University, ⁴3M, Delft University of Technology, Delft, ⁵Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen

Accurate and standardized assessment of external power output is crucial in the evaluation of physiological, biomechanical, and perceived stress, strain, and capacity in manual wheelchair propulsion. The current article presents various methods to determine and control power output during wheelchair propulsion studies in the laboratory and beyond.