Name: a community-based stress management program: using wearable devices to assess whole body physiological responses in non-laboratory settings
Uploaded: 2018-01-22T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings at JoVE.com

The authors would like to thank Dr. Harpreet Dhanoa for her generous insights toward the design of the breathing and meditation program so that it was safe, therapeutic, and impactful for individuals with stress management issues.
KC, RC, and JH conceived the project. RC and KC performed a literature search, study selection, and data extraction. All authors participated in the development of the manuscript and provided input into the final version.

The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and all participants signed an informed consent form. Briefly, twelve healthy, normotensive, nonsmoking subjects (five men, seven women) aged between 31 and 65 years (mean age = 44 &#177; 12 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Brown and Gerbarg3 studied meditation and similar breathing techniques in individuals across a broad age range (14 - 85 years of age) for the management of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder,...

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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Yoga+breathing,+meditation,+and+longevity.">Yoga breathing, meditation, and longevity.</a> Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1172 (1), 54-62 (2009).</li><li>Carter, K. S., Carter, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Breath-based+meditation:+A+mechanism+to+restore+the+physiological+and+cognitive+reserves+for+optimal+human+performance.">Breath-based meditation: A mechanism to restore the physiological and cognitive reserves for optimal human performance.</a> World J Clin Cases. 4 (4), 99-102 (2016).</li><li>Mohan, A., Sharma, R., Bijlani, R. 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G., Rundgren, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vasopressin+and+amino+acid+concentrations+in+serum+following+absorption+of+irrigating+fluid+containing+glycine+and+ethanol.">Vasopressin and amino acid concentrations in serum following absorption of irrigating fluid containing glycine and ethanol.</a> Br J Anaesth. 63 (3), 337-339 (1989).</li><li>Keller, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+the+perception+that+stress+affects+health+matter?+The+association+with+health+and+mortality.">Does the perception that stress affects health matter? The association with health and mortality.</a> Health Psychol. 31 (5), 677-684 (2012).</li><li>Gaylord, C., Orme-Johnson, D., Travis, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+the+transcendental+meditation+technique+and+progressive+muscle+relaxation+on+EEG+coherence,+stress+reactivity,+and+mental+health+in+black+adults.">The effects of the transcendental meditation technique and progressive muscle relaxation on EEG coherence, stress reactivity, and mental health in black adults.</a> Int J Neurosci. 46 (1-2), 77-86 (1989).</li><li>Baer, R. A., Smith, G. T., Hopkins, J., Krietemeyer, J., Toney, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Using+self-report+assessment+methods+to+explore+facets+of+mindfulness.">Using self-report assessment methods to explore facets of mindfulness.</a> Assessment. 13 (1), 27-45 (2006).</li><li>Brown, R. P., Gerbarg, P. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sudarshan+Kriya+yogic+breathing+in+the+treatment+of+stress,+anxiety,+and+depression:+part+I-neurophysiologic+model.">Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: part I-neurophysiologic model.</a> J Altern Complement Med. 11 (1), 189-201 (2005).</li><li>Bhatia, M., Kumar, A., Kumar, N., Pandey, R. M., Kochupillai, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electrophysiologic+evaluation+of+Sudarshan+Kriya:+an+EEG,+BAER,+P300+study.">Electrophysiologic evaluation of Sudarshan Kriya: an EEG, BAER, P300 study.</a> Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 47 (2), 157-163 (2003).</li><li>Lievesley, R., Wozencroft, M., Ewins, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Emotiv+EPOC+neuroheadset:+an+inexpensive+method+of+controlling+assistive+technologies+using+facial+expressions+and+thoughts.">The Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset: an inexpensive method of controlling assistive technologies using facial expressions and thoughts.</a> J Assist Technol. 5 (2), 67-82 (2011).</li><li>Badcock, N. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Validation+of+the+Emotiv+EPOC(R)+EEG+gaming+system+for+measuring+research+quality+auditory+ERPs.">Validation of the Emotiv EPOC(R) EEG gaming system for measuring research quality auditory ERPs.</a> Peer J. 1, 38 (2013).</li><li>Duvinage, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Performance+of+the+Emotiv+Epoc+headset+for+P300-based+applications.">Performance of the Emotiv Epoc headset for P300-based applications.</a> Biomed Eng Online. 12 (1), 1 (2013).</li><li>Cannesson, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pleth+variability+index+to+monitor+the+respiratory+variations+in+the+pulse+oximeter+plethysmographic+waveform+amplitude+and+predict+fluid+responsiveness+in+the+operating+theatre.">Pleth variability index to monitor the respiratory variations in the pulse oximeter plethysmographic waveform amplitude and predict fluid responsiveness in the operating theatre.</a> Br J Anaesth. 101 (2), 200-206 (2008).</li><li>Cannesson, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+the+Pleth+variability+index+indicate+the+respiratory-induced+variation+in+the+plethysmogram+and+arterial+pressure+waveforms.">Does the Pleth variability index indicate the respiratory-induced variation in the plethysmogram and arterial pressure waveforms.</a> Anesth Analg. 106 (4), 1189-1194 (2008).</li><li>Lin, Y., Fisher, M. 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The evolution of wearable technology and its ability to accurately track physiological responses can revolutionize the daily management of stress and monitor physical and cognitive performance across a range of interventions18. There has already been a host of clinical applications involving stress interventions that have been analyzed, including but not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, and motion or activity prediction. These technologies are continuously being improved upon by machine lear...

Although stress is an unavoidable and persistent component of life, alternative approaches for the management of physical and emotional stimuli are being considered1,2,3,4. Uninterrupted stress is associated with the early onset and development of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiac, and cerebrovascular disease4,5. In recent years, an increasing percentage of Americans have reported stress has a negative impact on their mental and physical health6, and a sizable proportion did not feel they were doing enough to manage their stress7. Furthermore, a recent study showed that when individuals perceived that stress is negatively impacting their physical health, there was an elevated risk of premature death8.
Traditionally, public health and medical professionals have focused on physical activity as a means to manage stress. However, a significant portion of the United States population develops unhealthy lifestyle habits (i.e., smoking or excessive alcohol consumption) or unhealthy behaviors (i.e., poor diet patterns) as a result of stressful lifestyles. Currently, more Americans are becoming aware of the potential use of various forms of yoga and breathing exercises for stress management4,6,9. However, due to a lack of scientific validation, cultural appropriation, and the requisite physical environments (i.e., yoga studios), a significant portion of the United States population are not considering these alternative approaches for stress management6.
In an attempt to deliver holistic stress management techniques such as yogic breathing and guided relaxation to a broader audience, a protocol was developed and delivered to a small group of individuals in a non-laboratory setting. Previous studies have shown that techniques such as alternate nostril breathing are effective in delivering a more relaxed state of mind and body4.
Until recently, scientific studies of complex physiological measurements such as brain activity, respiration, and tissue perfusion were limited to laboratory settings, and thus studies relied on less complex measures such as ambulatory arterial blood pressure (ABP), respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR). However, with the development of more scientifically accurate, wearable devices, the physiological responses to stress management interventions can be studied in non-laboratory settings.
The goal of this project is to create an accessible, inexpensive management program for stress that is generalizable to both laboratory and non-laboratory settings. Additionally, this article provides the methodology for an evidence-based approach to investigating physiological responses during a stress management protocol in a non-laboratory setting while utilizing commercially available wearable devices.
Recommendations are made to allow investigators to study better stress management interventions, as well as the setup and utilization of the portable electroencephalogram (EEG) system in a systematic way that is easily adaptable to various settings. The details needed to replicate the program are specified.

<table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:808pt" width="1077">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Epoc+ 14 channel wireless EEG</td>
			<td>Emotiv Systems</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>&#160;Assemble the headset. Fully saturate the felt pads using 0.5% saline solution. When the headset is placed on the scalp, the pads should feel wet.&#160; Measurements: Brain Waves, Facial Expression, Mental Command</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fingertip Pulse Oximeter with Bluetooth and Pleth Variability Index</td>
			<td>Masimo Mighty Sat with PVI</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>&#160;Measurements: Pulse Rate, Oxygen Saturation, Perfusion Index, Pleth Variability Index (PVI)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>The 39-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire</td>
			<td>A psychometric instrument used to assess five facets of mindfulness</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Questionnaire available in electronic and pencil and paper versions. Measurements: Mood, cognition function</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a community-based stress management program: using wearable devices to assess whole body physiological responses in non-laboratory settings

A pragmatic breath-based intervention to benefit human performance and stress management is timely and valuable to individuals seeking holistic approaches for emotional regulation and optimizing compensatory reserve mechanisms. This protocol is designed to not only teach mind-body awareness but also to provide feedback utilizing physiological data and survey results. The primary findings of this study showed that heart coherence and alpha variables were significantly correlated after four weeks of the breath-based meditation stress protocol. Meditation and rhythmic breathing produced significant increases in alpha brain activity. These brain physiological responses conformed to the Pleth Variability Index (PVI) changes, suggesting the ability of the human body to enter into a meditative state and effectively manage stress. When assessed after four weeks of daily practicing the techniques employed in the stress management protocol, based on the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, subjects improved in applying mindfulness skills. The overall mindfulness score, Pleth variability index (PVI), and perfusion index (PI) increased after the 4-week intervention period. Results from electroencephalography (brain waves) were consistent with a meditative state during the post-study follow-up session. This provides evidence that wearable devices are feasible for data collection during a breath-based stress management intervention. This protocol can be easily and efficiently implemented into any study design in which physiological data are desired in a non-laboratory-based setting.

The primary findings of this study showed that heart coherence and alpha variables were significantly correlated after the primary endpoint, the baseline after four weeks, and the endpoint after four weeks of the breath-based meditation stress protocol, but not during the baseline measurement (Figure 1). Based on these findings, it was concluded that this protocol produced significant increases in alpha brain activity consistent with meditative states. These ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings at JoVE.com

A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings

Stress is an unavoidable and persistent component of life and holistic approaches for its management are being considered. A standardized methodology was created to demonstrate the feasibility of a breath-based stress management protocol that can be used with commercially available portable technology.

A pragmatic breath-based intervention to benefit human performance and stress management is timely and valuable to individuals seeking holistic approaches ...

The overall goal of this intervention is to demonstrate the feasibility of commercially available, wearable, physiological monitoring technology in a non-laboratory setting. To evaluate the effectiveness of intentional rhythmic breathing techniques, and a guided relaxation body scan. This method can help answer key questions in the field of human performance.Such as how breathing and meditation techniques may play a role in preserving compensatory mechanisms to optimize physiological function. The main advantage of this study is that commercially available wearable devices can be utilized to collect physiological data in a non-laboratory setting. The implications of these techniques extend from patients with chronic diseases to healthy individuals interested in optimizing physical and cognitive performance.As these techniques such as shown to balance the autonomic nervous system. I have been practicing rhythmic breathing for 40 years. And with today's technology, we can now study it's underlying physiology.Demonstrating the techniques will be Dr.Robert Carter from UT health. After taking baseline measurements, teaching breathing and relaxing techniques, and completing end point visits with selective participants according to the text protocol. Set up an EEG control panel that allows the user to monitor the status and features of the headset EEG.Including facial expressions and emotions. Before starting the recording of EEG data, switch on the EEG headset and ensure that the battery is fully charged. In preparation for an EEG session, begin by hydrating the 12 sensors.Then, assemble the headset. Use 0.5 saline solution to thoroughly saturate the felt pads. Which should feel wet when the headset is worn.Then place the headset on the users head. And make sure that the EEG electrodes make good contact on the scalp of the operator. Adjust the headset until each sensor impotence is below five kilo-ohms.Indicated by a green color on all of the electrodes. Position the reference sensors to touch the skin behind the ear. It is critical that the reference sensors make contact with the skin behind the ear with the sensor impotence below five kilo-ohms.To capture and record the pulse oximetry, ensure that the volunteer is in an upright position with both feet on the floor. Expose the interior of the pulse oximeter sensor, and insert a non-dominant finger. Then, position the finger, so that the finger tip approaches the sensors end.Gently close the device so that the finger contacts with the sensor pad. And place the hand comfortably on the thigh. Once the portable pulse oximeter is closed on the finger, the device should show heart rate, respiratory rate, profusion index, and the pleth variability index.And can be displayed via bluetooth on a smart tablet or computer. To carry out alternate nostril breathing, sit comfortably with the spine erect. Left hand on the left knee.And the eyes closed. Bring the right hand to the face, and place the index and middle fingers between the eyebrows. Then, place the ring and little fingers gently on the left nostril and place the thumb on the right nostril.Next, take a deep breath in. Then, press the thumb down on the right nostril to close it off. And exhale through the left nostril.Then, inhale through the left side of the nose. Now use the ring finger to press on the left nostril, and close off the left side of the nose. Then, release the thumb, and breathe out through the right side.Before using the right nostril to inhale. Repeat the alternate nostril breathing. Continually alternating inhalations and exhalations for five minutes.Recognize the presence of emotions and thoughts without responding to them in a physical or mental manner. And continue to bring your attention to air entering and exiting the nose. To perform victorious breathing, sit comfortably with the spine erect.Slowly take in a long breath. With the mouth closed, breathe out through the nose. Constricting the back of the throat.This mild constriction of the throat creates resistance to the passage of air. Gently breathe in. Pushing the breath in against the resistance produced by constricting the back of the throat.Then, breathe out against the same constriction. While in a seated posture, continue this breathing cycle for five minutes. Gently inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply against the constriction at the back of the throat creates a soothing sound like ocean waves rising and falling.Recognize the presence of emotions and thoughts without responding to them physically or mentally. And continue to bring your attention to the air entering and exiting the nose. For bellows breath, sit up tall with relaxed shoulders.Slowly and deeply breathe in through the nose. Then, with eyes closed, breathe out and in from the nose. Flex the arms to bring the elbows close to the rib cage.And place loose fists close to the shoulders. Then, with active inhalation, raise the arms ups above the head while opening the fists. With vigorous exhalation, lower the arms to bring the elbows close the ribcage.And the fists by the shoulders again. Repeat the breathing and arm movements consecutively. 15 to 20 times as one set.Then, pause ten to fifteen seconds before carrying out a second and third set with a pause in between each repetition. The primary findings of the study presented in this video show that heart coherence and alpha variables were significantly correlated after the primary end point. The baseline after four weeks, and the end point after four weeks of the breath based meditation stress protocol.But not during the baseline measurement. As a result, this protocol produced significant increases in alpha brain activity. Consistent with meditative states.The brain's physiological changes were in line with the PVI changes, suggesting the ability of the human body to enter into a meditative state. And effectively manage stress. When participants were assessed after four weeks of daily practice, improvements in all five facets including observing, describing, acting with awareness, non judging of inner experience, and non reactivity to inner experience.Increased on average by 0.9 to 1.3 points on a scale of one, representing never, to five, which represents often. Once mastered, this procedure can be done in 90 minutes if it is performed properly. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to minimize any external distractions during the EEG and PVI pulse oximeter recording.As the devices may produce unwanted results and excessive noise to the physiological recordings. Following this procedure, other interventions like bio feedback, meditation, and Qigong can be studied and ordered to answer additional questions, like how does bio feedback in yoga alter brain activity and physiological function. After it's developed this technology paved the way for researchers in the field of human performance or physiological function during exercise or yoga outside of the laboratory.After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how wearable physiological monitoring devices can be used to study interventions outside of laboratory settings. Don't forget that some individuals have reported moderate discomfort from wearing the EEG headset during extensive periods of time. During this investigation, volunteers should always be observed while performing breathing techniques.As some have reported feeling light headed or mild dizziness.

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Behavior

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Exposure to chronic stress is a reliable predictor of depressive disorders, and social stress is a common ethologically relevant stressor in both animals and humans. However, many animal models of depression were developed in males and are not applicable or effective in studies of postpartum females. Recent studies have reported significant effects of chronic social stress during lactation, an ethologically relevant and effective stressor, on maternal behavior, growth, and behavioral neuroendocrinology. This manuscript will describe this chronic social stress paradigm using repeated exposure of a lactating dam to a novel male intruder, and the assessment of the behavioral, physiological, and neuroendocrine effects of this model. Chronic social stress (CSS) is a valuable model for studying the effects of stress on the behavior and physiology of the dam as well as her offspring and future generations. The exposure of pups to CSS can also be used as an early life stress that has long term effects on behavior, physiology, and neuroendocrinology.

This article describes the use of chronic resident intruder social stress as an ethologically relevant paradigm to model postpartum depression and anxiety in lactating rodents.

Exposure to chronic stress is a reliable predictor of depressive disorders, and social stress is a common ethologically relevant stressor in both animals ...

Uncovering Beat Deafness: Detecting Rhythm Disorders with Synchronized Finger Tapping and Perceptual Timing Tasks

A set of behavioral tasks for assessing perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) is presented here with the goal of uncovering rhythm disorders, such as beat deafness. Beat deafness is characterized by poor performance in perceiving durations in auditory rhythmic patterns or poor synchronization of movement with auditory rhythms (e.g., with musical beats). These tasks include the synchronization of finger tapping to the beat of simple and complex auditory stimuli and the detection of rhythmic irregularities (anisochrony detection task) embedded in the same stimuli. These tests, which are easy to administer, include an assessment of both perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities under different conditions (e.g., beat rates and types of auditory material) and are based on the same auditory stimuli, ranging from a simple metronome to a complex musical excerpt. The analysis of synchronized tapping data is performed with circular statistics, which provide reliable measures of synchronization accuracy (e.g., the difference between the timing of the taps and the timing of the pacing stimuli) and consistency. Circular statistics on tapping data are particularly well-suited for detecting individual differences in the general population. Synchronized tapping and anisochrony detection are sensitive measures for identifying profiles of rhythm disorders and have been used with success to uncover cases of poor synchronization with spared perceptual timing. This systematic assessment of perceptual and sensorimotor timing can be extended to populations of patients with brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson&#8217;s disease), and developmental disorders (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Behavioral tasks that allow for the assessment of perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) are presented. Synchronization of finger tapping to the beat of an auditory stimuli and detecting rhythmic irregularities provides a means of uncovering rhythm disorders.

A set of behavioral tasks for assessing perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) is presented here ...

Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults

Adapted tango dancing improves mobility and balance in older adults and additional populations with balance impairments. It is composed of very simple step elements. Adapted tango involves movement initiation and cessation, multi-directional perturbations, varied speeds and rhythms. Focus on foot placement, whole body coordination, and attention to partner, path of movement, and aesthetics likely underlie adapted tango&#8217;s demonstrated efficacy for improving mobility and balance. In this paper, we describe the methodology to disseminate the adapted tango teaching methods to dance instructor trainees and to implement the adapted tango by the trainees in the community for older adults and individuals with Parkinson&#8217;s Disease (PD). Efficacy in improving mobility (measured with the Timed Up and Go, Tandem stance, Berg Balance Scale, Gait Speed and 30 sec chair stand), safety and fidelity of the program is maximized through targeted instructor and volunteer training and a structured detailed syllabus outlining class practices and progression.

Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson&#039;s Disease and Older Adults

Adapted tango has demonstrated efficacy for improving mobility and balance. We describe the dissemination of adapted tango teaching methods to dance instructor trainees and the implementation of adapted tango by the trainees in the community for improving mobility and balance in older adults and individuals with Parkinson&#8217;s disease.

Adapted tango dancing improves mobility and balance in older adults and additional populations with balance impairments. It is composed of very simple ...

Mindfulness in Motion (MIM): An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement

A pragmatic mindfulness intervention to benefit personnel working in chronically high-stress environments, delivered onsite during the workday, is timely and valuable to employee and employer alike. Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) is a Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) offered as a modified, less time intensive method (compared to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), delivered onsite, during work, and intends to enable busy working adults to experience the benefits of mindfulness. It teaches mindful awareness principles, rehearses mindfulness as a group, emphasizes the use of gentle yoga stretches, and utilizes relaxing music in the background of both the group sessions and individual mindfulness practice. MIM is delivered in a group format, for 1 hr/week/8 weeks. CDs and a DVD are provided to facilitate individual practice. The yoga movement is emphasized in the protocol to facilitate a quieting of the mind. The music is included for participants to associate the relaxed state experienced in the group session with their individual practice. To determine the intervention feasibility/efficacy we conducted a randomized wait-list control group in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). ICUs represent a high-stress work environment where personnel experience chronic exposure to catastrophic situations as they care for seriously injured/ill patients. Despite high levels of work-related stress, few interventions have been developed and delivered onsite for such environments. The intervention is delivered on site in the ICU, during work hours, with participants receiving time release to attend sessions. The intervention is well received with 97% retention rate. Work engagement and resiliency increase significantly in the intervention group, compared to the wait-list control group, while participant respiration rates decrease significantly pre-post in 6/8 of the weekly sessions. Participants value institutional support, relaxing music, and the instructor as pivotal to program success. This provides evidence that MIM is feasible, well accepted, and can be effectively implemented in a chronically high-stress work environment.

Mindfulness in Motion MIM: An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention MBI for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement

The Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) protocol offers a pragmatic Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) on-site, for persons working in chronically high-stress work environments that significantly increases resiliency and work engagement. The protocol has proven feasible, beneficial, and is easily adaptable to other high-stress workplaces.

A pragmatic mindfulness intervention to benefit personnel working in chronically high-stress environments, delivered onsite during the workday, is timely ...

A Mouse Model of Subchronic and Mild Social Defeat Stress for Understanding Stress-induced Behavioral and Physiological Deficits

Stressful life events often increase the incidence of depression in humans. To study the mechanisms of depression, the development of animal models of depression is essential. Because there are several types of depression, various animal models are needed for a deeper understanding of the disorder. Previously, a mouse model of subchronic and mild social defeat stress (sCSDS) using a modified chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) paradigm was established. In the paradigm, to reduce physical injuries from aggressors, the duration of physical contact between the aggressor and a subordinate was reduced compared to in the original CSDS paradigm. sCSDS mice showed increased body weight gain, food intake, and water intake during the stress period, and their social behaviors were suppressed after the stress period. In terms of the face validity of the stress-induced overeating and overdrinking following the increased body weight gain, the sCSDS mice may show some features related to atypical depression in humans. Thus, a mouse model of sCSDS may be useful for studying the pathogenic mechanisms underlying depression. This protocol will help establish the sCSDS mouse model, especially for studying the mechanisms underlying stress-induced weight gain and polydipsia- and hyperphagia-like symptoms.

Here, methods for developing a mouse model of subchronic and mild social defeat stress are described and used to investigate the pathogenic features of depression including hyperphagia- and polydipsia-like symptoms following increased body weight.

Stressful life events often increase the incidence of depression in humans. To study the mechanisms of depression, the development of animal models of ...

Using Fiberless, Wearable fNIRS to Monitor Brain Activity in Real-world Cognitive Tasks

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique that uses near-infrared light to monitor brain activity. Based on neurovascular coupling, fNIRS is able to measure the haemoglobin concentration changes secondary to neuronal activity. Compared to other neuroimaging techniques, fNIRS represents a good compromise in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. Moreover, it is portable, lightweight, less sensitive to motion artifacts and does not impose significant physical restraints. It is therefore appropriate to monitor a wide range of cognitive tasks (e.g., auditory, gait analysis, social interaction) and different age populations (e.g., new-borns, adults, elderly people). The recent development of fiberless fNIRS devices has opened the way to new applications in neuroscience research. This represents a unique opportunity to study functional activity during real-world tests, which can be more sensitive and accurate in assessing cognitive function and dysfunction than lab-based tests. This study explored the use of fiberless fNIRS to monitor brain activity during a real-world prospective memory task. This protocol is performed outside the lab and brain haemoglobin concentration changes are continuously measured over the prefrontal cortex while the subject walks around in order to accomplish several different tasks.

Monitoring brain activity outside the lab without physical constraints presents methodological challenges. A fiberless, wearable functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) system was used to measure brain activity during an ecological prospective memory task. It was demonstrated that this system could be used to monitor brain activity during non-lab based experiments.

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique that uses near-infrared light to monitor brain activity. Based on neurovascular ...

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Individuals with sensorimotor pathology e.g., stroke have difficulty executing the common task of rising from sitting and initiating gait (sit-to-walk: STW). Thus, in clinical rehabilitation separation of sit-to-stand and gait initiation - termed sit-to-stand-and-walk (STSW) - is usual. However, a standardized STSW protocol with a clearly defined analytical approach suitable for pathological assessment has yet to be defined.
Hence, a goal-orientated protocol is defined that is suitable for healthy and compromised individuals by requiring the rising phase to be initiated from 120% knee height with a wide base of support independent of lead limb. Optical capture of three-dimensional (3D) segmental movement trajectories, and force platforms to yield two-dimensional (2D) center-of-pressure (COP) trajectories permit tracking of the horizontal distance between COP and whole-body-center-of-mass (BCOM), the decrease of which increases positional stability but is proposed to represent poor dynamic postural control.
BCOM-COP distance is expressed with and without normalization to subjects&#39; leg length. Whilst COP-BCOM distances vary through STSW, normalized data at the key movement events of seat-off and initial toe-off (TO1) during steps 1 and 2 have low intra and inter subject variability in 5 repeated trials performed by 10 young healthy individuals. Thus, comparing COP-BCOM distance at key events during performance of an STSW paradigm between patients with upper motor neuron injury, or other compromised patient groups, and normative data in young healthy individuals is a novel methodology for evaluation of dynamic postural stability.

Here, we present a novel protocol to measure positional stability at key events during the sit-to-stand-to-walk using the center-of-pressure to the whole-body-center-of-mass distance. This was derived from the force platform and three-dimensional motion-capture technology. The paradigm is reliable and can be utilized for the assessment of neurologically compromised individuals.

Individuals with sensorimotor pathology e.g., stroke have difficulty executing the common task of rising from sitting and initiating gait (sit-to-walk: ...

Whole Body Vibration Methods with Survivors of Polio

The purpose of the original study was to examine the use of whole body vibration (WBV) on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a form of weight bearing exercise. The goal of this article is to highlight the strengths, limitations, and applications of the method used. Fifteen participants completed two intervention blocks with a wash-out period in between the blocks. Each block consisted of twice a week (four weeks) WBV interventions, progressing from 10 to 20 min per session. Low intensity (peak to peak displacement 4.53 mm, frequency 24 Hz, g force 2.21) and higher intensity (peak to peak displacement 8.82 mm, frequency 35 Hz, g force 2.76) WBV blocks were used. Pain severity significantly improved in both groups following higher intensity vibration. Walking speed significantly improved in the group who participated in higher intensity intervention first. No study-related adverse events occurred. Even though this population can be at risk of developing overuse-related muscle weakness, fatigue, or pain from excessive physical activity or exercise, the vibration intensity levels utilized did not cause significant muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, or sleep disturbances. Therefore, WBV appears to provide a safe method of weight bearing exercise for this population. Limitations included the lack of measurement of reflexes, muscular activity, or circulation, the difficulty in participant recruitment, and insufficient strength of some participants to stand in recommended position. Strengths included a standard, safe protocol with intentional monitoring of symptoms and the heterogeneity of the participants in their physical abilities. An application of the methods is the home use of WBV to reduce the barriers associated with going to a facility for weight bearing exercise for longer term interventions, and benefits for conditions such as osteoporosis, particularly for aging adults with mobility difficulties due to paralysis or weakness. Presented method may serve as a starting point in future studies.

The goal of this article is to highlight the strengths, limitations, and applications of the method used with whole body vibration on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a feasible and safe form of weight bearing exercise.

The purpose of the original study was to examine the use of whole body vibration (WBV) on polio survivors with and without post-polio syndrome as a form ...

Using Facial Electromyography to Assess Facial Muscle Reactions to Experienced and Observed Affective Touch in Humans

"Affective" touch is believed to be processed in a manner distinct from discriminatory touch and to involve activation of C-tactile (CT) afferent fibers. Touch that optimally activates CT fibers is consistently rated as hedonically pleasant. Patient groups with impaired social-emotional functioning also show disordered affective touch ratings. However, relying on self-reported ratings of touch has many limitations, including recall bias and communication barriers. Here, we describe a methodological approach to study affective responses to touch via facial electromyography (EMG) that circumvents the reliance on self-report ratings. Facial EMG is an objective, quantitative, and non-invasive method to measure facial muscle activity indicative of affective responses. Responses can be assessed across healthy and patient populations without the need for verbal communication. Here, we provide two separate datasets demonstrating that CT-optimal and non-optimal touch elicit distinct facial muscle reactions. Moreover, facial EMG responses are consistent across stimulus modalities, e.g. tactile (experienced touch) and visual (observed touch). Finally, the temporal resolution of facial EMG can detect responses on timescales that supersede that of verbal reporting. Together, our data suggest that facial EMG is a suitable methodology for use in affective tactile research that can be used to supplement, or in some cases, supplant, existing measures.

We describe a protocol to assess facial muscle activity in response to experienced and observed tactile stimulation using facial electromyography.

"Affective" touch is believed to be processed in a manner distinct from discriminatory touch and to involve activation of C-tactile (CT) afferent fibers. ...

A Standardized Protocol for Preference Testing to Assess Fish Welfare

Animal welfare assessment techniques try to take into consideration the specific needs and wants of the animal in question. Providing enrichment (the addition of physical objects or conspecifics in the housing environment) is often a way to give captive animals the opportunity to choose who or what they interact with and how they spend their time. A fundamental component of the aquatic environment that is often overlooked in captivity, however, is the ability for the animal to choose to engage in physical exercise. For many animals, including fish, exercise is an important aspect of their life history, and is known to have many health benefits, including positive changes in the brain and behavior. Here we present a method for assessing habitat preferences in captive animals. The protocol could easily be adapted to look at a variety of environmental factors (e.g., gravel versus sand as a substrate, plastic plants versus live plants, low flow versus high flow of water) in different aquatic species, or for use with terrestrial species. Statistical assessment of preference is carried out using Jacob&#39;s preference index, which ranks the habitats from -1 (avoidance) to +1 (most preferred). With this information, it can be determined what the animal wants from a welfare perspective, including their preferred location.

A fundamental aspect of assessing the welfare of animals in captivity is to ask whether the animals have what they want. Here, we present a protocol to determine housing preference in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) with respect to the presence/absence of environmental enrichment and access to flowing of water.

Animal welfare assessment techniques try to take into consideration the specific needs and wants of the animal in question. Providing enrichment (the ...