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Relationship between changes in EMG and respiratory sinus arrhythmia in a study of relaxation therapy for asthma.

Abstract
This paper reports the relationships among changes in cardiovagal activity, surface EMG, and measures of pulmonary function in a study of relaxation therapy for asthma. Changes in FEV1/FVC were negatively correlated with those in cardiac interbeat interval, consistent with the hypothesis that relaxation-induced changes in airway function are mediated autonomically, with increased vagal tone and/or decreased sympathetic arousal producing bronchoconstriction. Contrary to Kotses's theory of a vagal-trigeminal reflex as mediator for relaxation-induced improvement in asthma, decreases in pulmonary function occurred during relaxation sessions, accompanied by increases in cardiovagal activity, and within-session changes in frontal EMG in the first session of training were positively associated with changes in a measure of pulmonary function (FEV1/FVC). However, consistent with this hypothesis, first-session frontalis EMG changes were positively associated with changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and last-session changes in cardiac interbeat interval were positively associated with changes in FEV1/FVC. The results suggest that the immediate effects of generalized relaxation instruction can be associated with a parasympathetic rebound, which, in tum, may induce countertherapeutic changes in asthma. However, the effects of specific facial muscle relaxation remain unclear.
AuthorsP M Lehrer, S M Hochron, T M Mayne, S Isenberg, A M Lasoski, V Carlson, J Gilchrist, S Porges
JournalApplied psychophysiology and biofeedback (Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback) Vol. 22 Issue 3 Pg. 183-91 (Sep 1997) ISSN: 1090-0586 [Print] Germany
PMID9428968 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Topics
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asthma (therapy)
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Relaxation Therapy
  • Respiratory Function Tests

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