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.
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Authors | P M Lehrer, S M Hochron, T M Mayne, S Isenberg, A M Lasoski, V Carlson, J Gilchrist, S Porges |
Journal | Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback
(Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback)
Vol. 22
Issue 3
Pg. 183-91
(Sep 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0586 [Print] Germany |
PMID | 9428968
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Asthma
(therapy)
- Electrocardiography
- Electromyography
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Relaxation Therapy
- Respiratory Function Tests
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