• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.65-73
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• 2011

Background : There are findings indicating that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is affected negatively in atopic dermatitis (AD). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a tool to examine ANS. But, studies investigation the relationship between AD and HRV is rare. Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between atopic dermatitis severity and HRV and to find out the role of ANS in AD. Methods : Retrospective chart review was performed. The Severity Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and HRV parameter was investigated and analyzed. Results : There were 55 patients (25males and 30 females) who met the criteria. Objective SCORAD had significant positive correlation with HRT and Subjective SCORAD had significant negative correlation with SDNN, TP and VLF. Intensity item of SCORAD index had negative correlation with most HRV parameters, but TP, LF and LF/HF ratio had significant positive correlation with dryness. Conclusion : This study supports the concept that atopic dermatitis is a stress-responsive disorder and involves autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.307-313
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• 1994

Cutaneous stimulation has had a long history as a method of pain control. While there is general agreement that modern techniques such as electrical stimulation and massage often provide relief from acute pain and may in some cases significantly affect chronic pain, the mechanism by which these techniques affect pain remain unclear. Significant attention has been focused on the effects of stimulation on the autonomic nervous system(ANS) along with the increasing evidence of important ANS modulation of nociceptive activity throughout the pain pathway. However, inconsistent results on the presence and direction of ANS changes from cutaneous stimulation characterize the recent literature. The present study investigated a non-electrical cutaneous stimulation device, the Dermapoints massage roller, as well as an active placebo massage. The results indicate that the Dermapoints massage roller has both general effects associated with simple skin stimulation (such as increased skin temperature), as well as specific effects from increased stimulation by the tooth design of the roller. These specific effects include decreased muscle tension (at least for some muscle sites) and increased sympathetic activation. The results are consistent with a model of activation of Pacinian receptors as a possible mechanism for the antinociceptive properties of cutaneous stimulation.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.15-31
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• 2011

Objective : The study aims to investigate the effect of moxibustion treatments on autonomic nervous system function of cancer patients through the evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback testing. Materials and Methods : Six cancer patients from inpatient care unit of Dunsan Oriental Hospital, Daejeon University were given three moxibustion treatment sessions every other day over one week period on five Oriental Medicine meridian points CV4, CV6, CV12, KD1, and PC8. HRV biofeedback was conducted before and after each treatment sessions. Three areas of analyses were done from the test conducted; Time Domain Analysis, Frequency Domain Analysis and Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) balance analysis. Results : Time Domain Analysis has shown increased Standard Deviation of all Normal R-R Intervals (SDNN), and decreased Mean Heart Rate and Physical Stress Index (PSI) levels, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In Frequency Domain Analysis, series of moxa treatments have increased Total Power (TP), Very Low Frequency Oscillation Power (VLF), High Frequency Oscillation Power (HF), normalized HF values while decreasing Low Frequency Oscillation Power (LF), normalized LF and LF/HF ratio with statistical significance (P<0.05). The values of ANS activity, ANS balance, Stress resistance, Stress index, have also shown significant changes. For cardiac stability stroke volume power (SP) and Blood Vessel Tension (BVT) were followed, which were both increased after treatment. All changes were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion : The results have shown a positive correlation between the moxibustion treatments and autonomic nervous system responses on cancer patients through the HRV biofeedback testing. This study suggests possible application of moxibustion treatments for managing ANS functions of cancer patients, although additional studies with larger population are necessary to confirm the data.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.81-97
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• 2021

Objectives This study was designed to identify the changes of autonomic nervous system (ANS) which was induced by acupuncture at the field of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Methods 30 healthy adults were selected and classified into two groups; experimental group, control group. After providing mental stress, acupuncture was applied at external ear in experimental group and no treatment executed in control group. The evaluation of ANS function was measured by heart rate variability (HRV). We statically analyzed the difference of HRV parameters which include mean heart rate (MHRT), standard deviation of all N-N intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent N-N intervals (RMSSD), total power (TP), low frequency power (LF), high frequency power (HF), LF/HF ratio. Results All subjects showed significant increase in SDNN, LF after stress stimulation (p<0.05). Immediately after intervention, MHRT was significantly decreased (p<0.001) and RMSSD, HF were significantly increased in experimental group (p<0.05). After the end of intervention, SDNN, HF, RMSSD, TP, LF were significantly increased in experimental group (p<0.01, p<0.05). And when comparing baseline HRV, SDNN, LF were significantly increased in control group (p<0.01) and SDNN, RMSSD, TP, LF were significantly increased in experimental group (p<0.05). In the subgroup analysis, normal balance of ANS group showed significant increase in TP, LF, SDNN, HF (p<0.01, p<0.05). Conclusions We suggested that acupuncture at external ear, region of the vagus nerve distribution could increase parasympathetic activity and cause changes and reregulation of the ANS.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.485-493
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• 2007

Purpose: Heart rate variability(HRV) is the clinical consequence of various influences of the autonomic nervous system(ANS) on heart beat. HRV can estimate the potential physiologic rhythm from the interval between consecutive beats(RR interval or HRV data). It is known as RSA which represents respiration-related HR rhythmic oscillation. Previous studies demonstrated a specific breathing pattern(0.1Hz, 6breaths/min) to improve a physiological body condition related to the stress. In this paper, the level of stress would be evaluated in terms of three phases of the dental treatment, combined with 6breaths/min. Methods: These phases include before, during and after tooth extraction or anesthesia or something.36 patients' stresses were assessed using HRV stress analyzer in each phase in Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, and Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center from Jun. to Sept. of 2007. HRV 5-min data collected were analyzed in time-domain and frequency-domain to evaluate the activity of autonomic nervous system(ANS) which represents the level of stress. Results: All HRV parameters including HF(high frequency), LF(low frequency) and LF/HF ratio showned a significant change affecting the ANS balance. There was a 6.4% difference between R(LF/HF)s on general breathing pattern for balance of Autonomic nervous system, but on controlled breathing pattern, 0.1Hz, was made narrow till 1.4%. The activity of ANS has increased by 1.4% on general breathing pattern, and by 2.9% on controlled breathing pattern, 0.1Hz. Conclusion: After analysis of preoperative stress changes and effect of breathing pattern of 0.1 Hz on the stress in 36 patients who have undergone third molar extraction, following was concluded. In the preoperative stage, the sympathetic change was the greatest?after the?anesthetic injection, and stress was relieved by controlling the breathing pattern to a frequency of 0.1Hz.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.25-36
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• 2007

Objectives : Acupuncture restores the flow of vital energy in the body by stimulating the organ-specific meridians and enhances cardiac vagal activity and suppresses sympathetic activity. The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the acupuncture studies on autonomic nervous system (ANS). Methods : We conducted a PubMed search to obtain a fair sample of acupuncture studies related ANS published in English in 2007. Each article was reviewed for study objectives and outcomes, as well as acupuncture points, experimental and control interventions. Results : We reviewed a total of 15 studies published from 1997 to 2007. In normal states, acupuncture enhanced either vagal or sympathetic tone depending on the stimulated acupuncture point sites. On the other hand, most of studies demonstrated that acupuncture restored the autonomic dysfunctions in various kinds of stressful states. Conclusions : We reviewed studies that contributed to an understanding of the autonomic mechanisms of acupuncture with the hope that this review will be of benefit to the future studies. Although the relationship between acupuncture and ANS response is still uncertain, acupuncture would be a noteworthy modality for modulating autonomic dysfunction.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aromatherapy on stress responses, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, and blood pressure in patients hospitalized to receive coronary angiography (CAG). Methods: A non-equivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design was used. The subjects were patients admitted to the day angiography room to receive CAG at E University Hospital (34 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group). The experimental group treatment was inhalation of the aroma oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, and neroli at a ratio of 4:2:1 twice before and after CAG. The measurements of stress index, ANS activity, and blood pressure were performed 5 times as follows: at admission, at pre-CAG after treatment I, at post-CAG, 2 hours after treatment II, and 4 hours after treatment II. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Test and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Significant interactions in the high frequency of ANS (F=5.58, p=.005) were observed between group and time. Stress index (z=2.14, p=.016), systolic blood pressure (z=4.14, p<.005), and diastolic blood pressure (z=3.28, p=.001) were significantly different between the experimental and control groups after 4 hours of treatment II. Conclusion: The findings showed that aromatherapy was not effective before CAG, but was effective after CAG. Therefore, aromatherapy can be used as a nursing intervention for patients receiving CAG.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2008

Objectives To investigate the relationship between Heart Rate Variability and menopause among obese middle-aged women in Korea. Subjects and Methods Forty middle-aged women (age 49.05 $\pm$ 2.64 years) with BMI > $23kg/m^2$ were recruited by local advertisement. Blood profiles of estrogen, FSH, LH, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) was estimated by short-term spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were accessed using Computerized Tomography (CT), Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), and anthropometry. To scrutinize the influence of ANS on obesity-related factors, we divided the subjects into pre- and post-menopausal women. Results The total cholesterol, FSH and LH were significantly higher in post-menopausal obese women group. The estradiol and standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN), high-frequency components (HF) of the HRV were significantly lower in postmenopausal obese women group (P<0.05). Adipose tissue distribution and blood profiles were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion Menopause induced a decrease in SDNN and HF values and increase in total cholesterol level in obese women although the VAT itself was not related with ANS in obese women.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.295-298
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• 2003

The study investigated the effect of multi-functional fabric on the autonomic nervous function and psychological variables of 20 students. The experimental group exhibited lower values in anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress level and higher emotional level. This study reveals that multi-functional fabrics reduced the low frequency/high frequency power ratio of heart rate variability. These results support the multi-functional fabrics increases cardiac parasympathetic tone. In addition, experimental group were found to have lower heart rate compared with controls. This augmented heart rate in experiment provides support for stablizing autonomic nervous system. In conclusion, multi-functional fabrics may stabilize the autonomic nervous system and psychological symptoms.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.173-178
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• 2009

This study was conducted to determine if supplementation with a compound composed of caffeine (50 mg), capsaicin (75 mg), sesamine (30 mg), L-carnitine (300 mg), banaba (50 mg) and lotus (10 mg) enhanced human autonomic nervous activities (ANS) associated with thermogenic sympathetic activity and fat utilization. Ten healthy college males (21.2$\pm$1.0 yr) volunteered for this experiment. Autonomic nervous activities associated with energy metabolism were examined at 30 min intervals for a total of 120-min while at rest and every 5-min during exercise at 50% of the ventilation threshold before and after intake of the compound or placebo with 100 ml of water for 10 days. In addition, heart rate variability power spectral analysis was used to assess human autonomic nervous activities. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in heart rate during rest and exercise among trials. Furthermore, the autonomic nervous activity tended to increase after 10-days of consumption of the test compounds during the experimental period, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. However, before and after the compound test trial there was a significantly higher respiratory gas exchange ratio (rest 0: 0.83$\pm$0.01 vs. rest 3: 0.89$\pm$0.02, p<0.05), carbohydrate oxidation (CHO) rate (rest 0: 44.57$\pm$5.83 vs. rest 2: 63.86$\pm$5.91%, p<0.05) and a lower fat oxidation rate (rest 0: 55.43$\pm$5.83 vs. rest 2: 36.14$\pm$5.91%, p<0.05. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that the compound composed of caffeine, capsaicin, sesamine, L-carnitine, banaba and lotus components that was evaluated in this study did not induce a significant increase in human autonomic nervous activities or lipolysis, even though the individual components have been reported to induce increased fat oxidation.