• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.345-351
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• 2010

Objective : In this study, the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was applied to patients presenting with depression and anxiety after surgery from spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the effects were assessed. Methods : The subjects were patients admitted for cerebral aneurysm rupture and treated by means of surgery from March to December, 2007. More than 6 months had passed after surgery, without any special lesions showing up on computed tomography (CT), and the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was 5 points. Among patients with anxiety and depression symptoms, 11 patients completed the program. The MBSR program was conducted once a week, 2.5 hours each, for 8 weeks. The evaluation criteria were : 1) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): it measures the type and level of depression, 2) the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory : the anxiety state of normal adults without mental disorder, and 3) Heart Rate Variability (HRV) : the influence of the autonomous nervous system on the sinoarterial node varies continuously in response to the change of the internal/external environment. Results : The BDI value was decreased from 18.5 ${\pm}$ 10.9 to 9.5 ${\pm}$ 7.1 (p = 0.013) : it was statistically significant, and the depression level of patients was lowered. The state anxiety was decreased from 51.3 ${\pm}$ 13.9 to 42.3 ${\pm}$ 15.2; the trait anxiety was reduced from 50.9 ${\pm}$ 12.3 to 41.3 ${\pm}$ 12.8, and a borderline significant difference was shown (p = 0.091, p = 0.056). In other words, after the treatment, although it was not statistically significant, a decreased tendency in anxiety was shown. In the HRV measurement, standard deviation normal to normal (SDNN), square root of the square root of the mean sum of squared differences between adjacent normal to normal intervals (RMSSD), and total power (TP) showed significant increase, Physical Stress Index (PSI) showed a significant reduction, and thus an improvement in the homeostatic control mechanism of the autonomic nervous system was ween. Conclusion : The MBSR program was applied to the patients showing anxiety and depression reaction after SAH treatment, and a reduction in depression symptoms and physiological reactions were observed. The application of the MBSR program may be considered as a new tool in improving the quality of life for patients after surgery.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.136-145
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was to examine how acupuncture treatment at Shinmun(HT7) affects the brain activity and the autonomic nervous system(ANS), using electroencephalograms(EEG) and heart rate variability(HRV). Methods : Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in two separate experiments: in each experiment, either real acupuncture(RA) or non-penetrating sham acupuncture(SA) was applied at HT7 in random sequences to each person. The EEG and HRV measurements were conducted simultaneously before and during the acupuncture stimulation for 5 minutes, respectively. Resulting EEG and HRV parameters were compared between RA and SA groups. To assess differences according to the stress levels for participants, subgroup analysis was performed based on the results of the stress response index questionnaire. Results : In the results, acupuncture stimulation at HT7 increased ${\alpha}$ band in EEG. In the HRV analysis, heart rate was decreased significantly but HF and RMS-SD were increased in the RA group, compared with those of the SA group. In the subgroup analysis by stress level, participants in the RA group with high stress exhibited an increased in ${\alpha}$ band in their EEG while the low stress participants showed decrease or little increase in the band. For the SA group, ${\alpha}$ band reported relatively moderate changes in all channels. Conclusions : Our results showed that acupuncture induces changes in brain activation and the ANS. Acupuncture was related to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. The brain activities of the participants were different depending on the stress level.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2007

Objectives : Allergic children have known to have multiple behavior problems. Among them, attentional ability disorder is one of the most common problems. This study is to examine relationship between learning ability and allergic rhinitis by analyzing EEG status of children. Methods : We analyzed cognitive functions of two different children groups; 21 children with allergic rhinitis and 19 normal children with CANS 3000(Central & Autonomic Nervous System, LAXTHA Inc., Korea), cognitive functions assessment program by EEG. Results : 1. According to mean active EEG rhythm of Theta, Alpha, SMR, M-beta, there were no significant difference between allergic rhinitis and the normal group. 2. According to mean active EEG rhythm of right H-beta, Gamma wave allergic rhinitis group's value was significantly higher than that of the normal group. 3. According to mean cognitive strength, response, concentration, left / right brain activity and learning ability score, there were no significant difference between allergic rhinitis and the normal group. 4. According to mean workload score, allergic rhinitis group's value was significantly higher than that of the normal group. Conclusions : It is likely that allergic rhinitis group, which showed relatively high frequency EEG rhythm, is more fragile to stress and less active on mental processing. Along side with physical examination, psychological assessment should also be conjugated on treating children with allergic rhinitis.

• CELLMED
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.5.1-5.5
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• 2015

In this first double-blind-placebo-controlled investigation of the Aeon Patch, electrocardiographic data were acquired from 50 well-hydrated volunteers [21 females and 29 males, age: 19-79, weight: 117-334 lbs, height: 5'-6',3"], under 3 different conditions for a total duration of 15 min (5 min/condition). Condition1: Control (C) - while wearing no Patch, Condition 2: Placebo (P) or Active (A) - after wearing either the Placebo or the Aeon Patch for 20 min, and Condition 3: Active (A) or Placebo (P) - after wearing either the Aeon or the Placebo Patch for 20 min. There was a washout period of 15 min between Conditions 2 and 3. All involved in the investigation were blind to the (A) and (P) Patches as they looked exactly the same and were assigned in a random fashion. The hypothesis to be tested was: Wearing the Aeon Patch for 20 min reduces stress. Data were first quality assured and those subjects who showed a parasympathetic response after wearing the Patch within 20 min were identified as early responders. Thirty subjects (60%) achieved a relaxed state after wearing the Aeon Patch as early as 20 min. Statistical analysis (one-sample inference) was used to compare the spectral features of the responders. The normalized LF/HF decreased significantly ($24%{\pm}9%$ after 20 min) in condition (A) compared to condition (P) with a p-value < 0.047 (n = 30) in responders. Therefore, the hypothesis that wearing the Aeon Patch for 20 min reduces stress was accepted as true.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.113-120
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• 2010

This research is to evaluate the arousal level by using cardiovascular response. PPG was used in this study as one of the method of measuring it rather than ECG (Electrocardiography) for the purpose of solving ergonomic problem of sensing. The participants were in the age group of 20 (mean=24, standard deviation=1.25): five men and five women. Each experiment composed with four identical sets. First, a black screen was displayed for 30 second rest. Then, the prepared 6 pair images were randomly presented for 10 second stimulation and for 30 second non-stimulation. PPG was measured on the earlobes of experimenters at 200Hz sampling frequency. PPG amplitude, PPI(Pulse to Pulse Interval), and PRV(Pulse Rate Variability) were analyzed according to arousal level. T-test was performed to compare between the PPG variables of rest and relaxation, rest and arousal, and relaxation and arousal. Relative to the rest state, PPG amplitude decreased in relaxed state and increased in aroused state. Relative to the rest state, PPI decreased in both emotional states. However, more significant decline was observed in aroused state. PRV's LF and HF were used in the form of LF/HF to compare between the relaxed and the aroused state. Therefore, PPG signal showed significant differences between relaxed and aroused state. In conclusion, evaluation of human arousal level used in the PPG analysis demonstrated that PPG has better usability and comforter measurement than ECG and is clearly an alternative method of measuring arousal level.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2021

Background and objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a forest healing program in terms of depression, neuropsychological and physiological benefits for the elderly. Methods: For this purpose, we developed a forest therapy program for the elderly who are vulnerable to dementia and conducted a total of 11 sessions of forest therapy activities in a forest once a week. We measured the changes in depression, resting-state Electroencephalography(EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after the program. There were 60 subjects aged over 65 yesrs old. 30 subjects participated in the forest therapy program, and the other were in the control group. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure the level of depression, neuroNicle FX2 (Laxtha, Korea) was used to measure the resting-state EEG, and photoplethymogram (ubpulse T1, Laxtha, Korea) was used to measure the HRV. Results: The results showed that the depression index of the experimental group improved with statistical significance after the program (experiment group = 3.267 decrease of the mean). In the EEG measurement, the alpha-peak frequency at rest (experimental group = 0.227 Hz increase of the mean) was improved (mean increase = 0.23 in the experimental group, p < .05). The high frequency of HRV, which represents the parasympathetic nerve activity of the body's autonomous response, was also significantly improved (mean increase = 0.396 in the experimental group, p < .05). Conclusion: The results suggest that the forest therapy program can reduce the cognitive, psychological and physical risk factors of dementia for the elderly at risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, forest therapy activities may be suitable for the prevention of dementia in the elderly.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1340-1349
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• 2023

Despite its profound impact on athletic performance, the significance of heart rate recovery (HRR) has been insufficiently addressed in the filed of sports science, particularly in the context of weightlifting characterized by brief and intense exertions involving heavy weights. Serving as a valuable indicator of autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular function, HRR assumes a pivotal role in weightlifting. This comprehensive review aims to delineate the specific demands for HRR in weightlifting, shedding light on the often overlooked cardiovascular considerations within training regimes focused on strength and power. The investigation scrutinizes the repercussions of HRR on weightlifting performance, seeking to elucidate how inadequate recovery intervals may result in physiological and psychological consequences. These consequences encompass a distorted perception of effort, disruption of coordination, compromised posture due to irregular breathing, and an overall decline in lifting capacity. The review systematically presents compelling evidence pertaining to heart rate response and recovery patterns during weightlifting, underscoring the critical importance of well-structured rest periods. Furthermore, the review delves into a comprehensive discussion of factors influencing HRR in weightlifting, encompassing variables such as sex, age, cardiovascular function, hydration, nutrition, and psychological aspects. Finally, a key emphasis is placed on the integration of effective HRR techniques into the training regimens of weightlifters, thereby ensuring sustained and optimized performance outcomes.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.51-57
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• 2002

The purpose of the study was to measure and compare driver's psychophysiological responses in different driving conditions through driving simulator. Twelve male adults(more than 1 year of driving experience) were assigned to four different driving conditions, such as normal speed(70㎞/h), sudden start(0㎞/h→70㎞/h), and sudden stop(70㎞/h→0㎞/h), and their simulator sickness, subjective pleasantness and arousal, EEG, ECG, skin temperature, and GSR were measured. Subjective and physiological evaluations were executed before and after driving in each condition. The results showed that subjective pleasantness and arousal increased in sudden stop and sudden start conditions, relative to stop and normal speed conditions. As the central nervous responses, beta wave increased and alpha wave decreased in sudden stop and sudden start conditions, relative to stop and normal speed conditions. With regard to the autonomic responses, heart rate and GSR increased, while skin temperature decreased in sudden stop and sudden start conditions, which means an activation of sympathetic nervous system. The results suggested that based upon observation of the distinctive psychophysiological changes by driving conditions, it is possible to evaluate the human sensibility in dynamic environment.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.85-99
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• 2009

Objectives : This study aimed to understand the influence of acupuncture on the human body by comparing changes within human bodies before and after people in normal health are treated with acupuncture at the acupoints HT7 and PC9, which are related to mental functions. Methods : The study was performed from January 3, 2008 to March 5, 2008 on 60 healthy males and females in their 20s. HRV, EEG, skin conductance response, respiration and peripheral skin temperature were measured for 5 minutes before acupuncture simulation was applied to the acupoints HT7 and PC9. During 20 minutes of acupuncture treatment, the same items were continuously measured to determine whether there had been any changes, and they were then measured for 5 minutes after the removal of the acupuncture needles in order to implement a comparative analysis. Results : 1. The HRV measurement showed that in the course of before, during and after acupuncture stimulation, heart rate, HF and HF norm decreased significantly (P<0.05) at HT7. LF, LF norm, and LF/HF ratio increased significantly (P>0.05), while heart rate, HF and HF norm decreased significantly (P<0.05) at PC9. 2. Skin conductance response increased significantly (P<0.05) at PC9 during and after the acupuncture simulation periods, compared with the pre acupuncture period. 3. the peripheral skin temperature increased significantly (P<0.05) both at HT7 and PC9 in the course of before, during and after acupuncture stimulation. 4. Compared with the pre-acupuncture period, respiration rate increased both at HT7 and at PC9 during and after the acupuncture simulation periods, but not in a statistically significance. 5. In the EEG measurement, when compared with the pre-acupuncture period at HT7, mid ${\beta}$ wave decreased significantly (P<0.05) during acupuncture treatment. Compared with the measurements during acupuncture treatment at PC9, low ${\beta}$ wave increased significantly (P<0.05) after the acupuncture needles were removed. Conclusions : When acupuncture treatment is applied at the acupoints HT7 and PC9, the activation of parasympathetic nerves decreases and the activation of sympathetic nerves increases in the HRV measurement. It was determined that PC9 makes the sympathetic nerves become highly activated in a skin conduction response. The effect of stability in the brain wave seemed to bo shown at HT7 than PC9.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.109-121
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• 2000

Increasingly nursing science is embracing the concepts and methodology derived from psycho-neuroimmunology. It has been previously shown that stress increases and immune function declines in students undergoing examinations. To date, however, no many studies have been reported on stress levels, immune function and interventions in Korean students undergoing their first clinical nursing rotation. It was proposed that nursing students during their first clinical rotation experience increase in stress because of the novelty of the situation and their lack of clinical knowledge. It was also hypothesized that biofeedback and progressive relaxation, methods of self-regulation of involuntary autonomic nervous system responses, would reduce the stress response. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of progressive muscle laxation using biofeedback The effectiveness of the experimental methods was tested by measuring the degree of symptoms of stress (SOS) and the values of ephinephrine, pulse rate, blood pressure and natural killer cells. The subjects of this study were thirty nursing students divided into two groups: experimental group was progressive muscle relaxation group using biofeedback and control group. This study was conducted for 8 weeks of clinical practice. Biofeedback training was done by software developed by J&J company (1-410 form for progressive muscle training). Progressive muscle relaxation training according to Jacobson's Theory was done by messaged word from biofeedback. The data was analyzed using Chronbach' ${\alpha}$ and t-test of the SPSS program and the significance level of statistics was 5%. The results of the study were : 1) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of symptoms of stress(t=-4.248, p<.001) under clinical practice stress conditions. 2) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was not effective for the values of epinephrine(t=-1.294, p=.206). 3) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of systolic blood pressure (t=-2.757, p=.01). 4) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of diastolic blood pressure (p=-2.032, 0=.05). 5) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was not effective for the reduction of pulse rate(t=-15, p=.988). 6) The progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the maintenance of natural killer cells (t=2.381, p=02). The first clinical rotation for student nurses is a stressful experience as seen by the rise in the SOS in the control group. Biofeedback using progressive muscle relaxation were effective in preventing the rise of symptoms of stress and the blood pressure means when comparing the pre to post clinical experience, The mean natural killer cell count was depressed in the control group but not significantly different in the experimental groups, It is proposed here that stress via the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis suppressed the NK cell count whereas the relaxation methods prevented the rise in stress and the resulting immune depression. We recommend relaxation techniques using biofeedback as a health promotion technique to reduce psychological stress. In summary. the progressive muscle relaxation training using biofeedback was effective for the reduction of symptoms of stress under clinical practice stress conditions.