• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.71-82
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• 2018

Stress involves changes in behavior, autonomic function and the secretion of hormones. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) contributes to physiological adaptive process in short durations. In particular, heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is commonly used as a quantitative marker depicting the ANS activity related to mental stress. The aim of this study is to investigate correlations between psychological responses to stress and HRV indices induced by the cognitive stressor. Thirty-three participants rated their mental and physical symptoms occurred during the past two weeks on Stress Response Inventory (SRI), which is composed of seven stress factors that may influence the status of mental stress levels. Then, they underwent the psychophysiological procedures, which are collected electrocardiogram (ECG) signals during a cognitive stress task. HRV indices, the standard deviation of R-R interval (SDNN), root mean square of successive R-R interval difference (RMSSD) and low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio were extracted from ECG signals. Physiological responses were calculated stress responses by subtracting mean of the baseline from the mean of recovery. Stress factors such as tension, aggression, depression, fatigue, and frustration were positively correlated to HRV indices. In particular, aggression had significant positive correlations to SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF ratio. Increased aggressive responses to stress correlated with the increases of all HRV indices. This means the increased autonomic coactivation. Additionally, tension, depression, fatigue, and frustration were positively associated with RMSSD reflecting increases in parasympathetic activation. The autonomic coactivation may represent an integrated response to specific cognitive reactions such as the orienting response.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1 s.69
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• pp.105-116
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• 2007

Objectives : Mahuang (Ephedra sinica), well known as an herbal medicine in the East and West, contains a relatively high percentage of ephedrine known as sympathomimetic alkaloid. We investigated the effects of Mahuang on sympathetic nervous system with heart rate variety (HRV). Time and frequency domain analysis of HRV is a noninvasive technique capable of providing information on autonomic modulation of the sinus node. Methods : We investigated 57 healthy volunteers consisting of 37 subjects in the Mahuang group and 20 subjects in the placebo group. Study form was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The 37 subjects in the Mahuang group took 3 Mahuang capsules (1 capsule equivalent to 2g herb Mahuang) twice a day at 10 a.m. and 2 p.,., while the 20 subjects in the placebo group took 3 placebo-capsules filled with glutinous rice powder at the same times. Mahuang medicine and placebo medicine were made into opaque capsules. We measured HRV at 3 p.m. 1 or 2 days before medication and at 3 p.m. after medication. Results : Mean-RR and SDNN of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but the heart rate of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with the placebo. HRV-Index, RMSSD and SDSD of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with that of the placebo group, but PNN50 of the Mahuang group significantly increased compared with placebo. Ln(TP), Ln(VLF), Ln(LF) and Ln(HF) of the Mahuang group significantly decreased compared with those of the placebo group. There were no significant differences in normalized LF, normalized HF and LF/HF ratio between the Mahuang and placebo groups. Conclusion : The results suggest that Mahuang in healthy adults tends to reduce the autonomic nervous system within the normal range.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Background: A validation study is needed to make domestic applications of German Kneipp therapy. Purpose: The study aims to test the effect of a Kneipp therapeutic program in a domestic forest environment on the autonomic nervous system. Methods: The program was made considering the 4 key elements ('exercise', 'regulative therapy', 'nutrition', and 'phytotherapy') of the Kneipp therapy. Total 3 sessions (once a week for 5 hours in each session) were performed to 40 domestic adults divided into four groups (10 in each group). HRV was measured on the subjects before and after the intervention, and its 6 characteristic parameters (TP, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF, CSI: Cumulative Stress Index) were compared for statistical analysis. Results: For 33 subjects excluding 7 who were disturbed by interrupt factors during measurements, significant improvements after the intervention, were observed in TP(8.64%, p < ..001), VLF(6.96%, p < .05), LF(15.86%, p < .001), HF(8.46%, p < .01), LF/HF(5.77%, p < .05) and CSI(-16.06%, p < ..001). Conclusions: The Kneipp therapy performed in the forest environment was shown to activate the autonomic nervous system and in particular the sympathetic and parasympatheric nervous to promote heart activity, and was also shown to most significantly reduce cumulative stress. The present observations would be the first preliminary evidence that the Kneipp therapeutic interventation in a domestic forest environment results in positive responses of the autonomic nervous system including stress relief.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.347-354
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• 1994

This paper describes a diagnostic protocol of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of biological system using chaos theory. An integrated chaos analysis system for the diagnosis of biological system was designed. We suggest a procedure of attractor reconstruction for reliable qualitative and quantitative analysis. The effect of autonomic nervous system activity on heart rate variability with power spectral analysis and its characteristics of chaotic attractors are investigated. The results show the applicability to evaluate the mental and physical conditions using nonlinear characteristics of biological signal.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2014

Objectives: In this study, the meditation programs (${\alpha}$ version), which are properly coordinated according to the motion, breathing, and relaxation, are evaluated and researched upon to have positive effects on stress and in the area of psychology. Methods: Approved by the Clinical Trials Deliberation Committee in Oriental Medicine, Dongguk University, Ilsan Hospital, this study collected data according to the applicant's consents, demographic information and anthropometry for the Sasang Constitutional diagnosis. Sasang Constitutional diagnosis measured the beta tools by Institute of Oriental Medicine and a decision tree was made for the Sasang Constitutional questionnaires. The STAI, STAXI, BDI, and HRV were measured before and after the meditation in order to compare the effects of meditation according to Sasang Constitution. The HRV was used as a ProComP KM Tech (co). Results: 1) The positive changes available in the Time-domain analysis of heart rate variability assessment showed that the peace of mind is increased. By analyzing the Sasang constitution, So-eum In's peace of mind included a physical stability of the autonomic nervous system. 2) According to the psychological scale evaluation, each depression scale, trait anger, anger-in, state anxiety and trait anxiety index proved significantly positive effects. By analyzing the Sasang constitution, Eun-In which involved So-eum In and Tae-eum In, had positive effects. 3) The psychological scale changed the group of diagnosed depression or anxiety, it did not mean that the psychological scale changes in the depression group, but the index of the anxiety group had been significantly reduced. This program had clinical effects for anxious patients and Eum-In which involved Tae-eum In and So-eum In according to the analysis of Sasang constitution. 4) Correlations between the gender of each psychological scale showed that women have overall low correlations, but, there were no significant changes. Conclusions: The meditation program developed by adequately mixing Action, relaxation and breathing shows that it is effective for overall Eum-in physical and mental relaxation and concentration. In the future, It will have to be developed Meditation program to show the same effect for all people.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.1-9
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• 2016

Objectives: Cold Hypersensitivity of Hands and Feet (CHHF) has been diagnosed objectively by Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) and has been known to be associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can be assessed by Heart Rate Variability (HRV). This study evaluated the correlation between severity of CHHF and HRV variables.Methods: We studied 155 non-menopausal women with CHHF who visited Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from 01 October 2013 to 30 April 2016. We measured DITI and HRV of each patient. We used DITI to calculate the severity of CHHF with thermal difference between upper arm (L4, 俠白穴) and palm (P8, 勞宮穴) of both hands and anterior thigh (ST32, 伏兎穴) and dorsum of foot (LI3, 太衝穴) of both feet. The correlation between severity of CHHF and HRV variables were analyzed.Results: In time domain analysis, there was significantly positive correlation between the severity of CHHF and both SDNN and RMSSD. In frequency domain analysis, there was significantly positive correlation between the severity of CHHF and TP, HF and HF Norm while there was significantly negative correlation between the severity of CHHF and LF Norm as well as between the severity of cold hypersensitivity of both hands and LF/HF ratio.Conclusions: The more severe CHHF is, the more increased the function of parasympathetic nerve system (PNS) and relatively decreased the function of sympathetic nerve system (SNS) is. Also, it has known that cold hypersensitivity could be caused by deficiency syndrome and qi deficiency has the same ANS tendency as CHHF. Therefore, in practical fields, this result can be helpful in planning treatment and deciding prognosis in respect of deficiency syndrome.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.157-169
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• 2003

Objective : The effects of electroacupuncture(EA) stimulation on heart rate variability(HRV) for healthy adults are investigated with power spectrum analysis(PSA) of HRV. Methods : The HRVs of every 10 minute for 22 healthy volunteers(13 men and 9 women) were measured for an hour with SA-3000P(Medicore Co., Ltd., Korea). The median age with arithmetic range of 13 men and 9 women was 26.00 years with 22.75~27.00 years. The initial 20 minutes were defined as baseline period(pre-EA period), the following 20 minutes as the EA period and the last 20 minutes as the post-EA period. In each EA periods, volunteers received EA(2Hz, 0.6~0.8ms duration, maximal tolerated stimulation without discomfort) on the right Zusanli(ST36), Shangjuxu(ST37) acupoints while supine, resting. Results : Heart rate of volunteers at post-EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of pre-EA period, while SDNN at post-EA period was significantly increased. Heart rate at EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of pre-EA period, but Ln(LF) and LF/HF at EA period were significantly increased. Ln(HF) at post-EA period was significantly decreased compare to that of EA period, while the other variables were not significantly changed. Conclusions : The results suggest that EA in healthy adults is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Further study is needed for investigating the effects of EA on HRV and autonomic nervous system.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.68-76
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• 2012

Objectives: Sleep disorders cause changes of autonomic nervous system (ANS) which affect cardiovascular system. Primary insomnia (PI) makes acceleration of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tone by sleep deficiency and arousal. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) sets off SNS by frequent arousals and hypoxemias during sleep. We aimed to compare the changes of heart rate variability (HRV) indices induced by insomnia or sleep apnea to analyze for ANS how much to be affected by PI or OSAS. Methods: Total 315 subjects carried out nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) were categorized into 4 groups - PI, mild, moderate and severe OSAS. Severity of OSAS was determined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Then we selected 110 subjects considering age, sex and valance of each group's size [Group 1 : PI (mean age=$41.50{\pm}13.16$ yrs, AHI <5, n=20), Group 2 : mild OSAS (mean age=$43.67{\pm}12.11$ yrs, AHI 5-15, n=30), Group 3 : moderate OSAS (mean age $44.93{\pm}12.38$ yrs, AHI 16-30, n=30), Group 4 : severe OSAS (mean age=$45.87{\pm}12.44$ yrs, AHI >30, n=30)]. Comparison of HRV indices among the four groups was performed with ANCOVA (adjusted for age and body mass index) and Sidak post-hoc test. Results: We found statistically significant differences in HRV indices between severe OSAS group and the other groups (PI, mild OSAS and moderate OSAS). And there were no significant differences in HRV indices among PI, mild and moderate OSAS group. In HRV indices of PI and severe OSAS group showing the most prominent difference in the group comparisons, average RR interval were $991.1{\pm}27.1$ and $875.8{\pm}22.0$ ms (p=0.016), standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN) was $85.4{\pm}6.6$ and $112.8{\pm}5.4$ ms (p=0.022), SDNN index was $57.5{\pm}5.2$ and $87.6{\pm}4.2$ (p<0.001), total power was $11,893.5{\pm}1,359.9$ and $18,097.0{\pm}1,107.2ms^2$(p=0.008), very low frequency (VLF) was $7,534.8{\pm}1,120.1$ and $11,883.8{\pm}912.0ms^2$ (p=0.035), low frequency (LF) was $2,724.2{\pm}327.8$ and $4,351.6{\pm}266.9ms^2$(p=0.003). Conclusions: VLF and LF which were correlated with SNS tone showed more increased differences between severe OSAS group and PI group than other group comparisons. We could suggest that severe OSAS group was more influential to increased SNS activity than PI group.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical research of Cold-Heat of pattern identification(PI) focused on quantitative indicators for general people in Korea, through the review of OASIS, KISS, DBpia, NDSL database. Ten clinical researches were analyzed in this study. These research gradually started from 2004 to 2009 but there was no research after 2010. Diagnosis of Cold-Heat PI all was done through a questionnaire, 7 or most researches had not used the intervention methods. Quantitative indicators related to the Cold-Heat PI mentioned in the selected 10 researches are seven, these indicators include heart rate variability(HRV), electroencephalogram, Yangdorak, respiratory index, electrogastrography, acoustic analysis index, western health test index. Related to the HRV were 3 researches, but correlation of significant indicators was a few levels(R=0.026-0.090). So far, studies regarding at the quantitative indicators of the prior the Cold-Heat PI were few, and the results of the study showed that low statistical precision, a lack of biological basis. Refer to the current state, in the future, we expect that research of quantitative indicators of scientific evidence-based through calculated and precise research concerning Cold-Heat PI be regarded as important in Korean Medicine.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

Using air conditioner has been increased in home or office buildings in summer. Also various problems related to air conditioning such as disease induction happened by using air conditioner excessively and operating long. Active operation control is needed for occupant's health when air conditioner operates long. We should think ahead to acquire thermal comfort of occupants which represents psychological and physiological reaction for this operation. Research has been progressed to observe activity of autonomic nervous system by trying to quantitate change of thermal comfort. In this study, questions of the subject and change of body's autonomic nervous system were chosen to evaluate thermal comfort during operation of air conditioner for a long time. Electrocardiogram and questions of the subject which is the progress of changing TSV and CSV by occupants indoor were measured when room air conditioner is operated for a long time, and an air-conditioned adaptability of human body was evaluated by acquiring the change rate of autonomic nervous system through analyzing HRV. As a result of the evaluation, change rate of body's autonomic nervous system corresponded to votes of the subject's question generally, but was distinguished from analysis result of warm-cold sensation in a low temperature area.