The effect of light exercise upon blood flow velocity determined by laser-Doppler flowmetry.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The dominant, 0.1 Hz frequency, Traube-Hering component of blood flow velocity, which is related to baroreflex activity, may be modulated through the established techniques of manipulative medicine. Light exercise programmes, appropriate for use by the elderly and collectively termed gymnastique douce, also are believed to impact the baroreflex in a positive manner. Our objective was to test the relationship between the Traube-Hering oscillation and light exercise. METHODS: Using laser-Doppler flowmetry to quantify the Traube-Hering and other components of the blood flow velocity oscillation, we compared flowmetry records of 10 subjects before and immediately following a light-exercise programme. RESULTS: The data show that the light exercise programme amplifies the 0.1 Hz component of the blood flowmetry record. CONCLUSIONS: The 0.1 Hz component of blood-flow velocity is physiologically linked to baroreflex activity. It is this component that is augmented by a light exercise programme.

Cranial rhythmic impulse related to the Traube-Hering-Mayer oscillation: comparing laser-Doppler flowmetry and palpation.

The primary respiratory mechanism (PRM) as manifested by the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI), a fundamental concept to cranial osteopathy, and the Traube-Hering-Mayer (THM) oscillation bear a striking resemblance to one another. Because of this, the authors developed a protocol to simultaneously measure both phenomena. Statistical comparisons demonstrated that the CRI is palpably concomitant with the low-frequency fluctuations of the THM oscillation as measured with the Transonic Systems BLF 21 Perfusion Monitor laser-Doppler flowmeter. This opens new potential explanations for the basic theoretical concepts of the physiologic mechanism of the PRM/CRI and cranial therapy. Comparison of the PRM/CRI with current understanding of the physiology of the THM oscillation is therefore warranted. Additionally, the recognition that these phenomena can be simultaneously monitored and recorded creates a new opportunity for further research into what is distinctive about the science and practice of osteopathic medicine.