Effectiveness of pediatric integrative manual therapy in cervical movement limitation in infants with positional plagiocephaly: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Positional plagiocephaly (PP) is a cranial deformation frequent amongst children and consisting in a flattened and asymmetrical head shape. PP is associated with excessive time in supine and with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). Few studies have evaluated the efficiency of a manual therapy approach in PP. The purpose of this parallel randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of adding a manual therapy approach to a caregiver education program focusing on active rotation range of motion (AROM) and neuromotor development in a PP pediatric sample. METHODS: Thirty-four children with PP and less than 28 week-old were randomly distributed into two groups. AROM and neuromotor development with Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) were measured. The evaluation was performed by an examiner, blinded to the randomization of the subjects. A pediatric integrative manual therapy (PIMT) group received 10-sessions involving manual therapy and a caregiver education program. Manual therapy was addressed to the upper cervical spine to mobilize the occiput, atlas and axis. The caregiver educational program consisted in exercises to reduce the positional preference and to stimulate motor development. The control group received the caregiver education program exclusively. To compare intervention effectiveness across the groups, improvement indexes of AROM and AIMS were calculated using the difference of the final measurement values minus the baseline measurement values. If the distribution was normal, the improvement indexes were compared using the Student t-test for independent samples; if not, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. The effect size of the interventions was calculated using Cohen's d. RESULTS: All randomized subjects were analysed. After the intervention, the PIMT group showed a significantly higher increase in rotation (29.68 ± 18.41°) than the control group (6.13 ± 17.69°) (p = 0.001). Both groups improved the neuromotor development but no statistically significant differences were found. No harm was reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The PIMT intervention program was more effective in increasing AROM than using only a caregiver education program. The study has been retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov, with identification number NCT03659032 . Registration date: September 1, 2018.

Quantification and Reliability of Hip Internal Rotation and the FADIR Test in Supine Position Using a Smartphone Application in an Asymptomatic Population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to quantify and report the intrarater and interrater reliability of hip internal rotation (IR) range of motion supine with the hip and knee at 90° of flexion and for the flexion-adduction-internal rotation (FADIR) test. Hip internal rotation measured in a lying supine position with the hip and knee at 90° of flexion revealed information on hip impairments. To date no simple quantification approach has been presented in this position; therefore, the FADIR test has not been quantified yet. METHODS: Twenty participants (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 24.0 ± 2.1 years; 10 women and 10 men) without lower-limb or back pain were recruited. Three raters evaluated each participant during 2 testing sessions, 1 day apart. A built-in smartphone compass application was used to obtain the hip IR range of motion in both procedures. RESULTS: Mean (± SD) supine IR was 51.7° (± 9.7°) and 62.6° (± 11.4°) for men and women, respectively. Concerning the FADIR test, mean values were 41.8° (± 9.64°) and 50.1° (± 8.0°) for men and women, respectively. The mean intrarater and interrater reliability coefficients were 0.80 and 0.72 for hip IR and 0.75 and 0.40 for the FADIR test. The standard error of the mean ranged from 4.8° to 8.3° (minimal detectable difference [MDD], 13.3° to 22.9°) for hip IR and from 4.6° to 10.3° (MDD, 12.8° to 28.6°) for the FADIR test. CONCLUSION: Overall, the smartphone compass application is adequate to quantify hip IR in a lying supine position. However, the poor to moderate interrater reliability in the FADIR test and the size of the MDD values suggest that the FADIR test should be standardized.

Impaired orthostatic heart rate recovery is associated with smaller thalamic volume: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA).

The thalamus is a central hub of the autonomic network and thalamic volume has been associated with high-risk phenotypes for sudden cardiac death. Heart rate response to physiological stressors (e.g., standing) and the associated recovery patterns provide reliable indicators of both autonomic function and cardiovascular risk. Here we examine if thalamic volume may be a risk marker for impaired heart rate recovery in response to orthostatic challenge. The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging involves a nationally representative sample of older individuals aged ≥50 years. Multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging and orthostatic heart rate recovery were available for a cross-sectional sample of 430 participants. Multivariable regression and linear mixed-effects models were adjusted for head size, age, sex, education, body mass index, blood pressure, history of cardiovascular diseases and events, cardiovascular medication, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol intake, timed up-and-go (a measure of physical frailty), physical exercise and depression. Smaller thalamic volume was associated with slower heart rate recovery (-1.4 bpm per 1 cm3 thalamic volume, 95% CI -2.01 to -0.82; p < .001). In multivariable analysis, participants with smaller thalamic volumes had a mean heart rate recovery -2.7 bpm slower than participants with larger thalamic volumes (95% CI -3.89 to -1.61; p < .001). Covariates associated with smaller thalamic volume included age, history of diabetes, and heavy alcohol consumption. Thalamic volume may be an indicator of the structural integrity of the central autonomic network. It may be a clinical biomarker for stratification of individuals at risk of autonomic dysfunction, cardiovascular events, and sudden cardiac death.

Modified inspiratory muscle training (m-IMT) as promising treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases, but is still a challenge to cure. Different medical treatments are used, first of all Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), however these are sometimes ineffective and long-term intake can lead to underestimated complications. Recently, some studies investigated the role of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in the medical treatment of GERD. It seems that IMT is able to increase the pressure generated by the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), reduce spontaneous releases of LES, acid exposure, use of PPIs, and improve symptoms and quality of life for GERD patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of IMT in association with myofunctional therapy exercises of swallowing set by Daniel Garliner (m-IMT) on the symptoms of patients with non-erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (NERD). METHODS: Twenty-one adult patients with NERD were enrolled from May to December 2017 and performed m-IMT over a period of 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, all the patients completed the following questionnaires: GERD oesophageal symptomatology (GERDQ), extra-oesophageal GERD symptomatology (RSI), quality of life (GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERD-HRQL), and underwent laryngeal endoscopy. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed m-IMT. GERDQ (from 8.36±3.94 to 1.7±3.41; p<.05), RSI (from to 21.68±10.26 to 6.93±8.37; p<.05) and GERDHRQL (from 25.68±16.03 to 8.4±11.06; p<.05) the questionnaire scores significantly reduced after treatment. In addition, the laryngeal endoscopy score greatly improved (from 14.24±4.15 to 7.4±1.77; p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: m-IMT is a low cost therapy without side effects. It could be useful in association with PPI or alone for selected GERD cases and for mild NERD forms, in association with diet. Further studies are required to prove the effects of m-IMT on GERD symptoms and decide the best treatment schedule.

Sustained maximal inspiration has similar effects compared to incentive spirometers.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of flow incentive spirometer (FIS), volume incentive spirometer (VIS), and sustained maximal inspiration exercise (SMI) on breathing pattern, chest wall motion, and thoracoabdominal asynchrony. METHODS: Sixteen healthy adults aged 27.63 ± 5.26 years were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography in the supine position with trunk inclination of 45° during quiet breathing and during exercise performance. RESULTS: In the comparisons among exercises, VIS promoted a significantly higher inspiratory time and lower mean inspiratory flow compared with FIS. The rating of perceived exertion according to the Borg Scale was significantly higher after the performance of FIS compared with VIS. Regarding asynchrony, none of the exercises caused changes in thoracoabdominal synchrony between the rib cage and abdomen. However, both devices significantly reduced the asynchrony between the pulmonary and abdominal rib cage compared with quiet breathing. CONCLUSION: SMI exercise was equivalent to incentive spirometers and may be an interesting alternative for clinical use in cases in which it is not possible to acquire the devices.

Evaluation of body position in upper airway stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea-is continuous voltage sufficient enough?

PURPOSE: The definition of positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) is widely accepted as a difference of 50% or more in AHI between supine and non-supine position. Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an effective treatment for OSA but the implant delivers a single voltage over sleep period without consideration of body position. Clinical practice suggests different outcomes for OSA in supine position under UAS treatment. METHODS: Outcomes of 44 patients were analyzed 12 months after implantation in a two-center, prospective consecutive trial in a university hospital setting. Total night and supine AHI were evaluated and the ratio of time spent in supine was considered. Correlation between the classic and the modified definition of POSA and treatment response were evaluated. RESULTS: The time ratio spent in supine position did not differ before implantation and after 12 months. Total and supine AHI were reduced with the use of UAS therapy (p < 0.001) but both the baseline and final supine AHI were higher than total night AHI. Considering POSA definition as a ratio of supine to non-supine AHI, there was no clear cutoff for defining responders neither with nor without the additional component of time in supine position. CONCLUSIONS: The OSA reduction is strong for the total AHI and supine AHI. Nonetheless, here, there is no cutoff for defining POSA as critical for UAS therapy response. Therefore, there is no evidence for excluding POSA patients from UAS in general. Future technology improvement should take body position and adaptive voltage into account.

Pilates program design and health benefits for pregnant women: A practitioners' survey.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about recommendations for safe and appropriate instruction of Pilates exercises to women during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine Pilates practitioners' perspectives regarding Pilates program design for pregnant women. We also sought to elucidate their views on the potential benefits, restrictions and contraindications on Pilates in pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed. Pilates practitioners were invited to participate via email. Participants were surveyed about their experience and views on: screening processes in alignment with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines; (ii) optimal exercise program features and (iii) physical and mental health benefits of Pilates for pregnant women. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 192 Pilates practitioners from a range of settings. Practitioners reported conducting formal screening (84%) for safety in pregnant women prior to commencing Pilates classes. Most did not routinely seek medical approval from the woman's general practitioner. Divergent views emerged regarding the safety and benefits of Pilates exercises in the supine position. Mixed opinions were also generated regarding the effects of spinal flexion exercises, single-leg stance exercises and breathing manoeuvres. There was little agreement on the optimal frequency or dosage of exercises. Views regarding absolute contraindications to exercise differed from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines which cautioned about the dangers of persistent bleeding, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, placental praevia and incompetent cervix. The most frequent reported physical and psychological benefit of Pilates was improving pelvic floor strength (12%) and improved social wellbeing (23%). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted wide variations in practice for Pilates exercises with pregnant woman as well as low adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Further evidence is required to advise on appropriate screening and individualized Pilates programming, particularly for women with medical conditions during pregnancy.

Physical and Psychological Effects of Head Treatment in the Supine Position Using Specialized Ayurveda-Based Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the physical and psychological effects of head massage performed in the supine position using Ayurveda-based techniques (head treatment). DESIGN: Twenty-four healthy female students were included in the study. Using a crossover study design, the same participants were enrolled in both the head treatment intervention group and control group. There was an interval of 1 week or more between measurements. OUTCOME MEASURES: The physiologic indices measured included blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations (high frequency and low frequency/high frequency). The psychological markers measured included liveliness, depression, and boredom using the visual analogue scale method. State anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory method. RESULTS: The parasympathetic nerve activity increased immediately after head treatment. Upon completion of head treatment, the parasympathetic nerve predominance tended to gradually ease. Head treatment boosted freshness and relieved anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that head treatment has a relaxing and refreshing effect and may be used to provide comfort.

[Successful treatment of supraventricular tachycardia with a modified Valsalva manoeuvre]. / Vellykket behandling af supraventrikulær takykardi med modificeret Valsalvas manøvre.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a frequent challenge in medical emergency units. Adenosine, the drug of choice, may cause severe discomfort. The Danish Society of Cardiology's National Treatment Guidelines for SVT recommend first aid treatment with ''vagus stimulation such as carotid massage and Valsalva manoeuvre''. A disadvantage of the Valsalva manoeuvre is that only 5-20% of the patients convert to sinus rhythm. We describe a case story of a patient, who was successfully treated with ''modified Valsalva'' as described in a recently published study wherein 43% of the patients converted to sinus rhythm compared to 17% in the control group.

The Effects of Prone with Respect to Supine Position on Stress Relaxation, Respiratory Mechanics, and the Work of Breathing Measured by the End-Inflation Occlusion Method in the Rat.

PURPOSE: The working hypothesis is that the prone position with respect to supine may change the geometric configuration of the lungs inside the chest wall, thus their reciprocal mechanical interactions, leading to possible effects on stress relaxation phenomena and respiratory mechanics. METHOD: The effects of changing body posture from supine to prone on respiratory system mechanics, particularly on stress relaxation, were investigated in the rat by the end-inflation occlusion method. RESULTS: In the prone with respect to supine position, an increment of the frictional resistance of the airway (from 0.13 ± 0.01 to 0.19 ± 0.02 cm H2O/l sec(-1), p < 0.05) and a decrement of the stress relaxation-linked pressure dissipation (from 0.51 ± 0.05 to 0.45 ± 0.05 cm H2O/l sec(-1), p < 0.01) were found. Respiratory system elastance and total resistive pressure dissipation did not change significantly. Accordingly, a significant increase of the frictional "ohmic" mechanical inspiratory work of breathing and a decrease of the visco-elastic work of inspiration were demonstrated, while no significant changes occurred for the total mechanical work of breathing and its total resistive and elastic components. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that postural changes affect the visco-elastic characteristics of the respiratory system and the related stress relaxation phenomena by influencing the disposition and relation of the lungs inside the chest wall and their relative geometrical configuration, and the interaction phenomena of the constitutive parenchymal structures, i.e., elastin and collagen fibers. Since the prone position resulted in no serious or disadvantageous respiratory system mechanical derangement, it is suggested it may be usefully applied in nursing or for therapeutic goals.

Influences of breast milk composition on gastric emptying in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine whether specific biochemical and energy concentrations influence gastric emptying of unfortified and fortified mother's own milk (MOM) in stable preterm infants, and whether gastric emptying differs between feeds of unfortified MOM and feeds fortified with S-26 or FM 85 human milk fortifier (HMF) when infants are fed the same volume under similar conditions. Influences of infant gestation, age, and weight, and feed characteristics were also explored. METHODS: Stomach volumes of 25 paired unfortified and fortified MOM feeds were monitored prefeed and postfeed delivery and at 30-minute intervals thereafter. For each feed, MOM samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of total protein, casein, whey, carbohydrate, lactose, fat, and energy. Fortified feed compositions were calculated by adding fortifier biochemical and energy concentrations to unfortified MOM concentrations. Ultrasound images were used to calculate infant stomach volumes. Statistical comparisons were made of paired stomach volume measurements. RESULTS: Higher feed concentrations of casein were associated with faster gastric emptying during feed delivery (P = 0.007). When compared with unfortified MOM, S-26 fortified feeds emptied similarly, whereas FM 85 fortified feeds emptied more slowly both during feed delivery and during the postprandial period (P = 0.002, <0.001, respectively). Gastric emptying was slower for 2-hourly feeds compared with that for 3-hourly feeds (P = 0.003) and in supine position compared with that in prone (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Breast milk composition influences gastric emptying in stable preterm infants, with feeds of higher casein concentration emptying faster during feeding than otherwise equivalent feeds, and FM 85 fortified MOM emptying more slowly than unfortified MOM.

The effect of body position on pulmonary function, chest wall motion, and discomfort in young healthy participants.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different recumbent positions on pulmonary function, chest wall motion, and feelings of discomfort in young nonobese healthy volunteers. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers (age, 28.0±1.4 years; height, 167.5±10.1 cm; weight, 62.3±10.2 kg) were studied in the sitting position and in the following 6 recumbent positions: supine, left retroversion at a 45° tilt, left anteversion at a 45° tilt, right retroversion at a 45° tilt, right anteversion at a 45° tilt, and prone. After 5 minutes of a selected position, pulmonary functions, including vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively), and breathing pattern components at the chest wall were assessed. Discomfort was assessed using a modified Borg scale. RESULTS: When participants changed position from sitting to each of the 6 recumbent positions, forced expiratory volume in 1 second values decreased significantly (P < .05). None of the participants showed changes in the MIP or MEP in any of the 6 recumbent positions. Rib cage motion was restricted in all recumbent positions except supine, left anteversion at a 45° tilt, and prone. In all 6 recumbent positions, discomfort was experienced during the pulmonary tests. However, in the left retroversion at a 45° tilt position, no discomfort was experienced during the MIP and MEP assessments. CONCLUSION: In young, nonobese, healthy volunteers, recumbent positions caused diminished pulmonary functions and induced feelings of discomfort.

Short-term effects of a manual therapy protocol on pain, physical function, quality of sleep, depressive symptoms, and pressure sensitivity in women and men with fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of a manual therapy protocol for improving pain, function, pressure pain thresholds (PPT), quality of sleep, and depressive symptoms in women and men with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients were randomly assigned to experimental or control group. The experimental group (24 female, 21 male) received 5 sessions of manual therapy and the control group (24 female, 21 male) did not receive any intervention. PPT, pain, impact of FMS symptoms, quality of sleep, and depressive symptoms were assessed in both groups at baseline and after 48 hours of the last intervention in the experimental group. RESULTS: The analysis of covariance found significant Group×Time×Sex interactions for McGill PPI and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale (P<0.01) was also found: men exhibited a larger effect size for depressive symptoms than women, whereas women exhibited a greater effect size than men in the McGill PPI. A significant Group×Time×Sex interaction for PPT over suboccipital, upper trapezius, supraspinatus, second rib, gluteal region, and tibialis anterior muscle was also found: men included in the experimental group experienced significant greater improvements in PPT as compared with women with FMS in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Manual therapy protocol was effective for improving pain intensity, widespread pressure pain sensitivity, impact of FMS symptoms, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. In addition, sex differences were observed in response to treatment: women and men get similar improvements in quality of sleep and tender point count, whereas women showed a greater reduction in pain and impact of FMS symptoms than men, but men reported higher decreases in depressive symptoms and pressure hypersensitivity than women.

Training of transversus abdominis activation in the supine position with ultrasound biofeedback translated to increased transversus abdominis activation during upright loaded functional tasks.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether healthy adults successfully completing transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activation training in the supine position with clinician and ultrasound (US) imaging feedback increase their TrA activation during lifting and reaching tasks performed in the standing position. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal within-subject, repeated-measures (RM) study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 19 of 24 asymptomatic adult volunteers met inclusion criteria. METHODS: Each adult performed 3 trials of 5 functional tasks before receiving any training. They were then briefed on the abdominal draw-in maneuver via educational materials. Next, each adult received individualized TrA activation training while in the supine position with clinician and US feedback of TrA activation. At 5 minutes after TrA activation training, each adult who met the criterion during training performed 3 trials of these same 5 functional tasks. Tasks were randomized during these test sessions. Adults who returned 5 months later (n = 10) were tested again on 3 trials of 3 of these tasks. No feedback was provided during test sessions. Recorded cine loop images were obtained via US per trial and masked for TrA measurement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Resting state (minimum thickness) and contraction state (maximum thickness) of TrA were measured per recorded trial by a clinician who was shown to have high reliability. The percentage of change in TrA thickness {[(thicknessmax - thicknessmin)/ thicknessmin] × (100)} was the primary outcome measure. Trial averages were formed per measure per task per test session per adult. RESULTS: A 2-test sessions (pretraining, 5-minutes post-training) × 5 tasks RM analysis of variance (N = 19) indicated a significant and large effect for test sessions (P < .001, η(2) = 0.808) and moderate effect for tasks (P = .011; η(2) = 0.164). Likewise, a 3-test sessions (pretraining, 5-minutes posttraining, 5 months post-training) × 3 tasks RM analysis of variance (n = 10) indicated a significant and large test sessions effect (P < .001, η(2) = 0.57) and no task effect. Overall, the percent change in TrA thickness increased after the TrA activation training program and was maintained at 5 months; similar patterns of improvement were noted across test sessions and tasks. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic adults successfully completing a short session of TrA activation training in the supine position with US feedback of TrA activation were able to increase their TrA activation during loaded lifting and reaching tasks for at least 5 months.

Changes in lateral abdominal muscles' thickness immediately after the abdominal drawing-in maneuver and maximum expiration.

All lateral abdominal muscles contract more strongly during maximum expiration than during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). However, little is known about which of the lateral abdominal muscles is activated during maximum expiration. Thus, the purpose of this study is to quantify changes in the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles immediately after the ADIM and maximum expiration. The thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles was measured by ultrasound imaging in 30 healthy men before and after the ADIM and maximum expiration. After the ADIM, there was no significant change in the thickness of the lateral abdominal muscles. After maximum expiration, the thickness of the TrA muscle significantly increased, and there was no significant change in the thickness of the IO and EO muscles. Thus, maximum expiration may be an effective method for TrA, rather than IO and EO, muscle training.

The effects of cranio-cervical flexion on activation of swallowing-related muscles.

We tested the effects of cranio-cervical flexion (CCF) on activation of swallowing-related muscles while swallowing liquid in a sample of 45 healthy volunteers. Activation following CCF movement was examined across two positions (supine and sitting) and, three pressure levels and two different postures were examined in each condition, respectively. When CCF was applied, activation of swallowing-related muscles was significantly increased compared to the neutral neck position, and such findings were found across both the supine and sitting positions. Also in the supine position, when the pressure level of the stabilizer was escalated, there was a significant difference in the activity of the swallowing-related muscles compared to the baseline level. In conclusion, our results suggest that CCF may be a viable method to enhance the effectiveness of swallowing-related muscles by changing neck position. When CCF is applied, the stability of the deep flexor muscles must be secured first after which superficially located muscles may better assist swallowing with less effort.

Exploration of the relationship between sleep position and isolated tongue base or multilevel surgery in obstructive sleep apnea.

This study aimed to elucidate the role of sleep position as a confounding factor on apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and surgical success in isolated tongue base or multilevel surgery. This study was conducted using retrospective analysis of patients who underwent hyoid suspension because of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), in the St. Lucas Andreas Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 2004 to 2011. Concurrent surgical treatment was documented. Sleep positions and corresponding AHIs before and after surgery were compared. A total of 130 patients were included. 94 patients underwent surgery of base of tongue and palate (either uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or Z-palatoplasty), of whom 72 underwent concurrent radiofrequent thermotherapy of the base of tongue. 36 patients underwent base of tongue surgery alone, of whom 22 underwent concurrent radiofrequent thermotherapy of the base of tongue. 65 patients either had a successful reduction in AHI or in AI. Isolated tongue base or multilevel surgery was as successful on the supine AHI as it was on the AHI in other sleeping positions. Surgery was not more successful in the group with position-dependent patients as compared with the non-position-dependent patients (P = 0.615). Successful and non-successful surgical results could not be explained by variations in percentages of supine sleep position. Sleep position is not a confounding factor on surgical outcomes in tongue base surgery. The results of isolated base of tongue or multilevel surgery in position-dependent OSA patients leave room for improvement, possibly through positional therapy.

Heart rate variability during sleep following the practice of cyclic meditation and supine rest.

Day time activities are known to influence the sleep on the following night. Cyclic meditation (CM) has recurring cycles. Previously, the low frequency (LF) power and the ratio between low frequency and high frequency (LF/HF ratio) of the heart rate variability (HRV) decreased during and after CM but not after a comparable period of supine rest (SR). In the present study, on thirty male volunteers, CM was practiced twice in the day and after this the HRV was recorded (1) while awake and (2) during 6 h of sleep (based on EEG, EMG and EGG recordings). This was similarly recorded for the night's sleep following the day time practice of SR. Participants were randomly assigned to the two sessions and all of them practiced both CM and SR on different days. During the night following day time CM practice there were the following changes; a decrease in heart rate, LF power (n.u.), LF/HF ratio, and an increase in the number of pairs of Normal to Normal RR intervals differing by more than 50 ms divided by total number of all NN intervals (pNN50) (P < 0.05, in all cases, comparing sleep following CM compared with sleep following SR). No change was seen on the night following SR. Hence yoga practice during the day appears to shift sympatho-vagal balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance during sleep on the following night.