Comparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in Women.

CONTEXT: Fast and adequate recovery after exercise and activity is important for increasing performance and preventing injuries. Inadequate recovery usually causes changes in the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the muscle. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effect of petrissage massage (PM) and manual lymph drainage (MLD) following submaximal exercise on the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the rectus femoris muscle in healthy women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, repeated-measures. SETTING: Marmara University. PARTICIPANTS: 18 healthy female students. INTERVENTION(S): Following the submaximal quadriceps strengthening exercise performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with intensity of 75% of 1 maximum repetition, participants' right leg received a 5-minute PM (PM group) and the contralateral leg received a 5-minute MLD application (MLD group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skin temperature was measured using P45 thermographic thermal camera (Flir System; ThermaCAM, Danderyd, Sweden), and muscle tone, biomechanical, and viscoelastic features were measured with a myometer (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) at baseline, immediately postexercise, post-PM/MLD application, and 10 minutes postexercise. RESULTS: In the PM group, the tonus (P = .002) and stiffness (P < .001) values measured after the massage and at the end of the 10-minute resting period were found to be statistically different than those measured right after the exercise (P < .05). Relaxation time and creep values at all measurement times were significantly different (P < .05). In the MLD group, it was observed the tonus (P < .001), stiffness (P = .025), and relaxation time (P < .01) values decreased significantly after the MLD compared with the values measured after the exercise; however, the creep value was found to be significantly different in all measurements (P < .05). CONCLUSION: PM and MLD reduce passive tissue stiffness and improve the extent of muscle extensibility over time against the muscle tensile strength. PM and MLD are therapeutic methods that can be used to support tissue recovery after exercise and prevent injuries.

No thermoregulatory or ergogenic effect of dietary nitrate among physically inactive males, exercising above gas exchange threshold in hot and dry conditions.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of five days dietary nitrate (NO3-) consumption on exercise tolerance and thermoregulation during cycling in hot, dry conditions. In a double-blind, randomised crossover design, 11 healthy males participated in an exercise tolerance test (Tlim) in the heat (35°C, 28% relative humidity), cycling above the thermoneutral gas exchange threshold, after five days of dietary supplementation, with either NO3-rich beetroot juice (BR; ∼ 9.2 mmol NO3-) or placebo (PLA). Changes in plasma [NO3-] and nitrite [NO2-], core and mean skin temperatures, mean local and whole-body sweat rates, heart rate, perceptual ratings and pulmonary gas exchange were measured during exercise, alongside calorimetric estimations of thermal balance. Mean arterial pressures (MAP) were recorded pre-Tlim. There were no differences in Tlim between conditions (BR = 22.8 ± 8.1 min; Placebo = 20.7 ± 7.9 min) (P = 0.184), despite increases in plasma [NO3-] and [NO2-] (P < 0.001) and a 3.8% reduction in resting MAP (P = 0.004) in the BR condition. There were no other differences in thermoregulatory, cardio-metabolic, perceptual or calorimetric responses to the Tlim between conditions (P > 0.05). Dietary NO3- supplementation had no effect on exercise tolerance or thermoregulation in hot, dry conditions, despite reductions in resting MAP and increases in plasma [NO3-] and [NO2-]. Healthy, yet physically inactive individuals with no known impairments in vasodilatory and sudomotor function do not appear to require BR for ergogenic or thermolytic effects during exercise in the heat.

Intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing improves markers of exercise capacity in hot and temperate conditions in trained middle-distance runners.

PURPOSE: This study investigated whether intermittent post-exercise sauna bathing across three-weeks endurance training improves exercise heat tolerance and exercise performance markers in temperate conditions, compared to endurance training alone. The subsidiary aim was to determine whether exercise-heat tolerance would further improve following 7-Weeks post-exercise sauna bathing. METHODS: Twenty middle-distance runners (13 female; mean ± SD, age 20 ± 2 years, [Formula: see text]O2max 56.1 ± 8.7 ml kg-1 min-1) performed a running heat tolerance test (30-min, 9 km h-1/2% gradient, 40 °C/40%RH; HTT) and temperate (18 °C) exercise tests (maximal aerobic capacity [[Formula: see text]O2max], speed at 4 mmol L-1 blood lactate concentration ([La-]) before (Pre) and following three-weeks (3-Weeks) normal training (CON; n = 8) or normal training with 28 ± 2 min post-exercise sauna bathing (101-108 °C, 5-10%RH) 3 ± 1 times per week (SAUNA; n = 12). Changes from Pre to 3-Weeks were compared between-groups using an analysis of co-variance. Six SAUNA participants continued the intervention for 7 weeks, completing an additional HTT (7-Weeks; data compared using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance). RESULTS: During the HTT, SAUNA reduced peak rectal temperature (Trec; - 0.2 °C), skin temperature (- 0.8 °C), and heart rate (- 11 beats min-1) more than CON at 3-Weeks compared to Pre (all p < 0.05). SAUNA also improved [Formula: see text]O2max (+ 0.27 L-1 min-1; p = 0.02) and speed at 4 mmol L-1 [La-] (+ 0.6 km h-1; p = 0.01) more than CON at 3-Weeks compared to Pre. Only peak Trec (- 0.1 °C; p = 0.03 decreased further from 3-Weeks to 7-Weeks in SAUNA (other physiological variables p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Three-weeks post-exercise sauna bathing is an effective and pragmatic method of heat acclimation, and an effective ergogenic aid. Extending the intervention to seven weeks only marginally improved Trec.

Effect on autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths.

BACKGROUND: Bed baths are a daily nursing activity to maintain patients' hygiene. Those may provide not only comfort but also relaxation. Notably, applying a hot towel to the skin for 10 s (AHT10s) during bed baths helped to reduce the risk of skin tears and provided comfort and warmth in previous studies. However, it is still unclear whether autonomic nervous system is affected by bed baths. Thus, this study investigated the effect on the autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths. METHODS: This crossover study had 50 participants (25 men and women each; average age 22.2 ± 1.6 years; average body mass index 21.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2) who took bed baths with and without (control condition: CON) AHT10s on their back. Skin temperature, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Subjective evaluations and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in Japanese were also performed. RESULTS: A significant interaction of time and bed bath type on skin surface temperature was observed (p < .001). Regarding the means of skin surface temperature at each measurement time point, those for AHT10s were significantly higher than those for CON. Although the total state-anxiety score significantly decreased in both the bed bath types after intervention, the mean values of comfort and warmth were higher for bed baths with AHT10s than for CON (p < .05) during bed baths; AHT10s was significantly higher in warmth than CON after 15 min (p = .032). The interaction and main effects of time on HRV and BP and that of bed bath type were not significant. CONCLUSION: Bed baths that involved AHT10s caused participants to maintain a higher skin temperature and warmer feeling than under the wiping-only condition; they also provided comfort during the interventions. However, the bed baths with AHT10s did not allow participants to reach a relaxed state; moreover, there was no change in autonomic nerve activity. This may be due to participants' increased anxiety from skin exposure and the intervention being limited to one part of the body.

The exact analytical solution of the dual-phase-lag two-temperature bioheat transfer of a skin tissue subjected to constant heat flux.

This work is dealing with the temperature reaction and response of skin tissue due to constant surface heat flux. The exact analytical solution has been obtained for the two-temperature dual-phase-lag (TTDPL) of bioheat transfer. We assumed that the skin tissue is subjected to a constant heat flux on the bounding plane of the skin surface. The separation of variables for the governing equations as a finite domain is employed. The transition temperature responses have been obtained and discussed. The results represent that the dual-phase-lag time parameter, heat flux value, and two-temperature parameter have significant effects on the dynamical and conductive temperature increment of the skin tissue. The Two-temperature dual-phase-lag (TTDPL) bioheat transfer model is a successful model to describe the behavior of the thermal wave through the skin tissue.

Effects of Contrast Therapy Using Infrared and Cryotherapy as Compared with Contrast Bath Therapy on Blood Flow, Muscle Tone, and Pain Threshold in Young Healthy Adults.

BACKGROUND The aim of this research was to compare the effects of contrast bath therapy (CBT) and contrast therapy (CT) using infrared (IR) and cryotherapy (CR) on blood flow, muscle tone, and pain in the forearm. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty healthy individuals participated in this study. Each participant received 2 kinds of CT separated by a week. CBT involved immersion in hot water (38-40°C) for 4 minutes, followed by 1 minute of immersion in cold water (12-14°C) for four rotations. CT using IR and CR was performed in the same manner as CBT. RESULTS The variables measured were blood flow, muscle tone, and pain before and after intervention. Both types of CT produced fluctuations in the blood flow (P<0.05). The pain threshold increased on both therapies; a significant increase was noted with IR and CR (P<0.05) therapies. Muscle elasticity was induced and stiffness was reduced with all therapies (P<0.05). IR and CR resulted in significant changes (P<0.05) in blood flow as compared with the CBT. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that CT using IR and CR is more effective in improving blood flow than CBT and has the same effect on muscle tone and pain. Nonetheless, using IR and CR is efficient with regard to mobility and maintaining temperature; therefore, it would be convenient to use these in clinical settings. Further studies involving CT should be carried out to determine whether our findings are clinically relevant.

Rapid Facial Cryotherapy for Combat Sports: A Comparison of Materials and Methods for Cooling Facial Tissues in 60 Seconds or Less.

CONTEXT: Athletes in combat sports who have sustained facial hematomas during competition have traditionally been treated with an enswell. These treatments take place between rounds of the competition and generally last less than 60 seconds. The efficacy of this modality has not been studied. Other modalities may provide a more effective cryotherapy treatment in this timeframe. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of different forms of rapid cryotherapy to cause surface temperature changes of the face within 60 seconds of application. DESIGN: Crossover study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven healthy men (age 21.73 [1.42] y, mass 82.1 [5.6] kg, height 177.2 [7.0] cm). INTERVENTIONS: A 60-second treatment using chilled surgical steel enswell, copper, commercial cold pack, aluminum, brass, ice cube, ice pack, and saltwater pack. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preintervention and postintervention surface facial temperatures. RESULTS: The ice bag, cold pack, ice cube, saltwater pack, and stainless-steel enswell caused statistically different temperatures preintervention to postintervention. The ice bag and saltwater pack cause statistically greater cooling than the other materials tested. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the clinical use of an enswell to provide short-duration cryotherapy treatments to facial tissue, as ice packs are more effective.

Efficacy and safety of ucha-shinki-hwan on korean patients with cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant).

BACKGROUND: Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is a common complaint in Asian female population especially in Korea. Due to the symptoms of CHHF the quality of individual's daily life can be degraded. Ucha-Shinki-Hwan (UCHA) is widely used in the treatment of various diseases including CHHF by harmonizing Yin and Yang, and improving the vitality of whole body. However, the efficacy of UCHA as a treatment option of CHHF has not been assessed in trials. Thus, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of UCHA in Korean women with CHHF through this trial. METHODS: This study will be an exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial. Korean women aged 19 to 59 years who complaint with CHHF will be enrolled from 5 university affiliated Korean medicine hospitals. A total of 164 subjects will be randomly assigned to a treatment group (UCHA) or a placebo group at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects will receive 2.5 g of either UCHA or placebo three times a day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be evaluated with the visual analog scale score of CHHF. The secondary outcome measures will be changes in skin temperature in extremities as measured by using a thermometer and the Korean version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first trial to explore the efficacy and safety of UCHA for CHHF patient. This will provide meaningful clinical information on herbal medicine treatment of CHHF and a clinical evidence for planning a full randomized clinical trial. DISCLOSURES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03790033. Registered on (31 December 2018) PROTOCOL VERSION:: The final approved version of the trial protocol is V1.3. (25 January 2019).

Immune Response Related With Skin Thermal Pattern in Judokas: A New Application for Infrared Thermography?

Brito, CJ, Moreira, DG, Ferreira, JJ, Díaz-de-Durana, AL, Miarka, B, Bouzas Marins, JC, and Sillero-Quintana, M. Immune response related with skin thermal pattern in judokas: A new application for infrared thermography? J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2886-2894, 2020-This study investigated the association between body skin temperature (BST) and immune response after judo training, and compared the immune responses considering 2 post-training skin thermal pattern ("spots"-SPT and "localized"-LOC). For this, we evaluated 32 (25-male) black-belt judokas from the Spanish Junior National Team (18.0 ± 3.5 years, 72.4 ± 18.4 kg, and 17.1 ± 7.5% body fat). White blood cell and BST measurements were performed at pre-training, immediately, 1, and 24-hour post-training. Body skin temperature (° C) was estimated by skin temperature from 4 regions of interest (chest, upper arm, thigh, and calf). The main results indicated that 13 judokas were classified as SPT and 19 as LOC. In comparison with LOC, SPT had a significantly lower BST post-training (SPT = 33.0 ± 0.4 vs. LOC = 33.6 ± 0.8° C; p = 0.016), lower blood concentration of leukocytes (SPT = 7.9 ± 1.9 vs. LOC = 8.9 ± 1.9 cells × 10 per mm; p ≤ 0.001), and neutrophils (SPT = 5.5 ± 1.7 vs. LOC = 6.1 ± 2.2 cells × 10 per mm; p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, the BST and immune response after judo training seem to be not associated. However, when the skin thermal pattern is considered, the SPT skin thermal pattern presented a lower post-training BST, blood leukocytes, and neutrophils in comparison with the LOC group. These results show a possible relationship between skin thermal pattern and immune responses for the first time; however, further studies are needed to confirm the evidence presented here.

Does the Application of Tecar Therapy Affect Temperature and Perfusion of Skin and Muscle Microcirculation? A Pilot Feasibility Study on Healthy Subjects.

Background: Tecar therapy (TT) is an endogenous thermotherapy used to generate warming up of superficial and deep tissues. TT capability to affect the blood flow is commonly considered to be the primary mechanism to promote tissue healing processes. Despite some preliminary evidence about its clinical efficacy, knowledge on the physiologic responses induced by TT is lacking. Objective: The aim of this quantitative randomized pilot study was to determinate if TT, delivered in two modes (resistive and capacitive), affects the perfusion of the skin microcirculation (PSMC) and intramuscular blood flow (IMBF). Design: A randomized controlled pilot feasibility study. Subjects: Ten healthy volunteers (n = 4 females, n = 6 males; mean age 35.9 ± 10.7 years) from a university population were recruited and completed the study. Intervention: All subjects received three different TT applications (resistive, capacitive, and placebo) for a period of 8 min. Outcome measures: PSMC, IMBF, and the skin temperature (ST) were measured pre- and post-TT application using power Doppler sonography, laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and infrared thermography. Results: Compared with placebo application, statistically significant differences in PSMC resulted after both the resistive (p = 0.0001) and the capacitive (p = 0.0001) TT applications, while only the resistive modality compared with the placebo was capable to induce a significant change of IMBF (p = 0.013) and ST (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The use of power Doppler sonography and LSCI enabled us to evaluate differences in PSMC and IMBF induced by TT application.

Changes in local skin temperature after the application of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to healthy subjects: a prospective crossover controlled trial.

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) is a recent modality that is used for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders, but there is no evidence about its thermal effects. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in local skin temperature (LST) after the application of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to healthy subjects. The study participants were 30 male subjects with an average age of 21.96 (± 0.92) years. A rectangular area (15 × 10 cm2) was marked at the front of the dominant thigh and scanned with a laser beam at 3000 J with 20 J/cm2 for 15 min. The other thigh was considered as a control side. The minimum, average, and maximum LSTs were measured using a thermographic camera. The measurements were performed before laser application, immediately after, and then every minute until the LST returned to the pre-treatment value. An independent t test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the changes in LST. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The pulsed Nd:YAG laser significantly increased the minimum, average, and maximum LSTs in comparison with the control. The increase was significant for up to 5 min after the application, and it took 10 min to reach the baseline values. The level of increase was 1.23-4.03 °C, and the average increase was 2.6 °C. The pulsed Nd:YAG laser significantly increased the minimum, average, and maximum LSTs of the thigh area in normal subjects, and the thermal effect lasted for 5 min after application.

A Wearable Multifunctional Pulse Monitor Using Thermosensation-Based Flexible Sensors.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a novel wearable pulse monitoring system, which can realize the synchronous measurements of pulse wave, skin, temperature, and pulse wave velocity (PWV). METHODS: A flexible sensor based on thermosensation is used to detect pressure and temperature stimuli simultaneously. A total of two sensors are integrated to detect pulse transit along two specific points of the artery, e.g., Cun and Chi at a wrist, the data of which are subsequently used to figure out the PWV by using a tailor-designed algorithm conducted in a microprocessor. Calibration experiments and application cases are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the monitor. RESULTS: The developed monitor detects the physiological signals of pulse wave, PWV, and skin temperature simultaneously. In addition, the monitor can measure the pulse changes before and after exercises and track skin temperature variations when warming and cooling. Moreover, the monitor can be also used to detect the local PWV at the wrist. CONCLUSION: The synchronous measurements of pulse wave, skin temperature, and PWV using a wearable monitor are feasible. SIGNIFICANCE: The monitor is small, simple-structured, with multifunction, and thus provides a promising auxiliary approach for traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis.

Heart rate and thermal responses to power yoga.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Yoga has grown in popularity and may offer a viable alternative form of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine heart rate, hydration, and thermal responses to a power yoga sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven men and women (n = 4/23; Mean ±â€¯SD age = 23.3 ±â€¯3.3 years; BMI = 23 ±â€¯3 kg m-2) underwent ∼45 min of power yoga. Heart rate and skin temperature were recorded. Mass was measured before and after exercise to estimate fluid loss. Time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous heart rate zones was calculated. RESULTS: Heart rate and skin temperature increased (p < 0.0001). Participants spent more time in moderate and vigorous heart rate zones than in light intensity (p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in body mass (-0.28 ±â€¯0.13 kg, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Power yoga may be considered moderate-vigorous intensity exercise, based on heart-rate.

Dietary nitrate supplementation does not improve cycling time-trial performance in the heat.

This investigation examined the effect of beetroot juice (BR) supplementation, a source of dietary nitrate (NO3-), on cycling time-trial (TT) performance and thermoregulation in the heat. In a double-blind, repeated-measures design, 12 male cyclists (age 26.6 ± 4.4 years, VO2peak 65.8 ± 5.5 mL.kg-1.min-1) completed four cycling TTs (14 kJ.kg-1) in hot (35°C, 48% relative humidity) and euthermic (21°C, 52%) conditions, following 3 days supplementation with BR (6.5 mmol NO3- for 2 days and 13 mmol NO3- on the final day), or NO3-depleted placebo (PLA). Salivary NO3- and nitrite, core (Tc) and mean skin temperature (Tsk) were measured. Salivary NO3- and nitrite increased significantly post-BR supplementation (p < 0.001). Average TT completion time (mm:ss) in hot conditions was 56:50 ± 05:08 with BR, compared with 58:30 ± 04:48 with PLA (p = 0.178). In euthermic conditions, average completion time was 53:09 ± 04:35 with BR, compared with 54:01 ± 04:05 with PLA (p = 0.380). The TT performance decreased (p < 0.001), and Tc (p < 0.001) and Tsk (p < 0.001) were higher in hot compared with euthermic conditions. In summary, BR supplementation has no significant effect on cycling TT performance in the heat.

An In Vitro and Numerical Study of Moxibustion Therapy on Biological Tissue.

OBJECTIVE: Moxibustion therapy achieves satisfactory therapeutic effects largely depending on the heat stimulation of burning moxa. Understanding the thermal characteristics of heating process is an effective way to reveal the underlying mechanisms of moxibustion therapy. METHODS: This paper performs experimental study on temperature distributions of burning moxa sticks and fresh in vitro porcine abdominal tissue using an infrared camera and thermocouples. Meanwhile, a moxibustion model incorporating moxa stick burning model and tissue heat transfer model was established with consideration of radiation propagation and water evaporation. RESULTS: The burning features of moxa sticks were acquired and the radiation energy generated by the burning moxa stick was absorbed and scattered in biological tissue, resulting in a large temperature gradient in the skin layer. And the water evaporation led to a mass loss and reduced skin surface temperature. The numerical model was verified by experimental results and the effects of moxibustion treatment distance and duration can be quantified based on model calculation. CONCLUSION: The detailed heat transfer process of moxibustion was obtained experimentally and numerically. During moxibustion, the radiation attenuation and water evaporation have a significant influence on the energy transport in biological tissue which cannot be ignored. The treatment distance of 3 cm is the recommended value to achieve the treatment efficacy without thermal damage and pain. SIGNIFICANCE: This research would reveal the underlying mechanisms of moxibustion therapy. Besides, the developed models are expected to establish a guideline for moxibustion clinical treatment.

[Review on skin temperature of acupoints].

We retrieve and analyze the articles on body surface temperature of acupoints in the recent 50 years. Surface temperatures have been compared between acupoints and nonacupoints, and among acupoints in different states. The impacts of interventions for acupoint temperature are explored, including acupuncture,moxibustion and cupping, etc. We summarize the features and the rules of acupoint skin temperature. It is considered that there exists distribution rule for healthy people's acupoint skin temperature. That means acupoints have higher surface temperature than nonacupoints. In the same meridian the nearer acupoints close to the head and trunk, the higher the temperature is. The difference in symmetrical acupoints temperatures between the left and right side is about 0.5℃. In the different meridians the skin temperatures of adjacent acpoints are similar. The changes of acupoint's skin temperature in illness can be used as the auxiliary diagnosis. Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping can produce acupoints stimulating, metabolism improving, yin-yang balance, acupoint temperature regulating. Thus,diseases are relieved. The specificity and regularity that acupoint's skin temperature presents may be one of the manifestations of the acupoint specificity, also it is an important starting point of the research on acupoint sensitization. The further studies should consider different diseases and modern biological engineering techniques, so that more rules of acupoints temperature can be found by more sensitive and objective temperature measurements as well as experimental and the mathematical models.

The More Vivid the Imagination the Better: The Role of the Vividness of Imagination in Vasoconstriction Training and Vasodilatation Training.

Blood volume pulse biofeedback represents an effective non-pharmacological treatment for migraine. However, the underlying mechanisms of blood volume pulse biofeedback are still unclear. This study investigated the influence of vividness of imagination, private body consciousness, perfectionism, and general self-efficacy on physiological (blood volume pulse amplitude) and psychological (session performance rated by participants and by trainers) success. Changes in skin conductance and skin temperature indicating habituation to training context were examined. Forty-five healthy male participants were randomized to four sessions of vasoconstriction training or vasodilatation training. Hierarchical linear models were estimated. Results showed significant changes of session performance rated by participants (UC = 0.62, p < .05), by trainers (UC = 0.52, p < .001), and skin temperature (UC = 0.01, p < .001) over time. A change of blood volume pulse amplitude could not be observed (UC = -0.01, p = .65). Vividness of imagination was highly important for both psychological achievement ratings (UC participants = 1.3, p < .001; UC trainers = 0.29, p < .01). Relations between skin temperature and general self-efficacy or personal standards were small (UC self-efficacy = 0.002, p < .10; UC personal standards = 0.002, p < .05). A time × group interaction regarding trainers' achievement ratings indicated a specific judgement effect. In conclusion, biofeedback trainers should pay attention to their beliefs and participants' vividness of imagination.

Heat transfer and loss by whole-body hyperthermia during severe lower-body heating are impaired in healthy older men.

Most studies demonstrate that aging is associated with a weakened thermoregulation. However, it remains unclear whether heat transfer (for heat loss) from the lower (uncompensable) to the upper (compensable) body during passively-induced severe lower-body heating is delayed or attenuated with aging. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate heat transfer from uncompensable to compensable body areas in young men and healthy older men during passively-induced whole-body hyperthermia with a demonstrated post-heating change in core body (rectal; Tre) temperature. Nine healthy older men and eleven healthy young men (69±6 vs. 21±1 years old, mean±SD, P<0.05) participated in passively-induced severe lower-body heating in water at approximately 43°C. Despite a similar increment in Tre (approximately 2.5°C) in both groups, the heating rate was significantly lower in older men than in young men (1.69±0.12 vs. 2.47±0.29°C/h, respectively; P<0.05). The temperature increase in calf muscle and calf skin (uncompensable areas) was significantly higher in older men than in young men (5.10±0.18 vs. 3.99±0.14°C; P<0.05 and 9.92±0.22 vs. 7.65±0.33°C; P<0.05, respectively). However, the temperature increase in back skin and forearm skin (compensable areas) was significantly lower in older men than in young men (0.76±0.63 vs. 2.83±0.68°C; P<0.05 and 0.39±0.76 vs. 2.73±0.5°C; P<0.05, respectively). Furthermore, a post-warming increase in Tre of approximately 0.2°C was observed only in older men (P<0.05). In conclusion, older men whose lower extremities were immersed showed greater accumulation and storage of heat in the skin and deep muscles than young men, and this was associated with a greater heat-transfer delay and subsequent inertia in the increased core body (Tre) temperature.

Significance of circadian rhythms in severely brain-injured patients: A clue to consciousness?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the presence of a circadian body temperature rhythm and behaviorally assessed consciousness levels in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC; i.e., vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or minimally conscious state). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the presence of circadian temperature rhythms across 6 to 7 days using external skin temperature sensors in 18 patients with DOC. Beyond this, we examined the relationship between behaviorally assessed consciousness levels and circadian rhythmicity. RESULTS: Analyses with Lomb-Scargle periodograms revealed significant circadian rhythmicity in all patients (range 23.5-26.3 hours). We found that especially scores on the arousal subscale of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised were closely linked to the integrity of circadian variations in body temperature. Finally, we piloted whether bright light stimulation could boost circadian rhythmicity and found positive evidence in 2 out of 8 patients. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence for an association between circadian body temperature rhythms and arousal as a necessary precondition for consciousness. Our findings also make a case for circadian rhythms as a target for treatment as well as the application of diagnostic and therapeutic means at times when cognitive performance is expected to peak.

A Trial Study of Moxibustion with a Warming Needle on Edema.

Edema is an accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in cells or intercellular tissues. In order to examine the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on edema, seven subjects were randomly divided into three groups, that was a Control group, an Acupuncture group (Acp), and an acupuncture and moxibustion group (Acp-Mox). After sitting for 60 minutes keeping their bodies still, the Acp and Acp-Mox subjects were administered acupuncture or acupuncture/moxibustion on the points of Zusanli (ST-36) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6), separately as against the Control group who only lied on the bed after modelization. After modelization at 60 minutes, the skin temperature and blood flow of all the groups were significantly lower in blood flow when compared with premodelization. But shortly after the procedure at 80 minutes, skin temperature in the Acp and Acp-Mox groups were significantly increased when compared with premodelization (vs. 60 minutes, p < 0.05). Moreover, the skin temperature and blood flow of the Acp-Mox group were significantly increased as compared to both the Control and the Acp group at the 80-minute time point. These results indicate that Acp and Mox-Acp could relieve edematous conditions significantly, especially the procedure of moxibustion with warming needle, was effective in improving edema which is often accompanied with cold intolerance and would be a recommended and superior therapy for edema.