The main objective is to measure the effect of unilateral forced nostril breathing on neural activation, specifically the hemispheric activation controlateral to the breathing nostril.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Gezond brein
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Brain activation as measured by MRI
Secondary outcome
not applicable
Background summary
A unique and often overlooked feature of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), is
that of the lateralized ultradian rhythms where one branch of the sympathetic
nervous system dominates one side of the body, and one branch of the
parasympathetic nervous system dominates on the opposite side, and then the two
systems switch dominance on the two sides. This natural hypothalamic-mediated
endogenous phenomenon leads to lateralized rhythms of the ANS and the
respective innervated organs and structures, including the cerebral
hemispheres. These rhythms of alternating cerebral hemispheric activity and
their coupled physiological and psychological correlates are in part the basis
for the use and putative effects of the ancient yogic technique of unilateral
forced nostril breathing (UFNB), a method to force the lateralization of these
alternating lateralizated activities. Yogis believed that UFNB has effects not
only on the brain but throughout the periphery, and that UFNB selectively
stimulates the controlateral cerebral hemisphere. Empirical evidence supports
this view: controlateral activations of the cerebral hemispheres have been
found with EEG and MEG. However, due to limitations of these techniques it is
still unclear which brain areas are activated by UFNB.
Study objective
The main objective is to measure the effect of unilateral forced nostril
breathing on neural activation, specifically the hemispheric activation
controlateral to the breathing nostril.
Study design
We will measure functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals while
subjects press shut with their right index finger their right or left nostril,
or maintain their right index finger pressed on the tip of the nose (control
condition).
Study burden and risks
There are no known risks associated with participating in an fMRI study. This
is a noninvasive technique involving no catheterizations or introduction of
exogenous tracers. Numerous children and adults have undergone magnetic
resonance studies without apparent harmful consequences. Some people become
claustrophobic while inside the magnet and in these cases the study will be
terminated immediately at the subject's request. The only absolute
contraindications to MRI studies are the presence of metal in the body, like
intracranial or intraocular metal, or a pacemaker. Relative contraindications
include pregnancy and claustrophobia. Subjects who may be pregnant, who may
have any metal in their body will be excluded because of potential
contraindications of MRI in such subjects. Although there is no direct benefit
to the participants from this proposed research, there are possible benefits to
society from the potential knowledge gained from this study. These include a
better understanding of the beneficial effects of UFNB in healthy people, and
its application in the treatment of psychopathology.
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
Nederland
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
Nederland
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Adult subjects (18-30 years of age) with no history of neurological disorder/disease and no counter-indications to MRI will be included in this study. All participants will be right-handed native Dutch speakers with normal vision or contact lenses.
Exclusion criteria
The participants have to be able to breath without problems through each nostril. Potential participants will be prescreened for contra-indications for fMRI, which include metal implants, heart arrhythmia, claustrophobia, and possible pregnancy (in adult females). They will additionally be prescreened for head trauma, premature birth, learning disabilities, and history of neurological or psychiatric illness and/or use of psychotropic medications. Finally, left-handed individuals will be excluded from the study because some left-handers have substantially different brain organization relative to right-handers.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL27432.058.09 |