International Physiology

Aim: The aim of present study was to study the effect of Anapanasati meditation on cardiovascular and respiratory parameters among short term meditators (practicing meditation for less than 6 months), long term meditators (practicing meditation for 6months to 5 yrs) and nonmeditators.

Method: The study included 30 short term, 30 long term meditators & 30 non meditators. Systolic blood pressure & diastolic blood pressure were recorded using diamond sphygmomanometer, Heart rate was measured using 108 Cardiodart ECG mahine. Pulmonary function tests: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75%, PEFR were measured using Helios 401 medspiror (spirolyser)- A. computerised spirometer. One way ANOVA was used for simultaneous multiple group comparison followed by Post-hoc Tukey’s test for group-wise comparisons.

Results & Conclusion: On analysis of results, it was found that there was statistically significant decrease in heart rate, systolic blood pressure & diastolic blood pressure in long term meditators when compared to short meditators and nonmeditators (p <0.001). There was also statistically significant decrease in heart rate in short term meditator when compared to nonmeditators (p <0.01). There was statistically significant increase in both actual and % predicted values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC in long term meditators and short term meditators compared to non meditators (p <0.001). There was also statistically significant increase in both values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC in long term meditators when compared to short term meditators (p <0.001). Long term meditators showed highly statistically significant increase in both actual and % predicted values of FEF25-75%, PEFR when compared to short term meditators and non meditators (p <0.001). Study concludes that meditation provides significant improvement on cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. Improvement continues further by increasing the duration of meditation.

Keywords: Meditation; Cardiovascular Parameters; Pulmonary Function Tests.

 

Introduction: Menstrual cycle is characterized by an intense activity of endogenous sex hormones. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) maintains the internal milieu of the body. Among the various organ systems that are influenced by the ANS, the cardiovascular system has a major role in the maintenance of homeostasis. Internal and external influences such as physical activity, food intake, pregnancy, menstruation are immediately balanced by specific adaptation mechanisms influenced by the ANS. Cyclical phases in menstrual cycle bring about changes in the stress levels which has a major influence on cardiovascular derangements which can be best studied by HRV.

Aim of the study: To study the effects of different phases of menstrual cycle on short-term Heart rate variability in young adult women.

Materials and Methods: 126 female students of age group 17-22 years have been included in the study from 2016-2017. A detailed questionnaire regarding their menstrual history was taken. After 5 minutes of supine rest, a five-minutes lead II ECG was recorded and digitized @ 256 Hz sampling rate and a vertical resolution of 10bits by NVQUIRE© software and two-channel digital polygraph hardware by INCO, Ambala. Throughout the procedure Taskforce recommendations for HRV was followed.

Results: As expected, an increased sympathetic tone and decreased parasympathetic tone was found in the luteal phase when compared to the follicular phase, as shown by decreased RMSSD and HF indices and increased low-frequency (LF) values (p= 0.05).

Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that exists a sympathovagal imbalance which is depicted by increased sympathetic activity in luteal phase than proliferative phase, and vice versa in the proliferative phase.

Keywords: Menstrual Phases; Sympatho-Vagal Imbalance; Parasympathetic Activity; HRV.

 

Context: Understanding the relationship of cardiovascular correlates of exercise parameters to metabolic syndrome parameters is especially important because cardiovascular endurance is a strong predictor of future morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes.

Aims: To examine the association of metabolic syndrome parameters with exercise capacity and cardiovascular parameters

Settings and design: Present cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Physiology Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal.

Methods and Material: 33 cases of diabetes mellitus type-II suffering from metabolic syndrome were studied and compared with age and sex matched 27 type-II diabetic subjects not suffering from metabolic syndrome.

Statistical Analysis: All values were expressed as mean±standard deviation. Comparisons of means between the two groups were done using a student ‘t’ test. Results: 55% patients were found to have metabolic syndrome. Mean anthropometric measurements were higher in metabolic syndrome group. All the biochemical parameters except HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in metabolic syndrome group. Resting pulse rate, pulse pressure, double product were significantly higher in metabolic syndrome group. Three minute exercise test mean values of maximum heart rate, pulse-pressure, double-product, Heart rate reserve were on higher side in metabolic syndrome group. Mean values of Vo 2Max, exercise capacity and recovery heart rate, were on lower side in patients of metabolic syndrome group.

Conclusion: Regular physical activity and higher level of cardio-respiratory fitness are associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

Keywords: Metabolic Syndrome; Diabetes; Exercise; Physical Activity.

 

Introduction: Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders in which there is high blood sugar level over a prolonged period and which leads to many complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy etc. Causes of diabetes vary depending on genetic makeup, family history, ethnicity, health and environmental factors. There is alarming increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Asian Indians. Obesity and fat distribution are well established risk factors for Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Anthropometry is the technique used to express the form and dimensions of the body. Obesity is the main cause of alteration in the anthropometric measurements.

Materials and Methods: In our study we measured anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio in normal and diabetic subjects.

Results: We observed that BMI has a risk factor of 4.5 and 14.5 in male and female respectively. WC has risk factor of 8.38 and 12.86 in males and females respectively. HC has a risk factor of 11.32 and12.28 in males and females respectively with p<0.05, where as WHR has a risk factor of 16.5 and 18.1 in males and females.

Conclusion: Irrespective of age or measure used, women always had higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than men. BMI with WHR and WC can be used as extremely useful predictor of Diabetes Mellitus.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Body Mass Index; Waist Circumference; Hip Circumference; Waist to Hip Ratio.

 

Aim: The aim of present study was to study the effect of Anapanasati meditation on lipid profile and lipid peroxide levels among short term meditators (practicing meditation for less than 6 months), long term meditators( practicing meditation for 6months to 5 yrs) and nonmeditators.

Method: The study included 30 short term, 30 long term meditators & 30 non meditators.To assess lipid profile & lipid peroxide levels 6ml of blood was venous blood was collected with asceptic precaution. Serum total cholesterol, HDL,LDL, triglycerides were estimated by their respective reagents Lipid peroxide level was estimated by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels .One way ANOVA was used for simultaneous multiple group comparison followed by Post-hoc Tukey’s test for group-wise comparisons.

Results & Conclusion: On analysis of results, it was found that there was significant decrease in total cholesterol (p<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (p<0.001), along with significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (p<0.01) in long term meditator and short term meditators when compared to non meditators. And similar significant difference was found between long term meditators and short term meditators.

Results: showed that there was significant reduction in triglycerides (p<0.001) in long term meditators compared to short term mediators and non-meditators. On analysis of results of lipid peroxidation it was found that there was highly significant (p<0.001) reduction in the level of lipid peroxides in long term meditators and short term meditators compared to non meditators. And also there was highly significant (p< 0.001) reduction in the level of lipid peroxides in long term meditators compared to short term meditators. It was concluded that meditation improves lipid profile anddereaseslipid peroxide levels. Improvement continues further by increasing the duration of meditation.

Keywords: Meditation; Lipid Profile; Lipid Peroxides.

Context: Young adults are exposed to air pollution and are vulnerable to its effects especially on respiratory diseases. Hence they should undergo regular screening for lung function parameters.

Aims: To study of lung function parameters among young healthy adults.

Settings and design: Cross sectional study carried out at GR Medical College.

Methods and Material: 185 youngsters aged 17-22 years of age of both sexes were studied. All individuals were healthy and free from any lung disease. Weight and lung function parameters were measured.

Statistical analysis: Student’s t test was used to compare means.

Results: FVC, FEV1, FEV.5/FVC% and FEV1/FVC% increased with weight significantly for males but not for females. FEV.5, MVV did not increase significantly with weight for both sexes. PEFR increased significantly with weight for females but not for males. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, MVV and PEFR increased significantly with age for both sexes. FEV.5 increased significantly with age for females but not for males.

Conclusion: Lung function parameters enhanced significantly with age and weight mostly in males while in females their changes were not significant.

Keywords: Body Surface Area; Physical Exercise; Lung Function Parameters; FEV-5.

 

Introduction and Objectives: Delayed discharge of paediatric patients due to postsurgical fever is frequently observed in patients anaesthetized with Ketamine and Glycopyrrolate. Hence the present study was done to evaluate and compare the body temperature of paediatric patients with and without pre-anaesthetic medication with Glycopyrrolate.

Material and Methods: A randomised, double blind prospective study was done on 40 paediatric patients of age 1 – 8 years posted for lower abdominal surgeries. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups, Group I – Glycopyrrolate group, receiving 0.005mg/Kg i.v. glycopyrrolate and Group II – Placebo group, receiving the equivalent volume of normal saline .Both groups were treated with ketamine – 3mg/kg with caudal block after 30 mins of premedication.

Inclusion criteria - paediatric patients of age 1-8 years posted for lower abdominal surgeries.

Exclusion criteria – patients with fever, Upper respiratory tract infection, Bilateral Surgeries, Syndromic child, history of increased oral secretions, surgeries more than 1hr duration were excluded. The tympanic temperature of all the patients were recorded pre-operatively for baseline body temperature and at 0, 30, 60, 90 mins post – operatively. The intra-operative quantity of oral secretions in both the groups was measured using VAS score.

Result: The body temperature was significantly higher in Glycopyrrolate group than placebo group at 30, 60, 90 mins post – operatively. The salivation was significantly less in glycopyrrolate group than placebo group.

Conclusion: The routine use of Glycopyrrolate as pre-anaesthetic adjunct with Ketamine should be considered after weighing the risk of post-operative hyperthermia.

Keywords: Anticholinergic Drug; Glycopyrrolate; Ketamine; Salivation; Temperature.

 

Introduction: The physiological changes during pregnancy facilitate the adaptation of the cardiovascular system to the increased metabolic needs of the mother enabling adequate delivery of oxygenated blood to the peripheral tissues and to the fetus. The present study was designed to compare the cardiovascular changes at different trimesters of pregnancy with the nonpregnant women.

Materials and Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Physiology after institutional clearance and consent from all the participants,150 pregnant women in the age group of 20-35yrs who were attending the OPD of OBG were recruited and divided into 3 subgroups comprising 50 women in first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The control group was comprising of another apparently healthy age matched 50 non-pregnant women. The anthropometric, Blood pressure and ECG were recordedduring morning hours.

Statistical Analysis: The data were expressed as Mean±SD. Z test was used for comparison between control and study groups andwithin the study group. ‘p’ value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistically significant.

Result: There was a significant increase in the pulse rate of the subjects in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy when compared to the control group (p=0.0001) and a significant decrease in SBP in the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy compared to control group (p=0.0146 and 0.0001 respectively). The MAP was significantly decreased in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy compared to control group (p=0.0003) whereas, the decline was insignificant 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (p=0.596 and 0.638 respectively).

Discussion: The pregnancy induced changes in the cardiovascular system develop primarily to meet the increased metabolic demands of mother &
fetus. The overall decrease in vascular tone in response to an unknown endocrine stimulus represents the very first adaptive change in cardiovascular system giving rise to both an increased vascular capacity and a decreased filling state.

Keywords: Pregnancy; BP Responses; ECG Changes; Trimesters.

 

Background: The knowledge of blood group distribution is important for clinical studies, for reliable geographical information and blood bank management.

Aims and Objectives: To determine the blood group and study frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among medical students.

Materials and Methods: Our study aimed to find out the frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among the students of Karwar medical college. For this study 299 (161 males and 138 females) medical students were included. Blood was collected by finger prick method. A drop of monoclonal anti-A, anti-B and anti – D was added to a drop of RBC suspension prepared from finger prick blood and normal saline on clean glass slides and mixed well. Results of agglutination were recorded immediately. The data was expressed as percentages.

Results: This Study shows most frequently occurring blood group was O with 41.14% followed by B, A and AB. The frequency of B was 27.09%, A was 25.75% and AB was 6.02%. The Rh-positive percentage was 94.65% and that of Rh-negative was 5.35%. In Rh-positive blood group distribution, ‘O’ had maximum frequency of 39.13%, followed by ‘B’ 26.42%, ‘A’ 23.41% & ‘AB’ 5.69 %. In Rh-negative ‘A’ blood group had maximum frequency of 2.34%, followed by ‘O’ 2.01%, ‘B’ 0.68%, ‘AB’ 0.33%.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that among ABO system, O blood group frequency is more common in both sexes than other blood groups and AB being the least. Rh-positive blood group distribution frequency is more common than Rh-negative.

Keywords: ABO Blood Group; Rh Typing; Frequency Distribution; Medical Student.

 

Background and Objectives: As the latest modern and well equipped gymnasiums are coming up, more and more youngsters are diverting towards gymnasium. As the studies on pulmonary functions of individuals doing exercise in Gymnasium are less available, the present study was carried out to assess the pulmonary function. of young adults of 18-30 years of age group.

Method: This study was carreid out in the department of physiology, M.G.M. Medical College, Indore with recruitment of 60 subjects. The subjects were categorized into 2 groups - study group and control group each of 30. Subjects of study group (n=30) were performing physical activity in Gymnasium for minimum two years and of control group (n=30) were M.B.B.S students not doing any regular exercise. Various lung volumes were measured by spirometer andstatistically analyzed.

Results: It was observed that pulmonary functions of study group were greater than the control group though the difference was statistically not significant.

Interpretation and Conclusion: Present study showsimportance of exercise in Gymnasium on lung functions.

Keywords: Gymnasium; Exercise; Pulmonary Functions.

 

Introduction: Hearing loss is a social problem affecting worldwide resulting in significant health issues, communication difficulties, social withdrawal, isolation, dependence, frustration, and is strongly associated with, cognitive decline, depression and decreased quality of life [1]. Age related hearing loss (Presbycusis) [2] starts from 5th decade of life.The proposed mechanisms are lesions in the inner ear and cochlear nerve, and the loss of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) [3]. In adults, the auditory function has asymmetries in right and left side resulting in right ear advantage over the left. Asymmetry at the cochlear level is called as peripheral right ear advantage and those involvingprocessing complex in brain is called central right ear advantage. In adults the cochlea of right ear is sensitive and it’s affected more than left.

Aim: Toevaluate theloss of auditory asymmetry and loss of right ear advantage in presbyacusis.

Methods: 100 subjects aged more than 55 years (divided in to 55-60, 61-65, and >65) are taken in this study. All are subjected to a pure tone audiometric assessment followed by evaluation of their right ear advantage over their left.

Results: The auditory thresholds of right and left ear in aged individuals showed significant loss of right ear advantage in age groups of 61-65 and>65.

Conclusion: Elderly subjects of age group greater than 60 have severity in left earsensorineural hearing loss in all frequencies. The study showed that there is a significant loss of right ear advantage in subjects greater than 60 years.

Keywords: Presbyacusis; Sensorineural Hearing Loss; Right Ear Advantage.

 

Obesity among children, adolescents has emerged as one of the most serious public health concerns in 21st century together can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

Aims: A comparative study between BMI & BP with CPT and Isometric handgrip dynamometer test for sympathetic activity.

Objective: To study the sympathetic activity with normal weight young adults and obese young adults.

Material Methods: A total of 100, of 50 normal weight and 50 obese medical and dental students in age group of 18-22 years. Each subjects Basal Blood pressure was recorded and evolution of sympathetic function test was done by using cold pressor test (CPT) and Isometric hand grip dynamometer test (IHD). Analysis of data was performed by SPSS 21.

Results: Sympathetic activity test values between obese non obese students significant differences was observed this indicates deranged sympathetic activity in obese.

Conclusion: Weight gain will cause sympathetic abnormality and prone to have hypertension & cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Cold Pressor Test; Isometric Handgrip Dynamometer; Obese.

Introduction: High blood pressure is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Joint National Committee on High Blood Pressure (JNC) identified a new category of blood pressure in adults termed pre-hypertension. Keeping BP below 120/80 mm Hg may provide important health benefits later in life.

Methods: Total 201 subjects were selected from general population with the age between 18-70 years. Blood pressure was measured with mercury sphygmomanometer and prehypertension was classified according to JNC 7. 101 subjects were found to be prehypertensives and 100 were normotensives. Two-dimensionally guided M-mode echocardiography was performed by standard methods.

Results: BMI and BSA were elevated in prehypertensives. HR, SBP, DBP, PP & MAP were significantly elevated (p<0.001) in prehypertensives compared to normotensives. A statistically significant difference was noted in LVIDd, LVIDs, PWT, LVM and LVMI between two groups in male populations whereas in female populations only LVM and LVMI were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Such findings carry prognostic implication. Early diagnosis of prehypertension will help to take necessary preventive measures to reduce cardiac morbidity and mortality in later period.

Keywords: Cardiovascular Risk; Prehypertension; Echocardiography; LVM; LVMI.

 

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of co morbid depression almost twice which increases diabetic complications leading to poor metabolic control and decreased quality of life. Depression exacerbates the progression of diabetes and hence screening and treatment of depression in diabetic individuals helps in improving the glycemic control and quality of life.

Aims and objectives: Aim of this study is to determine the effects of metabolic control on depression and health related quality of life.

Materials and Methods: Case-control study design with 110 diabetic individual more than 5 years duration and 110 good controlled diabetic individuals. Glycemic index (HbA1C) is used for evaluating metabolic control. Hamilton’s scale of depression and anxiety is applied along with hospital anxiety and depression scale {HADS}. Unpairedstudent ‘t’ test is used to find the significance of values between the cases and controls.

Results: The mean Hamilton’s scoring for cases is 22.11±6.68 and for controls is 2.45±4.32. The difference is significant at p<0.05. The mean HADS score for cases is 11.51±4.5and for controls is 1.58±1.92. Its significant at p<0.05. 

Conclusion: This study found that the diabetes with poor glycemic control has more risk of co morbid depression and poor quality of life when compared togood glycemic controlled diabetics.

Keywords: Depression; Diabetes Mellitus; Glycaemic Index.

 

Introduction: Medical students during their course of education may experience stress when their curricular demands tends to exceed their resources to deal with them, and they have been also reported to suffer from higher perceived stress compared to the general population and students in other academic fields. Current study aims to assess the level of stress in first year medical students.

Objective: To assess the perceived stress levels in first year  medical students.

Method: Across-sectional study was conducted among first year medical students of Al-Azhar medical college and super speciality hospital. Where, perceived stress scale -10 (PSS-10) was used for assessing the perceived stress levels. The data was entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Results: Of the 150 first year medical students,who took part, 109 were females and 41 were males. Most students reported PSS- 10 mean score of 24.56 (SD 7.24) and scores ranging from 8-38. There was no difference between the mean stress levels of male students and female students p>0.05.

Conclusion: The study reported that there is a higher level of stress among the medical student than compared to the general population. Also there is no difference in stress level between male or female students.

Keywords: First Year Medical Students; Perceived Stress; South India.

 

Background: It is very well established that tobacco smoking is one of the risk factors for various diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and various types of cancers. Alterations in haematological parameters may be one of the causes for these diseases.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between tobacco smoking and haematological parameters like haemoglobin levels and levels of white blood cells.

Materials and Methods: The study recruited a total of 60 adult men of whom 30 were chronic smokers and the other 30 were non-smokers. Blood sample drawn from each of these subjects was assessed for the following parameters: Haemoglobin (Hb) levels, total leucocyte count (TLC), differential count (DC) of neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. The smoking status was confirmed by measuring serum cotinine levels of the subjects.

Statistical analysis: The values were compared between smokers and non-smokers using unpaired student’s t test.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in Hb levels (15.42±1.24 vs 14.40 ±1.10), DC of eosinophils (6.781±5.02 vs 4.47±3.64) and absolute eosinophil
count (519.06±217.25 vs 346.56±104.42) among smokers when compared to non-smokers. Also increase in TLC, DC of neutrophils and decrease in DC of lymphocytes and monocytes were found which were statistically not significant.

Conclusion: Hence it can be concluded that tobacco smoking leads to alterations in haematological parameters and may be responsible for development of certain diseases and smoking cessation programmes should be integrated with basic health care system.

Keywords: Tobacco Smoking; Haemoglobib (Hb); White Blood Cells (WBCs).

 

Background and Objectives: Now a day’s people are involved in various activities for fitness. In literature, very few studies have been done to compare the various lung volumes of swimmers with those who are involved in gymnasium; hence the present study was taken up.

Method: The present study was carried out in the department of physiology, M.G.M. Medical College and M Y Hospital, Indore with recruitment of 60 subjects. The subjects were categorized into 2 groups – one having those involved in gymnasium and other having swimmers - each of 30. All the subjects were involved in their respective exercise for a period of minimum two years. Various lung volumes and capacities were measured by spirometer and statistically analyzed.

Results: It was observed that lung volumes of swimmers were greater than those who were involved in gymnasium and the difference was statistically significant.

Interpretation and Conclusion: from the present study it can be concluded that swimming is better than exercise in gymnasium as far as lung functions are concerned.

Keywords: Gymnasium; Swimmers; Exercise; Lung Volumes.

 

Background: Medical education is a powerful tool for building a knowledge based society. Teaching should be a two way process involving active participation from students as well. Medical Physiology is a subject which has to be understood and includes theory classes as well as practical demonstration in the first MBBS. It is very essential to create interest and seek attention of the students during the classes be it theory or practical. Earlier, classes were only taken using blackboard. Then gradually, OHP were being used along with blackboard. Now in 21st century with the use of powerpoint (PPT) along with black board for theory as well as practical creates interest and makes the subject easier to understand for the students. Hence the present study is conducted to analyze the student centred teaching and learning approach in theory classes and practical demonstrations.

Objective: To understand the preference of teaching methods by the students and to make the learning easier.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted in Department of physiology, KBNIMS, Gulbarga after obtaining the ethical clearance from IEC committee. The study included 100 students of first year MBBS. Questionnaires were given to the students that included 12 questions with multiple choice options.

Results: Of the 100 students, 44% students favored power point presentation along with blackboard discussion, 40% preferred PPT, and only 3% preferred OHP presentation.

Conclusion: Most students prefer PPT along with blackboard. Using this feedback, the student centred teaching and learning approach, the understanding of physiology can be made more interesting and easier.

Keywords: Blackboard; Powerpoint; OHP; Practicals.

 

Background: The HRV is a sensitive index in establishing the underlying cardiovascular derangements within the age. The study of cardiovascular autonomic function and its maturation in the pediatric age group has gained importance as there are no much data in the literature.

Objectives: To assess the gender based differences on HRV during the period of puberty, the age at cardiac autonomic axis maturates.

Material & Methods: The study was done on 145 children of both the genders of urban population categorized in two groups as Group I (7-9 years, n=65) & Group II (10-12 years, n= 80). Basal 5 minutes ECG was recorded and the standard time domain indices (mean RR, SDNN, PNN50 and RMSSD) and frequency domain indices (TP, LF, HF, and LFnu, HFnu and LF/HF ratio) of HRV were calculated and analyzed.

Results: Time domain and frequency domain indices were significantly (p<0.01) more in females than males in younger group I and less in females in group II.

Conclusion: The study proposed that there are established gender differences in the autonomic axis maturation due to the onset of puberty in females (preferably adrenarche) may result in profound decrease in the HRV parameters. A similar finding was not seen in boys because of the natural delay in the onset of puberty in comparison to their female counterparts.

Keywords: Autonomic Axis; Maturation; Heart Rate Variability; Gender.

 

Background: Reaction time is the speed with which an individual can respond to
a stimulus. Reaction time is very important aspect in occupation like driving, in which quicker level of response is one of the measure by which number of road traffic accidents can be reduced. Reaction time may be visual reaction time or auditory reaction time.

Objective: To compare mean visual reaction time for red color in school bus drivers with normal population.

Study Design: Cross-Sectional.

Materials and Methods: The present was conducted on 100 healthy school bus drivers (study group) and 100 healthy normal people (control group) of age group 20-50 years as per inclusion criteria. After taking informed consent a self- made questionnaire was administered and a thorough clinical examination – general and systemic - was done along with routine visual function tests (visual acuity and color vision) of all the participants of both the groups. Participants from both the groups with normal visual function tests were assessed for visual reaction time test for red color with the help of audio-visual reaction time apparatus. Each participant was subjected to three test stimuli and reaction time was noted each time & the best result (out of the three) was taken for analysis.

Results: Data thus obtained were compiled, tabulated and analyzed statistically by student t-test.

Conclusion: The visual reaction time for red color was shorter in drivers as compared to controls which is statistically significant (p<0.05).

Keywords: Visual Acuity; Audio-Visual Reaction Time Apparatus; Visual Reaction Time; Student-t Test.

 

Yoga is one of the best ancient philosophies of life for the prevention and management of various psychosomatic ailments especially in the present scenario of stress whether physical or mental. Medical students are future doctors; and they should be fit physically and mentally in order to make others physically and mentally fit. Incorporating yoga in one’s own life is an important step towards that. Keeping this objective in mind, the present study was conducted on medical students to make them aware what yoga is and to encourage them to incorporate yoga in their life.

Aim: To study the effect of short term yoga practices on pulmonary function tests FVC, FEV 1,PEFR, and MEF 25-75%.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on healthy medical students of M.B.B.S. 1st year (21 males and 15 females) of age group 17-21 years in the department of physiology, M.G.M. Medical College, and M.Y. Hospital, Indore. After obtaining an informed consent; and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria the pulmonary function tests were performed on Ganshorn Power-Cube LF8 Beta System before subjecting the students to yoga training. The parameters taken were FEV1 and PEFR. Then the students were trained by experts from Yoga Center. The students performed the yoga practices in the morning for one hour, six days in a week, for four weeks under expert’s observation. The yoga practices consisted of Prayer, Omkar recitation, asana, Pranayama, and breathing exercises. Pulmonary function parameters were also tested after four-week yoga session. Data thus collected before and after performing yoga were compiled, tabulated and analyzed by using students’ ‘t’ test.

Result: There was significant improvement in FEV1 and PEFR as denoted by p value of <.05.

Conclusion: A Marked improvement can occur in various respiratory parameters after short-term yoga practices. By extending these results, we suggest that yoga practice may be applied as an alternative therapy or as an adjunct to conventional therapy for the prevention as well as management of respiratory diseases like bronchial asthma.

Keywords: Yoga; Pulmonary Function Tests; FVC; FEV1; PEFR; MEF; Students’ ‘t’ Test.

 

The present study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, MGM Medical College, Indore.

Type of study: cross-sectional study.

Sample size: 100 School bus drivers.

Age group: 20 to 50years, males. To find out the correlation between BMI and visual reaction time in school bus drivers. There s positive correlation between BMI and visual reaction time i.e. as BMI increases reaction time becomes longer (statistically not significant p>0.05).

Study Design: Observational Study.

Keywords: BMI; Visual Reaction.