International Journal of Basic & Applied Physiology

19-21

Authors: Anup Patel*, Anju Mehta**

Nerve conduction velocity is being used as a widespread measure of diagnosis of nerve function abnormalities. Dependence of nerve conduction parameters on intrinsic factors like age and sex, as well as extrinsic factors like temperature is well known. Lateralization of various cerebral functions like speech, language, visuospatial relations, analysis of face, recognition of musical themes and use of hand for fine motor movements have also been studied. Some differences have been noted between left and right hander for nerve conduction. The aim of this study is to compare the nerve conduction velocity between left handed and right handed subjects using median nerve and find out whether there is any difference in nerve conduction velocity (motor or sensory) with handedness. Method: The study was carried out in students of B J Medical College by the use of standard 2 channel physiograph. Comparison of motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity between left and right handed subjects was done under paired-t test. Results: Hemispheric specialization is primarily responsible for difference of dexterity. Some skills like music, sports activities are also due to hemispheric difference. On comparison of nerve conduction velocity between left and right handed persons the study shows that there is significant difference in sensory nerve conduction velocity between left and right handed subjects. Interpretation & Conclusion: From the results we can conclude that there should be different set of standards for sensory nerve conduction velocity of left and right handed subjects.

26-29

Authors: Saurin Sanghavi*, Rachit Joshi **, Devanshi Upadhyay***, Shital Halvadia****, Vijay Goplani *, Paresh Prajapati*

To find out the effect of endurance sports activity on Hemoglobin and Red blood cell count, compare and analyze the results of sports persons and sedentary persons. Method: The present work was carried out in the Indian Petro Chemical Ltd (IPCL) Township at the sports complex and IPCL Hospital (Health center). Hemoglobin and red blood cell count was carried out on the sportspersons and the control group using electronic auto analyzer cell counter (SYSMEX). The result obtained was compared by statistical analysis using unpaired-t test. Results: The findings of our study revealed lower Red blood cell count and Hemoglobin content in sportspersons than the sedentary group. Interpretation & Conclusion: It can be concluded that endurance sports activities over a longer duration reduces the hemoglobin and Red blood cell count.

36-41

Authors: Keshav Kashyap

Best index of obesity that is predictive for hypertension is still a controversial subject because the predictive power of anthropometric indices varies from race to race; hence present study was carried out to assess correlation of the four mentioned anthropometric indicators with Blood pressure and to find out the best parameter as a predictor of Hypertension. Method: A cross sectional study was done in 600 subjects. Body mass index (BMI), Waist hip ratio (WHR), Waist stature ratio (WSR), Waist circumference (WC) and BP measurement was done. Mean, standard deviation, Students T test and Pearson Correlation analysis were used for analysis of results. Results: Mean values of all the four anthropometric indicators were significantly higher (p <0.01) in Hypertensive than in normotensive population in both gender. Percentage of hypertensive detected by WSR was highest (71.63%) followed by WC (69.54%), BMI (68.4%), WHR (60%) in that order. A positive correlation was found between all the four anthropometric indicators with SBP and DBP.WSR had the highest correlation coefficient for both SBP and DBP followed by WC >BMI> WHR in that order. Interpretation & Conclusion: The majority of our examinees were found to be normal weight by BMI definition but the percentage of Hypertension was significantly higher among normal-weight examinees with WSR 0.5. Thus, WSR may also be applied effectively to normal weight people facing higher risks of Hypertension, enabling early preventive health education.

49-52

Authors: Atreya Tanu, Shukla Jyotsna

Ageing is associated with decline in short term indices of heart rate variability (HRV). However there is little evidence regarding the extent to which HRV also depends upon simultaneous changes in the level of estrogen and body fat composition. The aim of the present study was to compare HRV between pre and post menopausal women and to study the effect of estrogen level and body fat composition on HRV. Method: HRV was assessed in 30 premenopausal and 30 post menopausal women of medical profession, using frequency domain spectral analysis. Estrogen level was estimated by Chemiluminescence immunoassay method and body fat composition in terms of percent body fat by measurement of skin fold thickness .Results: Post menopausal women have significantly lower high frequency power (HF) (p value <0.001) and higher low frequency power (LF) (p value <0.001) and LF/HF Ratio (index of sympathovagal balance) significantly higher (p value <0.001) among post menopausal women. Analysis after adjusting for age revealed that difference in estrogen level and body fat percentage accounted for the difference of HRV in the study groups. Interpretation & Conclusion: Declined estrogen level and increased body fat percentage are associated with autonomic alteration observed among postmenopausal women.

56-60

Authors: Teena Sogan*, Keerti Mathur*

Normotensive subjects with a family history of hypertension are considered to be at increased risk of developing hypertension. Autonomic control of heart rate is impaired in hypertensive offsprings. Thus the purpose of study was to assess the autonomic activity and hemodynamic variables in young healthy normotensive subjects with parental history of essential hypertension. Method: Sixty young healthy normotensive subjects, with (n = 30) and without (n = 30) parental history of essential hypertension were examined. Autonomic functions were assessed by using heart rate variability analysis. Results: In the present study, no significant differences were observed in hemodynamic variables (blood pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, blood flow index, pulse arrival time, pulse termination time) in both groups. The low frequency power in normalized units was significantly higher (P<0.05) and high frequency power in normalized units was significantly lower (P<0.05) in subjects with positive parental history of essential hypertension. The Low frequency/High frequency ratio was significantly higher (P<0.01) in subjects with positive parental history of essential hypertension. Interpretation & Conclusion: The altered sympathovagal balance may be an early marker of increased cardiovascular responsiveness in subjects with genetic predisposition to hypertension.

66-69

Authors: Bonti Bora ,

Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) is a new technique that allows analysis of local function of Retina. Hydroxychloroquine is a drug which has dose dependent systemic toxicity including significant visual disturbances & loss of vision. The use of mfERG for evaluating Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy appeared to detect retinal physiological changes earlier than other testing modalities and may enable documentation of preclinical stage of Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Method: 80 patients taking HCQS therapy are randomly selected.Result: Out of these asymptomatic patients electrophysiological abnormalities in two and three dimensional study were seen in 13 patients. Para central depression was found in 17 eyes while generalized depression was found in 8 eyes. In one eye normal recording was found. The study has got external validity or generalizability because the effect of drug on retina will be same in all parts of the country though affect of confounder bias i.e. the other cause associated with defect in mfERG may be there, so it is applicable in prevention of further effect on retina. Conclusion: mfERG has got high sensitivity & specificity in diagnosing early retinal defect.

79-82

Authors: Mishra N V, Sonwane T D

Anemia is common and severe problem in adolescent girls in many developing countries including India. Decreased hemoglobin levels may lead to decreased attentiveness and low neuronal metabolic activity. The main aim of this study was to observe and compare the effects of hemoglobin level on auditory and visual reaction time in normal and anemic girls of same age group. Method: Adolescent girls of age group 17-19 years have been selected. Hemoglobin estimation was done using Sahali’s Hemoglobinometer. After haemoglobin estimation two groups were made. Group I (n=30) with estimated haemoglobin concentration ≥12 gm%. Group II (n=30) with estimatedhaemoglobin concentration<12gm%.Auditory and visual reaction time have been measured using ‘Reaction time analyser’.Observations have been statistically analysed .Results: The difference in auditory and visual reaction time between two groups was found to be significant (p<0.05).Interpretation and Conclusion: Both auditory and visual reaction time were found to be delayed in Group II having hemoglobin<12gm% as compared to those having hemoglobin ≥ 12gm%. Sensorimotor performance is affected in anemic individuals.

88-92

Authors: Sagarika Bhattacharjee

Autistic spectral disorder (ASD) afflicts one out of every 88 children, a 78% increase in the past 10 years along with increasing lifestyle stresses. The Earlier studies suggests that ASD children had larger head circumferences (HC) and abnormalities in central brain structures often associated with autonomic control. As both growth hormone and Autonomic nervous system (ANS) has same site of central control by hypothalamus, therefore, aim of the study is to investigate coexistence of growth abnormality with ANS dysfunction in ASD children. Methodology: An observational CASE-CONTROL study, having 25 age - sex matched subjects (mean age 15 years) each was designed. The CASES satisfied the criteria of ASD according to DSM-IV. The CONTROLS clustered the normal healthy children. The HC, height and weight were measured with a measuring tape and weighing machine respectively. Postural change in blood pressure (BP) was measured with a sphygmomanometer using pediatric cuff. Results: Significantly higher HC (P = 0.0001), decreased weight (p=0.00002), decreased basal metabolic indices (BMI) (p=0.02) was found in CASE compared to CONTROL. Height did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.49).ANOVA application confirms statistical significant variation between group. In both groups , following correlation coefficient were calculated between (1)recorded height-weight-BMI and respective standard 90th percentile values( CDC growth chart) (2) recorded supine BP and expected 90th percentile BP , according to respective age and height percentile (3)HC and BMI (4) BP and height-weight . All the measured correlations show decreased value in CASE then CONTROL. Interpretation: These findings infer the probable growth abnormality in ASD. The Flashing result of fall in systolic BP was seen on assuming the erect posture from supine position in CASES. This implies ANS dysfunction. Conclusion: The above result clearly suggests the coexistence of marked growth abnormality, with ANS dysfunction in ASD children.

98-102

Authors: Jadeja Upasanaba*, Naik Shobha**, Jadeja Dhruvkumar***, Jadeja Jayendrasinh****

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in India, causing 1.7 to 2 million deaths annually. Objective of the present study is to screen cardiovascular health of participating adult subjects. Method: A cross sectional study on total 49 subjects, selected randomly from the general population of Ahmedabad city was performed. A thorough history analysis, random blood sugar level, electrocardiography along with 2D echocardiographical evaluation of each individual was done. The study sample was divided into three groups, group A of subjects having 23-40 years of age, group B of subjects having 41-50 years of age and group C of subjects having 51-66 years of age. Prevalence of ischemic heart disorders, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obese or overweight subjects in each group were obtained. Results: 87% subjects of group C had ischemic heart disorders, whereas 67% subjects of group B and 46% subjects of group A had ischemic heart disorders. Subjects belonging to older age group (group C) had significantly higher prevalence of ischemic heart disorders than younger age group (group A) subjects (p<0.05). 15% subjects of group A, 9% subjects of group B and 20% subjects of group C had diabetes mellitus. 30% subjects of group A, 33% subjects of group B and 33% subjects of group C were overweight or obese. 15% subjects of group A, 9% subjects of group B and 27% subjects of group C were hypertensive. Interpretation & Conclusion: Ischemic heart disorders are highly prevalent in older age groups among the study sample. Also, almost half subjects of younger age group and more than half subjects of middle age group have history or signs of ischemic heart disorders, indicating the need of development of nationwide guidelines for screening and preventing cardiovascular diseases in apparently healthy population.

109-113

Authors: Sadhana S. Mendhurwar*, J. V.Gadkari**

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Stress can be evaluated by measuring anxiety score. In the present study effect of TM and Stress management program on anxiety score was studied. Method: For present study 150 volunteers between 20 - 40 years were selected in two groups each containing 75 volunteers. Group I volunteers were trained for TM. After training period they practiced TM every day 20 minutes for 6 weeks. Group II volunteers were subjected to stress management program where they practiced various breathing exercises, some asana and relaxation technique for 20 minutes for 6 weeks. Anxiety score was measured by using clinical anxiety scale (C.A.S.) before and after the TM and stress management program in each volunteer. Result: Comparison of results of TM and stress management program for anxiety score was done by statistical analysis. Stress management program was more effective in causing reduction in anxiety score in males and females, however anxiety score reduction was found significantly in females as compared to males who practiced TM. Interpretation and conclusion: From the present study it is concluded that Stress management program is more effective than TM in reducing anxiety score. In the present study volunteers practiced TM and Stress management program only for 6 weeks .Practicing TM or Stress management program for a longer time may be more effective and therefore should be studied.

120-122

Authors: Bute Smita S*, Dhule Sunita S.**, Surdi Anil D.***,Handergulle Sunita M.****

Yoga practice reduces psychological stress and improves antioxidant level by decreasing sympathetic activity and oxidative stress. To counteract harmful effects of reactive oxygen species, the body produces various antioxidant enzymes. As reports are scanty regarding this topic, the study is designed to appraise the role of yoga in maintaining antioxidant status. Method: The study was conducted on fifty adult males(age-25-40 yrs) who were divided into two groups-a yoga(n=25) and a control (n=25) .The yoga group was trained in yoga for 6 months. The yoga schedule consist of prayers, asanas, pranayama and meditation. The control group was not involved in any type of physical exercise. Blood samples were collected in fasting condition of both groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase levels were estimated spectrophotometrically. Results: There was statistically significant increase in levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in yoga group as compared to control. Interpretation &Conclusion: Yoga improves the antioxidant levels. Yoga has therapeutic, preventive and protective effects by decreasing oxidative stress. The clinical relevance is that yoga practice can be used to maintain the antioxidant defense system under stressful conditions.

127-131

Authors: Amitabh Dube*, Sweta Soni**

Analysis of rhythmic patterns embedded within beat to beat variations in heart rate (HRV) is a tool used to assess the balance of cardiac autonomic nervous activity and may be predictive for prognosis of some medical conditions, such as ischemic cardiac events in later life. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of short term low intensity exercise in 30 young healthy adults. Methods : Heart rate (HR), Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Heart rate variability parameters (HRV) high frequency (HF) (0.15-0.4 Hz), low frequency (LF) (0.04-0.15 Hz) , very low frequency (VLF) (≤0.04 Hz), LF/HF ratio, LFnu (LF in normalized units), HFnu (HF in normalized units) were measured from baseline before exercise and after 1½ minutes exercise using Master’s two step test. Results: HR, SBP, DBP were significantly high (P < 0-05) after exercise and VLF, LF, LFnu, LF/HF ratio were increased after exercise. Significant difference could not be appreciated among the HRV parameters except for total power (TP) which was significantly decreased post-exercise. Conclusion: The present study reiterated the dynamical and autonomic response to low-intensity exercise. However, the response in form of a significant increase in DBP and a decrease in TP reflects a physiological response which is not commensurate with the demands of the stress to which the system was subject. It would indeed be worthwhile to explore further the issues so raised in the present study.

137-142

Authors: Priyanka R Rane, Jayashree V Gadkari

Increased incidence of lifestyle diseases seen in India are like hypertension, type II Diabetes Mellitus, and ischemic heart diseases. Family history represents the integration of shared genomic and environment risk factors. Aims and objectives: To study the correlation of anthropometric indices in young individuals with family history of diabetes. Material and Method: This study was conducted in 164 healthy medical students of age group 18 – 25 yrs, from which 82 were with family history of diabetes and 82 with no family history of diabetes (control group). Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference were taken. Body mass index (BMI), waist - hip ratio (WHR), waist -height ratio (WHtR) was determined from these basic measures. Results: Statistical analysis was carried using SPSS software. BMI, Waist circumference, WHR were statistically more significant (p<0.001) in subjects with family history of diabetes as compared to control group (p >0.001).Among the subjects with family history of diabetes, 57.3% were overweight (according to World Health Organisation criteria for Asians) while 18.3% were overweight in control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that, the anthropometric indices (Weight, Waist circumference, Hip circumference, BMI, WHR) were higher in young healthy adults of 18-25yrs age having family history of diabetes.

146-150

Authors: Nirupama Chauhan,* Meenakshi Sharma,** Ram Babu Sharma***

Premenstrual syndrome is said to be a psycho neuro endocrine disorder with biological , psychological components along with stress as a major cause. Stress is a common condition , a response to a physical threat /psychological distress that generates a host of chemical & hormonal reactions in the body . Yoga is a unique method for balancing two components of autonomic nervous system & influencing psychological & stress related disorders . Objective : To assess and compare the effect of 61 - point relaxation technique on systolic BP, diastolic BP, Heart Rate & Respiratory Rate in patients of PMS before and after intervention and compare the effect of 61 - point relaxation technique on SBP, DBP & Heart Rate in persons with and without premenstrual syndrome . Method: A total number of ninety two women in reproductive age group were studied in premenstrual phase of menstrual cycle . Cold pressor test was used to assess sympathetic activity . Basal parameters including systolic BP , diastolic BP , heart rate and respiratory rate were recorded before & after cold pressor test in both control & study group before & after 61- point relaxation technique . Results : Basal systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure heart rate and respiratory rate of females with premenstrual syndrome was significantly higher than the control subjects (p- value 0.0056, 0.0048, 0.0046 and 0.0057) respectively, suggesting the presence of stress in females with premenstrual syndrome . Immediately after cold pressor test, the said parameters were statistically significantly more raised in premenstrual syndrome group than control group (p value 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0004,0.0037) respectively. Following 1 week of 61-point relaxation technique training , the control group showed a significant decline in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure heart rate and respiratory rate (p 0.0476, 0.0385 , 0.0334 , 0.0231) respectively. However, the premenstrual syndrome group showed a statistically highly significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure , heart rate and respiratory r ate (p value 0.0043 ,0.0067 ,0.0023 , 0.0012) respectively immediately after cold pressor test. Conclusion: These results depicts a decline in sympathetic activity by 61- point relaxation training and it can be used as an efficient relaxation tool to reduce the premenstrual stress .

155-158

Authors: Smita P.Ghate, Sunanda N.Kirtikar

Smartphone technology has changed the way people communicate with one another. Reaction time is one of the important methods used to study a person's central information processing speed and fast coordinated peripheral movement response. Aim was to measure and compare finger dexterity, auditory reaction time for low tone & high tone sound as well as visual reaction time for red & green light stimuli in frequent texters & rare texters. Method: The study was carried out on 100 medical students of age group 17-19 years. The study group consisted of 50 frequent mobile phone texters with QWERTY key pad since minimum of 4 years & control group consisted of 50 rare texters. Finger dexterity test and visual reaction time for red & green light stimuli also auditory reaction time for low & high tone sound was carried out on both groups. Results: Statistical analysis was carried using SPSS software. Finger dexterity test among frequent texters & nontexters was statistically nonsignificant. (p =0.1769). Visual & auditory reaction time between two groups was statistically significant for all four stimuli.(P=0.0000). Interpretation & Conclusion: Mobile phone texting showed non significant improvement in finger dexterity. However, it showed significant improvement in reaction time task.

162-166

Authors: Ashit Shah

The only thing constant in life is “Change”. One must constantly learn, unlearn and relearn in order to keep pace with advancements. The field of urology continues to make extraordinary advances in knowledge, skill, technology and healthcare delivery. Urologists have seen major changes during their lifetimes that have transformed the practice of urology in significant ways1. The introduction of ESWL and endourology, the advent of medical therapy for BPH and the introduction of serum PSA are a few examples that have revolutionized the way urology is practiced throughout the world. Laparoscopy is now becoming the standard of care and robotic surgery is making great inroads. Urology has truly become Minimally Invasive surgery! Predicting the future is a difficult proposition. What can happen in future is one’s imagination but what one can predict in near future is from a probability viewpoint. This article approaches the future of urology on the basis of the direction of the ongoing research.

171-174

Authors: Madhuri Sharma

ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) is involved in energy metabolism and regulation of cardiovascular system. ANS of obese individuals is chronically altered. Various studies demonstrate important modifications in the autonomic control of obese adults and adolescents, there is scarce information on obese children, and the findings remain inconclusive. So work should be done to investigate the cardiovascular autonomic nervous functions in obese school children in comparison with age, sex and ethnically matched control group. The reduction in cardiovascular autonomic nervous system observed in obese children may be an early sign for the prediction of the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

182-191

Authors: Vinay Oommen, Praghalathan Kanthakumar, Anand Bhaskar, Silviya Rajakumari Jared, Snekalatha S, Aneesh Joseph, Kamalakannan V

There are many resources available for Physiologists to help improve the quality of their teaching. This review is a collection of simple and innovative models as well as other teaching resources that can be applied in the Indian setting. Articles from 1989 to 2012 from the journal Advances in Physiology Education were reviewed. A set of five criteria was applied to identify if the idea presented could be replicated easily and at an affordable cost in the Indian setting. The selected articles were reviewed and presented system wise. This collection of resources will serve as an index to help Physiologists locate and implement easily affordable and practical tools to supplement their teaching.

205-206

Authors: Swapnil J. Paralikar*, Mukesh R. Dinkar**

Abdominal obesity is a cardiovascular risk factor that is associated with insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, all of which are features that are associated with the metabolic syndrome 1,2. Insulin resistance is recognized as a low-grade inflammatory condition 3 and proinflammatory cytokines (i.e. adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor- alpha and interleukin-6 ) are associated with obesity4,5. Systemic inflammation is also thought to play a role in the association between reduced pulmonary function and cardiovascular mortality as well as all-cause mortality6,7. Insulin resistance and inflammation that arise from abdominal obesity may mediate the relation of pulmonary function and all-cause mortality.