Baroreflex sensitivity derived from the Valsalva manoeuvre: A physiological protective factor for anxiety induced by breathing CO-enriched air.

This study aimed to determine the capacity of baroreflex sensitivity, derived from the Valsalva manoeuvre (BRS_v), to predict state anxiety induced by a biological stressor (CO inhalation). Healthy adults (n = 50) breathed 7.5 % CO-enriched air for 8 min, preceded and followed by breathing medical air for 5 min.

Meditation training for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers.

Objectives: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that is clinically characterized by progressive weakness leading to death by respiratory insufficiency, usually within three years. Although the patient's intellect and personality usually remain unimpaired, as the disease progresses, the patient becomes immobile, develops wasting, and speech becomes impaired, often resulting in social isolation and a high degree of psychological suffering. Mindfulness meditation has proven to be effective technique for reducing distress in many chronic diseases.