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Biomedical subjects

J Fahrenberg

Publications and source records attributed to J Fahrenberg.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[A psychophysiologic time series study with 20 students over 8 weeks].

A longitudinal (time series) study was performed (N = 20 students; T = 16 points of observation during 8 weeks) on a considerable number of psychological and physiological variables to investigate the suitability of these parameters for general and individual state change description. Some problems of correlational analysis and the generality-individuality-dilemma of this kind of research are discussed.

Adult↗

Covariation and consistency of activation parameters.

Individual differences in activation processes, as well as the consistency and predictability of these differences, constitute a classical issue eliciting much theoretical discussion in this field and as such poses an essential question for any practical application of psychophysiological methods. A typical activation experiment assessing 125 male students on four self-report and 21 physiological measures under five conditions (rest, mental arithmetic, interview, anticipation and blood taking) was performed supplying an empirical basis for a multivariate analysis. A partition of covariance, factor analyses, item analyses and scale construction procedures as well as models engaging an increasing number of components were used to study the covariation and consistency of these activation parameters. Several biometric problems that are generally thought to complicate the evaluation of such data (i.e. non-linear relations, the problem of initial values, differing sensibility curves of physiological response systems, individual response specificities) are considered and tested empirically. Findings suggest that the use of a single variable or a composite measure as an 'indicator' of individual differences in state or reaction aspects of activation is inadequate, due to empirical inconsistency and the lack of predictability between functional subsystems. A multicomponent model or a set of marker variables, having empirically derived discriminative efficiency as well as reliability estimates, seem to be preferable.

Analysis of Variance↗

Non-invasive estimations of ventricular ejection time and stroke volume: comparison of impedance cardiography and the Portapres 2.

Stroke volume estimates and left ventricular ejection time (1) derived from calibrated finger pulse pressure recordings (Portapres 2, TNO-BMI, Amsterdam) based on the Model Flow method and (2) derived from impedance cardiography were compared in 20 student subjects. The recordings were made for seven conditions: supine rest, standing, mental arithmetic, ergometer exercise 50 W, motor performance test, reading aloud, and walking. Findings indicated that caution is required in assuming concurrent validity for both methods in tracking haemodynamic changes. Within-subject correlations were low or even negligible. Basic discrepancies were evident regarding the estimation of left ventricular ejection time but obviously more sources of measurement error exist which necessitate further research.

Adult↗

Tremor in Parkinson's disease: 24-hr monitoring with calibrated accelerometry.

Monitoring systems enable the long-term registration of tremor in patients with Parkinson's disease This method is useful in the objective measurement of tremor during the course of treatments. Indeed, the symptoms of tremor as well as the aggravating and attenuating influences can be observed under real-life conditions. The methodology of data recording and analysis, described in previous investigations, was extended to automatically detect body position and certain movement patterns with calibrated 4-channel accelerometry. The main purpose of the present investigation was to apply this refined and extended methodology to patients in a clinical rehabilitation program, and to examine its practability with respect to the results of the treatment and the patients' compliance. The methodology was tested on 30 patients (17 male, 13 female) with Parkinson's disease. The mean age was 64.8 years (s = 8.9). The Hoehn-Yahr index ranged from 1 to 3 (m = 2.3, s = 0.7) and the overall UPDRS scale between 10 and 74 (m = 42.9, s = 18.1). The data recording included: (1) the registration of tremor under standardised conditions of rest and postural tremor test with and without distraction; (2) a standard protocol to obtain reference values for body position and movement; and (3) the 24-hr monitoring. 21 patients could be recorded a second time, on average 18 days after the first recording. Between the two registrations, patients received individually tailored drug treatment supplemented with specific activating physiotherapy, ergotherapy measures, and individual psychotherapeutic counseling. Changes between first and second recording were evident for the three tremor variables, but significant only for the 24-hr ambulatory monitoring. The between and within-subjects correlations of the tremor variables were rather low except the correlations between occurrence and amplitude (between-subjects. 87; within-subjects. 67). Conditions of rest and postural tremor test showed a correlation with corresponding segments of the ambulatory monitoring of about. 50 for the tremor occurrence. The best prediction of the day-time monitoring was made by the tremor tests with distraction, whereas the night segment was best predicted by the standard protocol.

Adult↗