Rethinking the Origin of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism

Applicability of using dynamic MRI to evaluate alleged cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility of using dynamic MRI to measure the features of cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI).

DESIGN AND SETTING

Fifteen healthy participants (9 females and 6 males, aged 25 to 77) underwent dynamic MRI in a sagittal T2 HASTE view at a rate of 0.60 Hz for 30 s. The MRI videos were analyzed using video tracking software. Three points were marked: the glabella, the midpoint of the sella turcica, and a symmetrical point of the glabella on the occiput. The distances between these points were measured across 46 frames. Amplitudes and rates of asymmetrical CRI waves were calculated using Excel formulas.

RESULTS

The mean wave frequencies were 5.65 Hz for the anteroposterior distance, 6.2 Hz from sella turcica to occiput, and 6.76 Hz from sella turcica to glabella. The mean wave amplitudes were 0.39 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.49 mm for the respective distances. Both intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and reliability coefficient (R) indicated excellent reliability (R, ICC > 0.90). The technical error of measurement (TEM) exceeded 1 mm for the anteroposterior and sella-to-occiput distances, while it was 0.32 mm for the sella-to-glabella distance.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic MRI demonstrates potential in measuring the features of CRI, particularly in assessing CRI wave rate. While the ICC values indicate high reliability, the TEM values suggest that using MRI to measure CRI wave amplitude may only be dependable for the distance from the sella to the glabella.

The Sentient Cell: Implications for Osteopathic Medicine

The Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE) is an organization that includes various figures involved in clinical and non-profit research and does not depend on any private or government body. To better understand how the human body behaves, we need to observe cellular behavior. Considering the human body as layers, districts, and regions, or just as a machine, is severely limiting to understanding the systemic mechanisms that are implemented to maintain bodily health. For some years, FORCE has contributed several articles to the literature to support the view of a human body as a unit, a fascial continuum (solid and fluid fascia) capable of interacting consciously, and not as a passive mirror, with respect to external stresses. The article reviews the tensegrity theory applied to the cell, trying to bring to light that the mechanistic vision on which this theory is based does not meet biological reality. We review some concepts related to biology, the science that studies life, and quantum physics, the science that studies the invisible physical phenomena that underlie life. Understanding that the cells and tissues are aware of the therapeutic approaches they receive could better guide the decisions of the osteopathic clinician.

Autonomic nervous system responses in the intermediate band to cranial cutaneous stimulation

Cardiovascular rhythms representing functional states of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are insufficiently reflected by the current physiological model based on low and high frequency bands (LF, HF, resp.). An intermediate (IM) frequency band generated by a brainstem pacemaker was included in systemic physiological ANS analyses of forehead skin perfusion (SP), ECG, and respiration. Data of 38 healthy participants at T0 and T1 (+1 week) before, during, and following osteopathic cranial vault hold (CVH) stimulation were analyzed including momentary frequencies of highest amplitude, amplitudes in low (0.05-0.12 Hz), IM (0.12-0.18 Hz), and high (0.18-0.4 Hz) frequency bands, and established heart rate variability (HRV) metrics. During CVH, LF interval durations increased, whereas IM/HF band durations decreased significantly. Amplitudes increased significantly in all frequency bands. A cluster analysis found one response pattern dominated by IM activity (47% of participants) with highly stable 0.08 Hz oscillation to CVH, and one dominated by LF activity (0.10 Hz) at T0, increasing to IM activity at T1. Showing frequency ratios at ≈3:1, respiration was not responsible for oscillations in PPG during CVH. HRV revealed no significant responses. Rhythmic patterns in SP and respiration matched previous findings on a reticular "0.15 Hz rhythm". Involvement of baroreflex pathways is discussed as alternative explanation.