title: Cranial rhythmic impulse related to the Traube-Hering-Mayer oscillation: comparing laser-Doppler flowmetry and palpation.
abstract: The primary respiratory mechanism (PRM) as manifested by the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI), a fundamental concept to cranial osteopathy, and the Traube-Hering-Mayer (THM) oscillation bear a striking resemblance to one another. Because of this, the authors developed a protocol to simultaneously measure both phenomena. Statistical comparisons demonstrated that the CRI is palpably concomitant with the low-frequency fluctuations of the THM oscillation as measured with the Transonic Systems BLF 21 Perfusion Monitor laser-Doppler flowmeter. This opens new potential explanations for the basic theoretical concepts of the physiologic mechanism of the PRM/CRI and cranial therapy. Comparison of the PRM/CRI with current understanding of the physiology of the THM oscillation is therefore warranted. Additionally, the recognition that these phenomena can be simultaneously monitored and recorded creates a new opportunity for further research into what is distinctive about the science and practice of osteopathic medicine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sergueef
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lipinski
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Glonek
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D010173:Palpation; D011674:Pulse; D012119:Respiration