Cardio-Respiratory-Brain Integrative Physiology: Interactions, Mechanisms, and Methods for Assessment

About this Research Topic

Background

"The field of cardio-respiratory-brain integrative physiology explores the intricate interactions between the heart, lungs, and brain, focusing on how these systems coordinate to maintain homeostasis. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of cardiorespiratory coupling, such as respiratory sinus arrhythmia and cardiorespiratory phase synchronization, which are primarily regulated by the brain. These interactions are crucial for understanding the central-autonomic network, which balances the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems to adapt to various physiological states and environmental demands. Despite advancements, there remain gaps in understanding the precise mechanisms and pathways involved in these interactions, particularly in pathological conditions where imbalances can lead to adverse health outcomes. Current research is increasingly focusing on the use of advanced signal processing and neuroimaging techniques to unravel these complex dynamics, yet a comprehensive understanding of the integrative physiology of these systems is still lacking.

This research topic aims to advance the understanding of cardio-respiratory-brain interactions by promoting the development and application of innovative methodological approaches. The goal is to explore the physiological and pathological aspects of these interactions through the lens of bioengineering, biophysics, signal processing, artificial intelligence, and clinical medicine. By addressing these areas, the research seeks to uncover new insights into cardiovascular physiology, autonomic neuroscience, and brain-heart communication, ultimately contributing to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

To gather further insights in the integrative physiology of cardio-respiratory-brain interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Devices, tools, and computational methods for cardio-respiratory-brain coupling analysis.
- Signal processing and time-series analysis tools to assess cardio-respiratory-brain interplay.
- Modelling of the coupled systems underlying cardio-respiratory-brain interactions.
- Use of coupling functions for the description of cardio-respiratory-brain interaction mechanisms.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to assess cardio-respiratory-brain interactions.
- New markers of the sympathetic tone and of the sympathetic–parasympathetic balance.
- New markers of interaction between central and autonomic nervous system activities.
- Assessment of cardiorespiratory interactions and brain-heart interplay in physiological conditions (e.g., rest/task, relax/stress, wake/sleep, etc.).
- Assessment of cardiorespiratory interactions and brain-heart interplay in pathological conditions related to autonomic imbalance.
- Network and integrative physiology aspects of multi-organ dynamics in health and disease."

Keywords: Cardio-Respiratory-Brain, central-autonomic-network, network physiology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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