Distinguishing Fowler's and Semi-Fowler's Patient Postures Within Continuous-Wave Functional Near-Infrared...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems are used for neuromonitoring in clinical settings.
• Patient posture can influence physiological and brain activity, potentially affecting fNIRS measurements.
• The impact of clinical postures like Fowler's and semi-Fowler's on fNIRS data is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of various patient postures on fNIRS data.
• To examine the effects of Fowler's and semi-Fowler's postures on hemodynamic responses and resting-state signals.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted in a mock operating room using five postures: standing, upright sitting, Fowler's, semi-Fowler's, and supine.
• Hemodynamic data were collected under resting-state conditions and during auditory stimuli.
• The characteristic hemodynamic response function (HRF) and resting-state signal amplitude were analyzed for each posture.

Main Results:

• Posture did not significantly affect the global HRF amplitude for Fowler's and semi-Fowler's postures during auditory tasks.
• No significant posture-related differences were found in the global resting-state signal amplitude.
• Statistically significant differences in resting-state signals were observed between Fowler's and semi-Fowler's postures at low frequencies (f < 0.09 Hz).

Conclusions:

• Complex data processing for posture effects is likely unnecessary for auditory task-induced fNIRS data or general resting-state signal analysis.
• Different reclined postures can yield distinct results, highlighting the need for precise reporting.
• Researchers should report the angle of reclination in seated data collection for enhanced reliability and context.