The effect on blood pressure and heart rate of heat applied to the neck region
Item
- Title
- The effect on blood pressure and heart rate of heat applied to the neck region
- Author(s)
- Korn Michael
- Abstract
- ABSTRACTThis study was designed to test the effect of applying a hot pack on the neck on blood pressure and heart rate. It was proposed that this application would stimulate the neurologic outflow of the vagus nerve, producing a change in blood pressure and/or heart rate. Fifty subjects were screened for resting blood pressure and heart rate. Using specific selection criteria, a group of twenty of these were then selected to take part in the actual study. Initially the twenty chosen individuals were a control group, and then an intervention group two weeks later. The intervention group had a hot pack applied over the neck. Twenty control subjects had no intervention but a similar 10-minute time interval before being re-tested. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mm Hg) and heart rate (beats per minute) were recorded both before and after either intervention/no intervention. The results showed that there was no significant difference in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, as well as Heart Rate, after hot hydrotherapy. After hydrotherapy, the mean of the Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure increased by 0.2% and 0.1% respectively, and the mean of the Heart Rate decreased by 0.6%. The control group showed a significant difference in Systolic Blood Pressure and Heart Rate between the first and second measurements and this was an average decrease of 1% for Systolic Blood Pressure and 3% for Heart Rate. There was no significant difference in Diastolic Blood Pressure in the control group. This suggests that the hot hydrotherapy applications did not affect the physiological function of the vagus nerve, and so no changes in heart function occurred. It also shows that a short period of seated rest has a mild sedative effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering Systolic Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. This study has important implications for osteopaths and naturopaths using hydrotherapy as a treatment modality for patients.
- presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13589
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Korn Michael, “The effect on blood pressure and heart rate of heat applied to the neck region”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1168