Effects of epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT) on autonomic nervous system activity over time

Abstract

Epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT) is used to treat chronic epipharyngitis. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of EAT on autonomic nervous system function over time. Thirty-nine patients with chronic epipharyngitis performed an active standing test and their heart rate variability was analyzed. Phase 1 of the active standing test was conducted in the resting sitting position, phases 2 and 3 in the standing position, and phase 4 in the sitting position. In each of the four phases, the assessment items were: heart rate (HR), coefficient of variance of R-R intervals (CVRR), coefficient of component variance high frequency (ccvHF), low frequency/ccvHF ratio (L/H), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the items' values before and after initiating the EAT treatment. The results show that EAT suppressed parasympathetic activity over time. A comparison of blood pressure fluctuations suggested that EAT exhibits a homeostatic effect by improving baroreceptor reflexes, suggesting that the autonomic and immunostimulatory effects of EAT interacted with one another to exert their effects.