Influence of Potential Therapy on Autonomic Nerve and Axillary Temperature

Abstract

Potential therapy, using a device to create an electric field around a person, is widely used as a home-healthcare apparatus to treat ailments such as headaches, muscle stiffness, or insomnia. However, the mechanisms for its effects remain unknown. In this study, we assumed that this therapy interacted with the autonomic nerve because its effects include remission of insomnia. Although patients report an increase in skin temperature during treatment, it has not been studied whether the body temperature also increases during the treatment. Thus, this study aims to evaluate influence of potential therapy on the autonomic nerve and the axillary temperature. Twenty healthy males participated in the experiment, receiving 60 minutes of potential therapy. Before and after the therapy, electrocardiogram was recorded for five minutes and the axillary temperature was measured. The effect on the autonomic nerve was evaluated using the low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF). A result of t test revealed no significant difference in LF/HF before and after the treatment. On the other hand, the same test indicated a significant increase in the axillary temperature.