Influence of Electric Potential Therapy on Cortisol Concentration and Axillary Temperature

Abstract

Electric potential therapy is widely used as a home-healthcare apparatus to treat ailments such as insomnia. However, the mechanisms for its effects remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate effect of electric potential therapy on cortisol and axillary temperature. For this purpose, healthy males participated in the experiment, receiving 60 minutes of electric potential therapy. During the therapy, the concentration of cortisol in saliva was measured every 20 minutes. Axillary temperature was measured before and after the therapy. Results of statistical tests indicated a significant decrease of cortisol concentration during the therapy and a significant increase of the temperature after the therapy.