Effect of footbath on postprandial gastrointestinal response and diet induced thermogenesis

Abstract

[Background]

The aim of present study was to examine the effect of footbath on postprandial gastrointestinal activity and diet induced thermogenesis.

[Methods]

After five healthy subjects immersed their legs to knees into water bath controlled by 43-45 °C during 15 min, and then following 15 min, they ingested 400 kcal standard meal. As control condition, they ingested standard meal without footbath. Heart rate (HR), superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMABF), gastric emptying (GE) and oxygen consumption were measured before and after ingestion of standard meal. During footbath, skin temperature in forehead, chest, forearm and lateral vastus muscle was monitored.

[Results]

Skin temperature in all areas significantly increased during footbath. SMABF, GE and oxygen consumption were not differed between both conditions.

[Conclusion]

Footbath did not acutely affect postprandial gastrointestinal activity and oxygen consumption.