Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine physiological effects of hot compresses to foot with steamed towel (ST : covering four steamed towels over both feet respectively) on cardiovascular dynamics and autonomic nervous functions, and the effects were compared to those with footbath (FB) in the previous report. The subjects of the study were 19 healthy male students (mean age = 21.3 ± 3.4 years). They took ST after a rest in supine position. The protocol of ST was 15 min rest followed by 15 min ST and recovery period of 30 min rest. The same subjects took FB (40℃) by the similar time protocol. The parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, skin blood flow, heart rate variability and baro-reflex sensitivity were evaluated during and after ST in a supine position. ST caused increase peripheral circulation without affecting cardiac and systemic functions. The effects of ST demonstrated an activation of parasympathetic nervous activity without affecting sympathetic nervous activity. It was confirmed that the effects ST on physiological and cardiovascular functions were comparable to those of FB. Therefore, ST could be used as a substitute method for FB if the latter was not feasible.
