Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine physiological effects of hot stimulus to one foot (HSOF) with steamed towel (covering four steamed towels over one foot) on cardiovascular dynamics and autonomic nervous functions, especially, on peripheral circulation of contra-lateral foot. The subjects of the study were 15 healthy male students (22.4±1.1 yrs). They performed HSOF after a rest in supine position. The protocol of HSOF was 15 min rest followed by 15 min HSOF and recovery period of 30 min rest. The parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature of both feet and heart rate variability were evaluated during and after HSOF in a supine position. All data were expressed in mean±SE. HSOF resulted in a decrease of the heart rate (74.2±2.5 bpm⇒63.1±2.2 bpm), systolic blood pressure (112.6±2.3 mmHg⇒104.3±2.4 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (69.7±1.8 mmHg⇒61.2±1.5 mmHg), as well as activated parasympathetic nervous activity (439.5±149.2 msec2⇒1278.9±414.5 msec2), suppressed sympathetic nervous activity (5.12±0.73⇒1.94±0.34) and increased skin temperature of both feet (increases : 1.42±0.25℃, 0.72±0.14℃). Therefore, it became clear that HSOF promotes peripheral circulation, including that of contra-lateral foot, due to suppressed sympathetic nervous activity.
In conclusion, it was confirmed that HSOF activated peripheral circulation including contra-lateral foot without over load against the cardiovascular system. Then, HSOF controlled autonomic nervous balance, and activated parasympathetic nervous activity. These might cause the effects of relaxation and sleep induction.
