Abstract
A study was conducted to clarify the usefulness of a cold compress applied to the occipital area. The study was based on subjective responses from 13 male subjects (aged 54.9±5.1 years) to whom an ice pillow was applied in a humid room, in order to obtain a profile of moods states (POMS), blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate variability during cold compress application.
On the basis of subjective responses, 7 males were classified as a “comfort group” and 6 as a “non-comfort group.” With regard to the main effect on POMS, there were significant intergroup differences in tension-anxiety (T - A), depression (D), and fatigue (F). Blood pressure and respiratory rate did not differ significantly. With regard to heart rate variability, interaction was observed only for heart rate (p＜0.001).
In terms of individual assessment, those who developed T - A, F on POMS were considered to be in the “non-comfort group.” In these individuals, respiratory rate, heart rate and LF/HF changed markedly, and each index was related to a negative mood in terms of POMS.
The present study confirmed the usefulness of a cold occipital compress in the “comfort group,”but suggested undesirable subjective and physiological effects in individuals who did not derivecomfort from a cold compress.
