EFFECTS OF SUPINE FLOATING ON RECTAL TEMPERATURE AND CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITY AFTER HIGH AND MODERATE INTENSITY EXERCISE WITH A CYCLE ERGOMETER

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of supine floating on rectal temperature and cardiac autonomic nervous system activity after exercise. Seven healthy males volunteered for this study. Subjects performed supine position for 30 minutes in both control condition (C-condition) and water condition (W-condition) after exercise with a cycle ergometer for 15 minutes. Exercise intensity was high (80%VO₂max) and moderate (60%VO₂max). Water temperature was 30 degrees Celsius. Rectal temperature of post exercise showed no significant differences under the W-condition, as compared to the C-condition. Delta rectal temperature (point 0-0 was end of exercise) was significantly reduced (p<0.05) under the W-condition, as compared to the C-condition. Log HF was significantly increased (p<0.05) under the W-condition, as compared to the C-condition. These data suggested that supine floating after high and moderate intensity exercise could promote recovery of rectal temperature and increased in cardiac parasympathetic nervous system activity.