Open AccessPotential beneficial effects of foot bathing on cardiac rhythm
Author(s) -
Duygu Aydın,
Siti Sugih Hartiningsih,
Melike Gokce Izgi,
Sevgi Bay,
Kubra Unlu,
Meryem Ozlem Tatar,
Ayse Melike Alparslan,
Mohammed Ozeri,
Şenol Dane
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical and investigative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.391
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1488-2353
pISSN - 0147-958X
DOI - 10.25011/cim.v39i6.27501
Subject(s) - bathing , medicine , foot (prosody) , heart rate variability , heart rate , population , balance (ability) , cardiology , heart rhythm , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anesthesia , blood pressure , pathology , philosophy , environmental health , linguistics
PURPOSEFoot bathing therapy is a simple technique that induces sensations of comfort and relaxation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of foot bathing therapy on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in a healthy population.METHODSParticipants were twenty healthy female subjects (median age=20.67 years, SD=1.04). The recording ECG was applied for 5 minutes before and for 5 minutes after foot bathing therapy of 10 minutes. Subjects rested for 10 minutes without recording ECG in order to stabilize autonomic parameters. The digital signals were then transferred to a laptop and analyzed using LabChart® software (MLS310/7 HRV Module).RESULTSAlmost all HRV parameters increased and heart (pulse) rate and LF/HF ratio decreased after foot bathing therapy compared with before foot bathing therapy.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate for the first time in humans that foot bathing might induce a state of balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems and might be helpful to prevent possible cardiac arrhythmias.
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