Open AccessStudy on autonomic nervous system activity with compression socks on lower limbs in isotonic exercise
Author(s) -
Hideo Nakamura
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
impact
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2398-7081
pISSN - 2398-7073
DOI - 10.21820/23987073.2021.5.69
Subject(s) - socks , heart rate , autonomic nervous system , psychology , physical therapy , blood pressure , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , engineering , mechanical engineering
The benefits of exercise have been widely recognised for a long time. Exercise increases heart rate, in turn facilitating the effective flow of oxygen and blood around the body and enabling the muscles to use this oxygen and blood in economically beneficial ways. Dr Hideo Nakamura, Department of Health Promotion and Sports Science, Osaka Electro-Communication University, Japan, is exploring the importance of lower limb compression socks for measuring autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. ANS is a key regulator of the cardiovascular system and helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Nakamura is filling a research gap as there is little scientific consensus on the effects. A key focus for Nakamura and his team is on the significance of compression socks for sports to measure ANS activity with heart rate variability during exercise. Nakamura is building on previous studies utilising Tone-Entropy analysis, which is effective as it has high reproducibility and high reliability. Using this method, the researchers will explore mental stress, effects of exercise, pharmacological effects and meditation, among other things. The team used a bicycle ergometer to observe heart rate and ANS activity and found that rhythmic exercise could promote improved blood flow in the veins through compression of the lower limbs. Ultimately, the team hopes to define the subtle differences in parasympathetic nervous activity in individuals wearing compression socks.