Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carbon-dioxide treatment on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters: mean RR interval (RRI), standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD); and Porta and Guzik indices, as measures of heart rate asymmetry.
Materials and methods: Twenty patients were enrolled (mean±SD, age=59±7.8 years). Measurements were performed before CO2 treatment, at the beginning of treatment, at 15 min of treatment, immediately after and 1 h after the treatment.
Results: Significant increase in SDNN was found 1 h after the treatment when compared to that before it (p=0.011). There were no significant changes in other parameters.
Conclusion: CO2 treatment can influence the autonomic nervous system identified by SDNN changes. However, larger studies are required to confirm these results.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide treatment; balneotherapy; heart rate variability; rehabilitation.
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