An effect of thermo-stimulation of lower abdomen on autonomic nervous system: An experimental study

J Pharmacopuncture. 2018 Jun;21(2):98-103. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2018.21.012. Epub 2018 Jun 30.

Abstract

Objective: DIt is need to evaluate he changes of the bio-signals through the hot-cold stimulation in the CV4.

Methods: The 30 healthy participants were enrolled and randomly allocated, to one of three groups(10 participants for each group): the hot stone therapy(HST) group, or the cold stone therapy(CST) group or no treatment group(NT). All the participants took a rest for 10 minutes for stability before the test. And additional 10 minute rest after measurements of skin test and sEMG. After that two group received hot or cold stone therapy for 30 minutes and one group treated nothing with HRV test.

Results: HRV LF value showed a significant increase over time in all three groups, but there was no significant difference between groups but HRV HF value did not show any significant difference with time in all three groups and there was no significant difference between groups. sEMG value showed a significant increase in the left side of the masseter muscle of the HST group and sebum levels was a significant decreased in HST group but no significant meaning was found.

Conclusion: There was no objective evidence that hot-cold stimulation produced bio-signals changes in comparison to the control group, but additional studies are needed as the subjects were limited.

Keywords: CV4; EMG; HRV; autonomic nervous system; thermo-stimulation.