Cardiovascular responses following cold pack applications to the forehead and thoracic spine
Item
- Title
- Cardiovascular responses following cold pack applications to the forehead and thoracic spine
- Author(s)
- Gaia Christopher P
- Abstract
-
AbstractThere is a lack of research based evidence into naturopathic hydrotherapy. This study compared a well researched experimental technique (the cold face test) with a conventional naturopathic hydrotherapy technique.
Twelve asymptomatic female student subjects were chosen for the study after being assessed for suitability. In the first protocol a 4 min, 4°C cold pack was applied to the forehead in the supine position. In the second protocol a 4 min, 4°C cold pack was applied to the thoracic spine (T1-5) in the prone position. Systolic BP, diastolic BP and HR were monitored with an automated oscilloscope during the 4 min application and for 3 min after. The subjects acted as their own control and both protocols were carried out in duplicate with an ambient temperature pack.
The placebo packs caused no significant changes. Applications to the forehead caused a significant increase in systolic BP (P>0.0001) and a significant decrease in HR (P>0.0004). The significant changes occurred during the intervention, within 1.5 min of application. No significant changes were observed after removal of the stimulus. No significant change was observed in diastolic BP. Applications to the thoracic spine (T1-5) caused no significant changes in systolic BP, diastolic BP or HR either during or after the application.
The significant increase in systolic BP and the significant decrease in HR (protocol1) are consistent with previous studies into the cold face test and the diving reflex (Stemper et al., 2002, Schatagay & Holm, 1996, Gooden, 1994, Kilgou & Carvalho, 1994, Durel et al.,1993, McLeann et al., 1992, Zbroznya & Westwood 1992, Chu et al., 1989). However previous studies also observed a significant increase in diastolic BP, which was not evident in this study. Some authors have suggested that naturopathic hydrotherapeutic applications to the thoracic spine (T1-5) can cause changes in the cardiovascular system (Boyle & Saine, 1995, Thrash & Thrash, 1981). This was not supported by the findings of this study. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13583
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Gaia Christopher P, “Cardiovascular responses following cold pack applications to the forehead and thoracic spine”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 22, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1174