[Plasma beta endorphin in man during partial immersion in water using the therapeutic method]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Context:

• Therapeutic rehabilitation often involves water immersion.
• Understanding physiological responses to water immersion is crucial for optimizing treatments.
• Plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) is a key neurohormone involved in stress and pain perception.

Purpose:

• To investigate plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) level variations in healthy individuals during thermoneutral head-out water immersion.
• To assess the physiological impact of water immersion therapy on beta-EP levels.

Summary:

• Plasma beta-EP levels significantly decreased during 30 minutes of thermoneutral head-out water immersion in healthy volunteers.
• Post-immersion, beta-EP levels remained below baseline, indicating a sustained effect.
• These findings align with other hormonal changes (decreased ACTH and prolactin, altered dopamine and norepinephrine), suggesting a non-stressful response.

Impact:

• Provides evidence that thermoneutral head-out water immersion is not a stressful condition for healthy subjects.
• Contributes to the understanding of neuroendocrine responses to hydrotherapy.
• Highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms behind beta-EP reduction during water immersion.