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Acute Effects of Connective Tissue Manipulation on Autonomic Function in Healthy Young Women
Eda Akbaş1, Banu Ünver2, Emin Ulaş Erdem2
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey, akbas.pt@gmail.com.
Background:
Connective tissue manipulation (CTM) has therapeutic effects on diseases with autonomic imbalance, yet its mechanisms of action are not clearly identified.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate acute autonomic responses to CTM in healthy young women with various physical activity levels.
Method:
The study was designed as a nonrandomized, controlled single-center study. Healthy women aged between 18 and 25 years were assigned to a connective tissue manipulation group (CTMG) (n = 150) or a control group (CG) (n = 60). CTM was applied to the CTMG while the CG did not receive any intervention. Respiratory rate (RR), heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressures (SP/DP), oxygen saturation (OS) and body temperature were measured. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form was used to determine physical activity levels. -Results: Analysis revealed significant reduction in SP and DP and an increment in RR in the CTMG (p < 0.05). RR increased and SP decreased among inactive, SP decreased among moderately active, and SP and OS decreased among highly active participants in the CTMG (p < 0.05). There were no significant alterations in the CG (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
CTM has an immediate reducing effect on sympathetic activity in healthy young women independently from the physical activity level. Future studies are needed to clarify long-term effects of CTM on autonomic functions in healthy individuals.
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