Title Heart Rate Variability Monitoring during Interferential Current Application in the Lower Back Area: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Author De-la-Cruz-Torres, Blanca; Martinez-Jimenez, Eva; Navarro-Flores, Emmanuel; Palomo-Lopez, Patricia; Abuin-Porras, Vanesa; Diaz-Meco-Conde, Raquel; Lopez-Lopez, Daniel; Romero-Morales, Carlos
Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health Publication Year/Month 2021-Mar
PMID 33805948 PMCID PMC8036980
Affiliation + expend 1.Department of Physiotherapy, University of Seville, Avicena Street, 41009 Seville, Spain.

Vasovagal reactions may occur occasionally during electrical stimulation using interferential current (IFC). The purpose of this study was to examine variations in autonomic activity during the application of IFC in asymptomatic participants by analysis of their heart rate variability (HRV). Seventy-three male volunteers were randomly assigned to a placebo group (n = 36; HRV was documented for 10 min, both at rest and during a placebo intervention) and an intervention group (n = 37; HRV was documented for 10 min in two conditions labelled as (1) rest and (2) application of IFC technique on the lumbar segment). The diameters of the Poincare plot (SD1, SD2), stress score (SS), and the ratio between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity (S/PS) were measured. After interventions, differences amongst the placebo group and the IFC group were found in SD2 (p < 0.001), SS (p = 0.01) and S/PS ratio (p = 0.003). The IFC technique was associated with increased parasympathetic modulation, which could induce a vasovagal reaction. Monitorization of adverse reactions should be implemented during the application of IFC technique. HRV indicators might have a part in prevention of vasovagal reactions. Further studies in patients with lumbar pain are needed to explore possible differences in HRV responses due to the presence of chronic pain.

  • Copyright © 2023
    National Institute of Pathogen Biology, CAMS & PUMC, Bejing, China
    All rights reserved.