Effects of spinal manipulation and myofascial techniques on heart rate variability: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 3 October 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Bruno Luis Amoroso Borges, Gustavo Luiz Bortolazzo, Hugo Pasin Neto
BackgroundThe analysis of heart rate variability is important to the investigation of stimuli from the autonomic nervous system. Osteopathy is a form of treatment that can influence this system in healthy individuals as well as those with a disorder or disease.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding the effect of spinal manipulation and myofascial techniques on heart rate variability.MethodsSearches were performed of the Pubmed, Scielo, Lilacs, PEDro, Ibesco, Cochrane and Scopus databases for relevant studies. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study selected.ResultsA total of 505 articles were retrieved during the initial search. After an analysis of the abstracts, nine studies were selected for the present review.ConclusionBased on the findings, osteopathy exerts an influence on the autonomic nervous system depending on the stimulation site and type. A greater parasympathetic response was found when stimulation was performed in the cervical and lumbar regions, whereas a greater sympathetic response was found when stimulation was performed in the thoracic region.



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