This unicentric, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of vagus nerve neurodynamics and 6 bpm guided breathing, combined with manual therapy, on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients suffering from chronic stress. A total of 62 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: one receiving guided breathing and neurodynamics with manual therapy, and the other receiving only guided breathing with manual therapy. HRV will be monitored using Polar® H10 sensors. The primary outcome is the change in HRV, measured pre- and post-intervention. The study is ethically approved by the Hospital Clínico San Carlos.
This unicentric, controlled clinical trial investigates the impact of vagus nerve neurodynamics and guided breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute (bpm), in conjunction with manual therapy, on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with chronic stress. The study involves 62 participants who will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1 will receive a protocol of guided breathing combined with neurodynamics and manual therapy, while Group 2 will follow a protocol of guided breathing with manual therapy only. Each participant will undergo a 15-minute intervention session where HRV will be continuously monitored using Polar® H10 sensors. The intervention will include guided diaphragmatic breathing at 6 bpm to standardize the respiratory rate across participants, ensuring that HRV measurements reflect the effects of neurodynamics rather than respiratory variations. The neurodynamics technique involves passive movements in the cervical region to enhance the functionality of the vagus nerve, potentially influencing HRV. This technique will be applied during the intervention period, with specific movements synchronized with the participants' respiratory cycle. Prior to the intervention, baseline HRV will be recorded during a 7-minute rest period. Post-intervention HRV measurements will also be taken for 7 minutes while participants remain in a supine position. Data analysis will focus on comparing the HRV changes between the two groups, providing insights into the effectiveness of combining neurodynamics with guided breathing and manual therapy. The study adheres to ethical guidelines and has received approval from the Medical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clínico San Carlos
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
62
This intervention involves passive cervical movements designed to enhance vagus nerve functionality.
This intervention consists of diaphragmatic breathing guided by a recording to maintain a rate of 6 breaths per minute.
This intervention includes suboccipital inhibition techniques applied during the session.
Marta de la plaza
Madrid, Spain
Change in Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
The primary outcome measure is the change in heart rate variability (HRV) from baseline to post-intervention. HRV will be measured using a Polar® H10 sensor band placed on the participants' chest. HRV data will be recorded during a 7-minute period before the intervention (at rest), during the 15-minute intervention, and during a 7-minute period after the intervention (at rest). Specific HRV parameters to be analyzed include RMSSD (Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences), pNN50 (percentage of adjacent NN intervals that differ by more than 50 ms), and high-frequency power (HF power).
Time frame: From the start of the study until 7 minutes post-intervention.
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