Combined effect of warm foot bath with cold spinal bath on hemodynamic variables among healthy individuals: a randomized control study

Context: Autonomic functions and central hemodynamics were influenced by the blood flow; the blood flow may be influenced by the different temperatures of hydrotherapy treatments. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of combined hydrotherapy treatments. Materials and Methods: This study was a three arm randomized trial on healthy volunteers. The participants were randomized into three groups in 1:1:1 ratio as cold spinal bath (CSB), hot foot immersion (HFI) and CSB with HFI for the duration of 20 min. They were assessed for central hemodynamics and heart rate variability (HRV) at baseline and immediately after the intervention. Results: The study resulted that there was a significant increase in cardiac output in CSB ( P = 0.02), with significant increase of interbeat interval in CSB, HFI and CSB with HFI ( P < 0.05). The significant increase in total peripheral resistance was only observed in CSB with HFI. A significant increase in HF ( P = 0.03) was observed only in CSB with HFI group. Conclusion: The present study concludes that CSB with HFI was superior in influencing the central hemodynamics and HRV. The results can be used therapeutically.