Neck Static Stretching Acutely Reduces Blood Pressure Through Reduction of Tissue Stiffness
- Conditions
- HealthyHealthy ParticipantsHealthy SubjectsStretchHealthy VolunteersStretchingStatic Stretching
- Registration Number
- NCT07197047
- Lead Sponsor
- University of Palermo
- Brief Summary
Stretching is usually done to improve flexibility and joint movement. Recent research suggests that stretching may also affect the body's heart and blood vessels. For example, stretching may help lower blood pressure, reduce stress in the nervous system, and improve how flexible or stiff blood vessels are.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It can change based on how much blood the heart pumps and how tight or relaxed the small blood vessels are. Stretching may help relax these vessels and support the parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps the body stay calm and controls functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
The goal of this study was to test whether a short session of static stretching of the neck can lower blood pressure in healthy subjects. We also measured tissue stiffness (how firm the tissue is) and heart rate variability (a marker of how the nervous system controls the heart). These measures may help explain why blood pressure changes after stretching.
We expected that stretching the neck may lower blood pressure by either reducing tissue stiffness, which could make blood flow easier, or by shifting the balance of the nervous system toward a more relaxed (parasympathetic) state. The study was conducted on twenty-six healthy participants. If the results confirm our idea, stretching could be a simple and useful way to help manage blood pressure.
- Detailed Description
Participants were recruited from the student population of the University of Palermo.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 26
- healthy male and female participants
- ≥ 18 years old
- orthopedic disorders
- neurological disorders
- metabolic disorders
- cardovascular disorders
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- CROSSOVER
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Blood pressure Blood pressure was measured two times in each session (SS and CC): once at the beginning (when the participant arrived, T0) and once right after the stretching (SS) or control condition (CC) (T1). We measured blood pressure while participants were sitting. A reliable blood pressure machine (Omron MX3 Plus) was used. After giving consent, participants sat and rested for 5-10 minutes to let their blood pressure settle. The cuff was placed on the bare upper arm, about 2 centimeters above the inside of the elbow, with the arm supported at heart level. During the measurement, participants were asked to sit still, stay relaxed, and not talk. Data will be shown as means with standard deviations. To compare baseline values between SS and CC, we will first use paired t-tests. We will then check the data distribution and apply a repeated measures analysis of variance (two conditions × two time points) to look at the effects of time and condition. If we find a significant interaction between time and condition, we will run post hoc tests with Scheffé corrections to identify where the differences are. We will also calculate effect sizes, reported as partial eta squared (η²p).
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Tissue stiffness Tissue stiffness was measured two times in each session (SS and CC): once at the beginning (when the participant arrived, T0) and once right after the stretching (SS) or control condition (CC) (T1). Tissue stiffness was measured with a small handheld device (NEUTONE TDM-N1, TRY-ALL Corp., Japan). This device gently pressed into the skin with a fixed pressure to see how deep it could go. The bone at the base of the neck (C7) was used as a reference point. Measurements were taken on both sides of this bone, 2 centimeters to the right and left. Participants lay face down on a medical bed and were asked to stay completely relaxed. Data will be shown as means with standard deviations. To compare baseline values between SS and CC, we will first use paired t-tests. We will then check the data distribution and apply a repeated measures analysis of variance (two conditions × two time points) to look at the effects of time and condition. If we find a significant interaction between time and condition, we will run post hoc tests with Scheffé corrections to identify where the differences are. We will also calculate effect sizes, reported as partial eta squared (η²p).
Heart rate variability and heart rate Heart rate variabilty and heart rate were measured two times in each session (SS and CC): once at the beginning (when the participant arrived, T0) and once right after the stretching (SS) or control condition (CC) (T1). Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured with a Polar H10 chest strap sensor, a device known to give accurate results. To prepare, participants were asked not to drink coffee or alcohol, avoid hard exercise for 24 hours, and keep their normal sleep routine. The tests were always done at the same time of day in both conditions (SS and CC) to avoid daily rhythm effects. Participants lay on their back and rested for 5 minutes before the test. Then, HR and HRV were recorded for another 5 minutes while they breathed normally. The chest strap was placed just below the chest bone and secured around the chest. Once the signal was ready, data were sent automatically to a mobile app (Elite HRV). HRV shows how much the time between heartbeats changes. Average HR was calculated from the same recordings. All data were later analyzed with special software (Kubios HRV). The same approach proposed for the other outcomes will be used for data analysis.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University of Palermo
🇮🇹Palermo, Italy
University of Palermo🇮🇹Palermo, Italy