Impact of Short-Term Hot Water Hand Immersion on Physiological Responses to Different Orthostatic Durations

Abstract

Background and Objective: The study sought to understand the effect of hot water hand immersion on physiological responses to different orthostatic durations.

Methods: The study utilized a pre-experimental research design (baseline and post-test). Twenty-one apparently healthy adult male individuals, averaging 19.5 years, who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. They were divided into three groups. Each participant did hand immersion in 42°C water for 1 min. Before and after the hot water immersion activity, participants were asked to stand for 5 min (Group I), 10 min (Group II), and 15 min (Group III). Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23, and statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05.

Results: The results of the study indicated that as orthostatic durations increased, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and rate-pressure product increased, and SpO2 decreased. When compared with hot water-exposed participants who underwent orthostasis for 5  min, there was significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, rate-pressure product, and shock index in hot water-exposed participants who stood for 15 min. Furthermore, peripheral oxygen saturation was peak in hot water-exposed participants who stood for 15 min.

Conclusion and Implications for Translation: The findings of the study indicated the beneficial modulatory roles of brief hot water hand immersion on physiological responses to prolonged orthostasis in adult males. Brief hot water hand immersion may activate the sympathetic response, leading to improvement in orthostatic tolerance. Orthostatic intolerance is a cardinal public health concern due to its relationship with cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Patients with orthostatic hypotension may benefit from a brief topical thermotherapy.