The effectiveness of far-infrared irradiation on foot skin surface temperature and heart rate variability in healthy adults over 50 years of age - A randomized study
Abstract
Background
Far-infrared irradiation (FIR) is used in the medical field to improve wound healing, hemodialysis with peripheral artery
occlusive disease, and osteoarthritis but seldom used in ameliorating poor lower extremity circulation. The purpose of this study was
to evaluate the effect of FIR on changes in foot skin surface temperature (FSST) and autonomic nerve system (ANS) activity to
evaluate its effectiveness in improving lower limb circulation.
Methods
A randomized controlled study was conducted. Subjects (n=44), all over the age of 50 years and satisfying the inclusion
criteria, were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The intervention group received FIR on a lower limb for 40minutes and the control
group received no intervention. Left big toe (LBT), right big toe (RBT), left foot dorsal (LFD), right foot dorsal (RFD) surface skin
temperature, autonomic nervous activity, and blood pressure were assessed.
Result
The main results were skin surface temperature at the LBT increased from 30.8±0.4°C to 34.8±0.4°C, at RBT increased
from 29.6±0.4°C to 35.3±0.4°C and LFD increased from 31.9±0.3°C to 36.4±0.4°C, RFD increased from 30.7±0.3°C to 37.7±
0.2°C. FIR caused a significant increase of the FSST ranging in a 4°C to 7°C increase after 40minutes irradiation (P<.001). The ANS
low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) activity showed a statistically significant increase in the FIR group (P<.05) but not the LF/
HF ratio.
Conclusion
FIR significantly increased the FSST from between 4°C and 7°C after 40minutes irradiation, which might improve
lower extremity circulation and regulation of ANS activity.
-Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Dec 11;99(50):e23366.
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