Discussion
HEART
HRV variability can be used to assess stress and mental health objectivelyThe results obtained point to rejecting the null hypothesis, which stated that craniosacral techniques do not increase and/or decrease HRV values in male firefighter cadets, and thus point to accepting the alternative hypothesis.Our study showed that in the study group that received the therapy, it affected the values of HR (Heart Rate) and LF (Low Frequency) of heart rate variability, a statistically significant difference in the p-value < 0.0001 was obtained for these values (Tables In our study, manual craniosacral techniques were used, and although manual therapies are offered chiefly for chronic tension, some research studies have recommended the use of this therapeutic modality for increasing patients’ general well-being and suppressing anxietySubjects in the CS group reported relaxation and a better sense of well-being after undergoing cranial techniques, possibly related to improved blood supply to the brain. Shi et al. conducted a study using cranial techniques and obtained an improvement in blood saturation in the prefrontal lobes among subjectsAlso in the control group (without cranial techniques), there were statistically significant differences for the values of HR, LF and HF (p-value < 0.0001) (Tables In addition to being a modulator of interoceptive accuracy, the vagus nerve appears to be strongly associated with how the human organism functionsPerforming craniosacral techniques, just like applying gentle touch, can be an inexpensive and non-invasive way to reduce HRV and stress itself among people who are occupationally exposed to high levels of stress. However, the application of craniosacral techniques requires further research on a larger group of people.It is certain that a limitation of this study was its lack of reference to gender-based comparisons. Another limitation was the small study group, which indicates that the study should be expanded to include different occupational groups burdened by stress in their work and to pay attention to workers in a wider age range than presented.