Introduction
somatic complaints, cardiovascular diseases, migraines
HEART, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES, MIGRAINES
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which influences the heart rate HR) in short-time intervals, is subdivided into two distinct components, namely the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS, known as the quick response system, predominates during elevated activity and stressful states and its stimulation results in an increase in HR. The PNS, known as the relaxed response system, predominates in the quiet and relaxing states, and is related to a decrease in HR. In healthy individuals, the two systems work together (promptly alternating between each other) to maintain the regulatory balance in physiological autonomic function. Autonomic function can be measured non-invasively from physiologic signals of heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), or the fluctuation in the length of time between heart beats (R-R intervals), provides a measure of sympathetic and parasympathetic interplay, and therefore ANS functional maturationThe professional activities performed by firefighters require continuous regulation of the cardiovascular system, with the predominant modulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)Osteopathic craniosacral therapy involves the use of gentle and specialised techniques to minimise tension in the skull, pelvis, diaphragm, chest and sacrum. The therapy leads to the relaxation of connective tissue structures whose tension is usually the cause of health problems. In addition, it improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and eliminates somatic complaints such as migraines or muscle painTo prevent cardiovascular diseases among occupations high in stress, it would be advisable to find non-invasive treatment methods/techniques aimed at reducing stress levels, i.e. effects on HRV. A simple tool to monitor cardiovascular stress is the HRV assessmentPrior to the study, the following research hypothesis was formulated: craniosacral therapy significantly affects HRV parameters (causes them to decrease and/or increase) in male firefighter cadets.In addition, the aim of the study was to check whether craniosacral therapy could be a low-cost, non-invasive and non-pharmacological way to reduce HRV values. It was also decided to check whether touch (holding the head in the placebo group) could have an effect on HRV values.