Efeito agudo da tensão arterial e da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca entre sobreviventes de AVC e adultos aparentemente saudáveis usando duas abordagens osteopáticas

Abstract

Stroke is associated with persistent autonomic nervous system dysregulation, increasing cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated the acute effects of two osteopathic approaches (standardized vs. patient-centered) on autonomic modulation. A randomized, quasi-experimental crossover study was conducted with 30 participants (15 stroke survivors and 15 apparently healthy adults) across three sessions 7 days apart: control, standardized protocol, and patient-centered care. Blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rate variability were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Osteopathic interventions led to significant reductions in mean respiratory rate (15.91 ± 4.51 to 15.24 ± 4.08 rpm; p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (125.00 ± 17.44 to 118.93 ± 16.94 mmHg; p<0.002). No significant differences were observed between approaches, nor consistent changes in most heart rate variability parameters. Both osteopathic approaches were safe and could have induced discrete acute physiological reductions in respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure. However, a single session may be insufficient to produce measurable heart rate variability changes.