The effects of acute vibroacoustic microvibrations on the rat heart rate, rhythm and structure

Abstract

© 2014 University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science. All rights reserved. Th e body surface of homeothermic organisms produces constant microvibrations. In the past, many studies were conducted on this topic, and the amplitude of the microvibrations was described as a sensitive marker of muscle tension and body activity. Subsequent studies indicated that the frequency of the microvibrations is an important variable aff ecting the body. Th e aim of this research was to examine the eff ects of the vibroacoustic microvibrations on the rate, rhythm and structure of the rat heart during physiological conditions. Microvibrations of specifi c frequency and amplitude were induced by a Vitafon-T, four diff erent modes were used, and the eff ects of the microvibrations on ECG characteristics and the wall structure of the rat heart were examined. After the application of microvibrations (lasting 10-60 min), no statistically signifi cant changes occurred in the heart rate, but the amplitudes signifi cantly increased after 10, 20 and 30 minutes, and increased even more after 60 minutes. No changes in the heart wall structure were found. Acute in vivo application of vibroacoustic microvibrations in the rats did not produce signifi cant eff ects on the heart rate and rhythm; however, it increased the amplitude of the R wave by 25-32% in the second standard ECG lead but did not lead to structural changes in the rat heart wall.