Influence of Full-body Water Immersion on Esophageal Motor Function and Intragastric Pressure.
- Author:
Masahito AIMI
1
;
Kenji FURUTA
;
Tsukasa SAITO
;
Shino SHIMURA
;
Kousuke FUKAZAWA
;
Shunji OHARA
;
Goichi UNO
;
Hiroshi TOBITA
;
Kyoichi ADACHI
;
Yoshikazu KINOSHITA
Author Information
1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shimane University School of Medicine, Shimane, Japan. kfuruta@med.shimane-u.ac.jp
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Esophageal sphincter, lower;
Gastroesophageal reflux;
Peristalsis
- MeSH:
Abdomen;
Baths;
Esophageal Sphincter, Lower;
Gastroesophageal Reflux;
Humans;
Hydrostatic Pressure;
Immersion;
Japan;
Male;
Manometry;
Neck;
Peristalsis;
Thorax;
Water
- From:Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
2012;18(2):194-199
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: In Japan, it is customary to take a daily bath during which the body is immersed in water to the neck. During full-body immersion, hydrostatic pressure is thought to compress the chest and abdomen, which might influence esophageal motor function and intra-gastric pressure. However, whether water immersion has a significant influence on esophageal motor function or intragastric pressure has not been shown. The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of full-body water immersion on esophageal motor function and intragastric pressure. METHODS: Nine healthy male volunteers (mean age 40.1 +/- 2.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Esophageal motor function and intragastric pressure were investigated using a high-resolution 36-channel manometry device. RESULTS: All subjects completed the study protocol. Intragastric pressure increased significantly from 4.2 +/- 1.1 to 20.6 +/- 1.4 mmHg with full-body water immersion, while the lower esophageal high pressure zone (LEHPZ) value also increased from 20.5 +/- 2.2 to 40.4 +/- 3.6 mmHg, with the latter being observed regardless of dietary condition. In addition, peak esophageal peristaltic pressure was higher when immersed as compared to standing out of water. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal motor function and intragastric pressure were altered by full-body water immersion. Furthermore, the pressure gradient between LEHPZ and intragastric pressures was maintained at a high level, and esophageal peristaltic pressure was elevated with immersion.
