Rhythmic sensory stimulation as a substitute for endurance training

It is unknown which endurance-training component induces the fitness associated autonomic adaptations. The authors hypothesize that rhythmic sensory input alone, without the usually accompanying physical exercise, induces such adaptations. They applied, during one hour, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the feet of 18 supine resting young healthy male volunteers, at walking speed (2 stimuli per second). This acutely increased arterial blood pressure (systolic from 111.4/spl plusmn/6.6 to 114.9/spl plusmn/7.4 mmHg, P<0.01) and arterial baroreflex sensitivity (from 8.6/spl plusmn/4.3 ms/mmHg, P<0.05). One day after stimulation blood pressure was lowered (systolic 111.4/spl plusmn/6.6 vs. control 117.2/spl plusmn/6.4 mmHg, P<0.01). This demonstration of autonomic adaptations without actual exercise is important for the design of effective fitness programs for the general population and for specific categories of diseased or disabled persons.