Spectral analysis of heart rate variability and pulmonary responses to topical applications of 2% aminophylline-based thigh cream.

OBJECTIVE

Noninvasive assessment of the immediate and delayed cardiopulmonary response to a 2% aminophylline-based topical thigh reducing cream.

DESIGN

Prospective, double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced study with application of: no cream (NC), placebo cream (PC) or 2% aminophylline cream (AC).

SUBJECTS

Nine healthy women (aged: 23+/-3 y; weight: 58+/-3 kg; height: 165+/-7 cm; body fat: 19+/-6%; estimated maximal aerobic fitness VO2max): 40+/-4 ml/kg/min).

MEASUREMENTS

Medical history, skin patch test, skinfolds, YMCA submaximal cycle ergometry test, psychological evaluations (POMS and Speilberger STAI-1). Pulmonary function and spectral analysis on heart rate variability, measured immediately post-and 4 h post-treatment, on three separate days within a three-week period.

RESULTS

Pulmonary function did not change. The averaged R-R interval (ms) was significantly lower for the immediate post AC treatment, but returned to baseline in 4 h.

CONCLUSION

Application of a 2% aminophylline-based thigh cream does not affect pulmonary function, however, it may cause a temporary, transient reduction in the averaged R-R interval.