EFFECT OF RADIOFREQUENCY ON SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTIONING

Radiofrequency devices for aesthetic applications such as body and face skin tightening, cellulite reduction, rhytids and body contouring treatments are becoming increasingly popular in clinics worldwide due to their demonstrated efficacy and safety combi- ned with a relative lack of complications and down-time. Heating of body tissues by radiofrequency (RF) energy is a mechanism for therapeutic. Such effects may be produced by local changes in tissue temperature (for example, thermally induced changes in regio- nal blood flow) and others may be systemic effects due to the additional thermal load on the body. An elevated core temperature increases metabolism and certain other functions such as heart rate, respiration rate, and nerve conduction velocity The aim of this study was to determine whether healthy subjects, non-obese, undergoing treatment with radiofrequency could see changes in REE and SNA, GSR. Twenty healthy adult female, took part in the study. The study protocol consisted of the treatment of twenty minutes of radiofre- quency in the abdominal region. Participants in the study were presented in the morning at 8 am fasting for at least 12 h, underwent measurement of REE, HRV and GSR 60 minutes prior to treatment, immediately after treatment, and 120 minutes after treatment. Radiofrequency induced significant increases of REE, sympathetic activity, and GSR. This result is also useful in the interpreta- tion of the relationship between the sympathetic nervous system and food intake in young subjects. It has demonstrated a significant influence of sympathetic activity on eating behavior, also through an increase in thermogenesis.