Immediate effects of the high-velocity low-amplitude thrust on the heart rate autonomic modulation of judo athletes.

Introduction: There is controversy about the repercussions of high speed-low amplitude thrust (HVLAT) manipulation in the thoracic region on the autonomic nervous system.

Objective: To evaluate the immediate effects of the HVLAT in the high thoracic region on the heart rate autonomic modulation of judo athletes.

Methods: In the experimental study, thirty-eight healthy men divided into 2 groups (Judo athletes and non-athletes) having heart rate variability (HRV) collected beat-to-beat using a cardio-pacemater during all stages of the manipulation: i) rest, ii) time 1 (participant positioning), iii) time 2 (positioning of the participant together with the therapist), iv) HVLAT manipulation, v) post 5min, vi) post 10min and vii) post 15min HVLAT.