Does nostril dominance affect post-exercise recovery of cardiovascular parameters? an observational study in young males

Abstract

Background: The nasal cycle, an ultradian rhythm, leads to an alternating lateralized vasodilatation and vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa. Left nostril predominance is associated with parasympathetic activity and right nostril with sympathetic activity. The heart rate and blood pressure recovery times after exercise are dependent on modulation by the autonomic nervous system and it could be influenced by the dominance of nostril. Material and methods: This observational study was done on healthy male volunteers between 18 and 30 years of age. On the day of the test, after obtaining consent, the baseline blood pressure and heart rate were measured following 5 minutes of rest in supine position using a digital monitor. The area of condensation produced by expired air on a cool plastic surface was used to see the nostril dominance, after which he was instructed to walk on a flat treadmill for 15 minutes at a speed of 6 km/hr. Following this, heart rate and blood pressure were monitored every minute until they reached the baseline and the time taken for this was noted. Result: The mean post exercise recovery time of heart rate and blood pressure in subjects with initial dominant left nostril was significantly shorter as compared to those with initial dominant right nostril. Conclusion: Thus this study demonstrates that nostril dominance does have an effect on the autonomic nervous system even in conditions of simulated tachycardia and systolic hypertension, as in the post-exercise period.