La temperatura nasal: marcador autonómico de relajación y su relación con el apoyo social en adultos mayores

Abstract

Theoretical Framework: The psychophysiological stress response induces a sympathetic tone of vasoconstriction in the distal regions of the body, decreasing the temperature of the nose and fingers. Relaxation techniques are useful for stress management. However, its effect on nasal temperature in older adults, who have thermoregulation difficulties, is unknown. Three objectives were proposed: 1) to examine the effects of different relaxation strategies on nasal temperature and contrast them with an ecological activity of psychoeducation on social support in older adults as a non-relaxing activity; 2) to identify those who benefit from each relaxation technique and explore the relationship between nasal temperature and social support. Method: Through a non-probabilistic sampling, 39 older adults participated in a group, completing 5 weekly sessions: 4 relaxation sessions and one psychoeducation session. The nasal temperature was recorded pre-post session using an infrared thermometer. The study was conducted in a community space for activities aimed at older adults. Results: The results revealed that diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and autogenic training increased nasal temperature (p < 0.05) with moderate or large effect sizes, although not all participants had the same effect, while psychoeducation did not show changes in nasal temperature. Furthermore, a positive association was found between nasal temperature and social support. Conclusions: The nasal temperature can distinguish those participants who manage to relax, from those who generate more effort.