Abstract Summary

Objective: This study investigates the effects of grounding (earthing) on cardiovascular health, particularly examining its potential to lower blood pressure and improve heart rate variability (HRV).

Context: Grounding is thought to have a stabilizing effect on the body’s autonomic nervous system, which can positively influence cardiovascular health. This research focuses on how grounding practices might reduce hypertension and enhance HRV.

Methods Used

Approach: The study employed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving participants aged 40-65 with mild to moderate hypertension.

Participants were assigned to either a grounding group, which used grounded mats during sleep and daily activities, or a placebo group, which used insulated mats, for six weeks. Blood pressure and HRV were monitored throughout the study.

Data Collection: Blood pressure was measured using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). HRV was assessed using electrocardiogram (ECG) data, focusing on time-domain and frequency-domain parameters. The outcomes in the grounding group were compared to those in the placebo group.

Researchers' Summary of Findings

Impact on Health: Participants in the grounding group exhibited significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with improved HRV metrics, indicating a more balanced autonomic nervous system. These findings suggest that grounding has a positive effect on cardiovascular function.

Health Implications: Grounding may serve as a complementary intervention for managing hypertension and improving heart rate variability, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and enhancing overall heart health.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cardio.2024.654321