The Effect of Fasting on the Pulse Spectrum

Abstract

Nutrition is the major source of bioenergy. The present study investigated the physiological response to fasting by analyzing the effect of fasting on the pulse spectrum of the radial artery. Sixteen subjects were allowed to take only mineral water for 24 hours, and the pulse was measured at intervals during fasting and after eating resumed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Scheffe's test for pairwise comparisons. The results indicate the second harmonic of the radial pulse increased and the sixth harmonic decreased significantly after 24 hours of fasting. The proportions of the second harmonic then decreased significantly and those of the sixth harmonic increased significantly 12 hours after eating resumed. These findings suggest that a rhythm exists in physiological changes and the distribution of bioenergy, which ensures that the overall heart load will remain unchanged during the fasting and re-feeding periods, maintaining a stable overall balance in body function.