Rhythmic Mechanical Body Stimulation Improves Physical and Mental Wellbeing and Alters States of Consciousness
American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research June 12, 2020 DOI: 10.34297/ajbsr.2020.09.001368 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Controlled experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Healthy participants |
| Duration | 20 minutes |
| Key findings | Compared with a relaxation control, 20 minutes of whole-body vibration at about 8 Hz produced a significantly more intense and wider body feeling and body-image changes grouped as "Integration" (z=1.94, p<.05) and slightly more bliss (z=2.1, p<.05), with moderate effect sizes. The authors conclude the added benefit over relaxation was small. |
Abstract
Objectives: There is quite a debate about frequencies around 8 Hz playing a role in the human brain but also in micro-vibrations in muscles of the body. There are also claims about a positive bodily and mental influence of various kinds of vibrating whole-body stimulations. We have studied the effects of such a rhythmic whole-body stimulation on a subjective level. Study
Design: We tested the effects of 20 minutes mechanical whole-body stimulation at about 8 Hz on physical and mental wellbeing on 20 healthy participants. An additional control group of 20 participants kept the same body postures in a relaxation session. Outcome Measures: Changes in bodily sensations, emotions and mental experiences as well as the phenomenology of consciousness were assessed by questionnaires.
Results: Compared to a control group, vibrational stimulation resulted in a significant more intense and wider body feeling and changes of the body image summarized in a factor called Integration (z=1.94, p<.05). It also provided slightly more experiences of bliss (z=2.1, p<.05). Effect sizes were moderate.
Conclusions: Despite rhythmic whole-body stimulation has an overall positive effect on body, mind and wellbeing, when compared to a relaxation exercise, it only offered a slightly more extended body awareness and stronger experiences of bliss.