Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on relaxation as measured by EMG recording. Forty-eight subjects from three age groups were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups:(1) simultaneous footrest vibration and back vibration(A 1 C 1 );(2) simultaneous footrest vibration and back roller(A 1 C 2 ); (3) simultaneous footrest vibration, back vibration and back roller(A 1 C 3 ); (4) footrest vibration alone(A 1 C 4 ); (5) back vibration alone(A 2 C 1 ); (6) back roller alone(A 2 C 2 ); (7) simultaneous back vibration and back roller(A 2 C 3 ); and(8) control group (no vibration/stimulation)(A 2 C 4 ). The three major variables studied were footrest vibration(A 1 andA 2 ), pre- and post-EMG measures(B 1 andB 2 ), and back vibration(C 1 C 2 C 3 C 4 ). Results showed that footrest vibration had a significant effect on relaxation. Other conditions (except the control) produced a decrease in EMG levels, but did not reach significance. Pre- and postmeasures by experimental conditions were also significantly different. Application of vibration as an aid in relaxation is discussed.
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Research supported by the Niagara Therapy Mfg. Co.
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Matheson, D.W., Edelson, R., Hiatrides, D. et al. Relaxation measured by EMG as a function of vibrotactile stimulation. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 1, 285–292 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001169
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01001169