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Franco Corso SJ, O'Malley K, Subaiya S, Mayall D, Dakwar E. The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness. J Affect Disord 2023; 335:166-176. [PMID: 37150220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research with hallucinogens suggests that non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSCs), particularly mystical-type experiences, predict improvements in various affective disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Little is known, however, about the therapeutic potential of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga and breathwork. METHODS We conducted a literature review in online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv) to identify studies of NOSCs induced by mind-body practices and their effects in affective disorders and SUDs. RESULTS A wide variety of mind-body practices involving physical movement (i.e., shamanic drumming, yoga) and hyper-focused immersive mental experiences (i.e., meditation, breathwork) have been reported in the literature. Preliminary evidence, mostly from qualitative studies and open label studies, suggest that mind-body practices produce NOSCs. Such experiences have been associated with short-term reduced levels of anxiety and depression, increased motivation to quit addictive behaviors, and enhanced self-awareness and spiritual well-being. LIMITATIONS Findings are limited by the scarcity of literature in this field. Further rigorous and methodologically sound empirical research is needed, including comparative studies of NOSCs occasioned by different methods. CONCLUSIONS Mind-body practices may represent a promising approach for treating mental health disorders. The NOSCs induced by such practices may lead to beneficial shifts in perceptions, values, beliefs, and behaviors. Given the challenges with hallucinogen-based therapies, mind-body practices may represent a more accessible and acceptable way of eliciting potentially helpful NOSCs in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia J Franco Corso
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vangelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States of America; Division on Substance Use, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America.
| | - Kate O'Malley
- Division on Substance Use, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Saleena Subaiya
- Division on Substance Use, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Danielle Mayall
- Division on Substance Use, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Elias Dakwar
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vangelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States of America; Division on Substance Use, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, United States of America
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Flux MC, Fine TH, Poplin T, Al Zoubi O, Schoenhals WA, Schettler J, Refai HH, Naegele J, Wohlrab C, Yeh HW, Lowry CA, Levine JC, Smith R, Khalsa SS, Feinstein JS. Exploring the acute cardiovascular effects of Floatation-REST. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:995594. [PMID: 36570829 PMCID: PMC9780456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.995594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) exerts a strong regulatory influence over the cardiovascular system in response to environmental demands. Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) is an intervention that minimizes stimulation from the environment, yet little is known about the autonomic consequences of reducing external sensory input to the CNS. We recently found that Floatation-REST induces a strong anxiolytic effect in anxious patients while paradoxically enhancing their interoceptive awareness for cardiorespiratory sensations. To further investigate the physiologic nature of this anxiolytic effect, the present study measured acute cardiovascular changes during Floatation-REST using wireless and waterproof equipment that allowed for concurrent measurement of heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate, and blood pressure. Using a within-subjects crossover design, 37 clinically anxious participants with high levels of anxiety sensitivity and 20 non-anxious comparison participants were randomly assigned to undergo a 90-min session of either Floatation-REST or an exteroceptive comparison condition that entailed watching a relaxing nature film. Measures of state anxiety and serenity were collected before and after each session, while indices of autonomic activity were measured throughout each session. HRV was calculated using both time-series and frequency domain analyses. Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a significant main effect of condition such that relative to the film condition, Floatation-REST elicited significant decreases (p < 0.001) in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, breathing rate, and certain metrics of HRV including the standard deviation of the interbeat interval (SDNN), low-frequency HRV, and very low-frequency HRV. Heart rate showed a non-significant trend (p = 0.073) toward being lower in the float condition, especially toward the beginning of the session. The only metric that showed a significant increase during Floatation-REST was normalized high-frequency HRV (p < 0.001). The observed physiological changes were consistent across both anxious and non-anxious participants, and there were no significant group by condition interactions. Blood pressure was the only cardiac metric significantly associated with float-related reductions in state anxiety and increases in serenity. These findings suggest that Floatation-REST lowers sympathetic arousal and alters the balance of the autonomic nervous system toward a more parasympathetic state. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03051074], identifier [NCT03051074].
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Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Flux
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Thomas H. Fine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Tate Poplin
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Obada Al Zoubi
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - William A. Schoenhals
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jesse Schettler
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Hazem H. Refai
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jessyca Naegele
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Colleen Wohlrab
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Hung-Wen Yeh
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, United States,University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Jason C. Levine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Ryan Smith
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Sahib S. Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Justin S. Feinstein
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States,The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States,Float Research Collective, Kihei, HI, United States,*Correspondence: Justin S. Feinstein,
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Caldwell LK, Kraemer WJ, Post EM, Volek JS, Focht BC, Newton RU, Häkkinen K, Maresh CM. Acute Floatation-REST Improves Perceived Recovery After a High-Intensity Resistance Exercise Stress in Trained Men. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1371-1381. [PMID: 35389942 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether a 1-h floatation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (floatation-REST) session could augment recovery from high-intensity resistance exercise (6 × 10 back squats, 2-min rest) known to induce significant metabolic, adrenergic, and mechanical stress. METHODS Eleven healthy resistance-trained males (age, 22.5 ± 2.3 yr; height, 176.4 ± 6.0 cm; weight, 85.7 ± 6.2 kg; back squat one-repetition maximum, 153.1 ± 20.1 kg; strength-to-weight ratio, 1.8 ± 0.2) completed the within-subject, crossover controlled study design. Participants completed two exercise testing blocks separated by a 2-wk washout. In one block, the high-intensity resistance exercise protocol was followed by a 1-h floatation-REST session, whereas recovery in the alternate block consisted of a passive sensory-stimulating control. Markers of metabolic stress, neuroendocrine signaling, structural damage, inflammation, and perceptions of soreness, mood state, and fatigue were assessed over a 48-h recovery window. RESULTS Floatation-REST significantly attenuated muscle soreness across recovery ( P = 0.035) with greatest treatment difference immediately after the intervention ( P = 0.002, effect size (ES) = 1.3). Significant differences in norepinephrine ( P = 0.028, ES = 0.81) and testosterone ( P = 0.028, ES = 0.81) immediately after treatment revealed the modification of neuroendocrine signaling pathways, which were accompanied by greater improvements in mood disturbance ( P = 0.029, ES = 0.81) and fatigue ( P = 0.001, ES = 1.04). CONCLUSIONS Because no adverse effects and significant and meaningful benefits were observed, floatation-REST may prove a valuable intervention for managing soreness and enhancing performance readiness after exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeff S Volek
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Brian C Focht
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Robert U Newton
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute and the School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA
| | - Keijo Häkkinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FINLAND
| | - Carl M Maresh
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Loose LF, Manuel J, Karst M, Schmidt LK, Beissner F. Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e219627. [PMID: 33988708 PMCID: PMC8122226 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.9627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) is an emerging therapeutic intervention that, to our knowledge, has never been directly compared with an indistinguishable placebo in patients with chronic pain. OBJECTIVE To determine whether 5 flotation-REST sessions alleviate chronic pain. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This single-blind, randomized clinical trial compared flotation-REST as an intervention for the treatment of chronic pain with indistinguishable placebo and wait-list control conditions at Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. Men and women aged 18 to 75 years who had been diagnosed with chronic pain disorder with psychological and somatic factors (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, German Modification, code F45.41) by physicians at the study center were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups. Data were collected from June 26, 2018, to June 18, 2020. INTERVENTIONS Patients in the intervention and placebo groups underwent 5 treatment sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, each session separated by 4 days. The placebo treatment was delivered in the same floating tank but controlled for effortless floating and environmental stimulus restriction. Patients in the wait-list control group did not receive any additional treatment but were asked to continue any ongoing treatments at the time of enrollment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was a change in pain intensity 1 week after the last treatment session. The assessment was repeated at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain-related disability, pain area, pain widespreadness (number of body regions affected by pain), anxiety, depression, and quality of life, as well as several other short-term outcomes. RESULTS A total of 99 patients (mean [SD] age, 51.7 [12.3] years; 80 women [81%]) were included in the study. No differences were found among the groups in the primary outcomes (mean [SD] change in maximum pain: -7.6 [19.7] for the intervention group, -5.8 [12.7] for the placebo group, and 0.4 [14.0] for the wait-list control group; mean [SD] change in mean pain: -2.1 [19.4] for the intervention group,-4.2 [16.2] for the placebo group, and 2.0 [12.6] for the wait-list control group). Long-term secondary outcomes did not show significant differences. In the short term, patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in pain intensity (-17.0 [17.1]; P < .001), relaxation (23.9 [22.6]; P < .001), anxiety (-10.1 [8.4]; P < .001), pain area (-3.6% [7.4%]; P < .001), and widespreadness (-2.0 [3.0]; P < .001), and similar changes where observed in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Patients with chronic pain experienced no long-term benefits from the 5 flotation-REST interventions. Clinically relevant short-term changes in pain in the placebo group suggest that improvements may not be caused by environmental stimulus restriction or effortless floating as previously thought. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03584750.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie F. Loose
- Somatosensory and Autonomic Therapy Research, Institute for Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jorge Manuel
- Somatosensory and Autonomic Therapy Research, Institute for Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Karst
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura K. Schmidt
- Somatosensory and Autonomic Therapy Research, Institute for Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Beissner
- Somatosensory and Autonomic Therapy Research, Institute for Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Insula Institute for Integrative Therapy Research, Hannover, Germany
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Feinstein JS, Khalsa SS, Yeh H, Al Zoubi O, Arevian AC, Wohlrab C, Pantino MK, Cartmell LJ, Simmons WK, Stein MB, Paulus MP. The Elicitation of Relaxation and Interoceptive Awareness Using Floatation Therapy in Individuals With High Anxiety Sensitivity. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2018; 3:555-562. [PMID: 29656950 PMCID: PMC6040829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), an intervention that attenuates exteroceptive sensory input to the nervous system, has recently been found to reduce state anxiety across a diverse clinical sample with high levels of anxiety sensitivity (AS). To further examine this anxiolytic effect, the present study investigated the affective and physiological changes induced by Floatation-REST and assessed whether individuals with high AS experienced any alterations in their awareness for interoceptive sensation while immersed in an environment lacking exteroceptive sensation. METHODS Using a within-subject crossover design, 31 participants with high AS were randomly assigned to undergo a 90-minute session of Floatation-REST or an exteroceptive comparison condition. Measures of self-reported affect and interoceptive awareness were collected before and after each session, and blood pressure was measured during each session. RESULTS Relative to the comparison condition, Floatation-REST generated a significant anxiolytic effect characterized by reductions in state anxiety and muscle tension and increases in feelings of relaxation and serenity (p < .001 for all variables). Significant blood pressure reductions were evident throughout the float session and reached the lowest point during the diastole phase (average reduction >12 mm Hg). The float environment also significantly enhanced awareness and attention for cardiorespiratory sensations. CONCLUSIONS Floatation-REST induced a state of relaxation and heightened interoceptive awareness in a clinical sample with high AS. The paradoxical nature of the anxiolytic effect in this sample is discussed in relation to Wolpe’s theory of reciprocal inhibition and the regulation of distress via sustained attention to present moment visceral sensations such as the breath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Feinstein
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
| | - Sahib S Khalsa
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Hung Yeh
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Obada Al Zoubi
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Gallogly College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Armen C Arevian
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Colleen Wohlrab
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Marie K Pantino
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Laci J Cartmell
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - W Kyle Simmons
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oxley College of Health Sciences, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Martin P Paulus
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190292. [PMID: 29394251 PMCID: PMC5796691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) reduces sensory input to the nervous system through the act of floating supine in a pool of water saturated with Epsom salt. The float experience is calibrated so that sensory signals from visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, thermal, tactile, vestibular, gravitational and proprioceptive channels are minimized, as is most movement and speech. This open-label study aimed to examine whether Floatation-REST would attenuate symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression in a clinical sample. Fifty participants were recruited across a spectrum of anxiety and stress-related disorders (posttraumatic stress, generalized anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, and social anxiety), most (n = 46) with comorbid unipolar depression. Measures of self-reported affect were collected immediately before and after a 1-hour float session, with the primary outcome measure being the pre- to post-float change score on the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Irrespective of diagnosis, Floatation-REST substantially reduced state anxiety (estimated Cohen’s d > 2). Moreover, participants reported significant reductions in stress, muscle tension, pain, depression and negative affect, accompanied by a significant improvement in mood characterized by increases in serenity, relaxation, happiness and overall well-being (p < .0001 for all variables). In reference to a group of 30 non-anxious participants, the effects were found to be more robust in the anxious sample and approaching non-anxious levels during the post-float period. Further analysis revealed that the most severely anxious participants reported the largest effects. Overall, the procedure was well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns stemming from this single session. The findings from this initial study need to be replicated in larger controlled trials, but suggest that Floatation-REST may be a promising technique for transiently reducing the suffering in those with anxiety and depression. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03051074
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Dunham CM, McClain JV, Burger A. Comparison of Bispectral Index™ values during the flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique and results for stage I sleep: a prospective pilot investigation. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:640. [PMID: 29187246 PMCID: PMC5707909 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether Bispectral Index™ values obtained during flotation-restricted environment stimulation technique have a similar profile in a single observation compared to literature-derived results found during sleep and other relaxation-induction interventions. Results Bispectral Index™ values were as follows: awake-state, 96.6; float session-1, 84.3; float session-2, 82.3; relaxation-induction, 82.8; stage I sleep, 86.0; stage II sleep, 66.2; and stages III–IV sleep, 45.1. Awake-state values differed from float session-1 (%difference 12.7%; Cohen’s d = 3.6) and float session-2 (%difference 14.8%; Cohen’s d = 4.6). Relaxation-induction values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.8%; Cohen’s d = 0.3) and float session-2 (%difference 0.5%; Cohen’s d = 0.1). Stage I sleep values were similar to float session-1 (%difference 1.9%; Cohen’s d = 0.4) and float session-2 (%difference 4.3%; Cohen’s d = 1.0). Stage II sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 21.5%; Cohen’s d = 4.3) and float session-2 (%difference 19.6%; Cohen’s d = 4.0). Stages III–IV sleep values differed from float session-1 (%difference 46.5%; Cohen’s d = 5.6) and float session-2 (%difference 45.2%; Cohen’s d = 5.4). Bispectral Index™ values during flotation were comparable to those found in stage I sleep and nadir values described with other relaxation-induction techniques. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-017-2947-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michael Dunham
- Trauma, Critical Care, and General Surgery Services, St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, 1044 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH, 44501, USA.
| | - Jesse V McClain
- Advanced Neurology Associates, Inc, 1340 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH, 44504, USA
| | - Amanda Burger
- Behavioral Medicine, St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency, 1053 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH, 44504, USA
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Curing the sick and creating supermen – How relaxation in flotation tanks is advertised on the Internet. Eur J Integr Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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van Dierendonck D, Te Nijenhuis J. Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) as a stress-management tool: A meta-analysis. Psychol Health 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/08870440412331337093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk van Dierendonck
- a Department of Work and Organizational Psychology , University of Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Jan Te Nijenhuis
- b Department of Social and Organizational Psychology , Leiden University , The Netherlands
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10
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Bood SÅ, Sundequist U, Kjellgren A, Norlander T, Nordström L, Nordenström K, Nordström G. Eliciting the relaxation response with the help of flotation-rest (restricted environmental stimulation technique) in patients with stress-related ailments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STRESS MANAGEMENT 2006. [DOI: 10.1037/1072-5245.13.2.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Brauchli P, Michel CM, Zeier H. Electrocortical, autonomic, and subjective responses to rhythmic audio-visual stimulation. Int J Psychophysiol 1995; 19:53-66. [PMID: 7790289 DOI: 10.1016/0167-8760(94)00074-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that varying sensory input can affect mood, autonomic arousal, and electrocortical activity. Twenty right-handed males were exposed to three rhythmic audio-visual stimulation programs, with either a high intensity and variety of stimuli (program H), a low stimulation (program L) or with a transient from high to low (program HL). Multichannel EEG, heart rate, and skin conductance were recorded continuously, and after each trial mood was rated on a bipolar adjective list. EEG data were subjected to FFT dipole approximation procedure, and dipole locations and field strength (Global Field Power) were analyzed for the frequency bands theta, alpha, and beta 1. Mood ratings clearly differed between programs H and HL, with highest values of arousal after H. Programs L and HL decreased autonomic arousal, whereas H induced deactivating as well as activating effects. Field strength of the alpha band decreased similarly during all programs. Dipole sources were located more to the left in the alpha band and more to the right in the beta 1 band during all programs as compared with baseline. Therefore, programs affected mood and autonomic variables differently, but not electrocortical variables. The higher activation of the right hemisphere during all programs is interpreted as an indication that audio-visual stimulation does induce changes in the brain, such as are commonly found in altered states of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Brauchli
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich
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