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Hohneck A, Reyser C, Usselmann R, Heinemann L, Weingaertner S, Reckling H, Schumacher G, Burkholder I, Merx K, Hofmann WK, Hofheinz RD. Hemodynamic and Stress Response After Sound Intervention with Different Headphone Systems: A Double-Blind Randomized Study in Healthy Volunteers Working in the Health Care Sector. J Integr Complement Med 2024; 30:360-370. [PMID: 37819750 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2022.0757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Two headphone systems using different sound systems were compared to investigate the effects of a sound intervention on cardiovascular parameters, indicators of stress, and subjective feelings. Methods: One hundred volunteers who work in the health care sector reporting elevated workplace-related stress were enrolled and randomized to a 12-min sound intervention (classical music) with either conventional headphones ("MEZE 99 Classic") or with the same-but internally modified-headphone (called "Lautsaenger"). Cardiovascular parameters were measured with the VascAssist2.0, both before and after sound interventions. In addition, participants were asked to complete questionnaires on burnout risk and emotions/stress. Results: The study population consisted mainly of female participants (n = 83), with the majority being students (42%). Median age was 32.5 years (range 21-71). In terms of cardiovascular parameters, a significant reduction in aortic pulse wave velocity, as measure of arterial stiffness, and heart rate was observed within both treatment arms. Both systolic blood pressure and arterial flow resistance were reduced by sound intervention, while these effects were only documented with Lautsaenger. Treatment groups were comparable in terms of subjective feedback by participants: a significant increase in emotional wellbeing was achieved with both headphone systems. Conclusions: A single short-term sound intervention seems to be able to achieve objective cardiovascular improvements in healthy volunteers reporting subjective symptoms of workplace-related stress, using two different headphone systems. Moreover, significant emotional improvement was reported within both arms. Trial Registration: ISRCTN registry 70947363, date of registration August 13, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hohneck
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, Hemostaseology and Medical Intensive Care, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for AngioScience (ECAS) and German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christina Reyser
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rimma Usselmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lara Heinemann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simone Weingaertner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hardy Reckling
- Corporate Health Management, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Iris Burkholder
- Department of Nursing and Health, University of Applied Sciences of the Saarland, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Kirsten Merx
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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