Effects of Vestibular Stimulation on Stress Induced Changes in Quality of Life

摘要

Background: Irrespective of source of stress, high levels of emotional stress promotes cardiovascular, neurological and behavioral changes and negative life style practices, which has negative impact on quality of life. Objective: The present study was planned with the aim to provide scientific evidence for beneficial effects of vestibular stimulation in limiting stress induced changes in quality of life. Materials and methods: 240 healthy college students were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Vestibular stimulation was administered by making the participants to swing on a swing in back to front direction, according to their comfort as per standard methods. This was a longitudinal follow-up study in which, participants were assessed three times. The first assessment was performed during regular classes (with no examination in preceding two weeks and forth coming two weeks), these are pre-intervention values. The second assessment was performed eight months after the intervention (during regular classes), and third assessment was performed sixteen months after the intervention in stressed state (A week before the University examinations). Quality of life was assessed by using WHOQOL-BREF. Results: Significant increase in physical health, psychological, social relationships and environment scores was observed in both males and females followed by vestibular stimulation. Conclusion: vestibular stimulation significantly improved overall quality of life. Hence, the study supports adoption of vestibular stimulation as an adjunctive therapy to achieve multiple life style benefits including better quality of life in general.