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

ABSTRACT

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 qualityof life.Objective: The present study was planned with the aim to provide scientific evidence for beneficial effectsof 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 writteninformed consent. Vestibular stimulation was administered by making the participants to swing on a swingin 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 duringregular 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 (duringregular classes), and third assessment was performed sixteen months after the intervention in stressedstate (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 scoreswas observed in both males and females followed by vestibular stimulation.Conclusion: vestibular stimulation significantly improved overall quality of life. Hence, the study supportsadoption of vestibular stimulation as an adjunctive therapy to achieve multiple life style benefits includingbetter quality of life in general.