A study showing changes in autonomic nervous system activity and relaxation in the elderly induced by “pleasant conversation” compared to “reading aloud” / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

<i>Abstract</i><br><b>Objective</b> The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the emotional response to “pleasant conversation” and “reading aloud”, on the autonomic nervous system of elderly subjects, in addition to the value of conversational exchange and its usefulness as part of a care strategy in the elderly.<br><b>Methods</b> Twelve elderly subjects aged 65 years and over were included in this study. Three kinds of interventions were used including (1) reading aloud, (2) pleasant conversation and (3) silent reading, respectively. Each task was carried out daily and the resulting effects were recorded. A task typically lasted 20 minutes in duration followed by 10 minutes of rest after which, the task was repeated for another 5 minutes followed by 5 minutes of rest. We examined changes in the autonomic nervous system by using a power spectrum analysis of heart rate variability.<br><b>Results</b> Strong stimulation of the autonomic nervous system occurred with the implementation of the five-minutes of “pleasant conversation” in keeping with the results of previous studies. Following completion of this task, the sympathetic activity decreased with a subsequent increase in parasympathetic nervous activity which was different compared to “reading aloud”. It is considered that changes of parasympathetic activity impact on the relaxation and satisfaction centers of the brain in the elderly.<br><b>Conclusion</b> This study identified that the introduction of “pleasant conversation”, activates a function of the autonomic nervous system involved in stimulating brain relaxation and satisfaction centers within a short time period compared to “reading aloud”. It is considered that changes in emotion brought about by the interventions in this study occurred in a short period of time and can potentially be used in clinical practice. It is suggested that “pleasant conversation” is introduced as part of a comprehensive care plan in the elderly.