The Effectiveness of Vestibular Stimulation in Reducing Academic Stress among Student Nurses in School X

Vestibular stimulation, particularly through rhythmic swinging, has been associated with relaxation, stress reduction, and improved psychological well-being by modulating physiological and emotional responses. Academic stress is highly prevalent among nursing students due to demanding workloads, clinical placements, and examinations, negatively affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Despite existing coping strategies, the potential of vestibular stimulation as a stress management intervention among student nurses remains underexplored.

This study aimed to determine the effect of vestibular stimulation, specifically swinging, in reducing academic stress among student nurses, evaluating its effectiveness across year levels and assessing variations in duration and position. Grounded in Ulrich's Stress Reduction Theory, it investigated the physiological and psychological mechanisms through which vestibular stimulation may alleviate stress.

A quasi-experimental design was used with 78 student nurses from School X in Baguio City, stratified by year level. Participants were 18 years and above and physically capable of performing the intervention. Those with medical conditions, musculoskeletal issues, orthostatic intolerance, mental health treatment, recent stress interventions, and weighing over 100 kg were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received vestibular stimulation in lying and sitting positions for five and ten minutes, while the control group followed their usual routines. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Academic Stress Scale (PASS). A two-way ANOVA tested the effects of position and duration on stress levels, with Bonferroni post hoc tests at p <0.05.

The intervention group showed a significant reduction in academic stress compared with the control group. Differences in stress reduction were noted based on duration and body position.

Vestibular stimulation effectively reduces academic stress among student nurses by triggering physiological responses linked to relaxation. Integrating this intervention into nursing education is recommended, including creating campus spaces that support its use.