Relaxation measured by EMG as a function of vibrotactile stimulation

The present study investigated the effect of vibrotactile stimulation on relaxation as measured by EMG recording. Forty-eight subjects from three age groups were randomly divided into 8 experimental groups: (1) simultaneous footrest vibration and back vibration (A1C1); (2) simultaneous footrest vibration and back roller (A1C2); (3) simultaneous footrest vibration, back vibration and back roller (A1C3); (4) footrest vibration alone (A1C4): (5) back vibration alone (A2C1); (6) back roller alone (A2C2); (7) simultaneous back vibration and back roller (A2C3); and (8) control group (no vibration/stimulation) (A2C4). The three major variables studied were footrest vibration (A1 and A2), pre- and post-EMG measures (B1 and B2), and back vibration (C1C2C3C4). Results showed that footrest vibration had a significant effect on relaxation. Other conditions (except the control) produced a decrease in EMG levels, but did not reach significance. Pre- and postmeasures by experimental conditions were also significantly different. Application of vibration as an aid in relaxation is discussed.