Project title: Comparing VibroAcoustics Sound Massage (VSM) & Mindfulness) – Phase 2

Description:

Vibroacoustic therapy uses low-frequency sonic vibrations as an effective and non-invasive way to stimulate the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system or a "rest and digest" state. Our DSC-funded research project contrastively investigates the impact of different mindfulness exercises on the nervous system – measured through bio-signals or, more specifically, changes in heart rate, brain activity and speech (voice) patterns. The study compares three mindfulness interventions: (1) rest, (2) guided mindfulness, and (3) VibroAcoustics Sound Massage (VSM). The interventions' performances (i.e. effectiveness levels) are compared, based on the hypothesis that the new and innovative VSM approach will outperform the other more traditional reference approaches.

In our previous Phase I (click here), results testing the general efficacy of the VibroAcoustic Sound Massage (VSM) showed that VSM is capable of increasing well-being. The current Phase II delves deeper into this finding. As a wellness intervention that is proven to induce a "rest and digest" nervous-system response, Phase II seeks to better understand the physiological, psychological and cognitive effects of VSM. Moeover, during Phase II, VSM exposure will be shorter in duration, and the project will test additional participant meta-data variables including mindfulness inclination using The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI-13), and physical activity level, with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Accommodating a far greater participant pool, Phase-II will also test the newest VibroAcoustics' model to accommodate company growth and innovation.

The study will add to the currently under-researched field of vibroacoustic technology, by defining its effect on users as compared to mindfulness. The project is a collaboration between the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and VibroAcoustics. It is funded by the Danish Sound Cluster (DSC).

Duration:

Start: 1 November 2023
End: 31 May 2024
Funding: 349.960 DKK