A randomised controlled trial of the effects of Brain Wave Vibration training on mood and well-being.

Abstract

The goal was to investigate the effects of Brain Wave Vibration (BWV), a meditation practised in a class involving rhythmic movements of the head, neck and body practised with related yoga-style exercises, and to isolate the rhythmic effects. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with assessments pre- and post-trial and immediately before and after each session. Thirty-one healthy adults were assessed for mood, sleep, mindfulness, health and well-being, and pre- and post-class activation-deactivation. Participants were randomly assigned to either BWV in toto or a control group having similar yoga exercises without the rhythmic components. Participants completed eight to twelve 75-min classes of BWV or control training over 8-12 weeks. To control for expectation participants were told only that the aim was to compare two subtly different styles of Korean yoga. The BWV group had comparatively greater improvements in sleep duration and efficiency, although they had higher baseline inefficiency, and post-trial they had better global sleep and well-being and fewer illness symptoms, and better tiredness and energy post-class. Both groups benefitted in mood, mindfulness and vitality post-trial with improved tension and calmness post-class. The participants of both interventions had better mood and well-being on the whole following the trial and were more relaxed immediately after a class. However, BWV training was unique in its benefits to sleep, health, well-being, energy and tiredness, warranting further research.