Abstract
We are familiar with both pleasant and unpleasant psychotropic effects of movements associated with vestibular stimulation. However, there has been no attempt to scientifically explore the impact of different kinds of vestibular stimulation on mood states and biomarkers. A sample of 23 healthy volunteers were subjected to a random sequence of three different passive rotational (yaw, pitch, roll) and translational (heave, sway, surge) vestibular stimulation paradigms using a motion-simulator (hexapod). Mood states were measured by means of questionnaires and visual analog scales. In addition, saliva cortisol and α-amylase samples were taken. Compared to a subliminal control paradigm all rotational and two translational stimulations produced significant changes in mood states: Yaw rotation was associated with feeling more comfortable, pitch rotation with feeling more alert and energetic, and roll rotation with feeling less comfortable. Heave translation was associated with feeling more alert, less relaxed, and less comfortable and surge translation with feeling more alert. Biomarkers were not affected. In conclusion, we provide first experimental evidence that passive rotational and translational movements may influence mood states on a short-term basis and that the quality of these psychotropic effects may depend on the plane and axis of the respective movements.
Highlights
Most people are familiar with the vivid interrelation between vestibular sensations and mood states
In adulthood commitment to sedentary professional occupation can lead to relative deprivation of vestibular stimulation, which may be compensated by sports and dancing
PSYCHOMETRIC MEASURES All three rotational stimulation paradigms were associated with specific alterations in mood states as measured with the visual analog rating scales (VAS)
Summary
Most people are familiar with the vivid interrelation between vestibular sensations and mood states. Vestibular sensations may be associated with pleasant or with unpleasant mood states. On the other hand people often seek movements that are associated with vestibular stimulation to experience relaxation or euphoria. The need for these movements can be observed throughout life from newborns and infants in the cradle to the aged in a rocking chair. It may be most pronounced in childhood and underlie the affinity of children to swings and seesaws on playgrounds and to fairground rides. In adulthood commitment to sedentary professional occupation can lead to relative deprivation of vestibular stimulation, which may be compensated by sports and dancing
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