Evaluation of the benefit of ear electro stimulation device for stress reduction

Introduction: Chronic stress exposure may result in several neural, cardiovascular, immune, and gastrointestinal diseases. Stress management has a beneficial influence for reducing the hazardous of above mentioned diseases by reduction of stress side effects.Aim: In the present study, the effect of electrical ear stimulation on the stress induced by 30 cm falling was examined in the healthy normal volunteers.Methods: Sixty volunteers were selected according to their DASS21 number. Participants were divided in four groups (n=10/group). First group received 20 min ear stimulation (500 μA) electrical stimulation before falling. Second group experiencing falling and then received electrical ear stimulation for 20 min. In the third group procedure was identical to the first group but the ear stimulator device was off (Control 1). Forth group was identical to the second group and again the ear stimulator in this group also was off (Control 2). Blood and saliva samples were collected from the participants before and after the test completion for cortisol and alpha-amylase concentration respectively. In addition, participants’ cognitive functions were evaluated using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) software both before and after the test completion.Results: Our data indicated that plasma cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase levels were increased in the control groups. PASAT data also revealed a comprehensive decrease in the total correct response, sustained attention, and reaction time in the control groups. However, mental fatigue was increased in these groups.Conclusion: it is clear that electrical ear stimulation can reduce the stress side effects in the participants. This device was useful for prevention of brain stress systems activity during stressful events, which may prevent from the diseases related to stress as well.

کلیدواژه ها:

Alpha-Amylase ، Cortisol ، Electrical Ear Stimulation ، Falling Stress ، PASAT Software