[Reduction of forehead integrated EMG and integrated alpha wave through mechanical chair vibration using progressive relaxation by Mitani method]

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of respondent revised progressive relaxation by Mitani Method (new PR) on left frontal (Fpl) electromyogram (EMG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha waves. 20 subjects, 10 males, 10 females, mean age = 29, SD = 10.05, were divided into the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received the respondent new PR. Intermittent two minutes vibrations and five minutes rests, namely DV 15-9-4.5. V vibration were given at shoulder and leg. The Fpl integrated EMG, integrated alpha wave and time of alpha wave appearance were measured by Mitani System. Results showed that only the experimental group showed significant integrated EMG reduction at Fpl. Alpha waves tended to appear more frequently. Integrated alpha wave, however, decreased significantly. Combined mean of integrated EMG and integrated alpha wave also decreased significantly. These results suggest the quick reduction of energy expenditure or entering into a deep relaxation of neuro-muscle circuit by the mechanical respondent New PR. As for operant New PR, experiment including such EEG data is not yet performed.