A comparative randomised controlled trial of the effects of brain wave vibration training, iyengar yoga, and mindfulness on mood, well-being, and salivary cortisol

Abstract

This randomised trial compared the effects of Brain Wave Vibration (BWV) training, which involves rhythmic yoga-like meditative exercises, with Iyengar yoga and Mindfulness. Iyengar provided a contrast for the physical components and mindfulness for the "mental" components of BWV. 35 healthy adults completed 10 75-minute classes of BWV, Iyengar, or Mindfulness over five weeks. Participants were assessed at pre- and postintervention for mood, sleep, mindfulness, absorption, health, memory, and salivary cortisol. Better overall mood and vitality followed both BWV and Iyengar training, while the BWV group alone had improved depression and sleep latency. Mindfulness produced a comparatively greater increase in absorption. All interventions improved stress and mindfulness, while no changes occurred in health, memory, or salivary cortisol. In conclusion, increased well-being followed training in all three practices, increased absorption was specific to Mindfulness, while BWV was unique in its benefits to depression and sleep latency, warranting further research.

Figure 1

The mean (SE) change in the DASS subscales for the BWV, Iyengar, and Mindfulness groups, where an increase corresponds to an improvement.

Figure 2

The mean (SE) group changes in the PSQI subscales, where a positive change indicates an improvement.

Figure 3

The mean improvement (SE) in the Total SVS scores of the three groups.

Figure 4

Mean (SE) change in the Mean MAAS scores of the BWV, Iyengar, and Mindfulness groups.

Figure 5

Mean (SE) change in the Total TAS scores of the BWV, Iyengar, and Mindfulness groups.