Utilizing an Arm Wearable Vibroacoustic Therapy Device at Low Frequencies to Reduce Acute Stress
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Stress is a universal challenge, with acute stress negatively impacting mental and physical health when encountered too often. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a portable vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) device in reducing acute stress levels in high school students using low-frequency sound vibrations to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It was hypothesized that the VAT device, programmed to emit 4, 6, and 8 Hz (theta to alpha) vibrations consecutively, would significantly reduce stress levels measured via a smartphone plethysmography application. Fifteen participants aged 16–17, identified as having high academic stress, participated in three conditions: no VAT treatment (control), 60-second VAT treatment, and 120-second VAT treatment. Stress levels were measured before and after each condition. A One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in stress levels across conditions (F(2,28) = 3.40, p = 0.0475) Post hoc Bonferroni-corrected analyses showed trends toward significance for reductions in stress from control to the 60-second (p = 0.06) and 120-second (p = 0.12) treatments, though neither comparison remained statistically significant after correction. Descriptive statistics indicated an approximate 10% mean reduction in stress, with levels decreasing from 81.2% (control) to 73.7% (60 seconds) and 72.1% (120 seconds). These findings suggest that VAT may reduce acute stress. Variability in responses, VAT device limitations, and a limited frequency range highlight the need for further research to optimize this technology. This study demonstrates the potential of portable VAT as an accessible, non-invasive intervention for stress management.
Recommended Citation
Parise, Sreeman, "Utilizing an Arm Wearable Vibroacoustic Therapy Device at Low Frequencies to Reduce Acute Stress" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 86.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/86
Location
WALL 308
Start Date
4-5-2025 9:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
Utilizing an Arm Wearable Vibroacoustic Therapy Device at Low Frequencies to Reduce Acute Stress
WALL 308
Stress is a universal challenge, with acute stress negatively impacting mental and physical health when encountered too often. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a portable vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) device in reducing acute stress levels in high school students using low-frequency sound vibrations to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It was hypothesized that the VAT device, programmed to emit 4, 6, and 8 Hz (theta to alpha) vibrations consecutively, would significantly reduce stress levels measured via a smartphone plethysmography application. Fifteen participants aged 16–17, identified as having high academic stress, participated in three conditions: no VAT treatment (control), 60-second VAT treatment, and 120-second VAT treatment. Stress levels were measured before and after each condition. A One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in stress levels across conditions (F(2,28) = 3.40, p = 0.0475) Post hoc Bonferroni-corrected analyses showed trends toward significance for reductions in stress from control to the 60-second (p = 0.06) and 120-second (p = 0.12) treatments, though neither comparison remained statistically significant after correction. Descriptive statistics indicated an approximate 10% mean reduction in stress, with levels decreasing from 81.2% (control) to 73.7% (60 seconds) and 72.1% (120 seconds). These findings suggest that VAT may reduce acute stress. Variability in responses, VAT device limitations, and a limited frequency range highlight the need for further research to optimize this technology. This study demonstrates the potential of portable VAT as an accessible, non-invasive intervention for stress management.
