Exploring combined vibration and music interventions for acute stress reduction: insights from two experimental studies.

Work-related stress is increasingly recognized as a systemic issue, impacting employees' well-being and leading to severe health risks. Effective intervention strategies are crucial for addressing mental load and chronic stress. This study investigates the effects of tactile stimulation through vibrations, synchronized with heart rate and gradually decreasing in tempo, on stress reduction. Additionally, the study examines the potential synergistic effects of combining these vibrations with music. Study 1: objective: To explore the effectiveness of fixed and progressively slowing vibrations in reducing acute stress induced by mental load.

Methods: Male participants (n=42) were randomized into three groups: variable vibration, fixed vibration, and control. Stress was measured at "baseline", during stress, and "post-intervention" using subjective assessments (tense arousal (TA) and energetic arousal (EA) scores). Statistical significance was evaluated using p-values.

Results: Participants receiving variable vibration showed a significant decrease in TA scores compared to the control group (p<0.05).Study 2: Objective: To assess the combined effect of vibrations and music on stress reduction.

Methods: A randomized crossover trial was conducted with 36 participants, each undergoing all three conditions: vibration with music, music only, and control, in a randomized order. Stress levels were measured using subjective evaluations (visual analog scale for stress and annoyance, Jikaku-sho shirabe, emotion and mood inventory) and objective assessment (salivary cortisol). Statistical significance was evaluated using p-values. Based on Study 1, Study 2 incorporated music and extended exposure to enhance effects.

Results: The combination of vibration and music significantly reduced VAS-Stress and VAS-Annoyance scores and increased relaxation and mood scores compared to controls (p<0.05). Salivary cortisol levels also showed a more significant decrease in the combined intervention group (p<0.05). Stratified analysis revealed that participants with heart rates matching the intervention tempo experienced the most significant stress reduction.

Conclusions: Gradually decreasing tempo vibrations, particularly when combined with music, effectively reduce acute stress. These findings suggest that tactile and musical stimulation at a progressively decreasing tempo reduces subjective stress and cortisol levels.

Trial registration: Trial registration: ISRCTN10662834. Registered on 08 August 2025.