Immediate effects of progressive muscle relaxation on brain waves
Official title: Acute Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Brain Waves, Heart Rate Variability, Muscle Tone, and Mental Stress
Run by Kaohsiung Medical University · NCT07089537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether a single session of progressive muscle relaxation quickly changes brain wave patterns in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07089537 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 or older with BMI between 18 and 24 who can lie semi-recumbent for two hours and are not taking medications that affect autonomic or cardiovascular function.
✕Probably not a fit
People on medications that influence the autonomic nervous system, with current muscle strain or scalp wounds, communication or comprehension impairments, or outside the BMI range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Healthy adult volunteers with a BMI of 18–24 will undergo a session of progressive muscle relaxation and a rest condition while brain wave activity is recorded to compare acute changes. Participants must be able to remain in a semi-recumbent position for about two hours and must not be taking medications that alter cardiovascular or autonomic function. Individuals with communication impairments, scalp wounds, color vision deficiency, or muscle pain are excluded to ensure clear recordings and safe participation. The protocol compares immediate neural responses to an active relaxation intervention versus passive rest to characterize short-term changes in brain rhythms associated with reduced arousal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could show that a simple relaxation technique produces immediate brain-wave changes linked to reduced stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on relaxation methods including progressive muscle relaxation has reported increases in alpha activity and reduced physiological arousal, so this builds on existing findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults * Age: 18 years and above * Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18 and 24 * Able to remain in a semi-recumbent position for 2 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with communication impairments or difficulty understanding instructions * Color vision deficiency * Open wounds or injuries on the scalp * Currently taking medications that affect cardiovascular or autonomic nervous system regulation * Muscle strain or pain
Where it's running
-
Kaohsiung Medical University
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Miaoju Hsu
- Email: mjhsu@kmu.edu.tw
- Phone: 886+73121101
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.