Immediate effects of progressive muscle relaxation on brain waves

Acute Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Brain Waves, Heart Rate Variability, Muscle Tone, and Mental Stress

Not applicable Interventional Kaohsiung Medical University · NCT07089537

This will test whether a single session of progressive muscle relaxation quickly changes brain wave patterns in healthy adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKaohsiung Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung City)
Trial IDNCT07089537 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Kaohsiung City

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.