Low-frequency vibrating mat for sleep and daily stress recovery
Evaluating the Physiological and Psychological Impact of Low-Frequency Vibration Therapy: A Longitudinal Randomized Clinical Trial
This test will see if using a low-frequency vibrating mat at home for three weeks improves stress recovery, sleep quality, mood, and attention in healthy adults aged 18-45.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Florida International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT07221318 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled study assigns healthy adults aged 18-45 to either a home-based vibrating mat program or a no-mat control for three weeks. The experimental group uses a low-frequency whole-body vibration mat for three 15-minute sessions, 3-4 days per week, while both groups complete questionnaires, brief affect check-ins, and daily logs. Investigators collect heart rate variability and resting EEG at two lab visits before and after the program to measure physiological changes related to stress recovery, sleep, mood, and attention. Outcomes compare group differences over time and explore relationships between EEG patterns and HRV changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults 18-45 who can lie supine for 15 minutes, comply with two lab visits and the three-week home protocol, and follow brief pre-visit restrictions are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People with implanted electronic medical devices, uncontrolled hypertension, severe vestibular disorders, current substance dependence, or taking medications that markedly affect autonomic function or sleep are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the mat could offer a simple, non-drug way to improve sleep and help the body recover from daily stress.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies of whole-body vibration or tactile stimulation have reported changes in heart rate variability or relaxation, but using a low-frequency supine mat for sleep and stress recovery is relatively novel and not yet well-established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-45 years. * Able to provide written informed consent. * Apparently healthy and free of unstable cardiovascular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions per screening. * Cleared for low-to-moderate intensity whole-body vibration delivered supine/recumbent on a mat. * Willing and able to comply with study procedures: two lab visits; 3-week home protocol (3-4 days/week); three 15-min sessions; brief affect check-ins and daily logs. * Willing to abstain from caffeine, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours before each lab visit and to attend visits at the same time of day. * Able to lie supine for 15 minutes and follow instructions for the HRV device. Exclusion Criteria: * Implanted electronic medical devices (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator). * Uncontrolled hypertension or severe vestibular disorders. * Current substance dependence. * Medications known to markedly affect autonomic function or sleep architecture (e.g., beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, sedative-hypnotics, antidepressants with strong autonomic effects). * Diagnosed neurological or psychological disorders that substantially affect emotional processing or autonomic regulation (severe psychiatric conditions). * Prior extensive experience with vibration therapies (to minimize expectancy bias). * Any condition judged by study staff to contraindicate vibration exposure or preclude safe participation (including inability to tolerate supine/recumbent position). * Unwillingness to refrain from initiating new structured exercise or relaxation programs during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida
- Florida International University, Biscaney Bay Campus — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marcelo Bigliassi, PhD
- Email: marcelo.bigliassi@fiu.edu
- Phone: 305-919-4256
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.