Rhythmic emotional stimulation and its influence on heart rate variability: investigating visual and acoustic cues as potential tools for stress modulation
Author(s)
Castells-Delgado, Antonio
Mohammadpoor Faskhodi, Mahtab
Fernandez Chimeno, Mireya
Garcia-Gonzalez, Miquel
Type
Report
Abstract
This study compares the effects of Rhythmic Visual Emotional Stimulation (RVES) and Rhythmic Acoustic Emotional Stimulation (RAES) on Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Using a within-subjects design with 30 participants, we analyzed SDNN, RMSSD, and Inter-Beat Interval (IBI) to assess autonomic entrainment at the baroreflex resonant frequency (0.1 Hz). Results demonstrate that RVES is significantly more effective than RAES for autonomic modulation, inducing robust increases in SDNN and IBI, particularly in females. In contrast, RAES produced only modest RMSSD increments with no significant SDNN changes. Furthermore, a significant three-way interaction between stimulation, sex, and BMI (p = 0.023) was identified for IBI during acoustic stimulation, highlighting that individual physiological profiles moderate auditory autonomic receptivity. These findings suggest that visual rhythmic stimuli offer a superior pathway for baroreflex entrainment and emphasize the need for personalized, sex-specific approaches in autonomic health interventions.
Date Issued
2024-10-13
Citation
2024, pp.1-47
Publisher
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Start Page
1
End Page
47
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Author(s).
Identifier
10.25560/126862
Subjects
Arterial Baroreflex
Autonomic Entrainment
Baroreflex Resonance
Gender-Specific Responses
Heart Rate Variability
Parasympathetic Regulation
Resonant Emotional Stimulation