Ferguson, Jennifer A.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the stress reduction effects of spending 25 minutes reclining in a SolTec™ Lounge between 2 intervention groups. Group 1 experienced the Lounge with multilayered music on an external speaker, while group 2 experienced the Lounge with multilayered music and synchronous vibration and magnetic stimulation from within the chair. Subjects In total, 110 participants with a self-reported stress level of 4 or higher on a 0- to 10-point scale were recruited from the local community including employees. Participants were randomized into receiving 1 of the 2 interventions. There were no significant differences between the group’s average stress levels prior to the interventions. Interventions Both groups received a 25-minute session in a dimly lit, quiet area on the Lounge with multilayered music. The second group also received vibration and magnetic stimulation that were synchronized with the music. Design Current stress level as well as ratings or feelings of anxiety, tenseness, energy, focus, happiness, relaxation, nervousness, creativeness, and being rested were recorded before and after the session. Results Both groups of participants reported equivalent decreased feelings of stress after using the Lounge. Participants receiving the synchronous multilayered music, vibration, and magnetic stimulation did report significantly reduced feelings of tenseness, feeling more relaxed, and feeling more creative when compared with the group that received music only. Conclusion Spending 25 minutes in the SolTec™ Lounge with multilayered music is an effective way to reduce self-reported stress in individuals who self-report having a high stress level. If confirmed by future studies, including synchronous vibration and magnetic stimulation with the multilayered music might be an effective stress reduction strategy.

Purpose: Clinicians and fitness professionals are increasingly recommending the use of activity trackers. This study compares commercially available activity tracking devices for step and distance accuracy in common exercise settings. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Rochester, Minnesota. Participants: Thirty-two men (n = 10) and women (n = 22) participated in the study. Measures: Researchers manually counted steps and measured distance for all trials, while participants wore 6 activity tracking devices that measured steps and distance. Analysis: We computed the difference between the number of steps measured by the device and the actual number of steps recorded by the observers, as well as the distance displayed by the device and the actual distance measured. Results: The analyses showed that both the device and walking trials affected the accuracy of the results (steps or distance, P < .001). Hip-based devices were more accurate and consistent for measuring step count. No significant differences were found among devices or locations for the distance measured. Conclusions: Hip-based activity tracking devices varied in accuracy but performed better than their wrist-based counterparts for step accuracy. Distance measurements for both types of devices were more consistent but lacked accuracy.