The effectiveness of vestibular stimulation by rocking and vestibular exercises on postural stability, depression, anxiety and stress in elderly

Abstract

Using swings and rocking chair is a universal practice. Rocking was soothing as it offers relaxation through vestibular stimulation. Stimulation of vestibular receptors will begin during fetal life, and it was recommended to continue throughout life. The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of vestibular stimulation by rocking on postural stability in the elderly. A total of 150 elderly male and females were part of the study after obtaining the written informed consent. After recruiting the participants, they were randomly grouped into three groups with 50 participants in each group. Neither exercise nor rocking was administered to the control group. Rocking was administered using a rocking chair once a day for 5 days in a week for 6 months for a rocking group. Rocking was administered using a rocking chair once a day for 5 days in a week + vestibular exercises were practiced two sessions per week for 6 months for rocking and vestibular exercise group. Demographic data were not significant between the groups. There was a significant decrease (P<0.001) in the stress score in both rocking the only group and rocking along with vestibular exercise group. The present study highlights the beneficial role of vestibular stimulation by rocking and by vestibular exercises in improving the postural stability and reducing the negative emotions like depression, anxiety and stress. Hence, the study recommends practicing vestibular stimulation either by rocking or by exercises in day to day life for better quality of life in general.