Browsing by Author "Tuomi, Janne"

Background: Treatment of chronic insomnia is problematic and alternative methods besides drug therapy are sought out for. The aim of the study was to find out about the effects of Neurosonic-low frequency therapy chair on patients with primary insomnia. Therapy is based on Whole-Body Vibration (WBV). Methods: This pilot study consisted of 16 adults (12 men, 4 women; age range 28 - 65) that suffered from insomnia with an Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) of at least 15. They were randomized into control and intervention groups (8 + 8). Both groups received WBV-treatment for five times. At the start of the study control group had a three week period when they did not receive treatment. Measurements were taken using actigraphy, SCL-90-, WHO-5-, PSQI-, ISI-, EQ-5D-questionnaires and a structured sleep questionnaire based on the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire. Results: After treatment ISI-scores decreased in both groups. After treatment the WHO-5- and EQ-5D VAS-score were also ameliorated. Treatment also lowered SCL-90 scores related to anxiety, obsessive compulsive and somatization symptoms. Conclusions: Our results indicate that WBV-treatment has beneficial effects for people suffering from primary insomnia. WBV-treatment also seems to relieve anxiety. No major adverse effects were detected. WBV-treatment may be useful for example in the treatment of insomnia in situations where pharmacological treatment is insufficient. Further studies should be done to have more information about the usefulness of WBV based therapy in treatment of insomnia.