Study on mental stress management using near-infrared irradiation around the stellate ganglion

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K11712
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshida Hideki 弘前大学, 保健学研究科, 准教授 (20400145)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ストレス / 近赤外線 / 星状神経節 / 電気刺激 / 有酸素運動 / 等尺性運動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated the possibility of stress management using near-infrared irradiation near the stellate ganglion, as well as stress management using electrical stimulation and various types of exercise (aerobic exercise, isometric exercise). The results of this study showed that 1) near-infrared irradiation to the stellate ganglion might be effective in reducing stress, 2) electrical stimulation to the human body might be effective in reducing stress, and the effect might be enhanced by increasing the number of electrodes, and 3) simultaneous exercise and electrical stimulation might reduce stress more than exercise alone, and moreover might also increase pain threshold.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学、栄養学および健康科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

１）学術的意義：電磁エネルギー（近赤外線、電気）や運動、さらにはそれらの併用がストレスマネジメントに応用できる可能性を示唆した点。
２）社会的意義：従来、心理療法や薬物療法を主体としてきたストレスマネジメントにおいて、侵襲性の少ない物理療法や運動療法、あるいはそれらの併用による介入の可能性を示したことで、ストレスマネジメントにおける介入の幅を広げた点。