Background: We hypothesized that stress induced suppression of immunity may be prevented by vestibular stimulation by inhibiting the stress axes.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess effectiveness of vestibular stimulation in the modulation of immune responses in stress.
Materials and Methods: A total of 240 healthy college students were randomly divided into four groups control male and female group and vestibular male and female groups with 60 participants in each group. Vestibular stimulation was administered by making the participants to swing on a swing in back to front direction, according to their comfort. After recording base line values, vestibular stimulation was administered to the intervention groups, and post-intervention values were collected during regular classes and during pre-examination period. Blood cell count was performed using Sysmex Machine (Model Sysmex XP 100) (an automatic multi parameter blood cell counter) manufactured by Sysmex India Pvt. Ltd.
Results: Vestibular stimulation limited stress induced changes in total leukocyte count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and absolute eosinophil count, counts in both male and female intervention groups. Stress induced decrease was prevented in female intervention group.
Conclusion: Our study provides further evidence for beneficial effects of vestibular stimulation in limiting stress induced changes in immune responses.
Key words: Vestibular Stimulation; Immunity; Stress; White Blood Cells; College Students
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