27th Annual Student Research Conference
The Physiological Effects of the Alpha-Stim Device
Joseph R. Gregory
Prof. Sal Costa, Dr. Richard Hall (A.T. Still University ), and Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the physiological effects of the Alpha-Stim AID and 100 devices. This device administers undetectable microcurrents of electricity from one electrode to another employing the concept of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES). This study had both a treatment group and a control (sham device) group to check for a placebo effect. Literature on this device is increasing, but most of these studies involve questionnaires or self-reports; the physiological studies are tailored to conditions like fibromyalgia. This study aimed to quantify the autonomic processes via sympathetic and parasympathetic measurements. Heart rate, galvanic skin response, and temperature were measured to see if significant change occurred. In addition to physiological measures, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was also administered in an attempt to bridge this work with others and see if a decrease in anxiety was reported in the presence or absence of a physiological response.
Keywords: Alpha-Stim, Heart Rate, Physiology, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Neuroscience, Psychology
Topic(s):Psychology
Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 14-5
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 3:30