Cranial electrotherapy stimulation affects mood state but not levels of peripheral neurotrophic factors or hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis regulation
Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Education, College of Arts and Physical Education, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea | [b] Sports and Health Care Major, College of Humanities and Arts, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju-si, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Wi-Young So, Sports and Health Care Major, College of Humanities and Arts, Korea National University of Transportation, 50 Daehak-ro, Chungju-si, Chungbuk 27469, Korea. Tel.: +82 43 841 5993/+82 10 8998 4642; Fax: +82 43 841 5990; E-mail:wowso@ut.ac.kr
Abstract: Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is reported to aid in relieving
symptoms of depression and anxiety, though the mechanism underlying this
effect remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate
changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response and levels
of neurotrophic factors, as well as changes in mood state, in patients
undergoing CES therapy. Fifty healthy postmenopausal women were randomly
assigned to either a Sham CES group (n = 25) or an Active CES group (n = 25). CES treatment was conducted in 20-minute sessions, three times per week
for 8 weeks, using a micro current cranial electrotherapy stimulator. Blood
samples were collected prior to and following the 8-week treatment period
for measurement of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF)
levels. Changes in mood state were also examined at the time of blood
collection using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). No significant
differences in cortisol, ACTH, BDNF, or NGF were observed between the two
participant groups (p > 0.05) following the treatment period. However, those
in the Active CES group exhibited significantly decreased Tension-Anxiety
and Depression-Dejection scores on the POMS relative to pre-treatment scores
(p < 0.05). Furthermore, Depression-Dejection scores following treatment
were significantly lower in the Active CES group than in the Sham CES group
(p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in any other POMS
scores such as Anger-Hostility, Vigor-Activity, Fatigue-Inertia, and
Confusion-Bewilderment (p > 0.05). These results suggest that 8 weeks of CES
treatment does not induce changes in blood levels of neurotrophic factors or
HPA-axis-related hormones, though such treatment may be effective in
treating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
