Effects of a wellness spa intervention on muscle tension and electroencephalographic activity in community-dwelling adults

Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the effects of a wellness spa intervention on muscle tension and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in healthy adults.The objective was to determine whether participation in a structured spa program promotes physical and psychological relaxation.Design: Pre-post intervention study design Methods: Sixty healthy adults (23 males and37 females) residing in the community participated in a 6-week wellness spa intervention comprising 12 sessions.Each session consisted of hydrotherapy using a bade pool with varying water flow intensities.The upper trapezius muscle tension was assessed using the MyotonPro, and EEG activity (theta, alpha, and beta) was recorded using a wireless frontal-channel device.Paired t-tests were conducted to compare the pre-and post-intervention values.Results: Following the intervention, the logarithmic decrement values of the left and right upper trapezius muscles had significantly decreased (p < 0.01), indicating improved muscle elasticity.The EEG results showed a significant increase in alpha wave activity in males (p < 0.01) and theta wave activity in both males (p = 0.01) and females (p = 0.02).No significant changes were observed in beta wave activity. Conclusions:The wellness spa intervention led to a measurable reduction in muscle tension and promoted relaxation of the central nervous system, as evidenced by the EEG changes.These findings suggest that spa-based wellness programs may serve as effective complementary strategies for enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of healthy adults.