Autonomic responses to Dohsa therapy and progressive muscle relaxation: a case-based HRV study with student-athletes

Although often perceived as resilient, college student-athletes (SAs) face mental health challenges yet underuse university counselling services (UCS), underscoring the need for accessible interventions. This exploratory study aimed to examine how Dohsa Therapy (DT), a body psychotherapy, affects SAs physiologically. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), a standardised relaxation method, was included as a contrasting comparison. Five Japanese SAs receiving UCS support participated. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using time- and frequency-domain indices via a wearable ECG device. DT generally increased RMSSD and SDNN, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic activity and autonomic flexibility. PMR consistently lowered heart rate, while effects on HRV indices varied across individuals. Findings demonstrate the feasibility of HRV measurement in DT and PMR and suggest both as practical body-oriented tools for student-athletes experiencing stress and performance-related concerns. Future work may integrate relational perspectives to bridge quantitative and qualitative approaches in the study of somatic and dance/movement therapy.