Effects of audio stimulation on gastric myoelectrical activity and sympathovagal balance in healthy adolescents and adults

AIM: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different audio stimulations on gastric myoelectrical activity and sympathovagal balance in adolescents compared with adults. METHODS: The study was performed in 11 adults and 12 adolescents. Each subject underwent two sessions, one for classical music, and the other for noise. Each session consisted of 30 min of baseline, 30 min of fasting audio stimulation, a test meal, 30 min of fed audio stimulation, and 30 min of recovery. Electrocardiogram and electrogastrogram were both recorded throughout each session. RESULTS: (i) In the fasting state, both classical music and noise impaired gastric slow wave activity in adolescents. In adults, noise had no effects while classical music moderately improved slow wave rhythmicity. (ii) In the fed state, neither noise nor music had any effects on gastric slow waves. (iii) In the fasting state, both noise and music increased the sympathovagal balance in adolescents; in adults only noise had such an effect. (iv) The test meal increased the sympathovagal balance in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric slow waves and the sympathovagal balance are more strongly affected by audio stimulation in adolescents than in adults. The test meal normalizes the audio stimulation-induced differences between the groups.