Air Ions and Mood Outcomes: a Review and Metaanalysis

Abstract

Background: Psychological effects of air ions have been reported for more than 80 years in the media and scientific literature. This study summarizes a qualitative literature review and quantitative meta-analysis, where applicable, that examines the potential effects of exposure to negative and positive air ions on psychological measures of mood and emotional state. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted to identify human experimental studies published through August, 2012. Thirty-three studies evaluating the effects of air ionization on depression, anxiety, mood states, and subjective feelings of mental well-being in humans were included. Five studies on negative ionization and depression (measured using a structured interview guide) were evaluated by level of exposure intensity (high vs. low) using meta-analysis. Results: Consistent ionization effects were not observed for anxiety, mood, relaxation/sleep, and personal comfort. In contrast, meta-analysis results showed that negative ionization, overall, was significantly associated with lower depression ratings, with a stronger association observed at high levels of negative ion exposure (mean summary effect and 95% confidence interval (CI) following high-and low-density exposure: 14.28 (95% CI: 12.93-15.62) and 7.23 (95% CI: 2.62-11.83), respectively). The response to high-density ionization was observed in patients with seasonal or chronic depression, but an effect of low-density ionization was observed only in patients with seasonal depression. However, no relationship between the duration or frequency of ionization treatment on depression ratings was evident.

Negative Air Environment-Induced Rehabilitation of Spasticity And Behavior During Physiotherapy in Cerebral Palsy Patients

“…At the cellular level, the superoxide and other activated oxygen species in the NAIs prevent the oxidation of free radicals which revitalize the cells to provide immunity and resistance [1,24]. These neutralized cells may produce reliable effects on cardiovascular, digestive, immune, respiratory, and mental health [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Since there are no studies on this topic so, the exact mechanism of action of NAIs at the cellular and molecular level behind the normalization of behaviors or spasticity is yet to be elucidated.…”

“…Biosight 2023; 04(01): 52-63 NAIs are also known as "Nature"s battery chargers" as they provide sufficient energy and are considered as essential as air or water [3]. Several researchers have reported improvement in different conditions using NAIs likely anti-aging, allergies, asthma, attention span, cognition, depression, emotions, mental energy, mood, reaction time, respiratory issues, and many other physiological functions [4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”