Physiological and psychological relaxation effects from palmar contact with a wooden conference table: a randomized crossover study in an office conference room

What the study found

Participants rested a palm for 90 s on an oil-finished birch tabletop or a white melamine one. Touching wood lowered prefrontal oxy-Hb on both sides (about 0.6 uM, d about -0.9) and raised ratings of comfortable, relaxed, natural and warm, with lower total mood disturbance (1.7 vs 8.2). Heart rate variability did not change, and ratings of roughness, moisture and hardness did not differ significantly.

Limitations

Young men only, one table, one very short exposure, and no blinding to material. Funded by a lumber wholesalers' association that also provided the room.

Neurodesign interpretation

Touchable wood surfaces may give a brief calming response, but evidence for lasting effects in daily use is not yet there.

Possible design implications

Hypothesis: wood at touch points such as tables and rails may support brief felt relaxation; needs independent replication with matched furniture.

Study design

Randomized crossover study

Population

Healthy Japanese male university students, mean age 22. Sample: 25 analysed (26 enrolled).

Setting

Real executive conference room in an office building, Tokyo

Field

Materials + haptics

Mechanism

Physiological relaxation

Spatial variable

Wood exposure, Material texture

Keywords

wood exposure, material texture, physiological relaxation

Notes and follow-up

Related records: ND-0081, ND-0082, ND-0083.