Modifications of electrogastrographic activity during the viewing of brief film sequences.

The experiment assessed the effects of two film sequences, a pleasant documentary and a distressful scene, on electrogastrographic (EGG), electromyographic (EMG), and heart-rate responses during digestion by 30 healthy students. The physiological measures were recorded before and during the projection of each film sequence. At the end of each viewing period, subjects completed a self-rating questionnaire on the emotional experience. Analysis yielded a significant increase in heart-rate and EMG values during the viewing of the film sequences and a significant decrease in amplitude of the 3 cycles per minute (cpm) wave of EGG during the unpleasant film. The type of film sequence had also a statistically significant effect on the self-ratings of emotional states.