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Shamsi F, Azadinia F, Shaygan M. Does brain entrainment using binaural auditory beats affect pain perception in acute and chronic pain?: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38216943 PMCID: PMC10785528 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04339-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a major clinical problem across all ages with serious social and economic consequences and a great negative impact on quality of life. Brain entrainment using binaural beats is a non-pharmaceutical intervention that is claimed to have analgesic effects in acute and chronic pain. We aimed to systematically review the available randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of binaural auditory beats in reducing adults' pain perception in acute and chronic pain. A systematic search in electronic databases including Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase was performed. The search was completed through Google Scholar and a manual search of the reference lists of all included studies. Randomized clinical trials with full text available in English that investigated the effect of binaural auditory beats on pain perception in acute and chronic pain in adults were included. The risk of bias was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2) tool. Furthermore, The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Sixteen studies (three on chronic pain and thirteen on acute pain perception) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Because of substantial heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis was inappropriate and this review focused on the narrative interpretation of the results. The risk of bias in most studies was high and the quality of evidence was low to very low. Although the effects of binaural beats on pain perception seem to be influenced by the etiology of pain or medical procedures, our review identifies alpha or a combination of tones in the range of delta to alpha as a potential non-pharmacological intervention in reducing acute pain. However, drawing a conclusion regarding the efficacy of binaural beats for chronic pain requires more high-quality studies. REGISTRATION The protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42023425091).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Shamsi
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 71345-1359, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azadinia
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shaygan
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 71345-1359, Shiraz, Iran.
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Reid MJ, Quigg M, Finan PH. Sleep-EEG in comorbid pain and insomnia: implications for the treatment of pain disorders. Pain Rep 2023; 8:e1101. [PMID: 37899939 PMCID: PMC10599985 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with chronic pain experience a high prevalence of comorbid insomnia, which is associated with functional impairment. Recent advances in sleep electroencephalography (sleep-EEG) may clarify the mechanisms that link sleep and chronic pain. In this clinical update, we outline current advancements in sleep-EEG assessments for pain and provide research recommendations. Results Promising preliminary work suggests that sleep-EEG spectral bands, particularly beta, gamma, alpha, and delta power, may create candidate neurophysiological signatures of pain, and macro-architectural parameters (e.g., total sleep time, arousals, and sleep continuity) may facilitate EEG-derived sleep phenotyping and may enable future stratification in the treatment of pain. Conclusion Integration of measures obtained through sleep-EEG represent feasible and scalable approaches that could be adopted in the future. We provide research recommendations to progress the field towards a deeper understanding of their utility and potential future applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Reid
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Quigg
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Patrick H. Finan
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Krasnoff E, Chevalier G. Case report: binaural beats music assessment experiment. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1138650. [PMID: 37213931 PMCID: PMC10196448 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1138650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We recruited subjects with the focus on people who were stressed and needed a break to experience relaxation. The study used inaudible binaural beats (BB) to measure the ability of BB to induce a relaxed state. We found through measuring brain wave activity that in fact BB seem to objectively induce a state of relaxation. We were able to see this across several scores, F3/F4 Alpha Assessment and CZ Theta Beta, calculated from EEG readings, that indicated an increase in positive outlook and a relaxing brain, respectively, and scalp topography maps. Most subjects also showed an improvement in Menlascan measurements of microcirculation or cardiovascular score, although the Menlascan scores and Big Five character assessment results were less conclusive. BB seem to have profound effects on the physiology of subjects and since the beats were not audible, these effects could not be attributed to the placebo effect. These results are encouraging in terms of developing musical products incorporating BB to affect human neural rhythms and corollary states of consciousness and warrant further research with more subjects and different frequencies of BB and different music tracks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaétan Chevalier
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Ingendoh RM, Posny ES, Heine A. Binaural beats to entrain the brain? A systematic review of the effects of binaural beat stimulation on brain oscillatory activity, and the implications for psychological research and intervention. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286023. [PMID: 37205669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Binaural beats are an auditory phenomenon that occurs when two tones of different frequencies, which are presented separately to each ear, elicit the sensation of a third tone oscillating at the difference frequency of the two tones. Binaural beats can be perceived in the frequency range of about 1-30 Hz, a range that coincides with the main human EEG frequency bands. The brainwave entrainment hypothesis, which assumes that external stimulation at a certain frequency leads to the brain's electrocortical activity oscillating at the same frequency, provides the basis for research on the effects of binaural beat stimulation on cognitive and affective states. Studies, particularly in more applied fields, usually refer to neuroscientific research demonstrating that binaural beats elicit systematic changes in EEG parameters. At first glance, however, the available literature on brainwave entrainment effects due to binaural beat stimulation appears to be inconclusive at best. The aim of the present systematic review is, thus, to synthesize existing empirical research. A sample of fourteen published studies met our criteria for inclusion. The results corroborate the impression of an overall inconsistency of empirical outcomes, with five studies reporting results in line with the brainwave entrainment hypothesis, eight studies reporting contradictory, and one mixed results. What is to be noticed is that the fourteen studies included in this review were very heterogeneous regarding the implementation of the binaural beats, the experimental designs, and the EEG parameters and analyses. The methodological heterogeneity in this field of study ultimately limits the comparability of research outcomes. The results of the present systematic review emphasize the need for standardization in study approaches so as to allow for reliable insight into brainwave entrainment effects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ella S Posny
- Department of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angela Heine
- Department of Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Maddison R, Nazar H, Obara I, Vuong QC. The efficacy of sensory neural entrainment on acute and chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Pain 2022; 17:126-141. [PMID: 37057253 PMCID: PMC10088425 DOI: 10.1177/20494637221139472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes to the power of neural oscillations in cortical and sub-cortical structures can change pain perception. Rhythmic sensory stimulation is a non-invasive method that can increase power in specific frequencies of neural oscillations. If the stimulation frequency targets those frequencies related to pain perception, such as alpha or theta frequencies, there can be a reduction in perceived pain intensity. Thus, sensory neural entrainment may provide an alternative to pharmacological intervention for acute and chronic pain. This review aimed to identify and critically appraise the evidence on the effectiveness of sensory entrainment methods for pain perception. Methods We undertook a systematic search across Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus in November 2020 to identify studies investigating the efficacy of sensory entrainment on adults. We assessed studies for their quality using the PRISMA checklist. A random-effects model was used in a meta-analysis to measure the effect of entrainment on pain perception. Results Our systematic review yielded nine studies fitting the search criteria. Studies investigated the effect of visual and auditory entrainment on pain intensity rating, electrophysiological markers of pain and amount of analgesia needed during surgery. The meta-analysis suggests that alpha (8–13 Hz) sensory entrainment is effective for acute pain perception, whereas theta (4–7 Hz) entrainment is effective for chronic pain. Conclusions Although there is heterogeneity in the current evidence, our review highlights the potential use of sensory entrainment to affect acute and chronic pain. Further research is required regarding the timing, duration and frequency of the stimulation to determine the best application for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Maddison
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hamde Nazar
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Population and Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ilona Obara
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Quoc C Vuong
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Loong LJ, Ling KK, Tai ELM, Kueh YC, Kuan G, Hussein A. The Effect of Binaural Beat Audio on Operative Pain and Anxiety in Cataract Surgery under Topical Anaesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10194. [PMID: 36011825 PMCID: PMC9408317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this paper was to examine the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of binaural beat audio in patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 61 patients undergoing cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. They were divided into two research conditions; the binaural beat audio group, and a sham-control group (ear phones with no music). Patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire (STAI), and their blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Intraoperative pain levels were ascertained using a visual analog scale (VAS) completed immediately after the surgery. Results: The binaural beat group had significantly lower pain scores (p < 0.001), HR (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p = 0.003), mean arterial pressure (p = 0.007) and anxiety (p = 0.009) than the control group. Within the binaural beat group, subjects experienced a statistically significant reduction in HR (p = 0.004) and anxiety (p < 0.001) levels compared to baseline values, while all parameters, except anxiety, increased significantly in the control group. Conclusions: Binaural beat audio decreases operative pain and anxiety in cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. It may have additional benefits in modulating the tachycardic response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Jiunn Loong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Koh Koon Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Evelyn Li Min Tai
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Yee Cheng Kueh
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Garry Kuan
- Exercise and Sports Science, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Adil Hussein
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Binaural beats reduce feeling of pain and discomfort during colonoscopy procedure in not-sedated patients: A randomized control trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 48:101605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Barratt MJ, Maddox A, Smith N, Davis JL, Goold L, Winstock AR, Ferris JA. Who uses digital drugs? An international survey of 'binaural beat' consumers. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1126-1130. [PMID: 35353927 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital drugs, or binaural beats claimed to elicit specific cognitive or emotional states, are a phenomenon about which little is known. In this brief report, we describe demographic and drug use correlates of binaural beat use, patterns of use, reasons for use and methods of access. METHODS The Global Drug Survey 2021 was translated into 11 languages; 30 896 responses were gathered from 22 countries. RESULTS The use of binaural beats to experience altered states was reported by 5.3% of the sample (median age 27; 60.5% male), with the highest rates from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Romania and the United Kingdom. Controlling for all variables, age and non-male gender predicted binaural beat use, as did the recent use of cannabis, psychedelics and novel/new drugs. Respondents most commonly used binaural beats 'to relax or fall asleep' (72.2%) and 'to change my mood' (34.7%), while 11.7% reported trying 'to get a similar effect to that of other drugs'. This latter motivation was more commonly reported among those who used classic psychedelics (16.5% vs. 7.9%; P < 0.001). The majority sought to connect with themselves (53.1%) or 'something bigger than themselves' (22.5%) through the experience. Binaural beats were accessed primarily through video streaming sites via mobile phones. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This paper establishes the existence of the phenomenon of listening to binaural beats to elicit changes in embodied and psychological states. Future research directions include the cultural context for consumption and proximate experiences, including co-use with ingestible drugs and other auditory phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica J Barratt
- Social and Global Studies Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexia Maddox
- Blockchain Innovation Hub, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Naomi Smith
- School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Federation University Australia, Gippsland, Australia
| | - Jenny L Davis
- School of Sociology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Lachlan Goold
- School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Adam R Winstock
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK.,Global Drug Survey, London, UK
| | - Jason A Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Shamsi E, Ahmadi-Pajouh MA, Seifi Ala T. Higuchi fractal dimension: An efficient approach to detection of brain entrainment to theta binaural beats. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2021.102580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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