Work

Real-Time Electroencephalography-Guided Binaural Beat Audio Enhances Relaxation and Cognitive Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Repeated-Measures Crossover Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Binaural beat audio has gained popularity as a non-invasive tool to promote relaxation and enhance cognitive performance, though empirical support has been inconsistent. We developed a novel algorithm integrating real-time electroencephalography (EEG) feedback to dynamically tailor binaural beats to induce relaxed brain states. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and feasibility of this algorithm in a clinical trial. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled crossover trial, 25 healthy adults completed two 30 min sessions (EEG-guided intervention versus sham). EEG (Fp1) was recorded using a consumer-grade single-electrode headset, with auditory stimulation adjusted in real time based on EEG data. Outcomes included EEG frequency profiles, stop signal reaction time (SSRT), and novelty encoding task performance. Results: The intervention rapidly reduced dominant EEG frequency in all participants, with 100% achieving <8 Hz and 96% achieving <4 Hz within median 7.4 and 9.0 min, respectively. Compared to the sham, the intervention was associated with an faster novelty encoding reaction time (p = 0.039, dz = −0.225) and trends towards improved SSRT (p = 0.098, dz = −0.209), increased boundary separation in stop trials (p = 0.065, dz = 0.350), and improved inhibitory drift rate (p = 0.067, dz = 0.452) within the limits of the exploratory nature of these findings. Twenty-four (96%) participants reached a target level of <4 Hz with the intervention, while none reached this level with the sham. Conclusions: Real-time EEG-guided binaural beats may rapidly induce low-frequency brain states while potentially preserving or enhancing aspects of executive function. These findings support the feasibility of personalized, closed-loop auditory entrainment for promoting “relaxed alertness.” The results are preliminary and hypothesis-generating, warranting larger, multi-channel EEG studies in ecologically valid contexts.

Source: Physiologia

DOI: 10.3390/physiologia5040044

Authors: Chanaka N. Kahathuduwa, Jessica Blume, Chinnadurai Mani, Chathurika S. Dhanasekara

Institutions: Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Language: English

Topic: EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207