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40-Hz Audiovisual Stimulation in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Sponsor: National Cheng Kung University
Summary
This randomized, sham-controlled trial evaluated the effects of 40-Hz binaural beat music (BBM) combined with 40-Hz rhythmic photic stimulation (RPS) in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A total of 55 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to either the BBM plus RPS group or a sham control group. Participants received 20-minute sessions three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks, for a total of 36 sessions. The primary outcome was anxiety measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Secondary outcomes included psychological distress measured using the Five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) and global cognitive function measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Electroencephalographic (EEG) relative power across delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands was also assessed as an exploratory physiological outcome.
Official title: Effects of 40-Hz Binaural Beat Music Combined With Rhythmic Photic Stimulation on Psychological Distress, Anxiety, Cognitive Function, and Electroencephalographic Spectral Activity in Patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
55
Start Date
2024-02-01
Completion Date
2024-07-30
Last Updated
2026-08-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
40-Hz Binaural Beat Music Combined With 40-Hz Rhythmic Photic Stimulation
Participants received simultaneous 40-Hz binaural beat music (BBM) and 40-Hz rhythmic photic stimulation (RPS). The BBM was generated using 200-Hz and 240-Hz carrier tones to produce a 40-Hz binaural beat and was embedded in relaxing music delivered through circumaural stereo headphones at 60-65 dB SPL. The RPS was delivered through glasses equipped with bilateral white LEDs producing a 40-Hz square-wave flicker with a 50% duty cycle and an illuminance of 400 lx. Participants received the combined auditory and visual stimulation for 20 minutes per session with their eyes closed, three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks, for a total of 36 sessions.
Sham group
Participants in the sham group underwent the same session procedures as the intervention group but did not receive 40-Hz binaural beat stimulation or rhythmic photic stimulation. Participants wore circumaural stereo headphones and RPS glasses and listened to the same relaxing music for 20 minutes; however, the music contained no binaural beats, and the light-output module of the RPS glasses remained switched off so that no flickering light was delivered. The glasses were powered on with the power indicator illuminated to maintain a similar device appearance. Music tracks, sound volume, session duration, and environmental conditions were identical to those of the intervention group. Sessions were administered three times per week for 12 consecutive weeks, for a total of 36 sessions.
Locations (1)
Asia Univeraity
Taichung, WuFeng, Taiwan