Binaural Beat Technology: A Complementary Path to Post Deployment Wellness
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the efficacy of embedded theta brainwave frequency (4-7 Hz) in music using Binaural Beat Technology (BBT) compared to using music alone on the cardiovascular stress response in military service members with chronic stress following deployment. Design: Double-blinded, randomized, pre and post-intervention trial Methods: Participants were randomized to either Music with BBT or Music Alone groups. Each group listened to their intervention for a minimum of 30 minutes at bedtime for at least three consecutive nights per week, for four weeks. A 20-minute pre and post-intervention heartrate variability (HRV) stress test and daily perceived stress assessed intervention efficacy. Sample: 74 service members with chronic stress following deployment. Analysis: A 2 x 2 mixed ANOVA (between and within design). Findings: There was a statistical difference (p = .01) in low frequency HRV between the music with BBT group compared to the music only group. The average low frequency HRV decreased 2.5 ms2/Hz using BBT, while using music alone increased 7.99 ms2/Hz. There was also a significant difference (p = .01) in the high frequency HRV measures, with BBT showing an increase by 2.5 ms2/Hz compared to music only, which decreased by 12.64 ms2/Hz. Significant (p = .01) differences were found in Total Power measures, with the music only group decreasing by 1113.64 ms2/Hz compared to 26.68 ms2/Hz in the BBT group. Daily diaries consistently showed that participants who used BBT reported less stress over the four weeks. Implications for Military Nursing: BBT does not require a doctors order or to be administered by an advanced practice provider. It can be an independent, nurse-initiated action at the bedside, in an outpatient setting, or on military deployments. BBT has the capacity to help other deployment health concerns, such as the beta frequency range to improve focus and the delta frequency range to improve sleep quality.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1035883
Entities
People
- Melisa A. Gantt
Organizations
- Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center