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Audio-Visual Entrainment: History, Physiology & Clinical Studies
... These noninvasive cognitive therapies convert energies from sensory receptors into neural codes (as in AVE) or modify sympathetic and parasympathetic relations via neuromodulatory impacts (as in CES). Generally, the clinical and non-clinical applications of these devices are in line with the remedy of various experiences (e.g., attention deficit, insomnia, pain, anxiety, etc.) via constant stimulations at specific frequencies (i.e., gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta) over the cortex (Collura & Siever, 2009;Frederick et al., 1999;Siever, 2007Siever, , 2012. For instance, Wuchrer (2009) enhanced sustained attention as a particular function of the brain by exciting the nerve pathways through the constant flashes of light (photic stimulation) and pulses of tones (auditory stimulation) at SMR/Beta frequency in a 20-minute AVE session. ...
... Moreover, the results revealed that the learners did not surpass significantly after the AVE session in comparison to the control and multisensory sessions. A justification could be the deep relaxation effect that the device creates by the dissociation mechanism disconnecting the subjects from their "thoughts and somatic awareness" (Siever, 2007). The tool may induce a restabilization effect as a result of the cyan flickering light via LEDs, leading to the relaxation of muscles (Siever, 2007), hence, a slow RT. ...
... A justification could be the deep relaxation effect that the device creates by the dissociation mechanism disconnecting the subjects from their "thoughts and somatic awareness" (Siever, 2007). The tool may induce a restabilization effect as a result of the cyan flickering light via LEDs, leading to the relaxation of muscles (Siever, 2007), hence, a slow RT. The other potential factor that slows down the RT may be the alterations in the neurotransmitters and cerebral blood flow (CBF). ...
It is believed that the attentional engagement of language learners may reinforce deeper neuronal processing and promote later retrieval. To address language learners’ needs and facilitate language learning, we used audio-visual entertainment (AVE) and cranio-electro stimulation (CES), in addition to multisensory-based instruction, to modify attention and retention processes. Thus, we taught a set of words with the common procedure of audio-visual instruction to 32 English language learners in the control group, CES, and AVE sessions. However, they received five sensory involvements (i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory) for the target words in the multisensory session. Following each instruction, a pragmatic-Stroop task and a true/false test were conducted to examine the subjects’ attention and retention processes, respectively. Analyzing the response times acquired from the pragmatic-Stroop task, it was found that multisensory-based instruction led to quicker responses in comparison to the audio-visual method preceded by AVE and CES stimulations. The response accuracy results from the retention test also revealed that the subjects provided more accurate responses to the words taught during the multisensory session. The implication is that the enriched multisensory inputs can improve L2 learners’ mental agility and facilitate successful retention and retrieval of information after a short interval period.
... Most of the few existing tools have focused on relaxation and bodily awareness rather than regulation of attention to the present moment. They have also employed either neurofeedback or brain entrainment technologies despite the advantage of integrating them [76]. ...
... Consistent findings have indicated that binaural beats many psychological and physiological processes [2,85] leading to improved relaxation [32,76]., memory, vigilance, concentration [25], attention and mood [44], creativity [66]. Previous findings also suggest that entrainment could be beneficial for attention deficit symptoms, depression, anxiety and pain [76]. ...
... Consistent findings have indicated that binaural beats many psychological and physiological processes [2,85] leading to improved relaxation [32,76]., memory, vigilance, concentration [25], attention and mood [44], creativity [66]. Previous findings also suggest that entrainment could be beneficial for attention deficit symptoms, depression, anxiety and pain [76]. In a review of over 20 studies, Huang and colleagues [32] explored the impact of binaural beats on psychological outcomes such as cognition, stress, anxiety, pain relief and mood. ...
A recent interest in interaction design is towards the development of novel technologies emphasizing the value of mindfulness, monitoring, awareness, and self-regulation for both health and wellbeing. Whereas existing systems have focused mostly on relaxation and awareness of feelings, there has been little exploration on tools supporting the self-regulation of attention during mindfulness sitting meditation. This paper describes the design and initial evaluation of MeditAid, a wearable system integrating electroencephalography (EEG) technology with an adaptive aural entrainment for real time training of mindfulness state. The system identifies different meditative states and provides feedback to support users in deepening their meditation. We report on a study with 16 meditators about the perceived strengths and limitations of the MeditAid system. We demonstrate the benefits of binaural feedback in deepening meditative states, particularly for novice meditators.
... Brainwave entrainment (or brainwave synchronization) is a practice that aims to cause brainwave frequencies to synchronize with a periodic stimulus with a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state [8]. Auditory or visual stimulation is widely used for brainwave entrainment or neuro-modulation [8] [9]. ...
... Brainwave entrainment (or brainwave synchronization) is a practice that aims to cause brainwave frequencies to synchronize with a periodic stimulus with a frequency corresponding to the intended brain-state [8]. Auditory or visual stimulation is widely used for brainwave entrainment or neuro-modulation [8] [9]. Neuro-modulation has been an active topic in neuro-theraphy for treating various mental disorders including Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, autism, anxiety, and other painful disorders [6]. ...
... Auditory or visual stimulation at 18.5 Hz has also been shown to produce dramatic increases in EEG amplitude at the vertex [9]. D. Siever designed the "Digital Audio-Visual Integration Device" for hypnotic induction to calm anxiety in performing arts students [8]. ...
Auditory or visual stimulation has been widely used for brainwave entrainment, i.e. to modulate brain electroencephalograms (EEG) signals into a specific target frequency band. In this work, we study whether similar phenomena exists with haptic stimulation. By using a Phantom desktop to provide a sinusoidal force stimulation to a human subject's hand, and using a Nexus EEG device for real-time brain signal monitoring, we test how the Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) signal and the Alpha signal of the subject responds to the haptic stimulation. Our experiments show that the energy level of SMR signal tends to increase considerably (on average 10~30% of 8 human subjects) after 10-15 minutes of haptic stimulation with a 15Hz stimulation signal, and the energy level of Alpha signal tends to decrease considerably (on average 10~30% of 8 human subjects) after 10-15 minutes of haptic stimulation with a 10Hz stimulation signal. These results may have potential application in training human concentration and/or relaxation skills.
... The reliability of the indicated indicators is confirmed by their unidirectional dynamics, because it is considered that they are equivalent [3,9]. It is worth noting that a more pronounced dynamics of the investigated indicators is noticeable in persons with more experience. ...
... The reliability of the indicated indicators is confirmed by their unidirectional dynamics, because it is considered that they are equivalent [3,9]. It is worth noting that a more pronounced dynamics of the investigated indicators is noticeable in persons with more experience. ...
The impact of the "Big Tree" exercise of the Zhong Yuan Qigong health practice on the state of the cardiovascular system and its regulatory mechanisms was studied. The mechanism of adaptation processes has been studied. The level of functional connections between the activity of peripheral vessels and the oscillatory brain and heart processes that occur when the arm is compressed with a cuff during the measurement of blood pressure and the recording of arterial oscillograms before and after the exercise was evaluated. Methods of morphological, temporal, spectral, and correlation analysis of arterial oscillograms were proposed by the authors. Studies have shown that exercises contribute to increasing the adaptive capabilities of the cardiovascular system to brachial cuff compression: the level of centralization of control of the cardiovascular system decreases, the activity of the sympathetic centers of the medulla oblongata (cardiostimulatory, vasoconstrictor) increases, and the regulation system reduces systolic, increases diastolic pressure and heart rate. Exercises help increase the percentage of Teta and Alpha and reduce Delta waves (ρ ≤ 0.05), confirming their calming and relaxing effect. The use of the Zhong Yuan Qigong exercise "Big Tree" can be used in preventive and rehabilitative medicine.
... It has been shown that visual and auditory stimulation can, to a certain extent, entrain physiological oscillations (Adrian and Matthews, 1934;Herrmann, 2001;Will and Berg, 2007). Such entrainment might have an impact on cognition, emotions or even induce altered states of awareness, which might have explained their success in art and medicine (Siever, 2007). In this study, we did not record electroencephalographic (EEG) signals, but we may hypothesize that cortical oscillations could have shifted close to the visuo-auditory input frequencies. ...
This study is an in situ experiment carried out at the Grand Palais in Paris during the exhibition “Dynamo” in 2013. Visitors of the exhibition were asked to stand in quiet stance in the middle of Carsten Höller’s “Light Corner” (2001). This artwork, one of the first of the Dynamo exhibition, was a room (three walls, the fourth side being the entrance) covered with light bulbs flickering while speakers displayed sound vibrations at similar fast-paced rhythms, inducing visuo-auditory hallucinations. Inasmuch as many visitors naturally closed their eyes when the artwork was turned on, we measured the impact of being within the artwork with closed eyes (i.e., experiencing light and color through eyelids, heat sensations, and sounds) on postural control and on subjective appreciation of the artwork (ratings and free reports). Overall, the 18 participants showed very diverse appreciation (from extremely low to extremely high). The main results of our study show that the mean power frequency of the body sway increased, and that such frequency was negatively correlated with the subjective appreciation of the artwork: participants who disliked the artwork more, and participants who spontaneously referred to the violence of the artwork, showed higher frequencies. Thus, our study shows that this artwork impacted in parallel body control and emotions, leaving the causal links between the two to be explored in future studies.
... In the case of elderly people, the use of neurofeedback and audiovisual entrainment (AVE) was used by Budzynski (Grove, 2011), which can be reviewed in the book Introduction to Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback (Collura & Siever, 2009). There are some AVE manuscripts (Siever, 2007) on ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Teplan, Krakovská, and Štolc (2006a, 2006b) found short-and long-term effects of this audiovisual stimulation (AVS, 25 x 20', mixed median frequencies) therapy, which can be considered of linear and nonlinear effect. ...
Due to recent findings in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), neurotherapy studies are reviewed with a focus on brainwave studies, neurofeedback, and audiovisual stimulation techniques with a goal of finding improvement of cognitive impairment from aging and Alzheimer's disease as well as the possible diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic use in humans. Some protocols which might offer significant improvements in attention, executive functions, and mood states are identified, specifically for the first stages of the disease. The recent advances in microglia stimulation are also reviewed. In general, the analyzed data of the classical protocols match with the result of the last 15 years of investigation of Alzheimer's disease EEG characteristics.
... Studies on the effects of brain entrainment on situations like pain, headaches, migraines, anxiety and stress followed in the 1980s, as well as the incorporation of specific devices which directly allowed the achievement of an entrainment, such as David Siever's device [12]. This kind of researches expanded in the 1990s to include learning and memory, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems and PMS [6,11,12,21,37]. ...
Building on augmented cognition theory and technology, our novel contribution in this work enables accelerated, certain brain functions related to task performance as well as their enhancement. We integrated in an open-source framework, latest immersive virtual reality (VR) head-mounted displays, with the Emotiv EPOC EEG headset in an open neuro- and biofeedback system for cognitive state detection and augmentation. Our novel methodology allows to significantly accelerate content presentation in immersive VR, while lowering brain frequency at alpha level—without losing content retention by the user. In our pilot experiments, we tested our innovative VR platform by presenting to N = 25 subjects a complex 3D maze test and different learning procedures for them on how to exit it. The subjects exposed to our VR-induced entrainment learning technology performed significantly better than those exposed to other “classical” learning procedures. In particular, cognitive task performance augmentation was measured for: learning time, complex navigational skills and decision-making abilities, orientation ability.
... In addition, interns receive approximately two hours of training to use AVE to entrain the brain with flashing lights (presented through goggles) and isochronic auditory tones (presented through headphones). A description of the specific training process for AVE is not included in the present paper (see Siever, 2003;Siever, 2012). ...
In 2015, Wilkes University's Neuroscience Program and Psychology Department established a unique training and learning center on a small liberal arts undergraduate campus - The Neuro Training & Research Center. This paper shares the purpose of the Center, as a learning tool for Neuroscience majors who engage in internships and research opportunities, and as a means of promoting well-being on the campus by offering training in techniques such as Neurofeedback, Biofeedback and Audio-Visual Entrainment to the college community. The role that the center plays in connecting real world applications to concepts in Neuroscience, and the approach that the authors have taken to assess student learning is presented in this article.
... ë˜ËÚ ‡ÂÚÒfl, ˜ÚÓ Ú ‡ÍË Ôӈ‰Û˚ÌÂÔӈ‰Û˚Ì ÚÂ·Û˛Ú ÒÔÂˆË ‡Î¸ÌÓÈ ÚÂÌËÓ‚ÍË Ë Í ‡ÍËı-ÎË·Ó ÛÒËÎËÈ ÒÓ ÒÚÓÓÌ˚·ÓθÌÓ ÒÚÓÓÌ˚·ÓθÌÓ " Ó, ‰ÂÈÒÚ‚Û˛Ú ·˚ÒÚÓ Ë Ì ËÏÂ˛Ú ÔÓ·Ó˜Ì˚ı ˝ÙÙÂÍÚÓ‚[90]. ùÚÓ ÔÓÁ‚ÓÎflÂÚ ÔËÏÂÌflÚ¸ËıÔËÏÂÌflÚ¸Ëı ‰Îfl ÔÓ‰ ‡‚ÎÂÌËfl ÒÚÂÒÒ ‡ ÔË Ôӂ‰ÂÌËË ‡Á΢Ì˚ı ÒÚÂÒÒÓ " ÂÌÌ˚ı ωˈËÌÒÍËı Ôӈ‰Û, ‚Ó ‚ÂÏfl ÒÔÓÚË‚Ì˚ı ÒÓ‚ÌÓ‚ ‡ÌËÈ, Ô‰ ÔÛ·Î˘Ì˚ÏË ‚˚ÒÚÛÔÎÂÌËflÏË, ÔË Ì ‡Î˘ËË ‡Á΢ÌÓ " Ó Ó‰ ‡ ÙÓ·ËÈ Ë Ò ˆÂθ˛ ‡ÍÚË‚ËÁ ‡ˆËË ÍÓ " ÌËÚË‚Ì˚ı ÙÛÌ͈ËÈ[105,113]. ë ‡‚ÌËÚÂθÌÓ Ì‰ ‡‚ÌÓ Ô‰ÎÓÊÂÌ ÓË " ËÌ ‡Î¸Ì˚È ‚ ‡Ë ‡ÌÚ ‰ ‡ÌÌÓ " Ó ÏÂÚÓ‰ ‡, ÔÂ‰Ì ‡ÁÌ ‡˜ÂÌÌ˚È ‰Îfl ËÒÔÓθÁÓ‚ ‡ÌËfl ‚  ‡Î¸Ì˚ı ÊËÁÌÂÌÌ˚ı ÒËÚÛ ‡ˆËflı Ò ˆÂθ˛ ÔÓ‰ ‡‚ÎÂÌËfl ÒÚÂÒÒ ‡[99]. ...
Recent literature on different kinds of stress and its behavioral, physiological and medical consequences for humans is reviewed and summarized. Modern non-drug approaches to prevention and correction of stress-induced functional disturbances in humans are analyzed, traditional and instrumental methods of anti-stress therapy are reviewed. The most attention is paid to the approaches that utilize human brain electrical activity characteristics reflected in the electroencephalogram (EEG).
... Stimulation-based techniques have since come to be seen as competitive with reward-based feedback in terms of clinical effi cacy, and must therefore be included in any comprehensive appraisal of the fi eld. The evidence for this is strongest for ADHD (Siever, 2007). In order to accommodate both neurofeedback and stimulation the more inclusive term of neuromodulation will be used below. ...
This chapter addresses the question of how to classify the neuromodulation effects resulting from widely differing neurofeedback approaches developed over the last four decades. A proliferation of targets and objectives has been observed to which attention is directed in the training. With regard to clinical outcomes, however, one encounters a broad zone of commonality. Why is it that the premises and technological approaches within the neurofeedback network of scholars and clinicians are so disparate, yet they largely achieve common clinical goals? This in-depth analysis may lead one closer to the "essence" of neurofeedback and provide focus for further development efforts. This chapter attempts to appraise the "state of the field" at this moment. The objective is to discern the commonalities among the various approaches on the one hand, and among the clinical findings on the other. This will lead to a codification of a "minimal set of claims" that could serve to cover the commonalities among the techniques, and it will lead to a simple classification scheme for the various clinical findings. The evidence in favor of such a minimal set of claims will be adduced largely by reference.
... ꘸ˉÂÚ ê˜¸Ë‰ÂÚ Ó· ‡Û‰ËÓ-‚ËÁÛ ‡Î¸Ì˚ı ‚ÓÁ‰ÂÈÒÚ‚Ëflı Ò ˜ ‡ÒÚÓÚ- Ì˚ÏË Ô ‡ ‡ÏÂÚ ‡ÏË, ÒÓ‚Ô ‡‰ ‡˛˘ËÏË Ò ÚÂÏ ËÎË ËÌ˚Ï ËÚÏ˘ÂÒÍËÏ ‰Ë ‡Ô ‡ÁÓÌÓÏ ùùÉ. Ç Á ‡Û·ÂÊ- ÌÓÈ ÎËÚ ‡ÚÛ ÒÂ‰Ë Ú ‡ÍËı ÏÂÚÓ‰Ó‚ ‚˚‰ÂÎfl˛ÚÒfl ìëèÖïà îàáàéãéÉàóÖëäàï çÄìä ÚÓÏ 37 ‹ 4 2006 àëèéãúáéÇÄçàÖ ëàÉçÄãéÇ éÅêÄíçéâ ëÇüáà éí ùçÑéÉÖççõï êàíåéÇ 5 ÏÂÚÓ‰ " ÒËÌıÓÌËÁ ‡ˆËË ÏÓÁ " Ó‚˚ı ‚ÓÎÌ " (Brain Wave Synchronization), ÔËÏÂÌflÂÏ˚È ‰Îfl ÌÂÎÂÍ ‡- ÒÚ‚ÂÌÌÓÈ ÍÓÂ͈ËË ÒÓÒÚÓflÌËÈ Ú‚ÓÊÌÓÒÚË Ë ÒÚÂÒÒ ‡ [86, 87] , Ë ÏÂÚÓ‰ " ‡Û‰ËÓ-‚ËÁÛ ‡Î¸ÌÓ " Ó ‚ӂΘÂÌËfl " (Audio-Visual Entrainment), ËÒÔÓθÁÛÂ- Ï˚È ‰Îfl ÍÓÂ͈ËË ÏÌÓ " Ëı ‡ÙÙÂÍÚË‚Ì˚ı ‡Ò- ÒÚÓÈÒÚ‚ Ë ÌÓÏ ‡ÎËÁ ‡ˆËË ËÚÏ˘ÂÒÍÓÈ ÒÚÛÍÚÛ- ˚ùùÉ˚ùùÉ [95, 99, 100]. Ç ÓÚ˜ÂÒÚ‚ÂÌÌÓÈ ÎËÚ ‡ÚÛ ÔÓ‰Ó·Ì˚ Î˜·Ì˚ ‚ÓÁ‰ÂÈÒÚ‚Ëfl Ì ‡Á˚‚ ‡˛ÚÒfl ÒÂÌ- ÒÓÌÓÈ [10], ‡Û‰ËÓ-‚ËÁÛ ‡Î¸ÌÓÈ [29] ËÎË ÂÁÓÌ ‡ÌÒ- ÌÓÈ [17, 45] ÒÚËÏÛÎflˆËÂÈ. ...
The most advanced approach to non-drug correction of human functional disturbances via utilization of feedback signals from patient's own endogenous rhythms, i.e., EEG rhythms, respiratory and heart rate is presented and substantiated. The advantages of its application to biofeedback training procedures are reviewed. Alternative way to utilize the feedback signals through automatic modulation of stimulation parameters by patient's endogenous rhythms is analyzed. The author's own contributions to the field are presented and the most promising ways of further approach development are delineated.
Over the past two to three decades, the knowledge gained from neuroscience has permeated many other scientific fields. Special pedagogy, as a specific part of pedagogical science, occupies a special place among them. Its specificity as a medico-pedagogical science brings out the need for the mandatory knowledge of pedagogues and psychologists about data obtained from neurosciences about the work of the brain of a child with mental dysontogenesis. Modern applied neurotechnologies are also entering the psychologist's practice. They have a particularly beneficial impact on the learning process of children with special education needs by significantly improving their general psycho-physical and psycho-emotional condition.
By virtue of their extensive knowledge base and specialized training in brain-behavior relationships, neuropsychologists are especially poised to execute a unique broad-based approach to overall cognitive wellness and should be viewed as primary care providers of cognitive health. This article will describe a novel comprehensive cognitive wellness service delivery model including cognitive health, anti-aging, lifelong wellness, and longevity-oriented practices. These practice areas include brain-based cognitive wellness, emotional and spiritually centric exploration, and related multimodality health interventions. As experts in mind-body connections, neuropsychologists can provide a variety of evidence-based treatment options, empowering patients with a sense of value and purpose. Multiple areas of clinical therapy skill-based learning, tailor-made to fit individual needs, will be discussed including: brain stimulating activities, restorative techniques, automatic negative thoughts and maladaptive thinking reduction, inflammation and pain management techniques, nutrition and culinary focused cognitive wellness, spirituality based practices and mindfulness, movement and exercise, alternative/complimentary therapies, relationship restoration/social engagement, and trauma healing/meaning. Cognitive health rests upon the foundation of counteracting mind-body connection disruptions from multiple etiologies including inflammation, chronic stress, metabolic issues, cardiac conditions, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, and allergy spectrum disorders. Superimposed on these issues are lifestyle patterns and negative health behaviors that develop as ill-fated compensatory mechanisms used to cope with life stressors and aging. The brain and body are electrical systems that can “short circuit.” The therapy practices inherent in the proposed cognitive wellness service delivery model can provide preventative insulation and circuit breaking against the shock of illness.
Simple Pathways are user-friendly intervention strategies that can be delivered with relatively little training by the professional, and without the use of expensive instrumentation. In many cases the provider can acquire the techniques from written materials or brief instruction, and can teach clients to use the strategies for self-care. Other self-management techniques can be learned and utilized by lay persons on their own for enhancement of physical and psychological well-being. This chapter introduces the following interventions: Autogenic Training, thermal biofeedback, emotional journaling, heart rate variability biofeedback, audio-visual entrainment, mindfulness, and expressive dance. Psychoeducation is described as a component of Simple Pathways, aiding clients’ understanding of the rationale and procedure for the interventions. Each of these techniques is research based and has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits for medical and emotional disorders. The self-regulation strategies that are discussed can be utilized to enhance self-efficacy and to reinforce the individual’s active role in maintaining wellness.
Various studies on ADHD patients come to the conclusion that in the spontaneous EEG the low frequency theta-band (4-7Hz) is increased, whereas the beta-(14-18 Hz), alpha-band and the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) is decreased compared to healthy volunteers. [1;2;3]. Therefore the theta/beta-ratio is considered to be a good indicator for the diagnosis of ADHD also shown in standardized behavioral studies. [4].
It was therefore not too far fetched to utilize neurofeedback - training for ADHD treatments using the theta/beta-band ratio as a parameter at first.
But the application of neurofeedback methods for the ADHD therapy showed ambivalent results: whereas some studies concluded the evidence for the effectiveness of the method for children not responding to medical therapy, [5; 6; 7], other studies state no improvements of hardware – in – the – loop – technique compared to pharmaceutical treatment [8; 9]
Of a more serious concern regarding the neurofeedback method could possibly be that the method requires a degree of concentration and learning ability, which is actually lacking in this group.
Attention, concentration, memory, grade-point average, and stress/worry are all primary concerns of the modern university and college student. Also, young adults are concerned about having a somewhat active social life in between exams, essays, and deadlines. The stress of school shunts cerebral blood flow away from the cortex (during stress the brain assumes the body needs blood in the core to prepare for flight or battle, which is just the opposite of what the present day student needs). This slows dominant cortical activity down into greater alpha and theta brain wave frequencies, similar to what is seen in those with ADD and ADHD, leaving the student more distractible, impulsive, and hyperactive. This behavior in turn impairs the student's ability to study and write exams, thus increasing stress, and using valuable social time needed to shake off stress and the potential of falling into depression. Audio-visual entrainment (AVE) has been shown to produce dramatic increases in cerebral blood flow, efficient brain activity, and sound mental health. Several studies involving the use of AVE for enhancing academic performance have been completed. AVE has proven to be an effective and affordable aid to better grades and improve socialization.
Experimental single case studies on automatic processing of emotion were carried on a sample of people with an anxiety disorder. Participants were required to take three Audio Visual Entrain-ment (AVE) sessions to test for anxiety reduction as proclaimed by some academic research. Ex-plicit reports were measured as well as pre-attentive bias to stressing information by using affec-tive priming studies before and after AVE intervention. Group analysis shows that indeed AVEs program applications do reduce anxiety producing significant changes over explicit reports on anxiety levels and automatic processing bias of emotion. However, case by case analysis of six an-xious participants shows that even when all of the participants report emotional improvement af-ter intervention, not all of them reduce or eliminate dysfunctional bias to stressing information. Rather, they show a variety of processing styles due to intervention and some of them show no change at all. Implications of this differential effect to clinical sets are discussed.
This paper evaluates the effect of photic stimulation at frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz on lowering stress for therapeutic purposes. This study also measures the increase of the temperature in the extremities when the person is receiving this stimulation as it has been found that photic stimulation increases the temperature by means of a higher blood circulation. A photic stimulator circuit based on Arduino was designed which generates sine waves of different frequencies. In this experiment four participants were recruited to receive a photic session lasting 20 minutes, afterward stress was assessed. During the photic session the temperature of the index finger was recorded. It was found that this protocol using 10 and 20 Hz stimulation decreased stress in the individuals on a global average of 20%. The temperature of the finger was increased during the stimulation of 10 and 20 Hz. However both frequencies had a different effect on the trend of the increase of temperature. These preliminary outcomes suggest that a photic stimulation might be used for therapeutic applications to reduce stress levels and improve general well-being. The increase of temperature produced by a higher blood circulation could also be used for therapeutic purposes to improve problems related to diabetes and hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are unique attentional disorders which primarily involve slowed frontal brain wave activity and hypo- perfusion o f cerebral blood flow in the frontal regions, pa rticularly during tasks s uch a s r eading. A variety of disorders, such as anxiety, depression and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), are often co- morbid with ADD, thus creating a plethora of complications in treatment procedures. Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) lends itself well f or the treatment of ADD/ADHD. AVE exerts a major wide spread influence over the cortex in terms of dominant frequency. AVE has also been shown to produce dramatic increases in cerebral blood flow. Several studies involving the use of AVE in the treatment of ADD/ADHD and its r elated disorders have been completed. AVE as a treatment modality for ADD/ADHD has produced wide-spread improvements including secondary improvements in IQ, behaviour, a ttention, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, ODD and reading level. In particular, AVE has proven itself t o b e an effective and affordable treatment of special-needs children within a school setting.