Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy
Open Access

Abstract

Binaural Beat Technology (BBT) is an auditory neurophysiologic technique which uses auditory tones (often embedded in music) dichotically via stereo headphones to manipulate brainwave activity. Using the Monroe Instituteâ��s Hemi-Sync technology, a double-blinded, randomized, repeated measure study was conducted to assess the effect of BBT (in the theta brainwave frequency) on the cardiovascular (CV) stress response. A sample of 74 United States military service members (age 22-61) with complaint of post deployment anxiety was randomly divided into two groups (music with BBT and music without BBT). Each group was exposed to their respective intervention for a minimum of 30 minutes at bedtime, three times a week, for a total of four weeks. Participants underwent pre and post 20-minute heart rate variability tests to assess the effect of using the technology. A 2x2 mixed Analysis of Variance was conducted and found a statistical significant difference (F(1, 63) = 7.56, p=0.008 (�·2=0.107) in the low frequency HRV measures, whereas the Music with BBT group showed a decrease while the Music Only group showed an increase (Pre = 77.83, Post = 75.33 vs. Pre = 66.42, Post = 74.41). A statistical significant difference was also found in the high frequency HRV measures (F(1, 63) = 7.56, p = .008 (�·2 = .107) whereas the Music with BBT group showed an increase while the Music Only group showed a decrease (Pre = 22.17, Post = 24.67 vs. Pre = 33.58, Post = 25.94). Finally, the Music Only group showed a significant decrease (F (1, 57) = 4.39, p = .041 (�·2 = .072) in Total Power HRV measures when compared to the Music with BBT group (Pre = 2098.90; Post = 985.26 vs. Pre=1249.75; Post=1223.07).

Biography

MeLisa Gantt is the Director for the Center for Nursing Science & Clinical Inquiry at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Human Protections Administrator for US Army Regional Health Command Europe. She received her PhD from the University of Central Florida and is a certified Operating Room Nurse and RN First Assist. She has served as the Deputy Director for the Joint Combat Casualty Research Team in Afghanistan, Director of Research for Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia and Nurse Scientist for the Walter Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

Email: melisa_gantt@msn.com