EEG-guided binaural beat music to reduce performance stress and boost thinking

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial assigns adult undergraduate music majors at Texas Tech to receive either an EEG-guided binaural beat audio session or a non-binaural sham, during which brain activity and cognitive performance are measured. Real-time EEG from the left prefrontal cortex guides binaural beat frequencies to target a brain state, while the sham uses identical headphones with non-binaural music. Participants undergo pre- and post-intervention fMRI while performing cognitive and music tasks, and report subjective stress and performance anxiety. Primary outcomes include changes in task-related brain reactivity and self-reported stress; secondary outcomes include cognitive task performance. The study is conducted at TTU with imaging at TTNI and involves a single ~3-hour in-person visit including consent, training, scanning, and the 30-minute intervention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (18+ years) enrolled as undergraduate music majors at Texas Tech University
* Currently preparing for an upcoming concert performance within the next 3 months
* Able to read standard musical notation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with contraindications to undergo MRI after being screened by the TTNI safety screening sheet - specifically, Subjects with implanted devices that are not compatible with MRI including, but not limited to cardiac pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, aneurysm clips, carotid artery vascular clamps, implanted nerve stimulators (neuron-stimulators also called TENS or wires), bone growth or bone fusion stimulators, cochlear implants, vagus nerve stimulators, filters for blood clots (Umbrella, Greenfield, bird's nest), embolization coils (e.g. Gianturco) in the brain, ocular implants, vascular stents, medication pumps, medication patches delivering medications, implanted limbs, ventricular shunts, metal joints, rods, plates, pins, screws, nails, or clips, penile implants, or contraceptives devices including IUDs, cervical pessaries and diaphragms Subjects who have undergone cataract surgery Subjects who have shrapnel or metal in the head, eyes or skin Subjects with a history of working with metal fragments ( or have had metal removed from eyes Subjects with gunshot wounds or BB gun injury Subjects with permanent metal body piercings or jewelry that cannot be removed Subjects who use hearing aids or have braces / permanent retainers that cannot be removed temporarily for the MRI scans Subjects with large tattoos in the head and neck area Subjects with claustrophobia Subjects who are currently pregnant or suspected to be pregnant
* Physical, medical, neurological or psychiatric impairments (including substance abuse)
* Current use of medications that could affect cognitive performance (including beta-blockers, stimulants, anxiolytics, antidepressants, or antipsychotics)
* History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness/history of brain surgery
* History of diagnosed hearing impairment or use of hearing aids
* Current or past diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorders
* Unwillingness or inability to refrain from alcohol consumption 48 hours prior to the study visit
* Unwillingness or inability to refrain from caffeine consumption 12 hours prior to the study visit
* Current/past history of substance abuse
* Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
* Unwillingness or inability to follow written, on-screen, and verbal instructions given by the study team

Where it's running

• Texas Tech University
  Lubbock, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Chathurika S Dhanasekara, MD, PhD
• Email: samudani.dhanasekara@ttuhsc.edu
• Phone: 806 743 2378

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.