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Otero M, Prieur-Coloma Y, El-Deredy W, Weinstein A. A High-Resolution LED Stimulator for Steady-State Visual Stimulation: Customizable, Affordable, and Open Source. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:678. [PMID: 38276370 PMCID: PMC10819381 DOI: 10.3390/s24020678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Visually evoked steady-state potentials (SSVEPs) are neural responses elicited by visual stimuli oscillating at specific frequencies. In this study, we introduce a novel LED stimulator system explicitly designed for steady-state visual stimulation, offering precise control over visual stimulus parameters, including frequency resolution, luminance, and the ability to control the phase at the end of the stimulation. The LED stimulator provides a personalized, modular, and affordable option for experimental setups. Based on the Teensy 3.2 board, the stimulator utilizes direct digital synthesis and pulse width modulation techniques to control the LEDs. We validated its performance through four experiments: the first two measured LED light intensities directly, while the last two assessed the stimulator's impact on EEG recordings. The results demonstrate that the stimulator can deliver a stimulus suitable for generating SSVEPs with the desired frequency and phase resolution. As an open source resource, we provide comprehensive documentation, including all necessary codes and electrical diagrams, which facilitates the system's replication and adaptation for specific experimental requirements, enhancing its potential for widespread use in the field of neuroscience setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Otero
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago de Chile 8420000, Chile;
- Centro BASAL Ciencia & Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago de Chile 8580000, Chile
| | - Yunier Prieur-Coloma
- Brain Dynamics Laboratory, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; (Y.P.-C.); (W.E.-D.)
- Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Wael El-Deredy
- Brain Dynamics Laboratory, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile; (Y.P.-C.); (W.E.-D.)
- Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Alejandro Weinstein
- Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Biomédica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
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Halpin SJ, Casson AJ, Tang NKY, Jones AKP, O'Connor RJ, Sivan M. A feasibility study of pre-sleep audio and visual alpha brain entrainment for people with chronic pain and sleep disturbance. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1096084. [PMID: 36910250 PMCID: PMC9996154 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1096084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain and sleep disturbance are bi-directionally related. Cortical electrical activity in the alpha frequency band can be enhanced with sensory stimulation via the phenomenon of entrainment, and may reduce pain perception. A smartphone based programme which delivers 10 Hz stimulation through flickering light or binaural beats was developed for use at night, pre-sleep, with the aim of improving night time pain and sleep and thereby subsequent pain and related daytime symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and give an indication of effect of this programme for individuals with chronic pain and sleep disturbance. Materials and methods In a non-controlled feasibility study participants used audio or visual alpha entrainment for 30 min pre-sleep each night for 4 weeks, following a 1 week baseline period. The study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID NCT04176861. Results 28 participants (79% female, mean age 45 years) completed the study with high levels of data completeness (86%) and intervention adherence (92%). Daily sleep diaries showed an increase compared to baseline in total sleep time of 29 min (p = 0.0033), reduction in sleep onset latency of 13 min (p = 0.0043), and increase in sleep efficiency of 4.7% (p = 0.0009). Daily 0-10 numerical rating scale of average pain at night improved by 0.5 points compared to baseline (p = 0.027). Standardised questionnaires showed significant within-participant improvements in sleep quality (change in median Global PSQI from 16 to 12.5), pain interference (change in median BPI Pain Interference from 7.5 to 6.8), fatigue (change in median MFI total score from 82.5 to 77), and depression and anxiety (change in median HADS depression score from 12 to 10.5 and anxiety from 13.5 to 11). Discussion Pre-sleep use of a smartphone programme for alpha entrainment by audio or visual stimulation was feasible for individuals with chronic pain and sleep disturbance. The effect on symptoms requires further exploration in controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Halpin
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J Casson
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole K Y Tang
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony K P Jones
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rory J O'Connor
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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3
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Maddison R, Nazar H, Obara I, Vuong QC. The efficacy of sensory neural entrainment on acute and chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Pain 2022; 17:126-141. [PMID: 37057253 PMCID: PMC10088425 DOI: 10.1177/20494637221139472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes to the power of neural oscillations in cortical and sub-cortical structures can change pain perception. Rhythmic sensory stimulation is a non-invasive method that can increase power in specific frequencies of neural oscillations. If the stimulation frequency targets those frequencies related to pain perception, such as alpha or theta frequencies, there can be a reduction in perceived pain intensity. Thus, sensory neural entrainment may provide an alternative to pharmacological intervention for acute and chronic pain. This review aimed to identify and critically appraise the evidence on the effectiveness of sensory entrainment methods for pain perception. Methods We undertook a systematic search across Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus in November 2020 to identify studies investigating the efficacy of sensory entrainment on adults. We assessed studies for their quality using the PRISMA checklist. A random-effects model was used in a meta-analysis to measure the effect of entrainment on pain perception. Results Our systematic review yielded nine studies fitting the search criteria. Studies investigated the effect of visual and auditory entrainment on pain intensity rating, electrophysiological markers of pain and amount of analgesia needed during surgery. The meta-analysis suggests that alpha (8–13 Hz) sensory entrainment is effective for acute pain perception, whereas theta (4–7 Hz) entrainment is effective for chronic pain. Conclusions Although there is heterogeneity in the current evidence, our review highlights the potential use of sensory entrainment to affect acute and chronic pain. Further research is required regarding the timing, duration and frequency of the stimulation to determine the best application for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Maddison
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hamde Nazar
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Population and Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ilona Obara
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Quoc C Vuong
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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4
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Assessing the specificity of the relationship between brain alpha oscillations and tonic pain. Neuroimage 2022; 255:119143. [PMID: 35378288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research proposed that the slowing of individual alpha frequency (IAF) could be an objective marker of pain. However, it is unclear whether this research can fully address the requirements of specificity and sensitivity of IAF to the pain experience. Here, we sought to develop a robust methodology for assessing the specificity of the relationship between alpha oscillations and acute tonic pain in healthy individuals. We recorded electroencephalography (EEG) of 36 volunteers during consecutive 5-minute sessions of painful hot water immersion, innocuous warm water immersion and aversive, non-painful auditory stimulus, matched by unpleasantness to the painful condition. Participants rated stimulus unpleasantness throughout each condition. We isolated two regions of the scalp displaying peak alpha activity across participants: centro-parietal (CP) and parieto-occipital (PO) ROI. In line with previous research our findings revealed decreased IAF during hot compared with warm stimulation, however the effect was not specific for pain as we found no difference between hot and sound in the CP ROI (compared to baseline). In contrast, the PO ROI reported the same pattern of differences, but their direction was opposite to the CP in that this ROI revealed faster frequency during hot condition than controls. Finally, we show that IAF in both ROIs did not mediate the relationship between the experimental manipulation and the affective experience. Altogether, these findings emphasize the importance of a robust methodological and analytical design to disclose the functional role of alpha oscillations during affective processing. Likewise, they suggest the absence of a causal role of IAF in the generation of acute pain experience in healthy individuals.
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5
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Chouchou F, Perchet C, Garcia-Larrea L. EEG changes reflecting pain: is alpha suppression better than gamma enhancement? Neurophysiol Clin 2021; 51:209-218. [PMID: 33741256 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Suppression of alpha and enhancement of gamma electroencephalographic (EEG) power have both been suggested as objective indicators of cortical pain processing. While gamma activity has been emphasized as the best potential marker, its spectral overlap with pain-related muscular responses is a potential drawback. Since muscle contractions are almost universal concomitants of physical pain, here we investigated alpha and gamma scalp-recorded activities during either tonic pain or voluntary facial grimaces mimicking those triggered by pain. METHODS High-density EEG (128 electrodes) was recorded while 14 healthy participants either underwent a cold pressor test (painful hand immersion in 10 °C water) or produced stereotyped facial/nuchal contractions (grimaces) mimicking those evoked by pain. The scalp distribution of spectral EEG changes was quantified via vector-transformation of maps and compared between the pain and grimacing conditions by calculating the cosine of the angle between the two corresponding topographies. RESULTS Painful stimuli significantly enhanced gamma power bilaterally in fronto-temporal regions and decreased alpha power in the contralateral central scalp. Sustained cervico-facial contractions (grimaces) gave also rise to significant gamma power increase in fronto-temporal regions but did not decrease central scalp alpha. While changes in alpha topography significantly differed between the pain and grimace situations, the scalp topography of gamma power was statistically indistinguishable from that occurring during grimaces. CONCLUSION Gamma power induced by painful stimuli or voluntary facial-cervical muscle contractions had overlapping topography. Pain-related alpha decrease in contralateral central scalp was less disturbed by muscle activity and may therefore prove more discriminant as an ancillary pain biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Chouchou
- NeuroPain Lab, Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, CRNL - Inserm U 1028/CNRS UMR 5292, University of Lyon, France; IRISSE Laboratory (EA4075), UFR SHE, University of La Réunion, Le Tampon, France.
| | - Caroline Perchet
- NeuroPain Lab, Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, CRNL - Inserm U 1028/CNRS UMR 5292, University of Lyon, France
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- NeuroPain Lab, Lyon Neuroscience Research Centre, CRNL - Inserm U 1028/CNRS UMR 5292, University of Lyon, France
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6
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Frohlich F, Riddle J, Ugen G, Lersch F. Brainwave entrainment for the treatment of chronic pain: comment on Br J Pain 2020; 14: 161-70. Br J Pain 2021; 15:369-370. [PMID: 34381615 DOI: 10.1177/2049463721994614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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7
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Alpha entrainment drives pain relief using visual stimulation in a sample of chronic pain patients: a proof-of-concept controlled study. Neuroreport 2021; 32:394-398. [PMID: 33661810 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
One-third of the population in the UK and worldwide struggle with chronic pain. Entraining brain alpha activity through noninvasive visual stimulation has been shown to reduce experimental pain in healthy volunteers. Neural oscillations entrainment offers a potential noninvasive and nonpharmacological intervention for patients with chronic pain, which can be delivered in the home setting and has the potential to reduce use of medications. However, evidence supporting its use in patients with chronic pain is lacking. This study explores whether (a) alpha entrainment increase alpha power in patients and (b) whether this increase in alpha correlates with analgesia. In total, 28 patients with chronic pain sat in a comfortable position and underwent 4-min visual stimulation using customised goggles at 10 Hz (alpha) and 7 Hz (control) frequency blocks in a randomised cross-over design. 64-channel electroencephalography and 11-point numeric rating scale pain intensity and pain unpleasantness scores were recorded before and after stimulation. Electroencephalography analysis revealed frontal alpha power was significantly higher when stimulating at 10 Hz when compared to 7 Hz. There was a significant positive correlation between increased frontal alpha and reduction in pain intensity (r = 0.33; P < 0.05) and pain unpleasantness (r = 0.40; P < 0.05) in the 10 Hz block. This study provides the first proof of concept that changes in alpha power resulting from entrainment correlate with an analgesic response in patients with chronic pain. Further studies are warranted to investigate dose-response parameters and equivalence to analgesia provided by medications.
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Arendsen LJ, Henshaw J, Brown CA, Sivan M, Taylor JR, Trujillo-Barreto NJ, Casson AJ, Jones AKP. Entraining Alpha Activity Using Visual Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Feasibility Study. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:828. [PMID: 32973429 PMCID: PMC7468433 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Entraining alpha activity with rhythmic visual, auditory, and electrical stimulation can reduce experimentally induced pain. However, evidence for alpha entrainment and pain reduction in patients with chronic pain is limited. This feasibility study investigated whether visual alpha stimulation can increase alpha power in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and, secondarily, if chronic pain was reduced following stimulation. In a within-subject design, 20 patients underwent 4-min periods of stimulation at 10 Hz (alpha), 7 Hz (high-theta, control), and 1 Hz (control) in a pseudo-randomized order. Patients underwent stimulation both sitting and standing and verbally rated their pain before and after each stimulation block on a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Global alpha power was significantly higher during 10 Hz compared to 1 Hz stimulation when patients were standing (t = -6.08, p < 0.001). On a more regional level, a significant increase of alpha power was found for 10 Hz stimulation in the right-middle and left-posterior region when patients were sitting. With respect to our secondary aim, no significant reduction of pain intensity and unpleasantness was found. However, only the alpha stimulation resulted in a minimal clinically important difference in at least 50% of participants for pain intensity (50%) and unpleasantness ratings (65%) in the sitting condition. This study provides initial evidence for the potential of visual stimulation as a means to enhance alpha activity in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The brief period of stimulation was insufficient to reduce chronic pain significantly. This study is the first to provide evidence that a brief period of visual stimulation at alpha frequency can significantly increase alpha power in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. A further larger study is warranted to investigate optimal dose and individual stimulation parameters to achieve pain relief in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Arendsen
- Division of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery, Eberhart Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - James Henshaw
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A. Brown
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Taylor
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nelson J. Trujillo-Barreto
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Casson
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony K. P. Jones
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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9
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Gkolias V, Amaniti A, Triantafyllou A, Papakonstantinou P, Kartsidis P, Paraskevopoulos E, Bamidis PD, Hadjileontiadis L, Kouvelas D. Reduced pain and analgesic use after acoustic binaural beats therapy in chronic pain - A double-blind randomized control cross-over trial. Eur J Pain 2020; 24:1716-1729. [PMID: 32564499 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binaural Beats (BB) consist of two artificial acoustic stimuli with different frequency, presented simultaneously but independently to each ear. The human brain perceives and synchronizes to this frequency difference (entrainment). Aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that brain entrainment to a lower function rhythm, with BB application, can decrease pain perception and analgesic medication use, in chronic pain patients. METHODS In a double blind, randomized, cross-over trial, BB at 5Hz (theta rhythm) were applied for 30 minutes, under simultaneous electroencephalogram recordings, followed by liberal, on demand use by chronic pain patients for a week, compared to sham stimulation (SS). Pain as the main outcome (numeric scale, NRS), stress (STAI) and medication usage (defined daily doses, DDD) were assessed at baseline, 30 minutes and week's end. RESULTS Perceived pain (NRS) was significantly reduced in BB intervention (5.6±2.3 to 3.4±2.6, p<0.001), compared to SS (5.2±2.1 to 4.8±2.3, p=0.78), during the first 30-minute phase, as well as at the week's end (to 3.9±2.5 compared to 5.5±2.6 respectively, p<0.001). The mean EEG theta power at 5Hz was significantly increased only during BB application. Stress was significantly reduced at 30 minutes in both interventions but remained reduced only in the BB group at the week's end. Analgesic medication consumption (DDD, g) during the week was significantly less in the BB intervention (3.9±3.7 vs. 4.6±4.1, p<0.05), while reporting equal to SS mean levels of pain. CONCLUSIONS Acoustic BB reduced pain intensity, stress and analgesic use, compared to SS, in chronic pain patients. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence that theta rhythm binaural beats can alleviate pain intensity, both after a brief 30 minute and a longer one week on-demand intervention. The subsequent significant reduction in analgesic medication consumption in chronic pain patients' daily living could offer a valuable tool, augmenting the effect of existing pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Gkolias
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Amaniti
- AHEPA University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Areti Triantafyllou
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Papakonstantinou
- AHEPA University Hospital, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kartsidis
- Laboratory of Medical Physics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Paraskevopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Physics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Laboratory of Medical Physics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leontios Hadjileontiadis
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Dimitrios Kouvelas
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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10
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Locke HN, Brooks J, Arendsen LJ, Jacob NK, Casson A, Jones AK, Sivan M. Acceptability and usability of smartphone-based brainwave entrainment technology used by individuals with chronic pain in a home setting. Br J Pain 2020; 14:161-170. [PMID: 32922777 PMCID: PMC7453483 DOI: 10.1177/2049463720908798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Brainwave entrainment (BWE) using rhythmic visual or auditory stimulation has many potential clinical applications, including the management of chronic pain, where there is a pressing need for novel, safe and effective treatments. The aim of this study was to gain qualitative feedback on the acceptability and usability of a novel BWE smartphone application, to ensure it meets the needs and wishes of end users. Methods: Fifteen participants with chronic pain used the application at home for 4 weeks. Semi-structured telephone interviews were then carried out. A template analysis approach was used to interpret the findings, with an initial coding template structured around the constructs of a theoretical framework for assessing acceptability of healthcare interventions. Structured data analysis generated a final modified coding structure, capturing themes generated across participants’ accounts. Results: The four main themes were ‘approach to trying out the app: affective attitude and ethicality’, ‘perceived effectiveness’, ‘opportunity costs and burden’ and ‘intervention coherence and self-efficacy’. All participants were willing to engage with the technology and welcomed it as an alternative approach to medications. Participants appreciated the simplicity of design and the ability to choose between visual or auditory stimulation. All the participants felt confident in using the application. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate preliminary support for the acceptability and usability of the BWE application. This is the first qualitative study of BWE to systematically assess these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen N Locke
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Joanna Brooks
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura J Arendsen
- Division of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nikhil Kurian Jacob
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alex Casson
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony Kp Jones
- Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Academic Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Leeds Institute of Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.,Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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11
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Ahmed H, Jones A, Sivan M. The brain alpha rhythm in the perception and modulation of pain. ADVANCES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE & REHABILITATION 2020. [DOI: 10.47795/gbpd9851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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