Stimulation by Light and Sound: Therapeutics Effects in Humans. Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction : The objective of the study was to make a systematic review of published studies that used the brain stimulation by light and sound as means to optimize brain function and increase the different treatments. Methods : The methods followed the Prisma model for eligibility of studies. Results : Four studies on the systematic review were included 3 experimental studies and 1 case report. Two of these studies were focused in learning and sportive performance, and 2 focused on increasing physical and mental health. Conclusion : It was concluded that the investigation of brain stimulation technique can be applied to induce favorable mental states to enlarge treatments of several disorders that affect humans in a safe and noninvasive way. It is suggested that positive results can also be found through the association of brain stimulation by light and sound with therapies that combat depression and anxiety states.

Gamma Band Neural Stimulation in Humans and the Promise of a New Modality to Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Nonetheless, this study demonstrates that external stimulation applied to sensory pathways can alter brain activity, through the medium of neuroplasticity in this case, with resultant therapeutic effect possible. Da Silva et al conducted a review in 2015 into the use of light and sound stimulation as a therapeutic modality [ 91 ]. It is perhaps suggestive of how new this field is that only four studies were found and reported on; indeed, it was noted in [ 91 ] that light and sound stimulation are the least tested modalities of brain stimulation.…”

“…Da Silva et al conducted a review in 2015 into the use of light and sound stimulation as a therapeutic modality [ 91 ]. It is perhaps suggestive of how new this field is that only four studies were found and reported on; indeed, it was noted in [ 91 ] that light and sound stimulation are the least tested modalities of brain stimulation. Two of the studies were concerned with sports performance, with the other two health care related with one being a case report.…”

Binaural beats: Brain wave induction and the use of binaural beats to induce brain wave patterns

“…The frequencies imposed on the brain are perceived by the olive nucleus and its reception is made by the thalamus, which is the structure responsible for receiving and filtering external stimuli together with the reticular activating system. This rhythm is sent to the cortex which, in a few minutes, accompanies the imposed frequency (2,3,5,7,12,13).…”

“…T he brain works with electrochemical shots, generating the brain waves that represent the activity of the cortex. The basic frequencies of brain functioning: gamma (30-70 Hz), beta (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30), alpha (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13), theta (4-8 Hz) and delta (1)(2)(3)(4). Cortical activity is related to states of consciousness, the amplitude of these waves being directly proportional to the number of neurons in the cortex (1,2).…”

“…With reference to the mental characteristics associated to each brain wave pattern, it is possible, from the stimulations, to improve the "quality" of these waves so that it is possible to condition the cortical activity (2) by inducing a specific wave pattern, which can change states of consciousness depending on external factors, time of stimulation, culture, and individual expectations (3).…”