Is non-clinical, personal use of binaural beats audio an effective stress-management strategy? A systematic review of randomised control trials.

ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionTo explore the efficacy and safety of binaural beats (BB) for stress management in non-clinical contexts.Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs that administered BB and reported ≥1 stress-related outcome in subjects with pre-existing stress, or in participants with laboratory-induced stress (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023428623). The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool and a purpose-designed tool to explore stress-specific methodological quality. Effects between groups were synthesised thematically, exploring physiological and psychological outcomes, duration of exposure and frequency (Hz).Twelve studies were included for review. Half of the studies used a single-session BB intervention and half used longer-term home-based protocols. Seven involved participants with pre-existing stress and five exposed healthy subjects to stressors. Eight studies reported ≥1 significant effect favouring intervention over control while four found no group effects. However, methodological heterogeneity, unclear randomisation and blinding procedures, and lack of oversight of stress mediators and moderators were found.BBs have promise as a self-care stress-management tool. However, evidence is not strongly in favour of widespread recommendation, there is little known about adverse effects, and there is not yet a clear optimal protocol (frequency and schedule) for stress-buffering effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]