Hemi-Sync® Journal 2004-3&4 (Summer/Fall)

wave-measuring tools that allow for quantitative analysis of any normalization of waveform. In addition to Lane et al.'s’ finding a significant improve- ment for subjects as measured using a continuous performance task programmed specifically for their project, this study pro- vides supportive evidence that performance on attentional tasks is significantly improved when individuals are listening to music containing binaural beats in the beta frequency range. In tests involving the effect of binaural beats on memory, Kennerly’s results’ indicated that beta frequency binaural-beat audio signals were a successful method for “facilitating simple free recall memory, ability to attend, and the ability to perse- vere at routine motor tasks.” As Lubar et al.’ have shown, enhanced beta activity resulted in significant improvement on the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) in three different studies of children with ADHD. Overall, the findings in this study corroborate and extend previous research, indicating that listening to music containing binaural beats in the beta fre- quency range enhances beta brain-wave activity and increases performance on attentional tasks for individuals with ADHD. --- PAGE 6 (OCR) --- HEMI-SYNC® JOURNAL, Future Directions Future studies should be organized for children with ADHD within their school setting. Given the significant improvement in beta brain-wave functioning, it is recom- mended that a study be designed in which students with ADHD would listen to beta frequency binaural-beat music between their classes. Since the onset of binaural beats is immediate and the effects last up to one hour or more, we may see an improvement in classroom attention and comprehen- sion for this population. Although beyond the scope of this study, future research should analyze the correlation between the production of dif- ferent neurotransmitters and beta waves in the ADHD brain. According to Patterson et al.,° each brain area generates impulses at a specific frequency, based on the predominant neurotransmitters it secretes. For example, a 10 Hz signal boosts production and turnover rate of serotonin (as cited in Burgio).’ The implications of this research are that by modify- ing brain-wave frequencies, it may be possible to alter the brain’s neurochemistry and functioning. This suggests further research into the possibility of ameliorating depression and other disorders that are related to low serotonin levels, along with other types of deficits in cognitive functioning, by trig- gering the release of beneficial neurotransmitters. By engaging in a variety of disruptive behaviors in school and group set- tings, children with ADHD frequently experience peer rejec- tion and usually live with increased levels of parental and sib- ling conflicts. The positive benefits from auditory binaural © beats may permeate both the behavioral and emotional symp- toms of the disorder—functionally improving each and also improving interactions between the two. Due to the short-lived normalization effects of current medication treatments for ADHD, we need to study the extent to which the attentional improvement experienced by these participants after being presented with binaural beats is sustained after auditory stimuli is withdrawn. If the effect of binaural beats is prolonged, we may be able to find a way in which individuals could self-stimulate their beta frequency brain waves when inattentive states occur throughout the day. Binaural-beat brain-wave enhancement could offer a cost- effective, nonmedication alternative to families and school sys- tems seeking to supplement standard treatment protocol. Since there is no cure for ADHD, it is important to develop multimodal treatment plans combining medication, behavioral therapy, and, potentially, scheduled exposure to beta frequency binaural beats. Notes ds O. Sacks, “Music and the Brain,” in Clinical Applications of Music in Neurologic Rehabilitation, ed. C. M. Tomaino (St. Louis: MMB Music, Inc., 1998), 1-18. 2. R. O. Sornson, “Using Binaural Beats to Enhance Attention,” Hemi-Sync Journal 10, no. 3 (1999). W. Bauer, “Neuroelectric Medicine,” Journal of C.K. Conners, Conners’ Continuous Performance Test Computer Program 3.0: Users Manual (Toronto: Multi- J. D. Lane, S. J. Kasian, J. E. Owens, and G. R. Marsh, “Binaural Auditory Beats Affect Vigilance, Performance, and Mood,” Physiology & Behavior 63, no. 2 (1998): R. C. Kennerly, “An Empirical Investigation into the Effect of Beta Frequency Binaural-Beat Audio Signals on Four Measures of Human Memory,” Hemi-Syne J. F. Lubar, M. O. Swartwood, J. N. Swartwood, and P. H. O'Donnell, “Evaluation of the Effectiveness of EEG Neurofeedback Training for ADHD in a Clinical Setting as Measured by Changes in T.O.V.A. Scores, Behavioral Ratings, and WISC-R Performance,” Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 20 (1995): 83-99. M. Patterson, E. Krupitsky, N. Flood, and D. Baker, “Amelioration of Stress in Chemical Dependency Detoxification by Transcranial Electrostimulation,” Stress 3. Bioelectricity 2, no. 3 (1983): 159-80. 4. Health Systems, 1994). 35 249-52. 6. Journal, 14, no. 3 (1996). Ve 8. Medicine 10, no. 2 (1994): 115-26. 9 M. R. Burgio, Clinical Trials of NeuroStim Sound Therapy: A Preliminary Report (Westwood, Calif: UCLA, Clinical Trials, 2003). THE MONROE INSTITUTE BOARD OF ADVISORS Laurie A. Monroe, President James Beal, MS Barbara Bullard, MA Wilson Bullard, PhD Gregory D. Carroll, PhD Harriet Carter, JD Virginia C. Colburn, JD Albert Dahlberg, MD, PhD Brian Dailey, MD Eleanor Friede Joseph Gallenberger, PhD Helene Guttman, PhD Fowler Jones, EdD Suzanne Evans Mortis, PhD Joseph Chilton Pearce Jill Russell, LCSP Peter Russell, MA, DCS Ronald Russell, MA Carol Sabick-Quinn, LLB, MBA Bill D. Schul, PhD David Stanley, MD Charles Tart, PhD, Emeritus Constance M. Townsend, MD Stanley J. Townsend, PhD Raymond O. Waldkoetter, EdD Marguerite Q. Warren, PhD Journal Editors: Shirley Biiley, Ann Vaughan Layout & Design: Grafton Blankinship The HEMF-SYNC JOURNAL, a publi- cation of The Monroe Institute®, an educational and research organization decicated to exploring and developing the uses and understanding of human consciousness, offers current reporting on research and application of the Hemi-Sync® technology in a variety of professional fields. ‘The HEMI-SYNC JOURNAL js pub- lished by The Monroe Institute, 365 Roberts Mountain Road, Faber, VA 22998-2317. Telephone: (434) 361- 1252. Membership rates from $50 to ‘$150 per year. ©2004 The Monroe Institute. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced without permission. vi