Effects of ASMR on the Default Mode Network

NCT ID: NCT05266508

Last Updated: 2024-08-07

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Total Enrollment

28 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2022-02-15

Study Completion Date

2023-08-15

Brief Summary

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This study investigates the effects of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) stimulation on resting-state brain networks. Therefore, two resting-state fMRI scans are measured in healthy adults. Before each fMRI scan, subjects listen either to ASMR typical sounds or an audio-book (randomized cross-over-design). It is expected to find changes in the functional connectivity of the Default Mode Network caused by passive listening to ASMR.

Detailed Description

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ASMR describes a phenomenon of a perceived tingling caused by visual or auditory stimulation. This sensation can spread from the neck to the scalp and further to the back and the extremities. The triggering sound often consists of acoustic sounds (crackle, whisper, light nail-tapping) or visual images (e.g., someone is combing their hair), leading to a calm and relaxing feeling. Although ASMR is ubiquitous in platforms like "YouTube", there are just a few studies investigating the effects of ASMR. In one of those studies, Smith and colleagues examined the Default Mode Network of 11 subjects with ASMR stimulation and compared the outcome with a control group consisting of 11 subjects. They found reduced functional connectivity in the ASMR group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the connectivity between the occipital, frontal and temporal cortex was increased.

In the present study, fMRI is used to examine the effects of ASMR stimulation in a randomized cross-over design. Half of the subjects (n=14) receive the ASMR stimulation first, and then the control stimulation (audiobook). The other half of the subjects (n=14) listens to the control stimulation (audiobook) first and afterward to the ASMR stimulation. Typical "tingling" triggering sounds are presented via MRI-compatible headphones. Those sounds can consist of different noises (e.g., whisper, scratching, and knocking).

The primary outcome measure is a change in the functional connectivity of the Default Mode Network as a response to the ASMR stimulation.

Conditions

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Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Audiobook

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

CASE_CROSSOVER

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* adults aged 18 to 99

Exclusion Criteria

* mental disorders (dementia, depression)
* MRI contraindications
* claustrophobia
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

99 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Jens D. Rollnik, MD

Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR

BDH-Clinik Hessisch Oldendorf

Locations

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BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf

Hessisch Oldendorf, , Germany

Site Status

Countries

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Germany

References

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Smith SD, Fredborg BK, Kornelsen J. Atypical Functional Connectivity Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: An Examination of Five Resting-State Networks. Brain Connect. 2019 Jul;9(6):508-518. doi: 10.1089/brain.2018.0618. Epub 2019 May 7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 30931592 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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ASMR-EFF

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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