Brainwave Entrainment for Mental Wellness in Military Populations: A Pilot Study
Cidral-Filho, F.J.1,2,3, Derick Ben4, Kuiper B4, Jones J4.
1Integrative Wellbeing Institute, Windermere, Florida, USA.
2Laboratory of Experimental Neuroscience (LaNEX) – Health Sciences Post-Graduation Program – University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), Brazil.
3RE.L.PO.N. Research Laboratory of Posturology and Neuromodulation. Master’s Program in Posturology. University La Sapienza of Rome, Italy.
4 The Soldier Fund Foundation, Jackson, Mississippi, USA.
Objectives:
The primary objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Brainwave Entrainment in improving psychological well-being among military service members and veterans (Mississippi Army NG 2/20th Special Forces Group – Airborne, Jackson, Mississippi). Specifically, the study aimed to assess changes in depression, anxiety, stress, mental fatigue resilience and sleep quality after a 30-day intervention.
Methods:
Thirty-nine participants affiliated with the Soldier Fund completed baseline assessments and engaged in a 30-day self-directed Brainwave Entrainment program (BrainTap, New Bern, NC, USA). The sessions consisted of guided audio with synchronized light and sound stimulation to promote brainwave entrainment and relaxation. Participants used the BrainTap headset and app daily. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included validated self-report instruments: DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress), Mental Fatigue Scale, Stress Resilience Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index.
Results:
Statistically significant improvements were observed in Stress Levels and Sleep Quality. All other parameters improved (although not statistically significant). Qualitative responses supported these findings, with participants reporting improved relaxation, sleep quality, and emotional regulation.
Conclusion:
Brainwave Entrainment demonstrated promising benefits for psychological well-being in a military population. The significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress, alongside improvements in overall well-being, suggest that this non-invasive therapy may serve as an effective, accessible, and non-invasive tool for mental health support. Future randomized controlled trials are recommended to further validate these findings and explore long-term effects.
Figures:
Depression, DASS 21 – Anxiety, and DASS 21 – Stress. For comparisons between pre- and post-values, the Wilcoxon test was used for DASS 21 – Depression, and the paired t-test was used for DASS 21 – Anxiety and DASS 21 – Stress. The statistical significance threshold was set at p <0.05. * Denotes a statistically significant difference between baseline and post.
Mental Fatigue Scale. For comparisons between pre- and post-values, the paired t-test was used. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05.
Stress Resilience Scale. For comparisons between pre- and post-values, the Wilcoxon test was used. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05.
PSQI total score. For comparisons between pre- and post-values, the paired t-test was used. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. * Denotes a statistically significant difference between baseline and post.
