Effects of ASMR on the Default Mode Network

February 7, 2023 updated by: BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf

Investigating the Effects of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) Stimulation on the Functional Connectivity of the Default Mode Network

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.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Detailed Description

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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Anticipated)

28

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

      • Hessisch Oldendorf, Germany, 31840
        • BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 99 years (ADULT, OLDER_ADULT)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy subjects aged 18 to 99

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • adults aged 18 to 99

Exclusion Criteria:

  • mental disorders (dementia, depression)
  • MRI contraindications
  • claustrophobia

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Observational Models: Case-Crossover
  • Time Perspectives: Prospective

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Changed functional connectivity
Time Frame: 45 minutes
Functional connectivity is measured using resting-state fMRI
45 minutes

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (ACTUAL)

February 15, 2022

Primary Completion (ACTUAL)

May 2, 2022

Study Completion (ANTICIPATED)

August 15, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 23, 2022

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 23, 2022

First Posted (ACTUAL)

March 4, 2022

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (ACTUAL)

February 8, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 7, 2023

Last Verified

February 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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