OBJECTIVE

Individuals who have experienced traumatic events often encounter a variety of changes in their lives and and may suffer from them. To help and alleviate these traumatic stress, we developed an evidence-based mobile application (app) for easy accessibility. This study aimed to test the effects of the mobile app for traumatic stress management using neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music.

METHOD

Fifty-eight participants were enrolled in a pilot randomized controlled trial (Trial Registration Number: KCT007724) consisting of two groups: (a) experimental group (n = 28) and (b) control group (n = 30). Participants used the mobile app 3 days a week at home for 4 weeks, engaging in neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat music. Participants completed self-report measures (SCL-47-R, Psychological Well-Being Post-traumatic Changes questionnaire) and EEG test (emotional stability, anti-stress) at a pretreatment and 1-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Participants in the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in psychological well-being (F = 16.37, < 0.001), emotional stability (F = 10.38;  = 0.002), and the anti-stress index (F = 11.37;  = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this pilot trial, involving a neurofeedback-based meditation and binaural beat-centered music intervention, provide preliminary support and a readily accessible option for individuals seeking to recover from the effects of traumatic events. Additionally, we have established the groundwork for subsequent research to study the efficacy of a neurofeedback-based meditation program and a binaural beat-centered music intervention for those who have experienced traumatic events.