Effect of alpha and gamma binaural beats on reaction time and short-term memory

Abstract

Background: Binaural beats, a kind of cortical entrainment, are an auditory illusion that occurs when two sinusoidal waves at slightly different frequencies are presented separately to each ear. Binaural beats influence behavior and cognition through the process of cognitive or neural entrainment. Different types of binaural beats, based on their electroencephalogram frequencies, have shown to have varied effects on various domains of cognition. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the effects of alpha and gamma binaural beats on auditory reaction time (ART), visual reaction time (VRT), and short-term memory. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 40 individuals (20 males and 20 females) with age ranging between 22 and 30 years. The study was conducted in 3 different sessions. In each session, ART, VRT, and short-term memory were assessed. In the first session, the individuals were assessed without any intervention. In one session, they were presented with alpha binaural beats (10 Hz), and in another session, they were presented with gamma binaural beats (40 Hz). Results: The results of our study showed a statistically significant decrease in ART and VRT after entrainment with alpha and gamma binaural beats. Memory scores although improved were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that entrainment by binaural beats in the alpha and gamma frequency range can enhance attention. The binaural entrainment may have useful applications in conditions where there exist attention deficits and in tasks that require continuous attention.