A research group led by Associate Professor Yasuhiro Suzuki of Nagoya University's Graduate School of Information Science and Dr. Olena Edwards of London Trusted Therapy has announced that they will begin clinical research in November using technology to convert low-frequency components of natural sounds and music used to apply vibration and pressure stimuli to the skin, into vibrotactile sensation, which the users can experience through the sense of touch. Using the tactile description method "tactile score" proposed by Suzuki, low-frequency components of natural sounds and music can be converted into acoustic data (WAV and MP3 formats) and transmitted to the skin as vibrotactile stimuli. This technology is expected to produce positive effects on mental health. A portable facial vibration presentation device that stimulates facial skin will be used so subjects can easily use the device at home.
Provided by Nagoya University
Recently, there has been a demand for treatment methods not relying on drugs in the mental health care field, and the development of care techniques using noninvasive tactile stimuli is expected. Previously, the research group confirmed major improvements in memory and attentiveness by continuously playing low-frequency acoustic (40 Hz) for one month in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia in 2022.
In 2024, the research group confirmed that low-frequency acoustic stimulation could improve metabolism, frailty, and cognitive function in model mice. Based on these results, the clinical research to be initiated aims to apply tactile stimulation to mental health care in a practical way.
In the clinical research, they will evaluate whether low-frequency components of natural sounds and music converted to vibrotactile sensation can improve sleep quality and alleviate psychological symptoms. In particular, they hope that the treatment can be used as a noninvasive, drug-free method of care to support mental health. Target disorders include depression, anxiety, hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and improvements in sleep quality and psychological symptoms will be measured as endpoints.
The clinical research employs a portable facial vibration presentation device developed to facilitate subjects' self-care at home. The device converts acoustic data into vibrations, fits the face, and transmits tactile stimuli to the skin. It transmits low-frequency components of natural sounds and music as vibrations to the skin. The device will be used for self-care twice daily for 10−20 minutes each. Approximately 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women) are expected to participate in the clinical research. Edwards will lead the clinical trial in London. The safety of vibrotactile technology has already been confirmed by previous basic research.
At a press conference held at Nagoya University, Suzuki stated, "Tactile sense is a common language in nature, and we are aiming to construct the tactile computation system (informatization of tactile sense)."
The group believes that an approach to health aspects is possible by vibrating body tissues and cells through acoustic stimulation (vibration). On the cosmetic side, the device's use on the face has also been demonstrated to induce the condensation of collagen (at the molecular level), provide a facelift, and make a face look smaller. The objectives of the present clinical study include palliative care for addicts, utilization in medically underserved areas, and promotion of tactile DX. The device runs on batteries and is lightweight, making it convenient to carry around and suitable for use in disaster-stricken areas. The future plans include applying the device in trauma treatments in Odesa (Ukraine).
This article has been translated by JST with permission from The Science News Ltd. (https://sci-news.co.jp/). Unauthorized reproduction of the article and photographs is prohibited.