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Binaural beats are acoustically generated frequencies that match the frequency bands of brain waves and are therefore considered a means to inducing neurophysiological relaxation. There is, however, large dispute on the scientific quality and validity of extant research on binaural beats. Thus, the effect of a binaural 10Hz (Alpha) stimulation on subjective and physiological parameters of relaxation was analysed. A total of 102 participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) audio exposure with binaural beats, (2) audio exposure without binaural beats, (3) no sound exposure. Subjective relaxation was measured before and after the sessions. Heart rate, respiration rate, and different measures of heart rate variability were measured as physiological parameters throughout the sessions. Results did not show a specific increase in subjective or physiological relaxation due to the binaural beats treatment. The state of the art of binaural beats research is discussed in light of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The lack of practical tools for quick and objective testing of sleepiness has become one of the critical barriers to reducing the threats of sleep loss to public health, productivity, and safety. The present analysis aimed to examine whether sleepiness can be measured quickly, directly, objectively, and in absolute terms. Participants and methods: The resting electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded every other hour during a 43-61-h period of wakefulness in 15 young people. Using the sets of single-Hz powers (1-16 Hz) obtained during the first minute of eyes-closed relaxation, spectral alert (SAC) and drowsy component (SDC) scores were computed. Weights for SAC scoring were derived from differences between spectra for extreme (alert and sleepy) sub-states or distant (first and forth) deprivation phases. Weights for SDC scoring were obtained by correlating the time courses of single-Hz powers with the time course of either subjective or objective sleepiness measures. Results: The scores allowed differentiation of alertness-sleepiness sub-states and occipital scores changed their sign at the boundary between alertness and sleepiness states. Conclusion: SAC and SDC scoring of the EEG signal recorded during the first minute of eyes-closed relaxation can be applied in simple, quick, direct, and objective sleepiness testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Vermittlung von Fertigkeiten ist ein Kernelement der Verhaltenstherapie. Fertigkeitsdefizite gelten als bedeutsam für die Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung psychischer Störungen. Ziel von Fertigkeitstrainings ist es, die individuellen Bewältigungsmöglichkeiten zu verbessern und langfristig eine adaptivere Problembewältigung und Ressourcenaktivierung zu ermöglichen. Der folgende Artikel gibt einen Überblick über Fertigkeitstrainings in der Tradition der Verhaltenstherapie sowie deren Weiterentwicklungen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten im Rahmen aktueller psychotherapeutischer Konzepte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]