Brain FunctionNCT03459183
Effects of Infra- and Ultrasound on the Brain
A study testing Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) source, Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source and Infrasound dummy source in people with Brain Function and Ultrasound, run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
Findings in neuroscientific research show that the environment one lives in has measurable effects on brain morphology and functioning. Human exposure to airborne infra- and ultrasound has been constantly increasing during the last decades. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Brain Function, Ultrasound, Cognitive Function
- What is being tested?
- Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) source, Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source and Infrasound dummy source
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 63 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 31 May 2018to 15 Dec 2019
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- healthy participants
- age 18-40
- informed consent for all parts of the study (including MRT)
- none of the exclusion criteria (see below) fulfilled
- normal hearing
Who cannot join
- age < 18 or > 40 years
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- living with young children (0-3 years)
- pets in sleeping room (e.g. cats, dogs, rodents, reptiles)
- living at extremely loud/ noisy street
- tinnitus
Show all 34Show fewer
- chronic disease/ infection of ENT region
- ear deformation/ ear surgery
- (partial) deafness
- hearing aid/ cochlea implant
- degenerative or inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system
- severe cognitive/ neuropsychological impairment
- severe pain syndrome or other severe organic diseases
- epilepsy
- (past or present) psychiatric disorders
- neurological disorders
- severe diabetic polyneuropathy
- malignancies/ cancer
- cardiac insufficiency
- arterial hypertension
- heart attack/ stroke
- severe hepatic or renal insufficiency
- diseases of the hemopoietic system
- alcoholism/ drug addiction
- medical history of severe allergic or toxic reactions
- current participation in drug trial
- doubts about legal capacity/ capability of understanding
- referral to institutions based on court/ official order
- treatment with centrally acting medication (e.g. antipsychotics, antiepileptics, antidepressants, etc.)
- non-removable metal pieces (aneurysm clips, artificial limbs, etc.) or implanted electronic devices (pacemaker, osmotic or other implanted pumps, cochlear implants, etc.)
- claustrophobia
- acute (respiratory) infection, physical uneasiness
- tattoos in the head region, permanent make-up
- non-removable piercings
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Germany1 site
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, 20246
About this study
Official title: Effects of Non-audible Infra- and Ultrasound on Brain Structure and -Function, Cognitive Functions, and Well-being
Findings in neuroscientific research show that the environment one lives in has measurable effects on brain morphology and functioning. Human exposure to airborne infra- and ultrasound has been constantly increasing during the last decades. For instance, the European Renewable Energy Directive, established in 2009, lead to an increased use of wind turbines, generating infrasound. The EU Directive states that until 2020 a 20% of the EUs' total energy needs is to be generated with renewables, therefore the current infrasound load in the European environment will increase further. Similarly, ultrasound is ubiquitous in the modern public environment, emitted from public address systems, animal repellents, industrial machines, even toothbrushes. The present study aims to investigate potential long-term effects of exposure to infra- and ultrasound on subjective well-being, cognitive and brain functioning, as well as on brain structure. The study will apply a randomized-(placebo) controlled single-blind approach to investigate this subject.
Read the detailed description
Regarding effects of infra- and ultrasound on the brain, a pioneer study demonstrated that exposure to non-audible infrasound was associated with changes of neural activity across several brain regions, including areas involved in auditory and emotional processing, as well as autonomic control. These findings indicate that subliminal infrasound may have pathogenic effects. Research also indicates that low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) modulates the BOLD signal. However, the impact of ultrasound on auditory and other brain regions remains broadly unclear until today. Regarding adverse effects of low frequency noise on (mental) health and cognitive functions, preliminary evidence (summarized by two reviews) suggests mainly negative effects on sleep, stress levels (both subjective and objective; i.e. cortisol levels), headaches, fatigue, concentration, and memory. These reviews do however not explicitly address audible low frequency noise vs. non-audible infrasound.
Research on the effects of infra- and ultrasound on cognitive functioning and well-being is in the fledgling stage. The few studies published so far vary strongly in their applied methods and results. Repeatedly, the media has covered stories about individuals suffering from 'ultrasound-sickness', a condition where the affected person suffers from headache, nausea and pain. In line with these subjective accounts, a review paper suggested that ultrasound exposure can be associated with hyperthermia, nausea, headaches, tinnitus and low blood pressure, as well as with neural excitability, irritation, memory problems and difficulties with concentration and learning, suggesting adverse effects of ultrasound exposure regarding (mental) health and cognition.
Nonetheless, there are also indicators of positive effects of these types of sound; a study suggested that brief bursts of infrasound may have a positive effect on cognitive function. Also, pioneer works in the field are currently testing ultrasound therapy for Alzheimer's patients. It appears, that the effects (positive vs. negative) may be highly variable; depending upon the frequency, sound pressure levels and duration of exposure; as well as the quality of sound (mixed audible and non-audible vs. purely non-audible). Future studies need to clearly define these variables in order to be able to make clear statements about effects.
The present study will hopefully shed further light on the long-term effects of (non-audible) infra- and ultrasound regarding human brain connectivity, structure and function, related cognitive functions and overall well-being. This may also lead to a more sophisticated and fact-based debate about 'noise pollution' of modern human living-environments.
Healthy participants, who gave their written consent, will be exposed to infra- or ultrasound for 28 consecutive days during their night sleep. The sound sources produce sound that is at least 10 dB below the hearing threshold. The sources were designed to mimic exposure to infra- and ultrasound in everyday life. The construction and calibration of the sources was realized by experts of the Physical Technical Federal Institute of Germany (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt; PTB), located in Braunschweig. Sound sources will be installed and gauged at the participants' bedrooms, following a standardized procedure and emit sound for 8 hours during the participants' typical sleeping time. N = 60 participants will be randomized to one out of four conditions:
- Infrasound verum (n = 20; frequency = 6Hz, sound pressure = 85dB)
- Infrasound placebo (n = 10)
- Ultrasound verum (n = 20; frequency = 22.4 kHz, sound pressure = variable +/- 10 dB)
- Ultrasound placebo (n = 10); (single blind procedure).
First, participants, age 18-40, will be screened for eligibility. In addition, a hearing assessment will be conducted to assure normal auditory ability of all participants. Before and after the sound exposure period, participants will be tested using psychological and (neuro-)cognitive test batteries and questionnaires in order to assess psychiatric and somatic symptoms, well-being and cognitive functioning (particularly tasks that also represent everyday cognitive challenges and assess executive functions); (T1, T2). Furthermore, sensitivity to sound (including to infra- and ultrasound) and current exposure to different sound sources (T1 and T2) will be assessed with questionnaires. In addition, Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be conducted in order to illuminate morphological and functional brain changes (T1 and T2). In the scanner, participants will execute a spatial n-back task. The task assesses participants' working memory and is also suited to assess stressful reactions due to permanent cognitive load - thus constituting a 'proxy' for a stressful working task in real life. During the n-back task, a dot is presented sequentially at different positions in a grid. Participants are instructed to indicate whether the currently presented dot coincides with the dot presented 3 trials before for each of the presented dots. During the 4-week exposure period through infra-/ ultrasound, participants will also fill out weekly questionnaires, assessing well-being, general health levels, psychiatric and somatic symptoms, quality of sleep, headache and overall quality of life.
- Conditions
- Brain Function, Ultrasound, Cognitive Function, Well-being, Depression, Sleep
- Being tested
- Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) source, Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source, Infrasound dummy source, Ultrasound dummy source
- Medical subject headings
- Depression
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) sourceDevice
the infrasound source will emit inaudible 6Hz sound for 8 consecutive hours during participant's night sleep, local sound pressure (at participants head) will be calibrated at 85 dB
Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) sourceDevice
the ultrasound source will emit inaudible 22.4 kHz sound for 8 consecutive hours during night sleep
Infrasound dummy sourceDevice
the infrasound dummy source looks exactly like the according verum infrasound source but produces absolutely no sound
Ultrasound dummy sourceDevice
the ultrasound dummy source looks exactly like the according verum ultrasound source but produces absolutely no sound
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Infrasound - verum | Experimental | In this condition, participants are exposed with non-audible infrasound from the Infrasound (85dB; 6Hz) source, for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. The source is placed close to the participant's bed (approximately 1-2 meters). Receives: Device: Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) source |
| Infrasound - placebo | Placebo comparator | In this condition, participants are not exposed to any sound. The infrasound dummy source is placed close to the participant's bed, exactly like in the Infrasound - verum condition (1-2 meters). The Infrasound dummy source looks exactly like the active infrasound source but produces no sound at all. Participants are told that this source emits sound for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. Receives: Device: Infrasound dummy source |
| Ultrasound - verum | Experimental | In this condition, participants are exposed to non-audible ultrasound, emitted by the Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. The source is placed close to the participant's bed (1-2 meters), at the level of the participant's head (for instance on a nightstand). Receives: Device: Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source |
| Ultrasound - placebo | Placebo comparator | In this condition, participants are not exposed to any sound. The Ultrasound dummy source is placed close to the participant's bed, exactly like in the Infrasound - verum condition (1-2 meters). The Ultrasound dummy source looks exactly like the active ultrasound source, but produces no sound at all. Participants are told that this source emits sound for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. Receives: Device: Ultrasound dummy source |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in functional connectivity (functional Magnet Resonance Imaging; fMRI)
exploratory analyses of functional brain changes (fMRI) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions)
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure to infra-/ ultrasound (day 28+)
Changes in brain structure (MRI)
exploratory analyses of structural brain changes (MRI) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions)
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Changes in depression levels
changes in Beck's Depression Inventory - II - revised sum scores, indicating a worsening or improvement (increase or decrease in sum scores) of depression through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Changes in 'vigilance' attentional test score
worsening or improvement in the maintenance of attention over a prolonged period of time (this is operationalized as a decrease or increase in the number of correct responses; minimum = 0, maximum = 36; assessed by TAP - Test of Attentional Performance: subtest 'vigilance') through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Changes in memory test score
worsening or improvement in memory performance (as indicated by the total score in the fMRI spatial n-back task, defined as the absolute number of correct responses [i.e. correct identification of overlapping dot position; minimum of correct responses = 0, maximum = 100], a decrease indicates worsened spatial memory, an increase indicates improved spatial memory; through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Changes in alertness task score
worsening or improvement in 'alertness' (as indicated by mean reaction time [RT] to target stimuli; higher mean RT indicates lowered alertness = worsening; lower mean RT indicates improvement in alertness, [TAP - Test of Attentional Performance; subtest 'alertness']), through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Changes in sleep quality
worsening or improvement in self-reported sleep quality (decreases or increases in sum score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Changes in somatization (physical health)
worsening or improvement of self-reported somatization, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, as assessed via the sum score of the Brief Symptom Inventory 'somatization' subscale (increases indicate more somatization, decreases indicate less somatization; scale range for the sum score is minimum = 0; maximum = 28) through infra-/ ultrasound (vs. placebo conditions).
Measured: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Mar 2018
- Study start31 May 2018
- Primary completion15 Dec 2019
- Study completion15 Dec 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Brain FunctionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-EppendorfThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 63 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- European Union
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Christian Koch, Dr., Study chair, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig, Germany
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03459183
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SonicBrain01
- Status last verified
- Jul 2020
- First submitted
- 2 Feb 2018
- Last updated
- 8 Jul 2020
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Weichenberger M, Bauer M, Kuhler R, Hensel J, Forlim CG, Ihlenfeld A, Ittermann B, Gallinat J, Koch C, Kuhn S. Altered cortical and subcortical connectivity due to infrasound administered near the hearing threshold - Evidence from fMRI. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 12;12(4):e0174420. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174420. eCollection 2017.
PubMed 28403175Weichenberger M, Kuhler R, Bauer M, Hensel J, Bruhl R, Ihlenfeld A, Ittermann B, Gallinat J, Koch C, Sander T, Kuhn S. Brief bursts of infrasound may improve cognitive function--an fMRI study. Hear Res. 2015 Oct;328:87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.08.001. Epub 2015 Aug 7.
PubMed 26260309Yoo SS, Kim H, Min BK, Franck E, Park S. Transcranial focused ultrasound to the thalamus alters anesthesia time in rats. Neuroreport. 2011 Oct 26;22(15):783-7. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32834b2957.
PubMed 21876461Baliatsas C, van Kamp I, van Poll R, Yzermans J. Health effects from low-frequency noise and infrasound in the general population: Is it time to listen? A systematic review of observational studies. Sci Total Environ. 2016 Jul 1;557-558:163-9. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.065. Epub 2016 Mar 17.
PubMed 26994804Leventhall, G., Pelmear, P., and Benton, S., 2003, A review of published research on low frequency noise and its effects: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Smagowska B, Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska M. Effects of ultrasonic noise on the human body-a bibliographic review. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2013;19(2):195-202. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2013.11076978.
PubMed 23759188Ascone L, Kling C, Wieczorek J, Koch C, Kuhn S. A longitudinal, randomized experimental pilot study to investigate the effects of airborne ultrasound on human mental health, cognition, and brain structure. Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 12;11(1):5814. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83527-z.
PubMed 33712644
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jul 2020. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Non-audible Infra- and Ultrasound on Brain Structure and -Function, Cognitive Functions, and Well-being
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03459183
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SonicBrain01
- Conditions
- Brain Function, Ultrasound, Cognitive Function, Well-being, Depression, Sleep
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 63 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-EppendorfUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- European Union
- Study start
- 31 May 2018 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Mar 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Findings in neuroscientific research show that the environment one lives in has measurable effects on brain morphology and functioning. Human exposure to airborne infra- and ultrasound has been constantly increasing during the last decades. For instance, the European Renewable Energy Directive, established in 2009, lead to an increased use of wind turbines, generating infrasound. The EU Directive states that until 2020 a 20% of the EUs' total energy needs is to be generated with renewables, therefore the current infrasound load in the European environment will increase further. Similarly, ultrasound is ubiquitous in the modern public environment, emitted from public address systems, animal repellents, industrial machines, even toothbrushes. The present study aims to investigate potential long-term effects of exposure to infra- and ultrasound on subjective well-being, cognitive and brain functioning, as well as on brain structure. The study will apply a randomized-(placebo) controlled single-blind approach to investigate this subject.
Detailed description
Regarding effects of infra- and ultrasound on the brain, a pioneer study demonstrated that exposure to non-audible infrasound was associated with changes of neural activity across several brain regions, including areas involved in auditory and emotional processing, as well as autonomic control. These findings indicate that subliminal infrasound may have pathogenic effects. Research also indicates that low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) modulates the BOLD signal. However, the impact of ultrasound on auditory and other brain regions remains broadly unclear until today. Regarding adverse effects of low frequency noise on (mental) health and cognitive functions, preliminary evidence (summarized by two reviews) suggests mainly negative effects on sleep, stress levels (both subjective and objective; i.e. cortisol levels), headaches, fatigue, concentration, and memory. These reviews do however not explicitly address audible low frequency noise vs. non-audible infrasound.
Research on the effects of infra- and ultrasound on cognitive functioning and well-being is in the fledgling stage. The few studies published so far vary strongly in their applied methods and results. Repeatedly, the media has covered stories about individuals suffering from 'ultrasound-sickness', a condition where the affected person suffers from headache, nausea and pain. In line with these subjective accounts, a review paper suggested that ultrasound exposure can be associated with hyperthermia, nausea, headaches, tinnitus and low blood pressure, as well as with neural excitability, irritation, memory problems and difficulties with concentration and learning, suggesting adverse effects of ultrasound exposure regarding (mental) health and cognition.
Nonetheless, there are also indicators of positive effects of these types of sound; a study suggested that brief bursts of infrasound may have a positive effect on cognitive function. Also, pioneer works in the field are currently testing ultrasound therapy for Alzheimer's patients. It appears, that the effects (positive vs. negative) may be highly variable; depending upon the frequency, sound pressure levels and duration of exposure; as well as the quality of sound (mixed audible and non-audible vs. purely non-audible). Future studies need to clearly define these variables in order to be able to make clear statements about effects.
The present study will hopefully shed further light on the long-term effects of (non-audible) infra- and ultrasound regarding human brain connectivity, structure and function, related cognitive functions and overall well-being. This may also lead to a more sophisticated and fact-based debate about 'noise pollution' of modern human living-environments.
Healthy participants, who gave their written consent, will be exposed to infra- or ultrasound for 28 consecutive days during their night sleep. The sound sources produce sound that is at least 10 dB below the hearing threshold. The sources were designed to mimic exposure to infra- and ultrasound in everyday life. The construction and calibration of the sources was realized by experts of the Physical Technical Federal Institute of Germany (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt; PTB), located in Braunschweig. Sound sources will be installed and gauged at the participants' bedrooms, following a standardized procedure and emit sound for 8 hours during the participants' typical sleeping time. N = 60 participants will be randomized to one out of four conditions:
- Infrasound verum (n = 20; frequency = 6Hz, sound pressure = 85dB)
- Infrasound placebo (n = 10)
- Ultrasound verum (n = 20; frequency = 22.4 kHz, sound pressure = variable +/- 10 dB)
- Ultrasound placebo (n = 10); (single blind procedure).
First, participants, age 18-40, will be screened for eligibility. In addition, a hearing assessment will be conducted to assure normal auditory ability of all participants. Before and after the sound exposure period, participants will be tested using psychological and (neuro-)cognitive test batteries and questionnaires in order to assess psychiatric and somatic symptoms, well-being and cognitive functioning (particularly tasks that also represent everyday cognitive challenges and assess executive functions); (T1, T2). Furthermore, sensitivity to sound (including to infra- and ultrasound) and current exposure to different sound sources (T1 and T2) will be assessed with questionnaires. In addition, Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI) will be conducted in order to illuminate morphological and functional brain changes (T1 and T2). In the scanner, participants will execute a spatial n-back task. The task assesses participants' working memory and is also suited to assess stressful reactions due to permanent cognitive load - thus constituting a 'proxy' for a stressful working task in real life. During the n-back task, a dot is presented sequentially at different positions in a grid. Participants are instructed to indicate whether the currently presented dot coincides with the dot presented 3 trials before for each of the presented dots. During the 4-week exposure period through infra-/ ultrasound, participants will also fill out weekly questionnaires, assessing well-being, general health levels, psychiatric and somatic symptoms, quality of sleep, headache and overall quality of life.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Infrasound - verum | Experimental | Device: Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) sourceIn this condition, participants are exposed with non-audible infrasound from the Infrasound (85dB; 6Hz) source, for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. The source is placed close to the participant's bed (approximately 1-2 meters). |
| Infrasound - placebo | Placebo comparator | Device: Infrasound dummy sourceIn this condition, participants are not exposed to any sound. The infrasound dummy source is placed close to the participant's bed, exactly like in the Infrasound - verum condition (1-2 meters). The Infrasound dummy source looks exactly like the active infrasound source but produces no sound at all. Participants are told that this source emits sound for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. |
| Ultrasound - verum | Experimental | Device: Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) sourceIn this condition, participants are exposed to non-audible ultrasound, emitted by the Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. The source is placed close to the participant's bed (1-2 meters), at the level of the participant's head (for instance on a nightstand). |
| Ultrasound - placebo | Placebo comparator | Device: Ultrasound dummy sourceIn this condition, participants are not exposed to any sound. The Ultrasound dummy source is placed close to the participant's bed, exactly like in the Infrasound - verum condition (1-2 meters). The Ultrasound dummy source looks exactly like the active ultrasound source, but produces no sound at all. Participants are told that this source emits sound for 8 constant hours during their night sleep. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- healthy participants
- age 18-40
- informed consent for all parts of the study (including MRT)
- none of the exclusion criteria (see below) fulfilled
- normal hearing
Key exclusion criteria (34 listed)
- age < 18 or > 40 years
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- living with young children (0-3 years)
- pets in sleeping room (e.g. cats, dogs, rodents, reptiles)
- living at extremely loud/ noisy street
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) sourcethe infrasound source will emit inaudible 6Hz sound for 8 consecutive hours during participant's night sleep, local sound pressure (at participants head) will be calibrated at 85 dB | Device | Infrasound - verum |
| Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) sourcethe ultrasound source will emit inaudible 22.4 kHz sound for 8 consecutive hours during night sleep | Device | Ultrasound - verum |
| Infrasound dummy sourcethe infrasound dummy source looks exactly like the according verum infrasound source but produces absolutely no sound | Device | Infrasound - placebo |
| Ultrasound dummy sourcethe ultrasound dummy source looks exactly like the according verum ultrasound source but produces absolutely no sound | Device | Ultrasound - placebo |
Primary outcome
Changes in functional connectivity (functional Magnet Resonance Imaging; fMRI)
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure to infra-/ ultrasound (day 28+)
exploratory analyses of functional brain changes (fMRI) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions)
Changes in brain structure (MRI)
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
exploratory analyses of structural brain changes (MRI) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions)
Changes in depression levels
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
changes in Beck's Depression Inventory - II - revised sum scores, indicating a worsening or improvement (increase or decrease in sum scores) of depression through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Changes in 'vigilance' attentional test score
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
worsening or improvement in the maintenance of attention over a prolonged period of time (this is operationalized as a decrease or increase in the number of correct responses; minimum = 0, maximum = 36; assessed by TAP - Test of Attentional Performance: subtest 'vigilance') through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Changes in memory test score
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
worsening or improvement in memory performance (as indicated by the total score in the fMRI spatial n-back task, defined as the absolute number of correct responses [i.e. correct identification of overlapping dot position; minimum of correct responses = 0, maximum = 100], a decrease indicates worsened spatial memory, an increase indicates improved spatial memory; through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Changes in alertness task score
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
worsening or improvement in 'alertness' (as indicated by mean reaction time [RT] to target stimuli; higher mean RT indicates lowered alertness = worsening; lower mean RT indicates improvement in alertness, [TAP - Test of Attentional Performance; subtest 'alertness']), through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
Changes in sleep quality
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
worsening or improvement in self-reported sleep quality (decreases or increases in sum score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) through infra- and ultrasound (verum conditions vs. placebo conditions).
1 secondary outcome
Changes in somatization (physical health)
Time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure (day 28+)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jul 2020.
- Background: PubMed 28403175Weichenberger M, Bauer M, Kuhler R, Hensel J, Forlim CG, Ihlenfeld A, Ittermann B, Gallinat J, Koch C, Kuhn S. Altered cortical and subcortical connectivity due to infrasound administered near the hearing threshold - Evidence from fMRI. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 12;12(4):e0174420. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174420. eCollection 2017.
- Background: PubMed 26260309Weichenberger M, Kuhler R, Bauer M, Hensel J, Bruhl R, Ihlenfeld A, Ittermann B, Gallinat J, Koch C, Sander T, Kuhn S. Brief bursts of infrasound may improve cognitive function--an fMRI study. Hear Res. 2015 Oct;328:87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.08.001. Epub 2015 Aug 7.
- Background: PubMed 21876461Yoo SS, Kim H, Min BK, Franck E, Park S. Transcranial focused ultrasound to the thalamus alters anesthesia time in rats. Neuroreport. 2011 Oct 26;22(15):783-7. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32834b2957.
- Background: PubMed 26994804Baliatsas C, van Kamp I, van Poll R, Yzermans J. Health effects from low-frequency noise and infrasound in the general population: Is it time to listen? A systematic review of observational studies. Sci Total Environ. 2016 Jul 1;557-558:163-9. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.065. Epub 2016 Mar 17.
- BackgroundLeventhall, G., Pelmear, P., and Benton, S., 2003, A review of published research on low frequency noise and its effects: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Background: PubMed 23759188Smagowska B, Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska M. Effects of ultrasonic noise on the human body-a bibliographic review. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2013;19(2):195-202. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2013.11076978.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 33712644Ascone L, Kling C, Wieczorek J, Koch C, Kuhn S. A longitudinal, randomized experimental pilot study to investigate the effects of airborne ultrasound on human mental health, cognition, and brain structure. Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 12;11(1):5814. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83527-z.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Christian Koch, Dr. study chair
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig, Germany
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Infrasound (85 dB; 6Hz) source, Ultrasound (10dB below hearing threshold; 22.4 kHz) source and Infrasound dummy source in people with Brain Function and Ultrasound, run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf at 1 site in Germany.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 34 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jul 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in functional connectivity (functional Magnet Resonance Imaging; fMRI) (time frame: at baseline (day 0) and after exposure to infra-/ ultrasound (day 28+)). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03459183, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jul 2020.