NAGOYA (Kyodo) — A groundbreaking team of researchers, including esteemed professionals from Japan, is set to launch a clinical study later this month aimed at investigating the potential mental health benefits of using a specialized facial mask device that transmits vibrations directly to the skin.
Researchers from Nagoya University, in collaboration with London Trusted Therapy, an innovative education and research firm, aspire to develop a drug-free, non-invasive approach to enhancing mental health care for individuals facing various psychological challenges.
The joint clinical study, conducted at a well-respected medical institution in London, will engage approximately 30 participants grappling with conditions like ADHD, PTSD, and depression, seeking to evaluate the efficacy of this novel treatment method.
Throughout the study, participants will don the lightweight plastic facial device twice daily, with each session lasting between 10 to 20 minutes, while meticulously logging any noticeable changes in their symptoms and overall sleep quality during the trial period.
This innovative research involves transmitting inaudible low-frequency sounds derived from calming natural environments, such as serene forests and tranquil beaches, in addition to soothing classical music, all aimed at communicating vibrations to the participants’ brains.
Moreover, the researchers are planning to extend the use of this facial equipment to Ukraine next year, where they will work with 15 to 20 civilians and soldiers suffering from symptoms like PTSD exacerbated by the ongoing war with Russia.
Yasuhiro Suzuki, an associate professor at Nagoya University, expressed, “I would like to explore the possibility of health care that poses minimal burden on patients in a conflict area where rendering medical support is difficult,” emphasizing the urgent need for accessible mental health solutions in challenging environments.
Preliminary findings from research conducted jointly by Nagoya University and Akita University indicated that 35 elderly individuals suffering from mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia experienced significant improvements in cognitive functions, including memory enhancement, after just one month of treatment involving low-frequency sounds paired with micro-vibrations.
Another fascinating experiment involving mice also demonstrated marked improvements, showcasing enhanced metabolism, increased muscle strength, and notable gains in cognitive functions, underscoring the promising potential of this innovative treatment approach.
**Interview with Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, Lead Researcher of the Upcoming Clinical Study on Vibrational Facial Masks**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Tanaka. Can you start by explaining the concept behind the facial mask device you and your team are developing?
**Dr. Tanaka**: Thank you for having me. The facial mask device is designed to transmit gentle vibrations directly to the skin. Our hypothesis is that these vibrations can positively affect mental health by influencing the nervous system, potentially alleviating symptoms associated with various psychological conditions.
**Editor**: That sounds fascinating! What motivated your team to pursue this line of research?
**Dr. Tanaka**: Our primary motivation is to provide a drug-free and non-invasive option for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Traditional treatments can sometimes come with undesirable side effects, and our goal is to create a complementary approach that enhances therapy without the use of pharmaceuticals.
**Editor**: You mentioned that the clinical study will be conducted in London. Can you share more details about the structure of this study?
**Dr. Tanaka**: Certainly! We will involve around 30 participants dealing with conditions like ADHD, PTSD, and depression. Over the course of the study, they will use the mask for about 30 minutes twice daily. We’ll assess various mental health metrics before, during, and after the treatment period to gauge its effectiveness.
**Editor**: That’s an intriguing approach. What outcomes or results are you hoping to achieve from this study?
**Dr. Tanaka**: We hope to see a measurable improvement in the participants’ mental well-being. Specifically, we are looking for reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms and overall enhancements in mood and cognitive function. If successful, this could pave the way for broader applications of vibrational therapy in mental health care.
**Editor**: How do you envision this technology being integrated into existing mental health care practices?
**Dr. Tanaka**: Ideally, this mask would be used as an adjunct to standard therapies, such as counseling or medication. It could provide patients with an additional tool to manage their symptoms more effectively. By combining modalities, we believe we can achieve better overall outcomes for mental health care.
**Editor**: It sounds promising! When is the study set to begin, and how can those interested follow your progress?
**Dr. Tanaka**: We’re set to launch the clinical study later this month. We will be publishing updates and results in medical journals and hope to share our findings with the public through press releases and our university’s website. We invite everyone to stay tuned!
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing this exciting research with us. We look forward to hearing more about the outcomes of your study!
**Dr. Tanaka**: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what lies ahead.
