Auditive beta stimulation as a countermeasure against driver fatigue

Moessinger, Michèle; Stürmer, Ralf; Mühlensiep, Markus · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245251

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Summary

This study investigates the efficacy of Acoustic Brain Entrainment (ABE) in the beta frequency range (12–20 Hz) as a countermeasure for driver fatigue, a major contributor to traffic accidents. The research was motivated by the need for effective, non-invasive interventions to combat vigilance decrements and microsleep during long or night-time driving. The authors hypothesized that frequency-modified music, specifically utilizing binaural or monaural beats to stimulate beta-range brain activity, could enhance alertness and performance. The experimental design involved 80 subjects (40 in day driving, 40 in night driving) who participated in a controlled motorway driving task. The protocol included a 60-minute laboratory preparation, a 90-minute day or 180-minute night driving session, a 20-minute ABE or placebo stimulation period, a 20-minute rest, and a final 60-minute driving segment. Outcomes were measured across three levels: subjective fatigue using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), physiological activity via continuous EEG recording (Fz, Cz, Pz, C3, C4), and performance using the Test Battery for Attention Testing (TAP). EEG data were analyzed in 10-minute windows to assess changes in beta and theta power. Results indicated that ABE significantly reduced subjective fatigue ratings compared to the placebo condition, with effects persisting for approximately 100 minutes post-stimulation. Physiologically, ABE led to a significant increase in EEG beta activity and a significant decrease in theta activity, both of which remained significant for 70–80 minutes after the stimulation ended. The reduction in theta activity was more pronounced during daytime driving. Behaviorally, participants in the ABE group demonstrated faster reaction times on the TAP compared to the placebo group during both day and night driving, with some of these performance benefits remaining significant up to 80 minutes after stimulation. No negative side effects were observed. The findings confirm that auditive beta stimulation positively influences subjective, physiological, and performance markers of alertness. The effects were generally more pronounced during daytime driving than at night. This study provides evidence that ABE is a viable, safe countermeasure for driver fatigue, potentially enhancing road safety by maintaining higher levels of cortical arousal and vigilance during extended driving periods.

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Topics

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• drowsiness detection algorithms
• drowsiness
• vigilance
• time on task
• truck driver fatigue
• music audio mood

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: physiological data
• Methodological Resource: tool software
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model