Cortical Activation Changes Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): Initial Case Report

Abstract

The Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a unique phenomenon to provoke a sense of relaxation that has been proposed for a few years. This phenomenon suggests acoustic-visual stimuli for cultivating a peaceful environment for the mind as well as a tingling sensation. Some studies suggest that this phenomenon is comparable with mindfulness; surprisingly, published articles in this regard are growing increasingly to examine how it happens scientifically. Some studies have been done on neuroimaging techniques, including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), biological methods such as heart rate and skin conductance, and questionnaires to assess the impact of ASMR videos. In this paper, we intend to determine the effect of ASMR videos on EEG signals. The FFT absolute power analysis (Pre versus Post ASMR) revealed a declined delta band power generally. On the other hand, there are no significant changes in theta band power. The central region demonstrated a rise in alpha band power as well as a slight decrease in the occipital region. Moreover, such an increase was evident in post-ASMR in the beta1 (Sensorimotor wave (12-15 Hz)) band frequency, generally, especially in the frontal region. Besides, Gamma 1 has been increased in the central region, and Gamma 2 has also be increased in frontoparietal regions in both hemispheres. These results indicate the cognitive process as well as sensorimotor, tingling sensations features of ASMR.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): A PRISMA-guided systematic review.

“…K. Fredborg et al, 2021; M. Lee et al, 2019; Paszkiel et al, 2020; Pedrini et al, 2021; Seifzadeh et al, 2021; Swart, Banissy, et al, 2022; Tian et al, 2020) and fMRI studies (seven studies, S. Lee et al, 2020; Lochte et al, 2018; Sakurai et al, 2021; S.…”

“…Lee et al, 2019; Paszkiel et al, 2020; Pedrini et al, 2021; Seifzadeh et al, 2021; Swart, Banissy, et al, 2022; Tian et al, 2020). The previously mentioned studies by Tian et al (2020) and Seifzadeh et al (2021) involving very small sample sizes reveal a significant α increase post-ASMR versus resting state (Seifzadeh et al, 2021, especially in the central region). However, Seifzadeh et al (2021) also report an α band power decrease in the occipital region.…”

“…K. Fredborg et al, 2021; M. Lee et al, 2019; Pedrini et al, 2021; Seifzadeh et al, 2021; Swart, Banissy, et al, 2022; Tian et al, 2020), most studies—three studies with sample sizes between n = 15 and n = 28 (B. K. Fredborg et al, 2021; M.…”

Reduction of psychological cravings and anxiety in women compulsorily isolated for detoxification using autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

“…Although it was statistically shown that ASMR effectively reduced the state anxiety of the participants, considering the subjectivity of the “questionnaire report,” the practice effect of the design before and after the test, as well as the influence of psychological comfort and other factors, the significant effect may be exaggerated. In general, ASMR is a unique form of relaxation that uses auditory and visual stimuli to bring about a calm state of mind and tingling sensations, like mindfulness (Seifzadeh et al., 2021 ). Some studies have shown that ASMR has the same characteristic factors as mindfulness training (Fredborg et al, 2018 ).…”

ASMR as Idiosyncratic Experience: Experimental Evidence

“…This did not seem to occur in control participants. Seifzadeh et al [14] examined the variations in EEG frequency bands in pre-ASMR versus post-ASMR [14]. Finally, Koo et al [15] found that arousal was a key feature of ASMR [15].…”