TY  - JOUR
AU  - Khaleghimoghaddam, Navid
AU  - Arzhangi, Sara
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/07/31
TI  - How Can Architectural Acoustics Reflect Levels of Stress and Relaxation in Indoor Environments? An EEG-Based Experimental Study
JO  - OBM Neurobiology
SP  - 294
VL  - 09
IS  - 03
AB  - The acoustic design of indoor environments encompassing spatial configuration, material properties, and sound absorption significantly influences auditory perception and psychological well-being. This study examines the interaction between architectural acoustics, musical stimuli, and neural responses within a controlled therapeutic context, focusing on their effects on stress reduction and relaxation. Electroencephalography (EEG) was utilized to measure brain activity in 24 participants exposed to six musical instruments (piano, violin, guitar, flute, tambourine, and cello) within a simulated environment with systematically varied reverberation and absorption conditions. The results demonstrated that melodic instruments, such as the piano and flute, notably enhanced alpha/α and theta/θ wave activity indicators of relaxation, particularly in spaces with optimized sound absorption. Conversely, percussive instruments, such as the tambourine, and fast rhythmic sequences increased beta/β wave activity, which is associated with heightened arousal and tension. Additionally, varying levels of reverberation and sound reflection further influenced perceptual and neural responses to music. These findings highlight the potential of integrating evidence-based acoustic design and music selection into therapeutic environments, such as hospitals and psychotherapy clinics, to alleviate stress and support patient recovery.
SN  - 2573-4407
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2503294
DO  - 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2503294
ID  - Khaleghimoghaddam2025
ER  -