Effects of binaural stimulation on the formation of health-promoting responses in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: The increasing relevance of metabolic syndrome, driven by its rapid spread and negative impact on key demographic and health indicators, necessitates the search for the most effective pathogenetic correction methods. A promising approach involves the use of restorative medicine technologies based on therapeutic physical factors. Of particular scientific and practical interest is binaural stimulation, which may modulate neurohumoral regulatory centers directly involved in nutrient and energy metabolism. AIM: To assess the efficacy of binaural stimulation in stress response modulation and adaptive processes in patients with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, controlled, comparative, and randomized trial was conducted involving 60 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (control, n=30) received standard acoustic exposure through headphones. Group 2 (main, n=30) underwent binaural stimulation, where different acoustic frequencies were delivered to the right and left ears. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating metabolic parameters, including glucose, total cholesterol, and its distribution among lipoproteins, as well as hormonal levels (insulin and cortisol), heart rate variability, and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, Schiff bases, catalase, and superoxide dismutase). RESULTS: A comparative assessment of the studied parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome and a healthy control group revealed the systemic nature of pathological reactions in metabolic syndrome, substantiating the potential of multimodal therapeutic approaches such as binaural stimulation. Binaural stimulation led to an increased activation of stress-limiting mechanisms, with significant effects observed by the end of the treatment course. Biochemical analysis demonstrated a significant activation of stress-limiting mechanisms, which reduced the severity of stress-response manifestations. Significant reductions in atherogenic index, blood glucose levels, and basal insulin secretion were observed, leading to a marked decrease in insulin resistance index. CONCLUSION: A course of binaural stimulation promotes a significant regression of key pathophysiological manifestations of metabolic syndrome, confirming its effectiveness in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with metabolic disorders. The pronounced health-promoting effect of binaural stimulation is combined with the absence of adverse reactions and the rapid achievement of positive outcomes. The method is also characterized by its non-invasiveness and technical simplicity.