Comparative Efficacy of Combined Versus Singular Auditory Alpha-Theta Brainwave Entrainment and Hypnotherapy Modalities in Chronic Pain Management

This experimental quantitative research, a randomized controlled trial, evaluated combined efficacy of auditory alpha-theta brainwave entrainment (BWE) and hypnotherapy in chronic pain management versus each modality alone. Chronic pain is a serious clinical challenge that may benefit from novel, nonpharmacological interventions. Previous studies have demonstrated benefits of both BWE and hypnotherapy for pain; but research on combined effects was not identified. This study hypothesized that a synergistic approach would offer superior pain relief compared to singular modalities. The study utilized a randomized controlled trial design with a sample size of 38 participants, initially, aged 25 to 65 years old, recruited through pain support groups across the United States referred by clinics, clinicians, and patients. Participants underwent screening to ensure eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-four participants engaged in three 22-minute sessions per week, utilizing audio sessions delivered through headphones or earbuds, for 8 weeks. Data collection involved pre-study, post-session, weekly, and end-of-study surveys consisting of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Euro (Qol- 5D-5L), to assess pain levels and quality of life, respectively. Data analysis encompassed descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations between covariates, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. Implications for positive social change include refining treatment protocols for adjunct or alternative pain management strategies, reducing opioid reliance, promoting wider use of multimodal approaches to pain control, and improving chronic pain outcomes. This research may inform clinical practice and lay groundwork for integrative pain management approaches.