Sensate

The Challenge

Sensate, named one of "Best Inventions of 2022" is a revolutionary vibrotactile wellness device designed to use infrasonic resonance paired with aural soundscapes to promote relaxation and calmness. Its unique design targets the vagus nerve to help regulate stress responses in the body. The challenge was to assess the extent to which Sensate influences the autonomic nervous system and brain activity, specifically whether it could tone the vagus nerve and induce measurable physiological changes.

The Study

The research was conducted at our Lisbon-based Research Lab with 40 participants, split into
two study groups: one composed of healthy individuals, and the other including those with
anxiety. The study followed a single-site, observational pilot design using an ABA approach,
where participants underwent baseline measurements, a 20-minute Sensate session, and post-
treatment assessments. The study aimed to measure key biomarkers, including heart rate,
respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, and brainwave activity, particularly theta waves in the
frontal lobe, which are associated with meditative states.

The Outcome

The results demonstrated that Sensate had a significant impact on both the peripheral and
central nervous systems:

1. Peripheral Nervous System: Sensate was shown to improve vagal nerve tone. In
   Study 1, 68% of participants experienced a drop in heart rate, with a mean reduction of
   4.91 bpm (6.8%), and statistical significance (p = 0.018) was achieved.
2. Central Nervous System: Sensate also induced meditative brainwave activity, with
   55% of participants showing increased theta waves in the frontal lobe. This shift, which
   improved executive functioning, had a mean increase of 2.47 mV (32.5%) with a p-value
   of 0.017.

These findings confirm that Sensate can positively affect both heart rate variability and brain
activity, providing evidence for its efficacy in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and
enhancing overall well-being.