The science

Evidence-based.
Not wellness-based.

Every design decision in MoodHack protocols is grounded in peer-reviewed research. Here is the foundation.

Frequency Following Response

The brain's tendency to synchronize neural oscillations with external rhythmic stimuli is well-documented in EEG research. Amplitude modulation produces stronger and more reliable entrainment than binaural beats.

Thut et al., 2011 · Frontiers in Psychology

The ISO Principle

Effective entrainment requires starting near the user's current state and guiding gradually to the target. Stimuli that are too far from the baseline frequency are rejected by the brain.

Goldstein, 1990 · Music Therapy

HRV as entrainment marker

Heart Rate Variability (RMSSD) reliably reflects autonomic nervous system state. Parasympathetic activation — produced by recovery protocols — increases RMSSD within a single session.

Lehrer et al., 2000 · Applied Psychophysiology

Conditioned neural response

Repeated entrainment sessions produce cortical plasticity changes. The brain learns to reach the target state faster — the mechanism behind the MoodHack level progression system.

NIH/PMC12503310 · 2024

Delta waves and deep sleep

Delta wave activity during NREM3 sleep stimulates growth hormone release, glymphatic clearance of metabolic waste, and memory consolidation. Acoustic stimulation can synchronize and deepen these waves.

Ngo et al., 2013 · Neuron

Cortisol and brainwave state

Chronic stress produces persistent Beta low-frequency dominance. Alpha entrainment (8-12 Hz) activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces cortisol reactivity over repeated sessions.

SMR protocol research · PMC6701350