Effects of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) on Visual Attention and Hand Function in Young Adults: A Pre-Post Experimental Study

Objectives: We investigated the effects of auditory autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) stimulation on visual attention and hand function. Although studies have examined ASMR’s affective outcomes, its functional effects on cognitive and motor domains remain underexplored. Methods: Fifteen university students participated in a single-group pretest-posttest experiment. ASMR stimulation (continuous firewood crackling sound, 60 dB) was provided through headphones. The Trail Making Test (TMT) assessed sustained and alternating attention visual attention. The Purdue Pegboard Test evaluated hand function (fine motor dexterity). Post-assessment was performed after 4 months to minimize practice effects. Results: Following ASMR stimulation, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed significantly improved cognitive and motor outcomes. TMT completion times decreased significantly, indicating enhanced visual attention and cognitive processing speed. The number of correctly placed pins (right and left hands) significantly increased on the Purdue Pegboard Test, reflecting improved fine motor coordination and precision. Conclusions: ASMR stimulation may enhance cognitive and motor functions through neurophysiological mechanisms, including increased theta and alpha activity, and holds potential applications in education and rehabilitation. However, the small sample size and lack of a control group limit generalizability, highlighting the need for future randomized controlled studies with diverse stimuli and variability considerations.