Effectiveness of Natural Frequency Technology(®) on cognition, sleep, and mood of adults with high perceived stress: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study

INTRODUCTION: NexQuest Natural Frequency Technology(®) (NFT(®)), intended to enhance biological function using naturally occurring frequencies, may be a nonpharmacological intervention to improve stress and health. The study purpose was to determine the effectiveness of NFT(®) for improving stress, sleep quality, mood, and cognition in adults. METHODS: Using a double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover design, participants with high perceived stress (N = 42, M age = 43.8) were assessed at baseline (BL) and assigned to either the Placebo Watch (PW) or Wellness Watch (WW) condition for 2 weeks, and then 2 weeks in the alternate condition. Participants completed the following self‐report surveys of Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Food Craving Questionnaire, and Profile of Mood States, as well as the CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive test at BL and following each condition. RESULTS: The WW condition had significant improvements in sleep duration and Complex Attention compared to the PW group. Compared to BL, both conditions had significant improvements for perceived stress, food cravings, mood, sleep quality, and several cognitive tests, p's < .05. CONCLUSION: Despite the placebo effect, NFT(®) may be a natural alterative for improving stress and health. Research is needed examining the efficacy of NFT(®) in a variety of populations and environments.