Physiological Entrainment: A Key Mind–Body Mechanism for Cognitive, Motor and Affective Functioning, and Well-Being
Brain Sciences January 24, 2025 Marco Barbaresi, Davide Nardo, Sabrina Fagioli
The human sensorimotor system naturally synchronizes with environmental rhythms like light pulses or sound beats, a phenomenon called the 'entrainment effect.' This review examines how entrainment impacts physiological rhythms, including brain activity, heart rate, and motor coordination, and its role in cognitive, motor, and affective functioning. Evidence shows measurable effects on neural oscillations, heart rate variability, and motor synchronization, which can influence cognitive processing, emotional states, and motor coordination. The authors propose defining 'physiological entrainment' as a fundamental mechanism underlying the mind–body connection, suggesting entrainment-based interventions could enhance well-being and offer rehabilitative approaches for mental health.