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Success case:
Natura Bissé
In this research study, we could successfully predict whether volunteers underwent a spa treatment involving touch and skin products or experienced a control condition by just assessing their post-session brain activity. This achievement represented a significant milestone in validating our brain-based markers for capturing states of pleasure, relaxation, and well-being.
Objectives
Natura Bissé, a company specializing in skincare product development, aimed to initiate a blind randomized, placebo-controlled study involving a cohort of healthy volunteers. The objective was to investigate the impact of their products on well-being levels when applied during a spa treatment. 30 volunteers completed questionnaires both before and after the treatment and a control session. Stress levels were assessed through salivary cortisol tests, and brain activity (EEG) was measured before and after the sessions. They enlisted the services of Starlab to assist in designing the study, acquiring and analyzing EEG data throughout the research, and providing support in the composition of the scientific article.
Starlab's role: EEG analysis. We co-developed a protocol for this study, behavioral and electrophysiological data (EEG and ECG) were acquired by Starlab's staff. Data analysis delivered different biomarkers based on:
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Valence: defined in the pleasure-displeasure continuum as being more or less positive (Barrett et al., 1999). It is calculated as result of Starlab's internal work based in the representation of emotions in a 2D space of valence and arousal (Russell et al., 1980; Frantzidis et al., 2010).
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Arousal: refers to the general level of alertness and wakefulness of a person. It is calculated as result of Starlab's internal work based in the representation of emotions in a 2D space of valence and arousal (Russell et al., 1980; Frantzidis et al., 2010). .
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Well-Being: defined as a state of happiness and contentment, with low levels of distress, overall good physical and mental health and outlook, or good quality of life (APA Dictionary of Psychology). It is calculated as result of Starlab's internal work based in the representation of emotions in a 2D space of valence and arousal (Russell et al., 1980; Frantzidis et al., 2010).
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Spectral Analysis: Examining alterations in spectral power activity induced by the treatments in various brain regions to investigate their effects.
