'Lighter' Sounds Could Help Depressed Individuals With Exercise

It's hard to stay on top of your normal exercise routine. But could it be as simple as listening to something lighter? 

Recent findings conducted by researchers at the University College London have shown that to ‘hear yourself happy' could actually help change the noises that your body hears as it moves around.

According to Anna Tajadura-Jiminez at UCL's Hearing Body Project, she worked to create a pair of sandals linked to headphones that actually change each step to make it feel as if the individual is lighter than he or she actually is. In fact, volunteers actually claim that they feel slimmer, it helps loosen up their knees and legs and they feel happier, overall. 

Researchers are actively working to design the app that alters sounds and helps runners to train longer, as well as encourage depressed individuals step outside and get moving.

"We are finding that sound is affecting not just the perception of our body shape but our physical capabilities," said Ms Tajadura-Jiminez , via New Scientist. "Understand these sounds and we could change our feelings in a positive way."

Researchers started crafting this idea based around a recently discovered theory known as ‘predictive coding,' in which the brain constantly makes judgments based on the likelihood of something happening based on past experiences.

"If the sensory feedback you get is not what you were expecting you update your predictions," added Tajadura-Jiminez, via The Telegraph. 

Researchers said they hope that this or a similar app could even help people with body dysmorphia.

All participants were required to wear the UCL sandals throughout the study period. They were then asked to rate their body shape against a number of differently sized avatar, and consistently picked a slimmer avatar after wearing the shoes.