Vibroacoustic Research

Reports and Summaries

Full Study Reports

Published Journal Article, IEE Engineering In Medicine and Biology, March/April 1999 by Dr. George Patrick

Presented at: First International Institute on Arts in Healing, May 16-17, 2003, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boynton Beach, FL.

by Chris Boyd-Brewer, MA. FAMI Published in: Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Vol 9, No 5, October 2003

Research Summaries

Summaries are cross-referenced. Other sources of research can be found at under Music Research Links.

Research Summary Topic Headings





















-Alzheimers-

The Preference for Vibrotactile Versus Auditory Stimuli in Severely Regressed Persons with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type compared with Dementia Due to Ethanol Abuse

Source: Music Therapy Perspectives, 1993, 11:24-7
Authors: Clair A, Bernstein B
Location: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Topeka, Kansas
Date: 1993
Contact Information: Alicia Ann Clair, Ph.D RMT-BC, Director of Music Therapy
Department of Art, Music Education and Music Therapy
311 Baily Hall, The University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas 66045


Barry Bernstein, RMT-BC, Clinical Music Therapist
Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Affairs Medical Center
2200 Gage Boulevard
Topeka, Kansas 66622


This study looked at the responses of nine patients with dementia to three different musical experiences 1) music experienced vibrotactily via a Somatron, 2) the same music experienced free field via a tape player, and 3) periods of no music. All of the participants were shown how to choose between the three modalities (Somatron, free-field music, no music) by moving their arm which would then activate a switch on their wrist. The authors found that patients did not appear to make consistent purposeful choices during the study. No differences were noted between the responses of participants whose dementia was associated with Alzheimers and participants whose dementia was associated with Ethanol abuse. The authors felt the results were inconclusive and suggested the changes in routine and the unfamiliar environment created by participating in the study as possible reasons for the inconclusive findings.



-Arthritis-

The Effects of Music and Music Vibration using the MVT on the Relief of Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International 53(8): 27258 (University Microfilm No. AAC9300593)
Author: Chesky K S
Location: University of North Texas, Internal Medicine Department
Date: 1992
Contact: Dr. Kris Chesky



A study to explore the effects of music vibration on rheumatoid arthritis pain provided vibroacoustic therapy to 27 patients. Subjects were randomized into music vibration, music alone, and placebo groups. A Music Vibration Table (MVT) was used for 30-minute sessions. All music selections experienced in the study were the same. Using a Visual Analogue Scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire, pain intensity, pain relief and changes in pain were measured. Results indicated that the music vibration group experienced greater reduction of perceived pain than the other two groups.



-Autism-

Use of the Somatron with Seventeen Students of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit's Autistic Program

Source: Unpublished paper
Author: Sanders L
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit Autistic Program
Contact Information: Linda L. Sanders, RMT-BC
Autistic Program/Exceptional Children's Program
21 Moffett Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This paper provides a summary of observations during a six week period of using a Somatron chair with twenty students enrolled a special education program for autistic children. Each student was provided with a 5-15 minute Somatron session and was observed both before and after the session by staff members at the school. Staff recorded whether or not each child was attending to a task, completed a task, gave eye contact to the teacher, remained in their seat, and refrained from participating in self-stimulatory behavior. When a child was successful in one of the areas being observed, it was recorded as a "positive factor" (+). When a child was unsuccessful in one of the areas being observed, it was recorded as a "negative factor" (-). The total number of positive and negative factors observed both before and after each of the Somatron sessions were calculated. Overall, it was found that the number of positive factors observed increased, and the number of negative factors decreased after the use of the Somatron.



-Cancer Care-

Feasibility of Physioacoustic Therapy in Cancer Care

Source: SBIR Final Report for Grant # 1 R43 CA 75899 01 A1
Authors: Burke M, Szuch, C L
Location: Triangle Hospice (Raleigh-Durham, NC), Solace House (Asheville, NC) and Hospice Home (Burlington, NC)
Date: 1999
Contact Information: Martha A. Burke, MS MT-BC, Catherine L. W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
Center for Music Therapy Research


The effectiveness of physioacoustic therapy for reducing pain intensity, discomfort and pain medication intake in Hospice patients was evaluated in this study. A physioacoustic mattress was used and evaluation of this equipment was an additional focus of this study. Analysis of data was completed with 25 subjects in residential Hospice programs. Use of pain medications, anti-anxiety medications and anti-emetics were documented to measure medication intake. Pain intensity was measured on a Visual Number Rating Scale and the Rhodes Index of Nausea was employed to evaluate any potential negative side effects of low-frequency vibration. Amount of time spent in physioacoustic treatment was monitored with a usage clock counter. Comments about the equipment and physioacoustic experience were recorded from patients, family and staff members. Other measures taken included blood pressure, pulse and degree of skin disruption.

The results of this study indicated that the physioacoustic therapy resulted in the use of fewer pain-relieving medications and that this group was able to maintain a consistently lower level of pain intensity. Patient and family response to the experience was favorable. Patients in the experimental group also experienced fewer skin problems.



Effectiveness of Vibroacoustic Music for Pain and Symptom Management in Outpatient Chemotherapy Treatment

Source: Unpublished Article
Authors: Brewer C B, Coope, V
Location: Ella Milbanks Foshay Cancer Center, Jupiter Medical Center
Jupiter, Florida
Date: 2000
Contact Information: Chris Brewer, FAMI, MA

336-207-7505

The study was conducted at the outpatient chemotherapy unit of Ella Milbanks Foshay Cancer Center, a department of Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida. The study sought to replicate research conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrating a 53.4% overall reduction of patient-reported pain and symptoms using vibroacoustic music as an intervention. The study was also designed to explore the effectiveness of vibroacoustic pain management specifically in chemotherapy treatment and to determine if vibroacoustic sessions could be effectively facilitated by nursing staff in a hospital setting.

Volunteer chemotherapy patients and cancer survivors were provided with vibroacoustic music sessions. Patients represented a convenience sample with various cancer diagnoses. Two patient self-report instruments were provided by the NIH: patient tension/relaxation state was measured using the Poppen "Self-Report Rating Scale for Tension and Relaxation" and a visual-analog-scale was used to measure effects upon pain and symptoms as self-reported by patients. Patient self-reports were given pre- and post-session. A BETAR vibroacoustic table was used playing the TheraSound Balance recording. One-hour vibroacoustic sessions included a brief introduction, a 30- to 40-minute music session and a 5- to 10-minute debriefing.

An aggregation of all symptom data determined a 64% cumulative reduction of symptom intensity for all symptoms reported. Results of 41 sessions revealed a 61% to 74% decrease of pain and symptoms in chemotherapy patients. It is possible to make conjecture that the use of vibroacoustic music is indeed, effective for pain and symptom management in chemotherapy hospital settings using hospital nursing staff.

See the full study report in our Research section.



-Developmentally Disabled-

The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimulation, Instrumentation, and Precomposed Melodies on Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Profoundly Retarded Children and Adults

Source: Published Journal Article
Journal of Music Therapy, XXXIX (3), 1994, p. 186-205
Author: Pujol, K
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Date: 1994
Contact Information: Ms. Kelley Kruse Pujol
212 Standifer Avenue
Ruston, LA 71270

The aim of this research study was to look at vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron, different musical instruments and pre-composed melodies on physiological and behavioral responses of profoundly retarded children and adults. Fifteen individuals between the ages of six and forty-six participated in the study. The researchers looked at the respiration, pulse rate, eye movements, facial expressions, vocalizations, and motor movement for each participant.

Deep inhalations were found to increase when music of any form (vibrotactile and auditory) was used with the individuals. This finding was reported to be statistically significant. When compared to the use of bells, using the flute (played in a major key) resulted in a statistically significant increase in vocalizations. However, with regard to vocalizations, a major flute melody experienced in an auditory manner was more successful than the same music experienced via the Somatron. The researchers also found that, the first melody in a series of melodies that were presented to the participants evoked the greatest number of vocalizations when compared to subsequent melodies. The author identified a possible "critical period" where the differences between the presentation of music via the Somatron and music presented aurally were most noticeable.



-Fibromyalgia-

Fibromyalgia tender point pain: A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of music vibration using the Music Vibration Table

Source: Published Journal Article
Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 1997;5(3):33-52.
Authors: Chesky K, Russell I, Lopez Y, Kondraske G
Date: 1997
Location: University of North Texas
Contact: Dr. Kris Chesky


This study explored the use of music and musically-fluctuating vibration for tender-point pain management in patients with fibromyalgia. Thirteen subjects received 30-minute vibroacoustic sessions using the Music Vibration Table. An equal number of subjects were observed in a control group. No significant difference was found in pain levels between the two groups although patients in the experimental group were able to tolerate a greater amount of pressure on tender joints.



-Geriatric Populations-

Music and Music Vibrations Plus Relaxation/Imagery for Pain Relief with Independent Elderly

Source: MAI 34/05, p. 1947, Oct 1996, 46 pages
Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy (0382); Gerontology (0351); Music (0413)
Publication Number: AAT 1379436
Author: Kelley, Byron James, MA
Location: TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
Date: 1996

This study's purpose was to determine the effects of a music therapy treatment protocol including music listening, music vibration (using the Music Vibration Table), and a dynamic relaxation imagery protocol (DRIP), incorporating a combination of progressive muscle relaxation and imagery. Volunteer retirement village resident subjects (N = 32) were recruited, and randomly divided into two groups; placebo--receiving a 20 Hz. sinus tone, and experimental--receiving the DRIP treatment. Pre and post McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measured subjects' pain and anxiety levels. Ten centimeter Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were used to measure amount of pain prior to, and amount of pain relief after session. According to the MPQ and VAS subjects in both groups exhibited very little pain at the pre-session measurement. A t-test revealed significant change for both groups' pre to post scores on both the MPQ and STAI.



-Headache-

The Effect of Somatron and Music on Headache

Source: Unpublished research paper
Location: Mr. & Mrs. Albert Sims Music Therapy Laboratory
Phillips University
Enid, Oklahoma
Contact Information: Dr. Juanita McElwain, RMT-BC
Phillips University
Enid, Oklahoma

This paper presents a study that looked at the effects of vibrotactile stimulation, via a Somatron, on headaches. Twenty-five volunteers that were experiencing a headache (stress, migraine, sinus, allergy and "other") participated in thirty minute sessions of vibrotactile stimulation using a Somatron recliner. Twenty-three of the twenty-five volunteers reported that their headaches had been eliminated at the end of their thirty minute session. This finding was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001).



-Hearing Impaired-

for section for information about Hearing Impaired by Gordon Dalgarno.

The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimuli via the Somatron on the Identification of Rhythmic Concepts by Hearing Impaired Children

Source: Published Journal Article
Journal of Music Therapy
Fall 1989, XXVI (3), pgs. 115-124
Authors: Darrow A, Goll, H
Location: Kansas School for the Deaf, Olathe, Kansas
Date: 1989
Contact Information: Alice-Ann Darrow, PhD, RMT-BC
Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy,
The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Harald Goll, M.Ed., MME J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt / Main, West Germany

This research study was carried out to see whether or not vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron could help hearing-impaired children identify changes in rhythm. Twenty-nine hearing-impaired children participated in the research being presented with ten different rhythmic patterns both via a Somatron and aurally via a tape player. When the different patterns were experienced via the Somatron, the children were able to correctly identify a higher number of changes in rhythm than they were when the patterns were presented aurally. This finding was statistically significant (p<0.01). The author states that "hearing impaired children can benefit greatly from additional sensory input provided by vibrotactile stimuli" and that "learning can occur at a faster rate and in a more relaxed manner."

The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimuli via the Somatron on the Identification of Pitch Change by Hearing Impaired Children

Source: Published Journal Article
Journal of Music Therapy, XXIX (2), pgs.103-112
Authors: Darrow A, Harald G
Location: Kansas School for the Deaf, Olathe, Kansas
Date: 1989
Contact Information: Alice-Ann Darrow, PhD, RMT-BC
Associate Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy,
The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Harald Goll, M.Ed., MME
J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt / Main, West Germany

This research study was carried out to see whether or not vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron could help children with a hearing-impairment to identify changes in musical pitches. Seventeen children with hearing impairments participated in the research being presented with ten patterns of changing musical pitches both via a Somatron and aurally via a tape player. Of the seventeen children, ten were better able to identify changes in pitch when the pitches were presented via the Somatron. It appeared that "feeling" the pitches on the Somatron enhanced the children's ability to distinguish between different musical notes. These findings were generally consistent regardless of the direction that the pitches changed. The researchers and teachers involved in carrying out the project reported that they observed positive responses in the children during the time that they were using the Somatron.



-Mood-

Music and its Effects on Mood

Source: Unpublished research completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for BA Program
Wheaton College, Norton, MA.
Author: Walters, C L
Location: Center for Music Research
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Date: 1993
Contact Information: Catherine L.W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
Research conducted under the name of Catherine L. Walters
919-479-3292

This study looked at the mood of 29 college students before and after they experienced one of three current popular songs vibrotactily via Somatron viboacoustic equipment: 1) "Vibeology" by Paula Abdul, 2) "So Hard to Say Goodbye" by Boys 2 Men, and 3) "Songbird" by Kenny G. Readings of the student's finger temperatures were taken throughout their experience as a measure of stress levels. Overall finger temperature was found to increase during the vibrotactile experience. Increases in finger temperature have been reported to be a physiological indicator of reduced levels of stress. The increase in finger temperature was found to be statistically significant for each of the three songs used (p<0.05) suggesting that these particular musical selections were found to be relaxing by college students when experienced using Somatron equipment.



-Muscle Tension-

The Effect of VA Therapy on Multiply Handicapped Adults with High Muscle Tone and Spasticity

Source: Music Vibration, MMB Music, Inc. 1997, ed by Tony Wigram and Cheryl Dileo
Author: Wigram T
Location: England
Date: Published 1997
Contact Information: Tony Wigram, Phd, LGSM, RMT, RMTh
AALBORG UNIVERSITET
Institut 10, Kroghstræde 6
9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
Tel: +45 9635 9101

Ten cerebral palsy patients with spastic disorders participated in this study. The experimental conditions included a treatment program of 30 minutes of physioacoustic treatment using recorded sedative music with a pulsed 44 Hz low-frequency sinusoidal tone and the same music conditions using the vibroacoustic equipment with no sinusoidal tone. Each subject participated in six trials of both condition, randomly ordered. The study time length for each patient was six weeks. Changes in range of movement were used for evaluation, measuring spinal mobility as well as limb flexion and extension using a centimetre ruler before and after each trial. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured.

Study results showed that greater reduction in muscle tone and improved range of movement was achieved with the music and sinusoidal tone condition than occurred with the music alone condition. Measurements showed substantial improvements in areas of the arms typically inhibited by flexor-spasms. There were variations between individuals in the study in terms of body areas most affected by the vibrations. Previous research revealed range of movement improvement with music alone and the author found it encouraging that the addition of specific low-frequency tones could increase this improvement with six 30-minute sessions.

Music and Relaxation Techniques: A Combined Approach to Reduce Muscle Tension Level

Source: Unpublished research paper completed during a degree program at the University of Miami
Author: Serra J
Location: University of Miami Miami, Florida Date: September, 1986 Contact: Jose Hernan Serra

Twelve college students participated in this research project which looked at the success of the Somatron in reducing muscle tension. All students received a relaxation session using a Somatron. One group of students were presented with a selected piece of "soothing music", a second group of students were presented with a pre-recorded muscle relaxation program, and the remaining group of students were presented with the pre-recorded relaxation program and soothing music at the same time. Electromyographic equipment (EMG) was used to measure the muscle tension of the students.

The researcher found that the students using the soothing music with the Somatron had a tendency for increased muscle tension whereas the students using the pre-recorded relaxation program with the Somatron and those using the relaxation program and soothing music together with the Somatron had a tendency for reduced muscle tension. The results were not found to be statistically significant and in fact were reported to be somewhat contradictory to verbal reports provided by the students. The students that used the soothing music with the Somatron reported that they felt a good degree of relaxation, despite the fact that their muscle tension was found to increase. Similarly, the students using the pre-recorded relaxation program with the Somatron felt that the program itself caused them to experience an increase in tension, despite the fact that their muscle tension was found to be reduced. The researcher suggested the small number of students involved in the study and the lack of adequate control over noisy distractions and other interruptions during the study as possible suggestions for the discrepancies that were found.



-Pain and Symptom Management-

The Effects of Vibroacoustic Music on Symptom Reduction: Inducing the Relaxation Response through Good Vibrations

Source: Published Journal Article
IEE Engineering In Medicine and Biology, March/April 1999
Author: Patrick, G
Location: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland
Date: 1999
Contact Information: George Patrick, PhD
Director of Recreation Therapy, Clinical Medical Center
National Institutes of Health


A program evaluation explored the use of Somatron vibroacoustic recliners with anxiolytic music as a tool for inducing relaxation and reducing patient perception of pain and symptom intensity. Data was gathered from 272 adult patients in a major research hospital. This study reports a program evaluation and as such, no effort was made to develop a meaningful control group. The results revealed a reduction of pain and other symptoms between 49% and 59%.

The study subjects represented a convenience sample with varying diagnoses; cancer (97); heart, lung, and blood disorders (55); infectious disease (54); mood disorders (32); and miscellaneous conditions (34). Patients were given the opportunity to use the Somatron vibroacoustic recliner for a 45-minute vibroacoustic session that included a 10-minute introduction to the process with a short guided relaxation exercise and 10 minutes of debriefing. Using the TheraSound Balance recording, patients experienced Somatron vibroacoustics for approximately 25 minutes. Pre and post self-evaluations were given using two measurement tools, the Poppen Self-Report Rating Scale for Tension and Relaxation and an anchored Visual Analog Scale used for recording intensity of symptoms. Up to three symptoms were requested from patients. The most frequently identified symptoms were tension-anxiety, pain fatigue, nausea, headache, and depression, which comprised 92% of the symptoms mentioned.

The Bartlett's test of fit allowed for an estimation of effective improvement of 33.4% in state of relaxation. A one-sample t-test (pre-post) was performed and all the results were statistically significant at P<.0001. The chart below shows pain and other symptom reduction percentages from this study.

Symptom Change from a Single Vibroacoustic Session at the National Institutes of Health

% Reduction

Symptom

Number of Patients

54.00

Tension

74

47.36

Fatigue

60

53.33

Pain

46

57.54

Headache

24

49.45

Depression

18

56.27

Nausea

16

56.27

Other

29


The NIH Clinical Medical Center continues to use six Somatron vibroacoustic recliners in their specially-designed relaxation room. This program has been in continuous use since before the pilot program began and results continue to be consistent with the initial findings. The program is facilitated by recreation therapists under the guidance of Dr. George Patrick, Chief of recreation therapy in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department.

See the full study report in our Research section.

Effectiveness of Vibroacoustic Music for Pain and Symptom Management in Outpatient Chemotherapy Treatment

Source: Unpublished Article
Authors: Brewer C B, Coope V
Location: Ella Milbanks Foshay Cancer Center, Jupiter Medical Center
Jupiter, Florida
Date: 2000
Contact Information: Chris Brewer, FAMI, MA

336-207-7505

The study was conducted at the outpatient chemotherapy unit of Ella Milbanks Foshay Cancer Center, a department of Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida. The study sought to replicate research conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrating a 53.4% overall reduction of patient-reported pain and symptoms using vibroacoustic music as an intervention. The study was also designed to explore the effectiveness of vibroacoustic pain management specifically in chemotherapy treatment and to determine if vibroacoustic sessions could be effectively facilitated by nursing staff in a hospital setting.

Volunteer chemotherapy patients and cancer survivors were provided with vibroacoustic music sessions. Patients represented a convenience sample with various cancer diagnoses. Two patient self-report instruments were provided by the NIH: patient tension/relaxation state was measured using the Poppen "Self-Report Rating Scale for Tension and Relaxation" and a visual-analog-scale was used to measure effects upon pain and symptoms as self-reported by patients. Patient self-reports were given pre- and post-session. A BETAR vibroacoustic table was used playing the TheraSound Balance recording. One-hour vibroacoustic sessions included a brief introduction, a 30- to 40-minute music session and a 5- to 10-minute debriefing.

An aggregation of all symptom data determined a 64% cumulative reduction of symptom intensity for all symptoms reported. Results of 41 sessions revealed a 61% to 74% decrease of pain and symptoms in chemotherapy patients. It is possible to make conjecture that the use of vibroacoustic music is indeed, effective for pain and symptom management in chemotherapy hospital settings using hospital nursing staff.

See the full study report in our Research section.

Music and Music Vibrations Plus Relaxation/Imagery for Pain Relief with Independent Elderly

Source: MAI 34/05, p. 1947, Oct 1996, 46 pages
Subject: Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy (0382); Gerontology (0351); Music (0413)
Publication Number: AAT 1379436
Author: Kelley, Byron James, MA
Location: TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY
Date: 1996

This study's purpose was to determine the effects of a music therapy treatment protocol including music listening, music vibration (using the Music Vibration Table), and a dynamic relaxation imagery protocol (DRIP), incorporating a combination of progressive muscle relaxation and imagery. Volunteer retirement village resident subjects (N = 32) were recruited, and randomly divided into two groups; placebo--receiving a 20 Hz. sinus tone, and experimental--receiving the DRIP treatment. Pre and post McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measured subjects' pain and anxiety levels. Ten centimeter Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were used to measure amount of pain prior to, and amount of pain relief after session. According to the MPQ and VAS subjects in both groups exhibited very little pain at the pre-session measurement. A t-test revealed significant change for both groups' pre to post scores on both the MPQ and STAI.

The Effects of Vibrotactile Stimulation via the Somatron, on the Relaxation, Tension, Pain and Mood Levels of Chronic Pain Patients

Source: Unpublished research paper
Author: Walters, C
Location: Capital Medical Rehabilitation Hospital
Under the supervision of Dr. Jayne Standley
Department of Music Therapy
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Date: 1993
Contact Information: Catherine L.W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
(Formally Catherine L. Walters)
919-473-3292

This research consisted of a pilot investigation carried out with four adult, male, chronic pain patients. Each patient received twenty-minute sessions of vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron table using music that reflected their individual musical tastes. Patients rated their levels of pain on a 0-7 scale (0=no pain, 7= extreme pain) both before and after their session(s) with the Somatron. Generally, the patients did appear to gain some pain relief reporting slightly lower pain ratings at the end of their session(s) than they did before their session(s) started. The findings were not statistically significant, however, as the number of patients that participated was small.



-Parkinson's Disease-

The Use of Vibroacoustics in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Source: T Wigram, C Dileo (eds.) Music Vibration and Health. Cherry Hill, NJ: Jeffrey Books 1997:99-106.
Authors: Patxi del Camp San Vincente, Inaki Fernandez e Manchola, Esperanza Torres Serna
Location: Txagorritxu Hospital, Osakidetza of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

The effect of vibroacoustic stimulation with a 40 Hz sinusoidal tone upon the symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease was explored in this single-blind, randomized study. Sixty Parkinson's patients between the ages of 40 and 75 years with Stage II and III (Hoehn Yahr scale) participated. The experimental group received vibroacoustic therapy using music and a pulsed, sinusoidal 40 Hz tone through a physioacoustic mattress. Speakers were arranged in the mattress to stimulate the feet, calves, pelvis and back. The control group used the same bed and experienced music vibrations through the bed but with no sinusoidal tone. Subjects received 25 sessions each. Progress was monitored five times over nine months using the Scale of Daily Activities and the Exploration of Motor Aspects as well as the Subjective Assessment Global Scale.

The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups therefore not indicating increased benefit of the vibroacoustic use of a 40 Hz tone with music over vibroacoustic use of music alone. There was general improvement, however, noted in the use of vibroacoustic therapy in both groups. Consistent with previous research with vibroacoustic therapy, patients improved in motor abilities and daily living activities, specifically writing skills and language capacity.

Additional research using a control group of auditory-only music or no music would be beneficial in determining benefits from vibroacoustic therapy. Research that explored alternative frequencies could reveal benefits for patients with Parkinson's Disease to specific low-frequency physioacoustics.



-Physiologic Responses-

The Effect of Vibrotactile and Auditory Stimuli on Perception of Comfort, Heart Rate, and Peripheral Finger Temperature

Source: Journal of Music Therapy, XXVIII (3), 1991, p.120-134
Author: Standley J
Location: Florida State University
School of Music
Tallahassee, FL
Date: 1991
Contact Information: Dr. Jayne M. Standley
Department of Music Therapy
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

This study compared how music and the sound of a dentist's drill were experienced by college students when presented by either a tape player or Somatron vibroacoustic equipment. One hundred and thirty college students participated in this study.

The author found that, regardless of the type of sound, vibrotactile stimulation appeared to "blunt perception" and students reported that both their comfort and discomfort levels were reduced. When the sounds were experienced via the Somatron, students' temperature was more likely to increase which, when measured via the finger, has been shown to indicate improved relaxation. The increases in temperature were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Students using the Somatron appeared to be more likely to have a decrease in their heart rate following the first sound that was presented (regardless of whether it was the music or the sound of the dental drill) and then an increase when the second sound was presented. This was the reverse case for the students that heard the sounds via a tape player. Those students who used the Somatron reported that they generally liked the experience regardless of whether the dental drill or the music were presented, in fact the sound of the dental drill was preferred more when experienced this way. Males were found to prefer their experiences with the Somatron more so than females.

The Measurement of Mood and Physiological Responses to Vibroacoustic Therapy in Non-Clinical Subjects

Source: Music Vibration, MMB Music, Inc. 1997, ed by Tony Wigram and Cheryl Dileo
Author: Wigram T
Location: England
Date: Published 1997
Contact Information: Tony Wigram, Phd, LGSM, RMT, RMTh
AALBORG UNIVERSITET
Institut 10, Kroghstræde 6
9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
Tel: +45 9635 9101

Vibroacoustic music has been noted to have relaxing effects and this study sought to compare VA therapy with physical rest. Arousal levels, hedonic tone, blood pressure and heart rate were measured over a 30-minute vibroacoustic sessions. Relaxing music with a pulsed 40 Hz sinusoidal tone was played through a vibroacoustic bed in one study group. Group 2 had the same environmental conditions but no sinusoidal tone and the control group rested on the same vibroacoustic bed but had no music or tone. Subjects were given the UWIST Mood Adjective Check List (UWIST-MACL) to measure general arousal, energetic arousal, tension arousal and hedonic tone. Sixty subjects participated, receiving one session. All subjects were hospital staff members from mixed professional backgrounds: nurses, social workers, therapists, administration and maintenance staff.

The experiment demonstrated significant reductions in arousal levels in the subjects who had VA therapy, compared with subjects in the music alone group, and in comparing the combination of these two groups with the control group. The author concluded that "In terms of the applicability of this treatment to clients with anxious, challenging or difficult behavior in clinical environments, this is potentially a valuable indicator of the effect of VA therapy."

Results of the mood testing provided additional insights, "It can be conjectured that VA treatment is effective in relaxing a person, even if that person may be experiencing negative feelings such as guilt or dissatisfaction. An argument can be made that, given the reductions in arousal level together with reductions in heart rate, VA treatment has an effect on relaxation irrespective of state of mind. The physical effect of the treatment appears to be significant, which may have an influence on state of mind."

The Effects of Whole Body Acoustic Stimulation on Subjective Relaxation, Verbalization, and Visual Imagery among Professional Orchestra Musicians

Source: Paper presented at third triennial ESCOM conference
Uppsala, Sweden
Author: Brodsky W, Sloboda, J
Location: North West England
Date: 1997 (Research presented June 1997)
Contact Information: Dr. Warren Brodsky, CMT/RMT-BC
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
POB 653
Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel

John Sloboda
Keele University
Staffordshire
England

This study followed Dr. Brodsky's prior research "Clinical Trial of a Music Generated Vibrotactile Therapeutic Environment for Musicians: Main Effects and Outcome Differences Between Therapy Subgroups" published in the Journal of Music Therapy (See Relaxation and Stress Reduction category) and was presented at the Third Triennial ESCOM conference in Uppsala, Sweden.

Based on the results of the previous research, Dr, Brodsky and his research colleagues noted differences in the responses of musicians using a Somatron recliner. These differences were found in the responses of these musicians to relaxation, verbalization, and visual imagery interventions implemented to deal with stress. Dr. Brodsky and his colleagues reported that they felt the differences they observed could be attributed to "whole body stimulation" i.e., applying the vibrations of music to large surface areas of the body.

Another study was designed In order to explore this idea further. Dr Brodsky asked professional orchestra musicians to volunteer to participate in this study by sending out questionnaires to orchestra management personnel at three cities in North West England. Fifty-four professional musicians agreed to participate. The average age of the musicians was 36 years and there were about equal numbers of men and women volunteers. The majority of the musicians were string players.

Each participating volunteer was assigned at random to one of three study conditions:
1) "Verbal" A relaxation program consisting of verbal conversation, visual imagery tasks and other relaxation exercises. Musicians were seated in the Somatron recliner but vibration was not used.
2) "Music" A relaxation program consisting of verbal conversation, visual imagery tasks and other relaxation exercises paired with pre-recorded music. Musicians were seated in the Somatron recliner but vibration was not used.
3) "Somatron". A relaxation program consisting of verbal conversation, visual imagery tasks and other relaxation exercises paired with pre-recorded music but this time the music was played through the speakers embedded in the Somatron recliner. Musicians in this group were seated in the Somatron recliner and did experience the vibration.

Each musician, regardless of group, received eight 50-minute relaxation sessions over a period of 8 weeks. At the beginning and end of every session, the musicians completed copies of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS).

At the end of the study, the researchers found several statistically significant results showing that patients experienced a reduction over time of tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, and confusion-bewilderment. These results were found in all groups indicating that all three of the relaxation programs were beneficial to the musicians that participated.

Dr. Brodsky and his colleagues inspected the results from the specific relaxation interventions to see if differences between the three groups could be identified.

Differences between the groups were noted as follows:
Verbal Relaxation: Musicians assigned to the Somatron group were found to have more emotional responses to this intervention, some individuals were reported to experience unexpected "flooding " of emotions, other times musicians reported that they were elevated to a "peak".
Verbal Conversation: Musicians were asked to talk about the meaning and impact that music has had in their lives prior to and during the process of becoming a professional musician. Both the musicians assigned to the "Music" group and those assigned to the "Somatron" group were found to give much more in-depth and emotional descriptions of their experiences. The musicians assigned to the "Verbal" group seemed rather to provide much shorter and less in-depth explanations.
Visual Imagery: This exercise involved various imagery exercises including having musicians visualize performing on stage. The researchers noted that only musicians assigned to either the "Music" or "Somatron" groups actually reported feeling sensations as if they were actually performing on stage.

Dr. Brodsky and his colleagues concluded that music as well as music vibration appeared to both enhance the experience of imagery as well as evoke more memories and associations. Comparing the "Music" and the "Somatron" musicians further, the researchers found that the imagery of the musicians in the "Music" condition was both shorter and mono-thematic compared to that of the musicians in the "Somatron" group.

Dr. Brodsky discussed the limitations in the methods tused to interpret the sessions with the musicians as possible reasons for the limited statistical significance. However, he also pointed out that his findings were consistent with the findings of other researchers who have reported that the effects of using the Somatron may be more subtle and indirect.



-Relaxation and Stress/Anxiety Reduction-

The Effectiveness of the Somatron to Enhance Relaxation

Source: Unpublished research paper
Author: Freeman, C
Location: St. Mary's Hospital
West Palm Beach, Florida
Date:
Contact Information: Chuck Freeman, M.M., RMT-BC
901 45th Street, PO Box 24620
West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-4620


Twenty individuals, patients and staff of a psychiatric facility experienced fifteen minutes of music vibrotactily via a Somatron recliner. Twenty similar individuals experienced the same fifteen minutes of music non-vibrotactily under the same environmental conditions but sitting in an ordinary reclining chair. The study participants reported an overall reduction of anxiety following the music regardless of how it was presented. These reductions in anxiety were found to be statistically significant. The researcher reported however, that the reduction in anxiety experienced by the individuals using the Somatron was greater than that experienced by the individuals listening to music via a cassette player while sitting in the recliner. This difference between the groups was also found to be statistically significant.

Music and its Effects on Mood

Source: Unpublished research completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for BA Program
Wheaton College, Norton, MA.
Author: Walters C
Research conducted under the name of Catherine L. Walters
Location: Center for Music Research
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Date: 1993
Contact Information: Catherine L.W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
Research conducted under the name of Catherine L. Walters
919-479-3292

This study looked at the mood of twenty-nine college students before and after they experienced one of three current popular songs vibrotactily via Somatron viboacoustic equipment: 1) "Vibeology" by Paula Abdul, 2) "So Hard to Say Goodbye" by Boys 2 Men, and 3) "Songbird" by Kenny G. Readings of the student's finger temperatures were taken throughout their experience as a measure of stresslevels. Overall finger temperature was found to increase during the vibrotactile experience. Increases in finger temperature have been reported to be a physiological indicator of reduced levels of stress. The increase in finger temperature was found to be statistically significant for each of the three songs used (p<0.05) suggesting that these particular musical selections were found to be relaxing by college students when experienced using Somatron equipment.

Music and Relaxation Techniques: A Combined Approach to Reduce Muscle Tension Level

Source: Unpublished research paper completed during a degree program at the University of Miami
Author: Serra J
Location: University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Date: September 1986
Contact Information: Jose Hernan Serra


Twelve college students participated in this research project which looked at the success of Somatron vibroacoustic equipment in reducing muscle tension. All students received a relaxation session using a Somatron. One group of students were presented with a selected piece of soothing music, a second group of students were presented with a pre-recorded muscle relaxation program, and the remaining group of students were presented with the pre-recorded relaxation program and soothing music at the same time. Electromyographic equipment (EMG) was used to measure the muscle tension of the students.

The researcher found that students using the soothing music with the Somatron had a tendency for increased muscle tension whereas the students using the pre-recorded relaxation program with the Somatron and those using the relaxation program and soothing music together with the Somatron had a tendency for reduced muscle tension. The results were not found to be statistically significant and in fact were reported to be somewhat contradictory to verbal reports provided by the students. The students that used the soothing music with the Somatron reported that they felt a good degree of relaxation, despite the fact that their muscle tension was found to increase. Similarly, the students using the pre-recorded relaxation program with the Somatron felt that the program itself caused them to experience an increase in tension, despite the fact that their muscle tension was found to be reduced. The researcher suggested the small number of students involved in the study and the lack of adequate control over noisy distractions and other interruptions during the study as possible suggestions for the discrepancies that were found.

Clinical Trial of a Music Generated Vibrotactile Therapeutic Environment for Musicians: Main Effects and Outcome Differences Between Therapy Subgroups

Source: Published Journal Article
Journal of Music Therapy, XXXIV (1)
1997, p. 2-32
Author: Broksky W
Location: North West England
Date: 1997
Contact Information: Dr. Warren Brodsky, CMT/RMT-BC
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
POB 653
Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel

Having identified the prevalence of performance anxiety amongst professional musicians, the authors of this study compared a "music enhanced therapy", that utilized vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron vibroacoustic recliner along with traditional counseling techniques, with counseling alone, and counseling in combination with music. Each of the three counseling techniques were found to benefit the musicians who reported reduced levels of anxiety, improvements in mood, and a reduction in the amount of pressure they reportedly felt before performing. The positive effects of the counseling interventions were also found to still be present 2 months after the study had been completed.



-Surgery and Medical Procedures-

Music Therapy Following Suctioning: Four Case Studies

Source: Published Journal Article
Neonatal Network The Journal of Neonatal Nursing
October, 1995, Vol. 14 (7), p. 41-49
Authors: Burke M, Walsh J, Oehler J, Gingras J
Location: Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina
Date: October, 1995
Contact Information: Martha A. Burke, MA MT-BC
Center for Music Therapy Research


Four prematurely born infants who required ventilation assistance at a medical facility for breathing (due to a diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) were provided with 15 minute vibrotactile Somatron sessions, 15 minute non-vibrotactile music listening sessions, and 15 minute sessions of no interaction or stimulation following necessary suctioning procedures.

The researchers found that music used both vibrotactily via the Somatron and non-vibrotactily via a stereo was beneficial to the infants in the following ways; 1) the infants spent more time in a well-oxygenated state, 2) the infants spent less time in a highly agitated state, 3) the infants spent more time sleeping. In addition, vibrotactile stimulation via the Somatron appeared to result in the infants spending longer periods of time in a "quiet alert state". A quiet alert state is reportedly rarely seen in infants but is desirable because it promotes "autonomic stability" within the body. This allows calories to be conserved for growth and healing as well as improves the body's oxygenation. The researchers described this outcome as "an unexpected and positive finding".

The Psychological and Physiological Effects of Vibrotactile Stimulation, via a Somatron, on Patients Awaiting Scheduled Gynecological Surgery

Source: Published Journal Article adapted from Masters Thesis
Journal of Music Therapy, XXXIII (4), 1996, p. 261-287
Author: Walters C
Location: Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center
Under the supervision of Dr. Jayne Standley
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Date: 1995
Contact Information: Catherine L.W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
Research conducted under the name of Catherine L. Walters
919-479-3292

Thirty-nine women admitted to a medical facility for day-case gynecological surgery participated in this study. Some of the women had opportunities to use a portable Somatron vibroacoustic mat, using music that reflected their musical taste, immediately prior to having their surgery. Other women had opportunities to listen to the same music via a tape player immediately prior to having their surgery. Both the women using the Somatron and the women listening to music via the tape player were found to spend less time in surgery than expected, less time in the post-anesthesia care unit, and received less post-operative medication than similar women who did not receive a musical intervention of any kind. These findings were all statistically significant (p<0.05). The same women also had a tendency for lower blood pressure following their musical experiences although this finding was not statistically significant. The women who used the Somatron equipment were found to experience lower reported apprehension (defined as combined ratings of their tension, anxiety, relaxation, stress, and mood) following its use than either the women who listened to music via a tape player, or the women who did not experience either. This finding was also statistically significant (p<0.05). The women who used the Somatron equipment were also found to have the least fluctuation in blood pressure throughout their surgery. Women rated their experiences with the Somatron positively stating that it "increased relaxation", "helped to ease anxiety", and provided a distraction resulting in "less time to focus on the surgical procedure".

The Effects of Vibrotactile Stimulation via the Somatron on the Relaxation, Tension, Pain and Mood Levels of Chronic Pain Patients

Source: Unpublished research paper
Author: Walters, C
Location: Capital Medical Rehabilitation Hospital
Under the supervision of Dr. Jayne Standley
Department of Music Therapy
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Date: 1993
Contact Information: Catherine L.W. Szuch, MM, MT-BC
(Formally Catherine L. Walters)
919-473-3292

This research consisted of a pilot investigation carried out with four adult male, chronic pain patients. Each patient received twenty minute sessions of vibrotactile stimulation via a Somatron table using music that reflected their individual musical tastes. Patients rated their levels of pain on a 0-7 scale (0=no pain, 7= extreme pain) both before and after their session(s) with the Somatron table.

Generally, the patients did appear to gain some pain relief reporting slightly lower pain ratings at the end of their session(s) than they did before their session(s) started. The findings were not statistically significant, however, the number of patients that participated was small.

Use of Physioacoustic therapy to reduce pain during physical therapy for total knee replacement patients over age 55.

Source: T Wigram, C Dileo (eds.) Music Vibration and Health. Cherry Hill, NJ: Jeffrey Books 1997:99-106.
Authors: Burke M, Thomas K
Location: Duke University Medical Center
Contact Information: Martha A. Burke, MA MT-BC
Center for Music Therapy Research


This study evaluated the potential benefits of physioacoustic therapy, combined with physical therapy for patients over age 55 following total knee replacements. Eighteen patients completed the study. Nine randomly chosen post-operative patients received vibroacoustic therapy during physical therapy. A Visual Analog Scale and Pain Thermometer were used to measure self-reported pain pre- and post- session. Experimental subjects in the vibroacoustic group received 10 minutes of music listening with vibrations prior to physical therapy, 20-30 minutes of physical therapy concurrent with vibroacoustic therapy and 10 minutes of "cool down" following physical therapy, again using the vibroacoustics. Subjects in the control group received their standard physical therapy sessions with no vibroacoustic therapy.

The experimental group receiving vibroacoustic therapy demonstrated greater passive range of movement and less pain during these exercises than the patients not receiving VA therapy. The researchers concluded that "physioacoustic therapy may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention to reduce pain and increase range of motion during physical therapy following total knee replacement."

Effects of Physioacoustic Intervention on Pain Management of Postoperative Gynecological Patients

Source: T Wigram, C Dileo (eds.) Music Vibration and Health. Cherry Hill, NJ: Jeffrey Books 1997:99-106.
Author: Burke M
Location: Duke University Medical Center
Contact Information: Martha A. Burke, MA MT-BC
Center for Music Therapy Research


This study explored the potential for vibroacoustic therapy to manage pain in postoperative patients undergoing ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer surgery. The study also investigated the amount of pain medication administered and anxiety levels. Twenty patients completed the study with eight patients in an experimental group experiencing physioacoustic treatments. These vibroacoustic sessions were given for a minimum of 15 minutes twice on the day following surgery, increasing the amount to three 15-minute sessions on Day 2, and for a minimum of 60 minutes on Day 3 (three 20-minute sessions) and each day thereafter until discharge. The twelve patients in the control group received no physioacoustic treatment. The McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklists, and the Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting were administered daily starting on the operative day.

Results indicated that the experimental group reported less post-operative pain, used less IV pain medication and experienced lower levels of anxiety than the control group. Group differences were not statistically significant but the data suggested that the physioacoustic intervention had a positive effect on the post-operative period. Anxiety, hostility and depression were positively influenced in the experimental group, which also used fewer antiemetic doses.

 

 

 

Research Notes

CAN MUSIC HELP
FOCUS STUDENTS
WITH ADD?


One study using background music with neurofeedback training for students diagnosed with ADD found significant increase in students' ability to self-regulate behavior and improve focus, social skills, and moods control while decreasing impulsivity.


See more about this under RESEARCH NOTES.