Research Validating
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT) has over 4 decades of research in several areas. Click the “+” on each article to read the abstracts/summaries.
VAT Research for Depression & Mood
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Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of a music-based intervention on depression and associated symptoms. Twenty individuals formally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and in a current Major Depressive Episode (11 females and 8 males; aged between 26 and 65 years) undertook a 5 weeks intervention consisting of music listening combined with rhythmic sensory stimulation. Participants listened to a set of designed instrumental music tracks embedded with low-frequency sounds (30– 70 Hz). The stimuli were delivered for 30 min, 5 times per week, using a portable consumer device with built-in stereo speakers and a low-frequency transducer, which allowed the low-frequency sounds embedded in the music to be experienced as a mild vibrotactile sensation around the lower back. Changes from baseline to post-intervention in measures of depression symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, anhedonia, and music-reward processing were assessed with clinician-based assessments as well as self-reports and a monetary incentive behavioral task. The study results indicated that there were significant changes from baseline in measures of depression and associated symptoms, including sleep quality, quality of life, and anhedonia. However, individual differences in treatment response need to be considered. These findings corroborate previous evidence that music-based intervention, when added to standard care, is a promising adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder, and open new avenues to investigate the effect of music-based therapy to ameliorate anhedonia-specific dysfunction in major depressive disorder and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01038
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Abstract
Vibroacoustic stimulation by a Body Monochord can induce relaxation states of various emotional valence. The skin conductance level (SCL) of the tonic electrodermal activity is an indicator of sympathetic arousal of the autonomic nervous system and thus an indicator of the relaxation response. Salivary cortisol is considered to be a stress indicator of the HPA-axis. The effects of the treatment with a Body Monochord and listening to relaxation music (randomized chronological presentation) on SCL and salivary cortisol in relation to the emotional valence of the experience were examined in patients with psychosomatic disorders (N = 42). Salivary cortisol samples were collected immediately before and after the expositions. Subjective experience was measured via self-rating scales. Overall, both the exposure to the Body Monochord as well as the exposure to the relaxation music induced an improvement of patients' mood and caused a highly significant reduction of SCL. A more emotionally positive experience of relaxation correlated with a slightly stronger reduction of the SCL. Both treatment conditions caused a slight increase in salivary cortisol, which was significant after exposure to the first treatment. The increase of salivary cortisol during a relaxation state is contrary to previous findings. It is possible that the relaxation state was experienced as an emotional challenge, due to inner images and uncommon sensations that might have occurred.
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66 patients diagnosed with depression, divided into 2 groups at random. Control group received treatment and nursing. The intervention group received music therapy 3 times per week, 30 min each sessions, for 4 weeks. The degree of increase in the intervention group was greater than that in the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
VAT Research for Chronic Pain
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Objective: To evaluate the effect of vibroacoustic therapy on pain and wellbeing of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain?
Methods: 84 patients, mean age 11.9. Randomized into 2 groups. #1 received VAT (46 patients). Group #2 received placebo VAT (38 patients) Sessions 3x/week for 20 minutes for 4 weeks. Frequency used 115hz. Repeated protocol after 8 week break.
Results: Rx group had68% improvement in pain, control group was 29%.
Objectives. The study aimed to evaluate the response to physical and vibroacoustic therapy by studying the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), together with the psychobehavioral manifestations in moderate and severe forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Material and method. 68 children with JIA were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (34 patients) received physical and vibroacoustic therapy with type BRS-2 Bodysonic System. The protocol consisted in vibroacoustic therapy, administrated for 20 minutes per day, 10 days consecutively, and then, one session of 20 minutes per week, up to 12 weeks, together with individualized physical therapy and conventional drugs. Group II (34 patients, witness group) received only conventional therapy (individualized physical and pharmacological therapy), as the vibroacoustic therapy was performed in placebo mode.
Results. In Group I, changes in SDAI score resulted in the reduction of the disease activity from severe to moderate, and the decrease in anxiety, chronic fatigability and depressive tendency, with statistically significant differences compared to the witness group.
Conclusions. Vibroacoustic therapy is a revolutionary tool in the field of multidisciplinary management of chronic pain in JIA and triggered a noticeable diminution of the SDAI score, decreasing the disease activity from severe to moderate and the psycho-behavioral manifestations, with great statistically signifi cant difference to the witnessgroup (p<0.0001).
DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.6290
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Abstract
To study the use of Vibroacoustic treatment and an added self-care intervention for improving the functioning and ability to work of patients with chronic pain and potential comorbid depressive and anxious symptoms.
Materials and methods:
A mixed methods study with four single cases. Participants received bi-weekly Vibroacoustic practitioner-led treatment sessions for five weeks, followed by a one-month washout period without treatments.
Then, participants conducted four self-care vibroacoustic sessions per week for five weeks, followed by another month-long washout period. Participants kept diaries of their experiences during this time.
Results:
The greatest improvement was from the practitioner-led sessions, but self-care was beneficial for pain relief and relaxation. Participants became more aware of sensations in their own bodies, and during washout periods noticed more clearly the treatment effects when symptoms returned. An added self-care phase to standard Vibroacoustic treatment could be beneficial for maintaining the effects from the more intensive Vibroacoustic treatment as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
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Abstract
Background: Low frequency sound wave stimulation therapy has become increasingly popular in the rehabilitation fields, due to its ease, less fatiguing and time efficient application.
Objective: This 12-week pilot study examines the efficacy of applying low frequency sound wave stimulation (between 16-160 Hz) through both hands and feet on relieving pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.
Methods: Twenty-three participants with chronic shoulder (eleven participants) or low back pain (twelve participants) underwent a 12-week vibration therapy program of three sessions per week. A low frequency sound wave device comprising four piezoelectric vibration-type tactile transducers enclosed in separate 5-cm diameter circular plates, which generate sinusoidal vibratory stimuli at a frequency of 16-160 Hz, was used in this study. Primary outcome measure was pain sensation measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (P-VAS). The secondary outcome measures were pain-related disability measured using the pain disability index (PDI) and quality of life measured using the SF-12.
Results: At week 12, significant reductions in pain sensation and pain-related disability were observed, with mean reductions of 3.5 points in P-VAS and 13.5 points in the PDI scores. Sixty-five percent of the participants had a reduction of at least 3 points on the P-VAS score, while 52% of participants showed a decrease of at least 10 points in the PDI score. Significant improvement was observed in the SF-12 physical composite score but not the mental composite score.
Conclusions: The preliminary findings showed that passive application of low frequency sound wave stimulation therapy through both hands and feet was effective in alleviating pain and improving functional ability in patients with chronic back pain.
VAT for Insomnia
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Objective: To discuss the effect of vibroacoustic therapy in treating sleep disturbance.
Method: One hundred and sixty-four patients were evaluated asleep disturbance with PSQI, and their physical and mental states were assessed by SCL-90. After these assessments, they were divided into two groups: the treatment group got the vibroacoustic therapy after the sleep healthy education and the control group self-regulation. They got assessments for their sleep quality, and physical and mental state after treatment.
Result:①After treatment, there were significant difference between the two groups in score of PSQI and sleep disturbance factors (P0.05); In treatment group, the score of sleep quality and daytime function disturbance were significant lower than the control group(P0.01). Both groups had no statistical differences in time of falling asleep, time of sleep, effect of sleep and the factor of taking sleeping pills. ②Compared with the scores of SCL-90 in these two groups, there have significant difference in the factors of somatization, compulsion, depression, anxiety, hostility and prejudice(P0.05), but have no conspicuous variation in the factors of interpersonal relation, phonophobia and psychosis. Conclusion: The vibroacoustic therapy have identified therapeutic effects in improve sleep state and physical and mental symptoms
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Background: Treatment of chronic insomnia is problematic and alternative methods besides drug therapy are sought out for. The aim of the study was to find out about the effects of Neurosonic-low frequency therapy chair on patients with primary insomnia. Therapy is based on Whole-Body Vibration (WBV). Methods: This pilot study consisted of 16 adults (12 men, 4 women; age range 28 - 65) that suffered from insomnia with an Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) of at least 15. They were randomized into control and intervention groups (8 +8). Both groups received WBV-treatment for five times. At the start of the study control group had a three-week period when they did not receive treatment. Results: After treatment ISI-scores decreased in both groups. After treatment the WHO-5- and EQ-5D VAS-score were also ameliorated. Treatment also lowered SCL-90 scores related to anxiety, obsessive compulsive and somatization symptoms. Conclusions: Our results indicate that WBV-treatment has beneficial effects for people suffering from primary insomnia. WBV-treatment also seems to relieve anxiety. No major adverse effects were detected. WBV-treatment may be useful for example in the treatment of insomnia in situations where pharmacological treatment is insufficient.
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Abstract
Background: It is well known that vibratory and auditory stimuli from vehicles such as cars and trains can help induce sleep. More recent literature suggests that specific types of vibratory and acoustic stimulation might help promote sleep, but this has not been tested with neuroimaging. Thus, the purpose of this study was to observe the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation (providing both vibratory and auditory stimuli) on functional connectivity changes in the brain using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and compare these changes to improvements in sleep in patients with insomnia.
Methods: For this study, 30 patients with insomnia were randomly assigned to receive one month of vibroacoustic stimulation or be placed in a waitlist control. Patients were evaluated pre- and post-program with qualitative sleep questionnaires and measurement of sleep duration with an actigraphy watch. In addition, patients underwent rs-fMRI to assess functional connectivity.
Results: The results demonstrated that those patients receiving the vibroacoustic stimulation had significant improvements in measured sleep minutes as well as in scores on the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire. In addition, significant changes were noted in functional connectivity in association with the vermis, cerebellar hemispheres, thalamus, sensorimotor area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex.
Conclusions: The results of this study show that vibroacoustic stimulation alters the brain's functional connectivity as well as improves sleep in patients with insomnia.
VAT for Anxiety & Stress
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Abstract: Stress represents one of the dominant factors of young adults' health, negatively affecting emotional, mental and physical aspects. There are several works in the literature aimed at detecting stress levels and conditions through the use of wearable devices. In this paper we investigated the effects of vibro-acoustic therapy (VAT) on physiological signals in a small group of young adults, trying to detect its positive effect on their stress condition. VAT has its origin in 1980s with basic instruments able to transmit music and vibrations. Here, we exploited AcusticA, an innovative VAT solution represented by a wooden chaise longue developed by following the principles of a big soundboard, and thus implementing a whole-body approach. Therapeutic sessions are accompanied by selected relaxing melodies, appropriately composed by a music therapist. We recruited 8 volunteer subjects, working in the same environment and characterized by similar stress conditions. We analyzed the main components of ECG and GSR signals in order to highlight physiological responses and their variations between a rest baseline phase and a 20 minute therapy. Results show a general decreasing trend in HR, SCRs and their amplitude, confirming the relaxing component of the therapy.
doi: 10.1109/PERCOMW.2018.8480170.
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Abstract: Global stress is widespread in today’s post-pandemic world of political and economic uncertainty. Vibroacoustic technology is a vibrotactile intervention with multiple uses, but its impact on stress lacks interpretation. This research assessed if the vibroacoustic technology of a Vibroacoustic Sound Massage (VSM) can reduce psychological, physiological, and cognitive stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals were used to quantify results. Participants were divided into Low-Stress and High-Stress groups. The ECG results show VSM increased parasympathetic activity for all participants, with the Low-Stress group being more affected. The EEG results indicate increased concentration, reduced arousal, and increased relaxation, with participant well-being non-significantly affected, though variability in this metric was homogenised after VSM. Together, these results validate VSM as an effective support tool for stress management; however, further research is required.
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Vibroacoustic therapy has the potential to contribute to the stress management of university students, as well to the general population with heightened stress response and its general impact on health. Differences were found in pre-test post-test measures, however, between groups differences occurred only for HRV, with statistically significant improvement in the experimental group.
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National Institute of Health – Dr. George Patrick 10 Center Drive, MSC, 1950 Bethesda, MD 20892 correspondence
272 patients using VAM recliners. Single session 45 min long VAM. Ages 21-67, avg age 43.7 years. 53% females, 47 % males. Results: the intensity of symptoms was reduced from pre to post by the following percentages: nausea 61%, headache, 58%, tension anxiety, 54%, pain, 53%, depressed mood, 49%, fatigue 47%.
“the present study extends previous research by describing the outcome of a recreation therapy program of Vibroacoustic music (VAM) offered to hospitalized patients. Results indicate over 50% reduction of pain and symptoms through the use of VAM.”
VAT Research for Parkinson’s Disease
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· 40 individuals, subdivided into two groups. Mean age was 65.4 plus minus 9.9 years
· Sat in chair using VAT. Significant effect of treatment, rigidity decreased for both post vibration and post rest period assessments.
· UPDRS rigidity score decreased significantly in the post assessment. In summary, although vibration therapy may not be at the stage in which it can be regarded as an exclusive treatment for PD, the results of the study strongly suggest its application as an important adjunct to medication.
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Abstract: Recent studies have suggested that vibration therapy may have a positive influence in treating motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, quantitative evidence of the benefits of vibration utilized inconsistent methods of vibration delivery, and to date there have been no studies showing a long-term benefit of 40 Hz vibration in the PD population. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of vibration administered via a physio-acoustic therapy method (PAT) on motor symptoms of PD over a longer term, completed as a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Overall motor symptom severity measured by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III showed significant improvements in the treatment group over 12 weeks. Specifically, all aspects of PD, including tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and posture and gait measures improved. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantitatively assess 40-Hz vibration applied using the PAT method for potential long-term therapeutic effects on motor symptoms of PD.
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A review of several studies suggests that VAT and music together may be the best course of treatment for those with PD.
VAT for Autism
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ABSTRACT:
Vibroacoustic music has been proposed to be an effective treatment for individuals with developmental disorders and challenging behaviors. The present study experimentally tested the effects of vibroacoustic music on self-injurious, stereotypical, and aggressive destructive behaviors in 20 individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. The participants were randomized into two groups in a randomized controlled trial evaluation. The first group received 10–20 min sessions with vibroacoustic music treatment for 5 weeks. Then the second group received the same treatment during the next 5weeks. Behavior was assessed using the Behavior Problems Inventory in all participants before the treatment, after the first group had completed their treatment, and again after the second group had completed their treatment. In order to evaluate each session, the accompanying assistants assessed behavior on different scales after each session.
In addition, the sessions were videotaped and analyzed minute by minute for challenging behaviors. The results revealed that vibroacoustic music reduced self-injurious, stereotypic, and aggressive destructive behaviors in the participants. In addition, the results indicated that the effect of vibroacoustic music was to some extent dependent on the participants’ diagnosis. Implications for vibroacoustic music theory and practice are discussed
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Aim of the study was to examine the effect of VAT on autistic children. 6 autistic children were exposed into 2 therapeutic sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks; each session lasted for 23 minutes for 8 weeks. They had various problems like hyperactivity, poor eye contact, stereotype behaviors, lack of attention and emotional expression, etc. During the study, few well recognized psychological instruments as Vineland Social Maturity Scale (Vineland, 1936) Indian adaptation by Dr. A. J. Malin, Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behavior Anchor Rating Scale were administered before and post therapeutic sessions. Scores on all the three scales in post-therapy sessions were higher than pre-therapy sessions suggesting effect of VAT on changes in autistic behavior.
VAT for Cerebral Palsy
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VAT is traditionally indicated for use in spastic CP and other brain problems, as it helps to enhance physiotherapeutic intervention and improves motor and brain functions [31] (e.g., through circuit connectivity through oscillatory coherence). VAT is also beneficial for its effects on quality of life, well-being, and stress management [28]. Concerning spinal cord and brain injuries, VAT can lead to changes in the levels of spasticity, pain, physical discomfort, general health condition, fatigue, and anxiety [32].
VAT for Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
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A review of studies into VAT and vibration therapy. Results: low frequency sinusoidal sound and mechanical vibration interventions may increase EEG activation and cognitive function as well as alertness and arousal and that these interventions may decrease deviant motor behaviors and the impact on those supporting people with dementia.
VAT for Fibromyalgia
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ABSTRACT:
Nineteen female volunteers (median age 51 years; median duration of FM 5.76 years) were administered 10 treatments (twice per week for five weeks). Treatments involved 23 min of LFSS at 40 Hz, delivered using transducers in a supine position. Measures (repeated before and after treatment)
Medication dose was reduced in 73.68% of patients and completely discontinued in 26.32%. Time sitting and standing without pain increased significantly (P<0.0001). Cervical muscle range of motion increased from 25% to 75% (P=0.001), while muscle tone changed from hypertonic to normal (P=0.0002)
In the present study, the low frequency sound therapy (also known as VAT) showed no adverse effects and patients receiving the LFSS treatment showed statistically and clinically relevant improvement.
doi: 10.1155/2015/375174
VAT for Blood Circulation
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ABSTRACT:
Objective: To evaluate the effects of a low-frequency sound wave therapy programme on functional capacity, blood circulation and bone metabolism of the frail elderly. Design: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Two senior service centres. Subjects: Forty-nine volunteers (14 males and 35 females) aged 62–93 years with up to 12 diagnosed diseases were allocated in either the intervention group (n.30) or control group (n.19). Intervention: The intervention group underwent sound wave therapy, 3–5 times a week for 30 minutes per session over a period of 6 months. The control group received no intervention. Main measurements: Blood pressure, functional capacity, mobility, bone density, biochemical markers, isometric muscle strength, balance, and skin surface temperature. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group’s mobility and the amount of self-reported kilometres walked per week increased by 3km (P50.05), while levels of cholesterol (4.97 (0.72) to 4.52 (0.65) mmol/L, P.0.019), low-density lipoprotein (2.82 (0.72) to 2.45 (0.61) mmol/L, P.0.022), bone markers of total osteocalcin (11.0 (6.5) to 10.3 (5.9) ng/mL, P.0.048)) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (2.50 (1.0) to 2.41 (1.1) IU/L, P.0.021)) decreased. The average skin surface temperature was significantly higher during active sessions at the end of the intervention than in the beginning (P.0.004). No change was found during placebo sessions.
doi: 10.1177/0269215509337273.
VAT for Elderly Concerns
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Abstract. [Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate whether vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) could
improve the psychological symptoms of 15 elderly nursing home (NH) residents with symptoms of depression.
[Methods] Fifteen subjects received VAT for 30 minutes per day for 10 days. Depression was evaluated using the
Dementia Mood Assessment Scale (DMAS). Tympanic temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and SpO2 were measured
as physiological indexes of relaxation. In addition, sleep-wake rhythms of the 15 subjects were evaluated
using actigraphy. [Results] Based on DMAS scores, mitigation of depression was observed in NH residents after
receiving VAT. Moreover, significant decreases in tympanic temperature and pulse were observed after treatment.
Total sleeping hours per day showed a significant decrease when mean sleeping hours in the first week were compared
with the mean sleeping hours in the second week. [Conclusion] VAT provided relaxation effects for elderly
NH residents, and improved depressive symptoms.