Somatron Vibroacoustic Products
MR/DD
"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
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Date:
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 fourty-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.
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