The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimulation, Instrumentation, and Precomposed Melodies on Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Profoundly Retarded Children and Adults
Source: Published Journal Article adapted from Journal of Music Therapy, XXXIII (4), 1996, p. 261-287
The aim of this research study was to look at vibrotactile stimulation via a vibroacoustic equipment, 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.