The use of a non-linear analysis of pulse waves to measure the impact of music t

Full Title: The use of a non-linear analysis of pulse waves to measure the impact of music therapy and animal therapy on psychiatric care

Hirohashi, Y., & Oyama-Higa, M. (2008). The use of a non-linear analysis of pulse waves to measure the impact of music therapy and animal therapy on psychiatric care. 2008 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, 2008, 3348-3352. doi:10.1109/ICSMC.2008.4811814

Abstract: This study examines the psychiatric effectiveness of music therapy and animal therapy. Unlike previous research into these modalities, the present study relies on scientifically valid measurements of actual somatic reaction rather than on subjective reports. Earlier work by the current authors defined fluctuation in plethysmogram readings in terms of a Lyapunov exponent derived from activity in the sympathetic nervous system related to the preservation of mental health. Drawing on the previous findings, this study measured changes in the Lyapunov exponent as a function of therapy. Results demonstrated that the Lyapunov exponent reflected the therapeutic effect of these treatments. Specifically, an increase in the lyapunov exponent indicated nerve activation within the sympathetic nervous system. On this basis, the authors recommend that traditional formulation regarding a dasiahealing effectpsila (i.e., therapeutic benefit) be reconsidered.

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