"The Effect of Vibrotactile Stimulation, Instrumentation, and Precomposed Melodies on Physiological and Behavioral Responses of Profoundly Retarded Children and Adults" |
Source: Published Journal Article 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. |