The effects of music and the Somatron R on the physiological and speech responses of head injured and comatose subjects

Abstract: Three studies were conducted to determine the effects of music and the Somatron, a vibro-tactile acoustic couch, on the physiological and speech responses of head injured and comatose subjects. Each study involved a single subject design with the subjects serving as their own controls. Six males and two females, ages 13-77, served as subjects for Study 1. Six of the subjects had suffered closed head injuries, one a CVA, and one an aneurysm. The subjects participated in daily relaxation sessions which alternated treatment conditions of music listening, music with the Somatron, and no music. Data collected included electromyogram (EMG) measures of muscle activity, measurements of pulse, respiration and blood pressure and ratings of affect. The results of the study indicated that the music effected small increases in muscle activity and pulse rate, decreases in respiration, and changes in blood pressure. The changes were slight, however, and within baseline measures. Changes in affect was the most noticeable response with the subjects demonstrating calmer behavior following the sessions. No consistent effects were noted by the Somatron on physiological changes since the Classical music appeared more stimulating while New Age music appeared more relaxing when played on the Somatron. One 53 year old male who was comatose following a head injury served as a subject for Study 2. The subject participated in daily sensory sessions involving two music tapes and the alternate use of the Somatron over a period of 52 days. Data collected were similar ro Study 1 with the addition of observations of reflexive and voluntary movements. Changes in EMG activity and pulse, respiration and blood pressure appeared to slightly increase during music. Observations of EMG activity as viewed on the biofeedback monitor indicated an initial increase in activity which then reached a plateau. Voluntary movements increased and decerebrate posturing occurences decreased over time in conjunction with the subject's improving condition and use of music. The Somatron was not effective in stimulating changes in the physiological measures, however, it did appear to promote voluntary movements during the second phase of the study. Two female subjects diagnosed as having expressive speech impairments as the result of cardiovascular accidents served as subjects for Study 3. The subjects participated in daily speech therapy sessions involving music and speech rehearsal formats. Each format was recorded with music and involved speech content pertinent to each subject. The subjects alternated listening to the tape alone and with the Somatron for three treatment cycles. No differences in performance or rate of speech were noted during the three treatment conditions of music alone, music with the Somatron, and no music for one subject, while the other increased across time on both variables and showed delayed response time to music alone and to the Somatron.

Keyword(s): Somatron, coma, head-injured, physiological-responses.

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