Music Therapy, Volume 8, Number 1, 1989

Music Therapy 1989,Vol. 8, No. 1, 61-77

VibroAcoustic Therapy OLAV SKILLE

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCHAND DEVELOPMENT, TRILAX CENTER,STEONKJER,NORWAY

This article presents the field of VibroAcoustic therapy as a form of treatment that uses patented equipment and music software devised by Olay Skille in 1968.Out of his extensive investigation of human musical behavior, Skille designed and tested aMusical Behavior Scale (MUBS)-a nonverbal screening test for observing signs of language difficulties, personality disorders, motor functions, and learning capacity in children and adults. He subsequently conceived of VibroAcoustic (VA) therapy as a means of using the energy of musical sound waves applied directly to the body to produce relaxing physiological aswell aspsychological effects. Skille suggests that, in addition to its potential for music therapists, VA therapy has possibilities for use by other professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physicians, chemotherapists, and chiropractors.

Since its inception in Norway, this therapy has been conducted in Finland and Germany, expanding to England, Denmark, and Estonia. Skille’s initial paper on this subject, submitted in 1987, gave information about and descriptions of the application and results of VA therapy from its earliest stages of development. In an updated paper submitted, Skille added an overall view of the ongoing practice in the above-mentioned European countries.

At the request of the author, the Editor has assembled the following article which combines the two papers, thus giving a portrait-in broad strokes-of a facet of therapy that may be of interest and practical use for the music therapy practitioner and educator. This article represents the Editor’s intention to bring a cohesive account of the material to a wider readership, and she invites queries about areas that may need clarification or more informative details, such queries to be communicated to Mr. Skille in Norway.

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VibroAcoustic Therapy Defined

VibroAcoustic therapy is the therapeutic use of VibroAcoustic (VA) equipment and software that emit low frequency sound signals mixed with special audio cassettes. It is a process in which vibrations are applied directly to the body in the form of low frequency sinus tones in combination with selected music.

The therapy has overall physiologic effects, such as the reduction of the activity level of the sympathetic nervous system and improvement of blood circulation, giving more oxygen to the various organs and enhancing transportation of bodily waste products from cells and intercellular areas. Specific results of treatment, described later in the article, cover a wide spectrum of conditions. Well-being and relaxed states are commonly reported positive therapeutic effects.

VibroAcoustic (VA) therapy can be used as a complete therapy system on its own or incorporated into other therapies.

VibroAcoustic Equipment and Software

The equipment and software include:

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

A vibration unit which is either a specially designed bed or chair with built-in sound sources or impulse givers called Signal Units (SU) through which the impulses are sent from an electronic control unit. The original unit had two impulse givers. Since 1987, a model of six impulse givers has been tested and become standard. An audio unit which may be an ordinary stereo speaker or set of good earphones. A mattress which allows the sound and sound impulses to pass through the air directly to the person lying over the impulse giver. A stereo amplifier with a minimum of four channels, each with 60 watts output capacity and capable of handling frequencies as low as 30 Hz. Specially designed audio cassettesin whichlow frequency sinus/pure tones, produced electronically, are superimposed on music selected and composed for therapeutic purposes. (The use of ordinary music tapes will not give the necessary focused effects. Also, because of the superimposed low frequency tones, these cassettes are unsuitable for ordinary listening).

‘The low frequency sound signalsare within the VA rangeof 30 Hz to 120Hz. The impulses given are perceivedboth by acousticalreceptorsand vibrotactile receptors in the human organism. Theequipment sends the therapeutic frequencies/vibrations to the entire body, not just to the ears.


VibroAcoustic Therapy 63

The equipment comes in two separate series? TRILAX and MULTI-VIB. TRILAX equipment is made for professionals who possess the required skill and training necessary for its therapeutic use. In addition to use by music therapists, it can be incorporated into the practice ofsuch health care practitioners as physiotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, chemotherapists, and chiropractors. MULTIVIB equip ment, which is less powerful than TRILAX, is made for personal and nonprofessional use.

Until proper instruction is received, potential users are not allowed to buy the equipment of either series. Instruction courses average three days, followed by a period of practice at a IRILAX Center. An alternate route is a period of practice under the supervision of an accredited TRILAX trainer.

The “Universal” Principles

When my work in the field of VibroAcoustics started in 1968, I first defined the three “universals” of therapeutic use of vibrational sounds as:

1) High pitch (high Hz values) gives stress; low pitch (low Hz) induces relaxation.

2) Rhythmically strong music increases energy; rhythmically neutral music decreasesenergy.

3) Loud music (low dB values-high amplitude) activates; soft music (high dB values-low amplitude) pacifies.

In relation to physical conditions that may be influenced by music, well-defined therapy programs can be made by using a combination of the effects described by the three “universals.” At this stage of my work, these principles provided a basis for a treatment strategy using Vibro-Acoustical equipment for low frequency sound therapy.

However, what Iconceived of as “universals” soon proved untenable. There were so many elements working together at the sametime that it was virtually impossible to isolate which were effective. Therefore, by using a frequency generator, I was able to study the effects of pure tones without rhythms, overtones, and harmonies. It was soon evident that most of the effects were to be found in the octave between 40 and 80 Hz, the range in the very center of the VibroAcoustical area.

Although usually music is primarily a phenomenon that is heard, VibroAcoustics is primarily a process that applies music directly to the

*At the time of publication of this article,the price in Norway for eachcomplete unit is (a) 38.500NOK for the bed, signal unit, and therapy program (2 tapes); (b) 35.000NOK for the chair,signal unit, and therapy program.[OneU.S.dollar is equivalent to about 7 NOK.]


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body. Even as we hear sound, it has a direct physical effect on muscles and nerves. As such, the most effective element of the VibroAcoustical therapy is the first “universal” principle. This involves low frequencies which can be both felt and heard and can be manipulated by the combination of music and pure tones. The low tone frequencies (Vibro-Acoustical frequency range is from 30 to 120 Hz) can be calibrated exactly to the needs of the patient.

Thoughts about the nature of pure/sonic tones as ‘body-music”-if we can characterize it as music-were surfacing. And because a human being is not a body alone, the body-soul concept arose, leading me to formulate programs in which music and frequencies were blended.

As we know from “traditional” music therapy, the choice of music is all important. I have found that music which gives associations with peaceand relaxation serves the purposes of VA therapy very well. Much of the music selected for use in VibroAcoustic treatment is what is often designated as “New Age” music. Superimposing rhythmical pressure waves on this genre of music is designed to give both muscular and mental well-being by reducing stressful states.

Theoretical Foundations of VibroAcoustics

Research into the use of music applied directly to the body has yielded discussions on a theoretical basis first by A. Pontvik (1955) and several years later by H. Teirich (1958). Pontvik reports a process for conveying musical vibrations through bodily contact between a patient and the sound source, a process that results in what he describes as a musical experience in which the inclusion of vibratory sensations has proved to be fruitful in the field of healing through the use of music. His assump tion is that a minimal ministration of sound waves creates a quieting effect physically and emotionally, causing a reduction in sensory motor hyperactivity. Awareness of a shift from outer to inner experiencing occurs. Whereas the musical tones are initially localized as an outer experience, localization of the vibrational experience within the body takes place. One could saythat the sounds are being pulled into the inner belly: They become “I- body” experiences.

The form of music therapy, according to Teirih, that uses this ap proach has, at the very least, a palliative task that is meaningful in relation to the diagnosis of a person’s condition. The effects of the treatment last longer than early experiments would have led one to anticipate. Therefore, help of this nature should find its place next to psychopharmacology, thus lessening the use of chemical medications. It would be a mistake to underestimate the efficacy of this treatment, Teirich declares emphatically.



Is VibroAcoustic Therapy a Form of Music Therapy?

The International Society for Music in Medicine (ISMIM) has possibly the most concentrated and substantial collection of knowledge concerning changes music can effect in the human body, both in experimental situations and in practical ones. I have encountered controversy as to the nature of VA therapy in relation to what might be referred to as “traditional” music therapy and have been asking the question, “Should VA therapy be considered a technique that is used in music medicine or in music therapy?” This is a critical question inasmuch as VA therapy has, up to now with the exception of Finland, been rejected by the established music therapy associations. Perhaps a measure of clarification can come of the account presented here.

A large concentration of VA therapy is treatment of patients with mainly physical complaints. And because the means of applying therapy differs from “traditional” music therapy in that special equipment is necessary to transmit the therapeutic medium, there may be question on the part of some music therapists as to whether or not VA therapy is actually a form of music therapy. For example, we find reports that changes in the vegetative system are traceable to the influence of music, but there are few experiments where thesechanges in the functioning of the vegetative system have been specific goals of the music therapy process. And although “traditional” applications of music therapy methods can be said to affect the vegetative system, our investigation of this particular area finds these reports partly contradictory, partly unclear, and the number of patients observed too small to be statistically significant. In VibroAcoustic therapy we are aiming directly at these changes with the hope that the changes will be maintained for a substantial period of time and that the effects of the changes will be found to be positive by the patient.

One can say that most publications dealing with physical parameters or effects have been on academic or theoretical levels. And because the International Society of VibroAcoustics (ISVA) has been mainly concerned with the pragmatic side of such phenomena, most of the publications that have been released to date are descriptive. However, the quantity of observations is now so substantial that it has led to the start of scientific research in several countries. We may, therefore, expect publications from these projects in the near future.

Overview of Findings of Patient-Related Conditions

The following information is offered as an indication of the types of casesfor which we can expect therapeutic effects using VA therapy. We have no way of knowing if the underlying causes of the conditions described are affected in any way. We are simply giving observations of some positive effects on the patients’ symptoms.


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1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

Rett syndrome: The “plucking” movements were reduced. The patient may fall asleep. Notable muscle relaxing effect.

Autism: Contact-defying children became so engaged by the effect of vibrations that they could permit the staff to give them more physical/skin stimulation than had been permitted in other situations. There is also some evidence that contact which occurred during VA may be transferred to situations where the music can gradually be withdrawn.

Spastic conditions: Observable spasm reduction when using the lower frequencies. Asthma/Cystic Fibrosis: Problems of excretion of lung using frequencies in the mid d

secretion may be eased by le range. The effect may last

one to two days.

Abdominal pains/colic pains: Several observations have been made where relief of such pains have been obtained using frequencies in the lower frequency range.

Cerebral Palsy: With spastic conditions due to cerebral palsy, VA therapy has demonstrated a considerable effect. Alone, or in combination with physiotherapy, the method has given very good results in reducing spasms.

Digestion: In some casesthere has been observeda spontaneous relief of constipation in institutionalized patients in whom natural mobility has been impaired. It is possible that the mechanical vibrations given by VibroAcoustic therapy give new vigor to the natural processes in the digestive system.

Neck/shoulder pains: When caused by occupational myalgia (muscle pain) or the result of stress from various physical or emotional causes, considerable relief canbe induced by using frequencies in the upper middle area. Repeated treatments-from 10 to 30 minutes--give relief which may last for long periods.

Menstrual pains/pre-menstrual tension: These pains and tension conditions may be relieved by using frequencies in the lower middle region and using



calm, harmonic music. Treatment every day in the “acute” phase and once per week in the middle phase, repeated over three to four cycles, may give effect of long duration.

10) Lumbago: Pain in the low-back area is relieved by use of frequencies in the low middle region. Acute back pain because of sprained muscles or muscle cramps is relieved by daily treatments for two to five days.

Pain coming from muscular tensions of diverse causes may be reduced by treatments two to three times per week lasting up to four weeks.

11) Stress-induced depression: Relief may be observed after first treatment session. The positive effect is dependent on the right choice of both frequency and music. The choice of music must be made in cooperation with the patient, and the therapist must have a varied choice of relaxing music. Often “New Age” music may have good effect. At the end of the treatment period, various frequencies and activating music are used.

12) Sport injuries: Several caseshave been treated with positive results. Both acute muscle traumas and postoperative convalescence have shown positive reactions to harmonic frequency sequences which are built on a basic tone in the low frequency area.

Generally, low frequencies are given to the big muscles and we move upward in frequencies when we are treating smaller muscle masses. Thus, the thighs need lower frequencies than the shoulders. It is recommended that several frequencies be used in a session in order to avoid too much stress placed on a single type of muscle tissue.

Muscles and sinews are more easily stretched after tough muscular efforts.

With overuse syndrome pain, VibroAcoustic therapy will contribute to shortening the restitution period and reduce pain. The frequencies in the first half of the normal octave are recommended.

13) Muscle cramps: Muscle cramps are relieved by using frequencies in the first half octave.

14) General stress discomfort: If the patient is placed in a sheltered environment, protected as much as possible from external influence, a


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thirty-minute VibroAcoustic program containing slow pressure waves and “floating” music will dissolve stress symptoms and give the patient new vitality.

15) Insomnia: At times, patients subject to insomnia fall asleep during treatment. They report that after treatment they have less difficulties falling asleep at night time. and the duration of sleep is longer than they normally experience. This has lead to specific use of VA as therapy for insomnia.

16) Morbus Bechterew: The effective diminishment of pain and discomfort from this rheumatic condition has been reported by several institutes. However, in the active phase of this disease, one may find an increase of discomfort. Therefore Vibro-Acoustic therapy should be used with caution when inflammation is active.

17) Polyarthritis: Physiotherapists using VibroAcoustical equipment have reported some relief of symptoms in patients suffering from polyarthritis, especially in the smaller joints of hands and feet.

18) Circulatory deficiency: Patients suffering from severe circulatory deficiency inthe extremities may find effective relief of this condition. These observations have been made by policlinical patients (outpatients) as well as by elderly institutionalized patients with varicose veins and edema.

19) Emphysema: There are very encouraging reports of relief of symptoms in patients suffering from pulmonary emphysema.

20) Fibrositis/fibromyalgia: Patients suffering from this condition of cryptic pain seem to obtain some relief while being exposed to various frequencies in the second octave of the VibroAcoustical area. A treatment session should last up to 60 minutes.

21) Parkinsonism: The rigidity in patients suffering from Parkinsonism is reduced to an extent which the patients claim is considerable. The effect lasts for about one week.

22) Muscular psoriasis: Muscular rigidity is decreased. Duration of effect: maximum one week.



23) Multiple sclerosis: Muscular stiffness is reduced. Duration of effect: about two hours.

24) Varicose ulcers, varicose veins: Using frequencies in the 40 Hz area, we may find positive effectson these conditions afterfive to ten treatments with regular intervals.

Important: VA equipment must neverbe used during external or internal bleeding.

It is also important to note that the information above is not meant to be used as a survey of the varied results of VA therapy. We seethat most of these conditions are of muscular nature and may be traced back to either (a) a reduction in sympaticus/parasympaticus, or to (b) stimulation of blood circulation. All conditions mentioned above are simply meant as ideas for users to encourage more thorough research on the effects and the mechanisms of the effects observed. We do not have a wonder treatment which can beusedfor almostanything.

Overview

Observations from Pilot Studies/practical Results

Since February 1988, two TRILAX Centers have been operative in Norway, one in Steinkjer and the other in Hitra. The total number of patients treated by the end of May 1989 was about 900, each of whom visited the Centers on an average of four times. Plans are underway for more centers to be established by the end of 1989,and TRILAX operators are being trained for placement in localities to be chosen. Plans for a TRILAX Center in Helsinki, Finland, are approaching completion.

ISVA has now amassed a body of knowledge from more than 20,000 hours of VA equipment usage since the first experiments were started in the early 1980’s. The therapeutic results of the work in the TRILAX Centers show that one can expect the effects of the therapy session to continue for some time (undetermined as yet, due to many variables) after the session is ended. The duration ofthe effect may be from acouple of hours up to several weeks, depending on the nature of the patient’s condition, and there has been no evidence of healing of chronic illnesses. The effects are palliative and may give considerable relief to the person, but the course of the underlying condition will probably not be changed.

The TRILAX Centers are keeping records of each patient treated. The patient’s subjective evaluation of the results of treatment is being used as an indicator of itseffect, thus using the traditional empiricalapproach to evaluation issues. Very interesting longitudinal effects on varicose veins and blood pressure have been found, and very effective but


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short-lived effects have been noted on asthma, bronchial conditions, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinsonism. For patients in the last three categories, home equipment is most practical.

Research and Practical Studies

Norway The origin of VibroAcoustic therapy took place in institutions for

mentally retarded persons and has been ongoing. The stimulating effect of VA treatment has given many patients more awareness and readiness to verbalize. Also generally noted: a reduction of breathing problems in asthmatic patients, as well as those with cystic fibrosis; and reduced frequency of infections in patients who have been using this kind of therapy over a long period. The latter observation is interesting, but we do not have any explanation for this phenomenon. Is it possible that the increased blood circulation is contributing to this effect, or is it possible that we have found a way to stimulate the immune defense system? Perhaps these and more questions need to be dealt with by the medical profession.

Several institutions for the mentally retarded are considering the use of both chair and bed, as each has advantages for specific therapeutic procedures.

The University Hospital of Trondheim, Institute of Neurology, has begun a project that will evaluate the effect of VA therapy on insomnia and headaches that to date have been considered untreatable. The project will be a blind study that will be conducted for three to four months. From this study, it may be possible to discover which elements of VA therapy are of greatest importance: the music, the vibrational impact, or the combination of both.

The Institute of Psychiatry at the University Hospital has been working on aproject for more than ayear to measure the effects of VA therapy on psychiatric patients with moderate conditions. Encouraging effects on cases of anxiety neuroses and depressions have been observed, as well as mild cases of schizophrenia. The neurosurgical ward has for some time used VA equipment with encouraging results in the treatment of coma patients. _ _

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The TRILAX Center in Steinkjer has been investigating areas inwhich new research might be of interest and importance. The way of working has always been pragmatic, not theoretic&. And from our observations it is becoming more and more evident that new, interesting fields may open up. In September 1988 we saw the first hints of effects on blood pressure in instances not necessarily linked to the application of VA therapy alone. There may be a possibility that we can expect slight but positive effects on hypertonia when we look at our patients over aperiod of time longer than two months. The patients are coming regularly, and we may seea decrease of the diastolic blood pressure as well as a drop,


VibroAcoustic Therapy71

though lesser, in systolic blood pressure. We need more observation before this tendency can be confirmed.

In addition, a small research project on dysmenorrhea and Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) are underway because the pilot observations and reports prove to be promising. Both short- and long-term evaluations of the patients who have taken part in this project show positive effects. Similar results that are maintained up to one week are found on rigidity in Parkinsonism. With regard to multiple sclerosis, we think that there might be a lessening of rigidity. But because the effect lasts only for about two hours, there is no assurance as yet about this possible claim.

Asthmatic patients report dramatic but not very long-lasting effects from this treatment. Best results have been gained in patients who have been able to buy private equipment, thus getting the benefit from the therapeutic effect many times daily (up to ten times per day when the symptoms are severest). When equipment is used this way, the improvement in life quality of these patients has been substantial.

The TRILAX Center in Hitra reports very good results on elderly patients with poor blood circulation. Treatment is taking place with patients who have spent most of their adult lives fishing or working in the fishing industry. Worn-out joints, muscles, and ligaments are very common and cause troublesome conditions which contribute to the reduction of quality in the lives of these people. VA therapy has proved its effectiveness in alleviating such conditions.

In the average course of treatment of stress-related ailments, the TRILAX Center Hitra is confirming the positive effects found at the TRILAX Center Steinkjer.

Denmark Although work has just started in Denmark, there have already been

encouraging reports concerning patients who have varicose ulcers, varicose veins, and edema in the legs. With the use of EEG portable equipment which makes it available to patients “on the spot,” studies show an increase in the activity of the right brain hemisphere in comparison with the left hemisphere. Positive results have also been reported with regard to migraine headaches after an initial worsening of the symptoms.

Finland Petri Lehikoinen has completed a three-month study of the effect of

VA therapy on occupational stress in an insurance company. The 32 participants were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 15 persons who received traditional stress-reduction treatment (autogenous orself-generated trainining communication training, insight processes, etc.) Their treatment was distributed in one-hour sessions once a week. Group II consisted of 17 persons who received two half-


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was carried

pressure or pulse; and, (b) a clear rise in the stress-hormone levels was measured.

hour sessions of VA therapy every week. The experiment out from February to May 1987.

The methodology used was: (a) physical examination, (b) psychiatric interview, (c)medical evaluation (Spielberger scale), (d) anxiety evaluation (Hamilton scale), and (e) stress-hormone analysis (adrenalin, nonadrenalin, cortisol). The hypotheses for the project were: (a) that appropriate education is ableto help worker scope with stress-situations and to strengthen their professional identity, and, (b) that physical relaxation treatment iscapable of reducing situational stress.The results confirmed both hypotheses.

Changes of stress factors in the tested groups: There was a remarkable difference between Group I and Group II. Changes of stress levels in the number of persons who reported stress levels was 54% of Group I and 80% of Group II.

Changes in anxiety factors in the tested groups: The anxiety level was decreased in both groups. Unchanged or decreased anxiety was reported by 77% in Group I and by 80% in Group II.

Results of the Hamilton scale, which measures anxiety levels: Unchanged or decreased anxiety was reported by 62% in Group I and 87% in Group II.

Changes in depression factors in the tested groups: Unchanged or decreaseddepression was reported by 85%in Group I and 87%in Group II.

Although the number of persons (32) is too low to give the results statistical significance, the evidence shows a strong indication that progress was made in both groups, and that Group II obtained better results in most of the factors measured. Ifthis trend is supported by other projects, it will be advisable to develop VA stress-and anxiety-reduction methods and equipment to reduce states stemming from the demands of professional life.

England Music therapist Tony Wigram and physiotherapist Lyn Weekes have

completed a single-blind study of the effect of VA therapy on high muscle tone and edema in multiply handicapped subjects in a center for mentally retarded persons. The results show a statistically significant difference between the use of the VA method as compared with the similar use of music alone. The same results were observed in the subjects with edema.

Germany At Sportkrankenhaus Hellersen aproject was initiated to measure the

effect of VA therapy on stress hormones, blood pressure, and pulse. Several factors contributed to a stop in the progress of the project, but the following effects were reported: (a) there was no effect on blood



The rise in the stress-hormone level coming from a therapy which was thought to reduce stress was considered negative, and further clinical tests were terminated at Sportkrankenhaus Hellersen.

Discussions with several professional groups after the termination of this project have shown that the measured effect on hormone levels might be compared with the effect of jogging on stress. During jogging there is a marked rise in stress-hormone levels. After the jogging is over, thestress-releasingeffect is felt and physical relaxation takes place.Ifthe measured rise should be interpreted as negative, so also must the effect of jogging on stress hormones be interpreted as negative.

Estonia Dr. Saima Tamm, head of the Cabinet of Health at Tallinn Pedagogical

Institute, and psychologist Asta Evi Reilent visited TRILAX Center in Steinkjer, Norway, for 14 days in August 1988,to take the practice period in order to be granted authorization as TRILAX instructors. They are cooperating with the TRILAX Center in Steinkjer to measure the effect of VA therapy on blood pressure and pulse.

The psychiatrist Erika Saluveer presented a research project on VA treatment of patients with neuroses during the second international ISVA seminar in April 1989.

The Estonian research team summed up their findings as follows:

1) The treatment of elderly patients was the most effective. 2) Women are more responsive to treatment than men. (They

became less tired, had lessheadaches, were less distressed, experienced less trembling of hands.)

3) During the course of treatment the blood circulation was improved: a) acro-cyanosis is diminished, temperature of limbs rises; b) systolic and diastolic blood pressure drops; c) headache and nausea vanish and cerebral blood circula

tion improves; d) ECG shows no remarkable improvement after one pro

cedure (studies are ongoing in this field); e) EEG shows large individual differences (need more

research in this area). Generally, results of treatment have shown:

1) improvement in self-confidence; 2) lessening of depression; 3) reduction of physical symptoms such as stomach ailments,

headaches, asthenia (lack of bodily strength and overall debility);

4) increase in motivation to work.


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better for the remainder of the day, which gave evidence that the relief lasted longer than with ordinary physiotherapy treatment.

Thoughts and Suggestions

VibroAcoustic therapy may prove to be a professional challenge for music therapy. The empirical data are substantial in quantity, and the results obtained may be a totally new area for the field of music therapy. This area of work will be open for other professions waswell, but the special training and skills of music therapists will enable them to work with the construction and production of music programs for VA therapy which cannot be done by musically untrained persons. One day in the not too distant future, there may be VibroAcoustic therapy clinics“sonariums"-run by skilled music therapists who facilitate programs and train/supervise assistants to do much of the actual patient work. The “sonariums” will be able to offer treatment for physical, emotional, and mental stress--treatment that becomes an interface of the different fields of therapy involved.

The development of this possibility into a reality will be dependent upon the willingness of the existing universities and colleges offering music therapy programs to include the field of VibroAcoustics at all levels of education and training. Somebasic research may still be necessary to investigate the medical implications of this new method of applying sound and music to the human body.

Any proposals for cooperation to reach these goals will be given full attention and will be evaluated in light of current practices and projects. It is also important that practitioners who use VibroAcoustic therapy report new fields of use which have been tried out. Both positive and negative results should be shared with others!

REFERENCES

Pontvik,A. (1955).HeilendurchMusik Zurich: Rascher Verlag. Teirich, H. (1958)Musik tm Rahmenmen einer nervenartzlichenPraxis.In H. Teirich (Ed.),

Musik in derMedizin.Stuttgart:FischerVerlag.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alvin, J.(1975).Music therapy (revised edition). London:JohnClareBooks. Alvin, J,(1976).Music for the handicqped child(second edidition).London:Oxford University

press.Alvin, J.(1978).Music therapy for the autistic child.London:Oxford University Press Benenzon,R.O,.(1981):Music therapymanual,.Springfield, IL: CharlesC Thomas. Carrington, M.E. (1980,January). Vibration as a training tool for the profoundly multiply

handicappedchild within thefamily.Lecturegiven at CastlePriority College.Destunis &Sebart.(1958).Beitrag zur Frageder Musikeinwirkung auf die zwiscben

hirngesteuerten Funktionen des Kindes. In H. Teirich (Ed), Musik in de Medizin. Stuttgart FischerVerlag.



Forster,A. and Palastanga,N. (1985).Clayton's electrotheraphy therory and practise. London,

and special education, a musician, and a visiting professor at the Tallinn Pedagogical Institute. Also, he serves on the scientific committee of the International Society for Music in Medicine (ISMIM). His major works are The Musical Behavior Scale and The VibroAcoustic PrincipalandTherapeuticMethod.

Philadelphia:Balliere Tindall, ChapterV, 165-180. Lehikoinen,Petri.(1988).TheKANSAProject.Reportfrom a controlled study on theeffect

of VibroAcousticalTherapyon stress.Unpublished paper. Lehikoinen, Petri.(1980).Aaniaaltojen renotouttavavaikutus. Musikkiterpia. no 1-2, 21-25. Nordoff, P.and Robbins, C(197l). Therapyin music for handicappcd children. London: Victor

GallanczLtd. Nordoff, P. and Robbins,C. (1977) Creative music therapy. New York: Harper & Row

Publishers. Sa1uveer, E..Tamm,S., Ojaperv. I. (1989).The useof VibroAcoustic Therapy 40 Psychiatric

patients in the Dept. of Medicinc,Tallinn pedagogical Institute,USSR Estonia.Paper read at 2nd International seminaron theuseof VibroAcousticTherapy,Steinkjer,Norway.

Savage,B. (1984).Interferential therapy. Landon, Boston:Faber. Sears,W.W.(1958).The effectof music onmuscletonus.In E.T.Gaston(Ed.),MusicTkepy

1957:Seventh book of proceedings of the National Association for Music Therapy(pp.199-205).Lawrence,KS:National Associationfor Music Therapy,Inc

Skille, O. (1987).The music bath: Possibleuseas an anxiolytic. In Spintge/Droh (Eds.), Music in medicine(pp.253-255).New York springer Verlag.

Skille, (1987).Low frequencysoundmassage:The musicbath-A follow-up report. In Spintge/Droh (Eds.)Music in medicine(pp.257-259).New York:SpringerVerlag.

Skille,O.(ed).(1987).Rapport fra symposium13:15 .mars1987,Steinkjer,Nomray:VibroSoft.(limited edition)

Skill, O. (1988).VibroAcousticsand sport:Thebeginning of a new approachto muscular stress?In Spintge/Droh (Eds)Schmerzund Sport (pp. 150-156).New York: SpringerVerlag.

Skille, O. (1988).Fysmus:med en annen vri. Musikker nr 3-4 arg. 13,48 - 63. Skille, O. (1989).Behandlingas funksjonell dysmenhorreamed Vibro Akustiskbehandling.(un

published manuscript).Steinkjer,Norway: VibroSoft. Skille, O. (1989) Samlerapport fra 2. internasjonale brukerseminar omkring Vibro akustisk behan

dling 14,-16.4.1989.Steinkjer,Norway: VibroSoft(limited edition)

Olav Skille, president of the International Society for VibroAcoustics (ISVA), is currently director of Research and Development at the TRILAX Center in Steinkjer, Norway. He is a practicing VibroAcoustic therapist, a teacher of music


Music Therapy, Volume 8, Number 1, 1989

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