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Posturographic changes associated with music listening.

Carrick FR, Oggero E, Pagnacco G

Carrick Institute for Clinical Ergonomics Rehabilitation and Applied Neuroscience, Cape Canaveral, FL, USA. drfrcarrick@gmail.com

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether listening to music might cause changes in human stability and be useful in fall prevention and rehabilitation. The aim was also to find what percentage of subjects without neurologic signs or symptoms associated with falling had less than ideal stability. DESIGN: Computer dynamic posturography (CDP) provided stability scores in 266 subjects without a history of falls or vertigo. Subjects were randomized into several different music listening groups and one control group. The music listening groups were given a daily specific music listening task and CDP was obtained 10 minutes, 1 week, and 1 month after the subject's treatment in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: Tests of postural stability have shown that 73% of 266 subjects without neurologic signs or symptoms were found to have balance abnormalities associated with an increased probability of falling. We have demonstrated positive changes in stability scores in these subjects who underwent a variety of music listening tasks, with the music of Nolwenn Leroy found to be significantly superior to other music tested. CONCLUSIONS: Listening to certain types of music has the potential to change human stability and promote change in the field of fall prevention and rehabilitation with a potential to decrease disability.

Published 2 July 2007 in J Altern Complement Med, 13(5): 519-26.
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