Music Therapy

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

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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 observ­
ing signs of language difficulties, personality disorders, motor
functions, and learning capacity in children and adults. He sub­
sequently 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 aspsychologi­
cal 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.

61
62 Skille

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

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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 inter­
cellular 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 sys­
tem on its own or incorporated into other therapies.

VibroAcoustic Equipment and Software

The equipment and software include:
1) 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.
2) An audio unit which may be an ordinary stereo speaker or
set of good earphones.
3) A mattress which allows the sound and sound impulses
to pass through the air directly to the person lying over the
impulse giver.
4) 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.
5) Specially designed audio cassettesin whichlow frequency
sinus/pure tones, produced electronically, are superim­
posed 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 super­
imposed low frequency tones, these cassettes are un­
suitable 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 frequen­
cies/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,

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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.]
64 Skille

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-

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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.
 VibroAcoustic Therapy 65

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 concern­
ing changes music can effect in the human body, both in experimental
situations and in practical ones. I have encountered controversy as to the

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nature of VA therapy in relation to what might be referred to as “tradi­
tional” 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 un­
clear, 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 substan­
tial 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 con­
cerned with the pragmatic side of such phenomena, most of the publi­
cations 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.
66 Skille

1) Rett syndrome:
The “plucking” movements were reduced. The patient
may fall asleep. Notable muscle relaxing effect.
2) Autism:
Contact-defying children became so engaged by the effect

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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 con­
tact which occurred during VA may be transferred to
situations where the music can gradually be withdrawn.
3) Spastic conditions:
Observable spasm reduction when using the lower fre­
quencies.
4) Asthma/Cystic Fibrosis:
Problems of excretion of lung secretion may be eased by
using frequencies in the mid dle range. The effect may last
one to two days.
5) Abdominal pains/colic pains:
Several observations have been made where relief of such
pains have been obtained using frequencies in the lower
frequency range.
6) Cerebral Palsy:
With spastic conditions due to cerebral palsy, VA therapy
has demonstrated a considerable effect. Alone, or in com­
bination with physiotherapy, the method has given very
good results in reducing spasms.
7) Digestion:
In some casesthere has been observeda spontaneous relief
of constipation in institutionalized patients in whom
natural mobility has been impaired. Itis possible that the
mechanical vibrations given by VibroAcoustic therapy
give new vigor to the natural processes in the digestive
system.
8) 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.
9) Menstrual pains/pre-menstrual tension:
These pains and tension conditions may be relieved by
using frequencies in the lower middle region and using
 VibroAcoustic Therapy 67

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

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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 se­
quences which are built on a basic tone in the low frequen­
cy 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 fre­
quencies 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
68 Skille

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

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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 in­
flammation 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 institutional­
ized 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 fre­
quencies 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 consider­
able. The effect lasts for about one week.
22) Muscular psoriasis:
Muscular rigidity is decreased. Duration of effect: maxi­
mum one week.
 VibroAcoustic Therapy 69

23) Multiple sclerosis:

Muscular stiffness is reduced. Duration of effect: about
two hours.
24) Varicose ulcers, varicose veins:

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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) stimula­
tion 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
70 Skille

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

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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 work­
ing 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. _ _
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 observa­
tions and reports prove to be promising. Both short- and long-term

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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 improve­
ment 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 com­
parison 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-
72 Skille

hour sessions of VA therapy every week. The experiment was carried

out from February to May 1987.
The methodology used was: (a) physical examination, (b) psychiatric
interview, (c)medical evaluation (Spielberger scale), (d) anxiety evalua­
tion (Hamilton scale), and (e) stress-hormone analysis (adrenalin, non­

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adrenalin, 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: Un­
changed 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
pressure or pulse; and, (b) a clear rise in the stress-hormone levels was
measured.
 VibroAcoustic Therapy 73

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

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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.
76 Skille

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

Thoughts and Suggestions

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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 was well, 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 neces­
sary 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!

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