Vibroacoustic Therapy and Development of a New Device: A Pilot Study in the Health Resort Environment

Abstract

This study was motivated by the development of a new model of vibroacoustic (VA) therapy device which, in terms of its design and characteristics, could be used in various health promotion and treatment environments. In the case of VA therapy, a bed or lounge chair is used to transmit special low frequency sounds for the purpose of affecting the whole body. In the review of previous studies, the results of applying VA therapy in the case of somatic and functional disruptions are described. In this study a new VA device prototype was used. The study was carried out at a health resort where, over the course of a two month period, visitors had the opportunity to participate in VA therapy. Twenty-six volunteers participated in the study. Data was collected through self-rate scales, which were completed at the beginning and end of the VA treatment session. The results of the study indicated an improvement in feeling-a reduction in muscle tension, pain, fatigue, anxiety-as well as the suitability of the device and therapy for health improvement related purposes, integrated with other health services.