Key Takeaway
Across 20 studies, 40 Hz was the most commonly used frequency for vibroacoustic therapy in pain management, with sessions typically lasting 20-45 minutes and daily application for acute pain.
Summary
This scoping review analyzed 20 studies (from 430 records) examining vibroacoustic therapy characteristics and outcomes in adults experiencing pain. It covered chronic pain (15 studies), acute pain (2 studies), both types (2 studies), and experimentally induced pain (1 study).
The review found that 40 Hz was the predominantly used frequency, most sessions ranged between 20 and 45 minutes, and treatment frequency was higher for acute pain (daily) compared with chronic pain (daily to once a week). Outcomes primarily measured perceived pain, with additional consideration of treatment days and medication usage.
Methods
- Scoping review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus)
- All quantitative and qualitative research included without date or language restrictions
- Two independent reviewers extracted data on study design, settings, pain causes, participants, VAT interventions, measurement tools, and outcomes
- 20 studies identified from 430 records
Key Results
- 40 Hz was the most commonly applied frequency
- Sessions typically lasted 20-45 minutes
- Acute pain studies used daily treatment; chronic pain ranged from daily to weekly
- Perceived pain was the most measured outcome
- Some studies also tracked treatment days and medication usage
Limitations
- Research in this area is too sparse to identify optimal VAT properties for pain management
- Lack of standardized measurement protocols across studies
- Insufficient randomized controlled trials to establish effectiveness
- Heterogeneity in study designs and populations limits comparability