Vibroacoustic Therapy Research

This controlled trial examined the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation on stress markers using both physiological and psychological measures.

Results showed that vibroacoustic therapy shifted participants toward parasympathetic dominance, improved EEG relaxation markers, and reduced subjective stress, supporting its use for nervous system regulation.

This randomized controlled trial examined whether vibroacoustic therapy (somatosensory music therapy) could improve symptoms in patients with depression.

The intervention group showed significant improvements in depression scores, emotional state, and autonomic nervous system balance compared to controls, suggesting vibroacoustic therapy may be a useful adjunct for depression management.

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.

This pilot double-blinded RCT examined whether low-frequency sound vibration could reduce acute stress response in 54 university students. Participants were randomized to receive either vibroacoustic therapy (low-frequency sound combined with music) or a control condition.

Stress response was measured via heart rate variability (HRV), visual analogue scales for stress, and visual analogue scales for muscle relaxation. While both groups showed pre-to-post improvements, only HRV showed statistically significant between-group differences favoring the experimental group, particularly in sympathovagal balance metrics (LF/HF ratio and pNN50).

This mixed-methods study with four single cases examined vibroacoustic treatment combined with self-care interventions for chronic pain patients with potential comorbid depression and anxiety. The study used a phased design with practitioner-led sessions followed by self-administered treatment.

Results showed the greatest improvement from practitioner-led sessions, but self-care was also beneficial for pain relief and relaxation. Participants gained increased body awareness and better appreciated treatment effects during washout periods when symptoms returned, supporting vibroacoustic therapy as part of a multidisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation approach.