Biofeedback, Classical Music and ADHD.
Biofeedback, a "physical therapy" or sorts for the brain, has long
been known to help people with ADD and ADHD. A recent study now
shows a way to beef up the ADD and ADHD benefits of biofeedback;
add a little Mozart to the biofeedback therapy.
In a recent 2004 controlled study of 19 ADD children and
adolescents, one group listened to recordings of Mozart during
brain wave biofeedback sessions three times weekly. The control
group underwent biofeedback without music. The group that listened
to Mozart displayed better focus and mood control, diminished
impulsivity and improved social skill. Among the subjects that
improved, 70 percent maintained that improvement six months after
the end of the study without further training.
This study is interesting in that it incorporates two alternative
methods shown to help ADD and ADHD, biofeedback and classical
music.
Biofeedback, a therapy that teaches patients to control
physiologic functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, and even
their brain waves, has emerged as an effective treatment for ADD
and ADHD. Several studies point to the biofeedback ADD and ADHD
benefits;
In a 2002 study, 101 children and adolescents with ADHD received
ADD and ADHD treatment that included stimulant medication,
behavioral therapy, and school consultation services. Half of the
study participants also received biofeedback therapy. After one
year, participants whose treatment included biofeedback showed
greater improvement than the group not using biofeedback.
In a 2003 study, parents of 34 children with ADHD between the ages
of 8 and 12 chose either ADHD medication or biofeedback therapy
for their child. After three months of either biofeedback therapy
or medication, children in both groups showed significant and
comparable reductions in ADD and ADHD symptoms. Researchers gauged
progress based on parent and teacher surveys, as well as
laboratory testing of attention.
The drawback of biofeedback for ADD and ADHD is its cost. A
biofeedback session typically costs $60 to $150. It can take 30 to
100 sessions before experiencing significant improvements in ADHD
symptoms.
Studies have also shown that classical music may be an important
factor in aiding children in learning, retaining information, and
communication skills. Classical music, with an average 50 to 70
beats per minute is optimal for learning. One study, citing a
“Mozart Effect,” showed that listening to Mozart can improve an IQ
score by up to 13 points.
Researchers also found that classical music helps listeners become
relaxed and attentive, even if they do not like classical music.
Listening to classical music also provided health benefits such as
lower blood pressure, lower muscle tension, and a slower pulse
rate.
The recent classic music/biofeedback study used Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart’s “100 Masterpieces, Vol. 3." It included the selections of
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, The Marriage of Figaro, Flute Concerto
No. 2 in D, Don Giovanni and other concertos and sonatas.
