Parkinson’s CD Study Summary [Rush University] 8/2011

The mean age of the 20 completed subjects (14 men, 6 women) was 64.3 (SD 8.35), and the mean duration of PD was 6.05 years (SD 3.64).

Twelve of the subjects were taking carbidopa/levodopa; 6 subjects were on a MAO-B inhibitor, a dopamine agonist, or amantadine; and 2 subjects were not taking any PD medications.

 

10 subjects were randomized to vibration [headphone and sound table] and 10 to no vibration [headphone listening only]. The MDS-UPDRS motor scores were not significantly different in the two groups at baseline (40.2 (SD 8.67) for the no vibration group vs. 36.1 (SD 9.53) for the vibration group; p=0.33). Additionally, there were no other significant differences in baseline scores for all assessments between the two treatment groups (all p’s > 0.22).

 

Exploratory analyses included the examination of treatment effects (baseline vs. four weeks of treatment and after a single treatment) on the different motor components of PD as measured by Part III of the MDS-UPDRS. Motor components were defined as axial function (speech, facial expression, arising from a chair, gait, freezing of gait, postural stability, posture, global spontaneity of movement), tremor (rest tremor, postural tremor, kinetic tremor), rigidity and extremity bradykinesia (finger tapping, hand movements, pronation/supination, toe tapping, leg agility).

 

Primary outcome measure for chronic treatment: There was a significant improvement in MDS-UPDRS Part III (Motor scale) score for both the vibration and the no vibration treatment groups following daily 30-minute treatments for four weeks (F[1,18]=13.78, p=0.002). The mean improvement in the group without vibration was 3.6 points, (SD 4.03) and the mean improvement in the vibration group was 5.50 points (SD 6.62). Although the mean incremental improvement was higher for the vibration group, the difference between vibration and no vibration groups was not significant (F[1,18]=0.60, p=0.45). The exploratory analysis examining treatment effects on the different motor components of the MDS- UPDRS items (tremor, extremity bradykinesia, rigidity, and axial involvement) revealed a significant improvement in bradykinesia following chronic treatment (F[1,18]=8.97, p=0.008). However, there was no significant difference between the vibration and no vibration conditions (F[1,18]=1.19, p=0.29). There were no significant treatment effects on the other components of the MDS-UPDRS with either treatment.

 

Secondary outcome measures for chronic treatment (Table): There were significant improvements in MDS-UPDRS Part 1 (Non-motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living), depression (BDI), anxiety (BAI and ISQ anxiety), fatigue (FSS) and nighttime sleep (PSQI) (all p’s < 0.04) for both treatment groups following daily 30-minute treatments for four weeks. Differences between the treatment groups on these measures, however, were not significant. There were no significant changes over time on MDS- UPDRS Part II (Patient Questionnaire on motor experiences of daily living), MDS-UPDRS Part IV (Motor Complications), CGI-C scores, daytime sleepiness (ESS) or ISQ measures of pain, mood, fatigue, apathy or overall well being (all p’s > 0.11).

 

Our study confirmed that pain and fatigue scores significantly improved with single treatments. Again, however, we did not find the effects to be specific to vibration, as scores in these domains improved equally in those assigned to the no vibration group that received music stimulation only.

 

* CD used in the study was Parkinson’s, a joint venture between sound therapist Suzanne Jonas, Ed.D. and NexNeuro. The CD contains specific frequencies to assist in decreasing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that are embedded in nature sounds. Study was conducted by Kapur, S; Stebbins, G; Goetz, C., Dept of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago.

CD can be ordered on this link page.

 

 

Music’s Effects on Parkinson’s Symptoms

Suzanne Jonas, Ed.D.  7/2010

 

24 persons purchased the RRR941 CD* and completed the Parkisons Music Therapy Study Questionnaire

The participants were recruited from Parkinson’s radio program or workshops with Dr. Jonas

 

7 persons turned in NO information after completing the questionnaire

5 persons did not complete the 40 day study

12 persons listened for the 40 day period and returned all of the required information [6 weekly report forms; Post Questionnaire]

 

Of the 12 persons who completed the study:

6 women            6 men ranging in age from 50 to 76

8 from the USA 2 from Canada      1 from the UK        1 from Japan

Years having been diagnosed with PD: 3yrs [5]    7yrs [2]    8yrs [2]    10yrs [1]    15yrs [2]

8 participants thought their beliefs contributed in some way to their disease; 4 said No

 Only 1 person said they had a previous addiction (cigarettes).

3 persons said they had emotional traumas in the past year, 9 said no.

3 persons were able to decrease their medication dosages