An emerging field exploring the psychological and physiological effects of music and of low-frequency sound pulsation on well-being highlights the fundamental role vibration plays in human functioning. Music as cultural cognitive process and as vibratory stimulant affects humans at multiple levels. While music can affect cognitive psychological states, low-frequency pulsation can have effects at the cellular level and is intrinsic to bodily functioning: from heart contractions, to nerve impulses, sensorial perception, speech, and hearing. Physiologically, external sonic pulsations can stimulate bodily response—innate vibrations within the body—to influence haemodynamic, neurological, and musculoskeletal functions. While single frequencies can target region-specific bodily resonant responses, music (complex tones of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic combinations) can influence resonance across multiple areas simultaneously. The therapeutic utility of sound and music is broad with vast efficacy. Non-exhaustively, it can promote confidence, independence, concentration, and self-awareness, reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, slow the progress of Alzheimer's, reduce pain perception, improve well-being etc. Yet despite vibration as integral to human well-being, exploration of audible and tactile sound in health research calls for deeper exploration.

This Research Topic is concerned with the effects of low-frequency auditory and tactile interventions on well-being and psychological and physiological conditions. It explores the cognitive and physiological processes behind these outcomes. Leveraging a multi-disciplinary multi-method approach, this topic aims to synthesise findings from neuroscience, psychology, and physiology to construct a robust framework for understanding the integration of low-frequency sounds in health-promoting interventions. The Research Topic supports a comprehensive understanding of the beneficial effects of low-frequency audible and tactile sonic interventions, explores potential future avenues for therapeutic sonic tools, and fills critical gaps in current scientific literature.

To gather further insights into the impact of low-frequency audible and tactile sound on health and well-being, we welcome contributions addressing diverse issues within defined limitations. We encourage exploration of:
• Psychological and physiological outcomes of low-frequency sound on the human brain and body
• The influence of low-frequency sound on cognitive processing and neurophysiological functioning
• Identification of specific low frequencies and tactile and sonic attributes that are efficacious at supporting well-being.

Research contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including cognition, audition, neuroscience, psychology, physiology, psychoacoustics, musicology, and ethnomusicology, are encouraged. Topics may encompass and are not limited to vibroacoustic interventions, sonic embodiment, individual and group sonic practices, neurophysiological entrainment, , neuromodulation, and sound therapy. Submissions of any type are welcome to foster interdisciplinary exchanges that deepen understanding of how low sonic frequencies and tactile sound can influence neurological and physiological conditions.

To standardise measures for reporting of sound and music in the context of this Research Topic, the Topic Editors would like authors to use parameters defined below. All papers should include a detailed description of the stimulus (sound or music) as itemised, e.g., with specific frequency descriptions instead of simple general broad category labelling such as low frequency or high frequency.

For studies using specific sound pulsation as stimulus (rather than music), the following metrics should be reported:
1. the frequency (in Hz): include wave characteristics of the sounds used (e.g., sine waves at 35 Hz)
2. the duration of the stimulus: time applied and over how many days
3. the area of the body stimulated: e.g. spine, back, whole-body, or a measured area in units
4. the amplitude of the stimulus (in mm or dB): the stimulant - as maximum displacement by a point on a vibrating body in millimetres (mm), or decibel level (dB).
5. When possible - the acceleration (in m/s2 or g): the acceleration of a point on the vibrating body measured in metric units (m/s2), or units of gravitational constant g, where 1 g = 9.81 m/s2

For studies using music (rather than singular sound frequencies as pulsation) the following metrics should be reported:
1. Intervention theory: a rationale for the selected music
2. Intervention content: precise details of the music intervention including -
a) who selected the music (i.e. researcher or participant)
b) reference for sheet music or sound recordings, or descriptions of improvised music (i.e. instrumentation)
c) delivery style (live or recorded, and itemised instrumentation if live)
d) transmission method (i.e. headphones, speakers, microphones, amplifiers)
e) amplitude level(s) in decibels (dB)
3. Intervention delivery schedule: number, duration, and frequency of sessions
4. Interventionist (where relevant): qualifications and credentials
5. Treatment fidelity: strategies used to ensure treatment and/or control conditions were delivered as intended
6. Setting: where the intervention was delivered including location, privacy level, and ambient sound
7. Unit of delivery: whether interventions were delivered to individuals or groups, including group size.

For music reporting guidelines in full, please refer to Robb SL, Carpenter JS, Burns DS. Reporting Guidelines for Music-based Interventions. Journal of Health Psychology. 2010;16(2):342-352. doi:10.1177/1359105310374781

Dr. Lee Bartel is a consultant to Headwaters Corp for selected Sound Oasis products, receiving royalties for sound files and the Vibroacoustic Therapy System device. LB is a paid scientific consultant with Neuro Spinal Innovation using the SONIK system but with no specific product or treatment related royalties.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Exploring therapeutic effects of low-frequency sound on psychological and physiological health

Topic Coordinator