The Influence of Rhythmic Drumbeat Stimuli Upon the Pulse Rate and General Activity of Long-Term Schizophrenics

Abstract

In our clinical ward programmes we have utilized music rhythm instruments in rhythm groups to stimulate long-term schizophrenic patients and to induce their participation in social group endeavour. These clinical experiences together with various observations in this same connection, heightened our interest in the actual physiologic and motoric response of the schizophrenic patient to music rhythms. The evidence is strong that mentally “normal” persons do respond behaviourally and physiologically to music and its rhythms. Does the long-term schizophrenic patient manifest an objectively measurable response to such rhythm? If it could be demonstrated that the activity and the physiological functioning of the schizophrenic did respond to musical rhythms, then these stimuli might constitute a valid method for the modification of the behaviour of the schizophrenic patient.