Acoustics and Neuroscience
admin
2014-09-22T12:18:46+00:00
Acoustics in relation to Neuroscience is a truly inter-disciplinary combination of increasing interest. Cognitive neuroscience research of the sound is growing in importance and it is estimated to be an integral part of the training of musicians and researchers in the sound.
Sound and music in particular, is considered one of the most interesting paradigms in Neuroscience
This discipline is the scientific study of the auditory system and its influence on the higher functions of the nervous system (the neural substrates and mental processes associated with receiving the sound stimulus). We find various fields of activity, from the treatment of tinnitus, acoustic stimulation or cognitive training among others.
I2A2 approachs the use of sound research for therapeutic purposes, mainly in the field of neuropathology. If we think of the sound/music as complementary therapy it can be found in the history books already in ancient times, since it was used for therapeutic purposes: ancient shamans and healers in Asia used it as an instrument of “cure”, or American Indians who chant and rituals using music in their celebrations to improve their mood. Music nowadays is also used for therapeutic purposes, it is used in centers for patients like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or autism spectrum disorders, among others.
However, the problem of the use of sound/music therapy is the limited scientific rigor around it, because on the one hand, the complexity of the nervous system (which performs its processing) and secondly, the large range of possible stimuli, complicating the scientific demonstration of ability of music to “cure”. Let’s say we know empirically something does, but no one knows exactly why. Understanding this phenomenon is part of the work of I2A2.
Therefore, in this research group there is a line of research on “Therapies Acoustic” trying to link seemingly disparate disciplines such as acoustics engineering, neuroscience and cognition.
This research has implemented several projects with the same horizon: improved health / wellness through the use of sound. Although there are several courses of action such as recovery hospital in intensive care units (ICU) or athletic performance, we are more focused on the pathologies of neurological motivated primarily by economic and social impact generated, since they constitute a set of very common diseases that affect both young people and the elderly (in the latter with a higher prevalence), being present in all continents, genders, races and ages.
Neuropathologies has made great strides twentieth century, yet in this XXI century has made a great effort but with few results. Therefore the situation is described in various scientific studies claiming the need for new perspectives on this type of pathology, and acoustic engineering is one of them. We therefore believe that the intervention by sound control in health with our personnel and equipment that integrates I2A2 may be relevant in the near future.
