Tactile Low Frequency Vibration in Dementia Management: A Scoping Review Protocol

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Dementia presents a growing societal challenge, necessitating effective non-pharmacological interventions.
• Music therapy is a recognized approach for managing dementia symptoms.
• Low frequency vibrations (LFV) share musical characteristics but are less understood for therapeutic use in dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review exploring the responses of individuals with dementia to low frequency vibrations (LFV).
• To investigate vibroacoustic therapy and whole-body vibration as potential LFV interventions for dementia symptom management.
• To clarify the relationship between LFV and music-based interventions for dementia.

Main Methods:

• Adherence to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology guidelines for scoping reviews.
• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (e.g., MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus) and grey literature.
• Independent dual reviewer selection, assessment, and data extraction of relevant research papers.

Main Results:

• Analysis of participant responses to LFV interventions.
• Comparison of different experiment designs and identification of methodological challenges.
• Highlighting potential gaps in reporting and comparing sound versus mechanical vibration approaches.

Conclusions:

• LFV interventions show promise for dementia symptom management.
• Further research is needed to optimize LFV application and reporting standards.
• Clarifying LFV's role may enhance non-pharmacological treatment options for dementia.