Effects of Tempo and Intensity on Hyperactive Children

摘要

This study examined the cognitive and behavioral effects of auditory stimulation on hyperactive children. Thirty-two male Caucasian boys, ranging in age from six to fourteen were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions. Treatment conditions consisted of listening to music that varied according to intensity (high and low) and tempo (fast and slow). The four combinations of music were high and fast, high and slow, low and fast, and low and slow. The subjects performed a cognitive task during the assigned treatment condition and also during a no-music condition. Behavioral observations and ratings were also taken during these conditions in the early part of the study. Analysis of variance showed no significant differences in either the music/no-music conditions or as a result of the specific variables of tempo and intensity. Results of the study do not support the under arousal theory as an explanation for hyperactivity or the stimulation approach as viable treatment technique. (Author).