The effect of harp music on heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature in the African green monkey

Authors: Hinds, Sarah Bro¹; Raimond, Susan²; Purcell, Bret K.¹

Source: Journal of Medical Primatology, Volume 36, Number 2, April 2007 , pp. 95-100(6)

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Abstract:

Background

The effectiveness of recorded harp music as a tool for relaxation for non-human primates is explored in this study. Methods

Konigsberg Instruments Model T27F-1B cardiovascular telemetry devices were implanted into nine African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). After post-surgical recovery, animals were exposed to recorded harp music. Telemetry data were collected on heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature for a 30-minute baseline period before music exposure; a 90-minute period of music exposure; and a 90-minute post-exposure period, where no music was played. Results

No statistical differences were noted in heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature between pre-exposure, exposure, and post-exposure periods. Conclusions

The lack of response in these African green monkeys may be attributable to their generally calm demeanor in captivity; experiments with a more excitable species such as the rhesus macaque might demonstrate a significant relaxation response to music.

Keywords: cardiovascular; Chlorocebus aethiops; cytocymatics; environmental enrichment; relaxation; stereotypies; stress; telemetry

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0684.2006.00157.x

Affiliations: 1: United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, USA 2: Pet Pause, Pine Valley, CA, USA

Publication date: 2007-04-01