The effect of harp music on heart rate, mean blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature in the African green monkey.
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.
Hinds
Sarah Bro
SB
United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD, USA. Sarah.Hinds@det.amedd.army.mil
Raimond
Susan
S
Purcell
Bret K
BK
D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops / Q000502:physiology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D009146:Music; D012063:Relaxation / Q000502:physiology*; D012119:Respiration; D013686:Telemetry