Group Empowerment Drumming Research

Strengthens the Immune System

IMMUNE RESEARCH - 2001

The discussion between Remo Belli and Dr. Bittman continues with a focus on exploring the details of the drumming experiment, research conclusions, and insights for future investigations

Mr. Belli – Why did you perform preliminary studies, and how many subjects did you finally test?

Dr. Bittman – We performed an extensive series of preliminary investigations based upon the need to explore a variety of drumming approaches prior to the actual experiment. Our initial trials included 61 volunteers (9-11 subjects in each of 6 groups). These studies were used to identify the drumming strategy that demonstrated the best immunological promise for the actual experiment. Our final study included the results from the best response group and 50 additional subjects recruited for the actual study. The actual investigation therefore included data on 111 age and sex matched subjects, each of whom precisely met the criteria for inclusion into our study.

Mr. Belli – How do you know your findings did not come about simply from listening to drumming music or just the physical activity itself?

Dr. Bittman – This issue concerned our team from the start. We recognized the difficulty separating components that could ultimately produce positive immune system changes. In a preliminary study group using precisely the same investigative protocol, normal subjects were given the opportunity to listen to drumming music generated by another experimental group. Other groups drummed without introductory warm-up activities or drumming guided imagery that was ultimately incorporated into our final research protocol. One cohort performed intense drumming without these associated activities. No significant positive immunological changes were found in subjects from any of these groups.

Mr. Belli – Once you decided on your final drumming approach, how did things turn out?

Dr. Bittman – We essentially discovered statistically significant increases in NK cell activity, unstimulated and stimulated with cytokines for subjects who drummed compared to our control groups. It was also shown that cortisol was not a predictor of positive changes in NK cell activity. Increased DHEA/cortisol ratios, a measurement consistent with a positive effect approached statistical significance. Most importantly, we were able to successfully control for other biological changes that could have affected our results.

Mr. Belli – Dr. Bittman, how do you know that your findings did not occur by chance?

Dr. Bittman – While the findings I just described were highly significant from a statistical perspective, we also realized the need to control the actual experiment as tightly as possible to eliminate other factors that could come into play. Therefore, substantial efforts were expended to select our subject population and generate reproducible, reliable results. Participants were actually screened on two separate occasions. Individuals were excluded who reported active medical illnesses, or treatment for a medical problem. A history of heart or lung disease, hearing loss, pregnancy, or having missed the last menstrual period also precluded participation. Additionally, volunteers were eliminated who used prescription medications other than aspirin or birth control pills. Illicit drug use, cigarette or cigar smoking, tobacco chewing, and routine consumption of more than 2 alcoholic drinks/day within the last month served as criteria for exclusion. Subjects were asked (and signed a statement) not to consume alcoholic beverages, or to participate in sexual activity or aerobic exercise within a period of 24 hours prior to the experiment. All subjects refrained from eating for a minimum of 2 hours prior to the study. We also eliminated people if they drummed in the past, listened to drumming music on a regular basis, or participated in drumming within the past 3 months. All groups (experimental and control) were studied precisely at the same time of day, same day of the week and in the same setting. Samples were carefully handled by a team of experienced medical and laboratory personnel, and were analyzed at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, the University of Iowa, and our hospital, Meadville Medical Center.

Mr. Belli – If I may ask, why did you become interested in group drumming?

Dr. Bittman – Frankly, there are a number of reasons. An historical review disclosed that drumming as a healing ritual has been used for thousands of years by many civilizations throughout the world. Recently, there’s been a strong resurgence of interest in drumming and drum circles, and how such activities can be used therapeutically in the medical setting. The Mind-Body Wellness Center, where we develop and offer whole person disease-based strategies, integrates musical approaches with traditional medical strategies. Drumming at our Center has evolved into an effective group intervention that is enjoyed on many levels. We’re delighted to have scientific evidence suggesting it is truly beneficial from a biological perspective.

Mr. Belli – Have your impressions about drumming changed since performing the research?

Dr. Bittman – While I’m extremely pleased with our research findings, there’s a part of me that’s always known certain types of music move us in favorable directions biologically. From a physician’s perspective, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to watch group drumming rapidly evolve into a favorite activity for patients and healthcare professionals within our integrative programs. It seems we’ve merely added scientific credibility to what our patients have known all along. From a global perspective, our findings simply serve to validate the wisdom of the ancients.

Mr. Belli – Dr. Bittman, do you believe there’s a lasting effect?

Dr. Bittman – Personally yes, but scientifically that’s a great question. We deliberately performed a single intervention (one session per person) specifically to establish the greatest control possible. Testing humans is more complex than one might imagine-- especially over time. A lot can happen to a person in just 24 hours. Subjects in our study remained with us during the entire experiment. Therefore, we were able to eliminate many of the variables that might have occurred otherwise. While we realize it’s impossible to control all potential variables in the long run, research by other investigators has shown that biology can be conditioned. We’re looking forward to extending our hypothesis in order to investigate long-term effects.

Mr. Belli – How do you proceed from here? What are your next steps?

Dr. Bittman – Initially, I’m hoping our research provides the impetus for hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, nursing homes and insurers to integrate group drumming as a valuable intervention within traditional medicine. These organizations have an exceptional opportunity to incorporate a unique activity that combines proven health-promoting strategies including self-expression, group support, nurturing, exercise, stress reduction and of course, music making. We’re also anticipating our study will encourage others to replicate these findings and build upon this knowledge base. Our plan to start at the bottom with normal subjects was chosen to establish a firm foundation for future studies. Recognizing the limitations of a single trial design, our next step is to extend our approach to individuals with cancer and other illnesses through the use of a similar protocol used repeatedly. A long-term strategy is also being considered.

Mr. Belli – One final question. Can you summarize what your team has learned that can benefit mankind?

Dr. Bittman – Group drumming in normal subjects enhances the activity of specific cellular immune components that are responsible for seeking out and destroying cancer cells and viruses. The degree to which such changes must occur in the context of disease control or prevention is yet unknown. While world-wide scientific attempts by leading investigators are in progress to develop effective approaches for boosting our innate immune system, many questions remain unanswered. Ultimately, such strategies may serve to favorably modulate the basic critical determinants of our health.

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