Group Empowerment Drumming Research

Strengthens the Immune System

COMPOSITE EFFECTS OF GROUP DRUMMING MUSIC THERAPY ON MODULATION OF NEUROENDOCRINE-IMMUE PARAMETERS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS - 2001

Barry B. Bittman, MD; Lee S. Berk, DrPH, MPH; David L. Felten, MD, PhD; James Westengard, BS; O. Carl Simonton, MD; James Pappas, MD and Melissa Ninehouser, BS

Alternative Ther Health Med 2001: 7:38-47

The study’s principal investigator, Barry Bittman, MD, Neurologist, was interviewed by Remo Belli, founder of Remo Inc., the company that funded the project.

Mr. Belli – Dr. Bittman, would you begin by summarizing the principal findings of your study?

Dr. Bittman – Our project entitled, Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects presents, for the very first time, important scientific evidence documenting potential health benefits associated with a single group drumming session. Statistically significant increases in the activity of cellular immune components responsible for seeking out and destroying cancer cells and viruses were noted in normal subjects who drummed.

Mr. Belli – Would you discuss the relevance of your findings?

Dr. Bittman – Over the last few decades, leading medical scientists throughout the world have discovered many of the biological underpinnings of what has been termed the “mind-body connection.” Extensive medical research in animals and humans has revealed that what goes on in the mind clearly affects the body and visa versa. This inseparable connection is being studied by leading medical scientists exploring the mechanisms by which the immune system responds to and can be conditioned by what the individual is experiencing. In essence, an important aspect of health is reflected by a delicate balance that is constantly tweaked within us according to what we are experiencing. This contention is supported by a number of leading scientific investigations which have disclosed that the perception of stress negatively impacts the immune system, and in some instances, survival. Chronic stressors such as care giving for a loved-one with Alzheimer’s disease, marital separation and divorce, and examination stress in medical students appear to have a suppressive influence on many measures of immunologic reactivity. In a similar manner, heightened sense of control, nurturing, mirthful laughter and moderate exercise have been shown to boost key immune system components. Essentially, we set forth to determine whether or not group drumming could alter stress-related hormones and neural mediators, which would, in turn, produce a subsequent positive impact on cellular immunologic function. We asked ourselves whether or not group drumming had the potential to reverse specific negative biological effects associated with the classic stress response.

Mr. Belli – Dr. Bittman, would you explain what you’re referring to as the “classic stress response?”

Dr. Bittman – Certainly. The classic stress response refers to a series of predictable changes that occur within us when we are stressed. Simply stated, our perception of stress sets off key events that ultimately affect practically every organ system in our bodies. Brain centers responding to the perception of stress relay information to different organ systems that trigger specific responses by releasing a number of chemicals that affect us in many ways. Scientists sometimes refer to this as the “fight or flight response.” In one sense, it has a protective effect that enables us to fight or flee when the need arises. Yet this same response, even in the absence of threat, can lead to serious health consequences.

Mr. Belli – You mean like increased blood pressure?

Dr. Bittman – Precisely. Stress produces many negative physiological effects such as increased heart rate, muscle tension and gastric acid secretion. Yet biologically, there are other consequences that are often overlooked. A key to understanding the impact of the mind-body connection is the realization that stress also impairs immune function. While most people visualize immunity as the front-line defense against germs such as bacteria or viruses, medical scientists recognize another key role of our immune system_ seeking out and destroying cancer cells. Mr. Belli – Dr. Bittman, are you saying that there’s scientific evidence linking stress to cancer? Dr. Bittman – Yes, there’s a growing body of scientific research showing that our perception of stress can substantially diminish the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, specialized white blood cells that seek out and destroy certain cancer cells and viruses. A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute by Dr. Barbara Andersen at Ohio State University demonstrated a precise correlation between perception of stress and NK cell activity in women who had recently undergone mastectomies. The women who were most anxious demonstrated the least NK cell activity and visa versa. Consistent outcomes have been observed in numerous highly regarded studies performed in animals and humans. Furthermore, reversal of chemotherapy effects have been demonstrated in animals stressed in laboratory environments.

Mr. Belli – How do such findings relate to your research?

Dr. Bittman – With these issues in mind, we specifically looked at NK cells. In addition, we measured the response of these cells to well-known substances that literally orchestrate immune function … if you don’t mind the pun. They are called “cytokines” or “lymphokines.” The ones we measured were Interleukin II or IL-2 and Interferon Gamma, two of the strongest known promoters of NK cell activity. We also measured cortisol, DHEA and DHEA/cortisol ratios. These substances, released by the adrenal glands, are also known to affect immune function.

Mr. Belli – Based upon what you’re telling me, I suppose you knew which substances had to go up or down in order for drumming to be considered healthy. Were there any surprises?

Dr. Bittman – Frankly, yes. While we understood a basic framework for what would have to occur in order for drumming to move biology in a positive direction, we were surprised by the fact our preliminary studies didn’t turn out the way we expected. Cortisol, which predictably increases under stressful circumstances, went down in all of our trials as expected. Yet NK cell activity did not necessarily rise as initially expected when cortisol levels dropped.

Mr. Belli – Can you explain further?

Dr. Bittman – During our preliminary trials, we discovered there’s a considerable difference in the way people respond biologically to music. Essentially, it’s based on the fact that listening is quite different than performing. Research performed by our team in the past showed that listening to relaxing music while watching nature imagery clearly reversed the classical stress response. Yet when volunteers performed “basic” drumming, their immune systems didn’t automatically respond as expected. By “basic” drumming, we’re referring to a drum circle faciliated by an experienced individual who began each session with a short introduction describing what was about to occur during the session. After a series of trials and modifications of our initial protocol, we added specific techniques and drumming components aimed at relaxing subjects, enhancing camaraderie and promoting support within the group. Thereafter our findings began to reflect positive immune system changes.

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