Can beneficial frequencies in physiotherapy help treatment? Scoping Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of so-called beneficial music such as 432 Hz can be a support before and
after rehabilitation treatment. However, nowadays, they are hardly ever suggested because they
are often little known or disregarded by rehabilitation clinicians. This review aimed to map and
summarise the literature to identify interventions using the beneficial 432 Hz music.
METHODS: Four databases were searched until December 2022. The studies considered the use
of the beneficial 432 Hz frequency before or after rehabilitation treatment. All interventions and
contexts were considered. No restrictions were applied regarding language, study design, and
publication type. Grey literature and reference lists of included articles were not identified. The
results were presented in numerical and thematic form.
RESULTS: From 23 initial registrations, 4 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of the articles
were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and considered both young and adult sporty and nonsporty
patients who used five-toed socks. The authors discussed only one range of interventions:
conservative (n = 4). Specifically, the use of five-toed socks for a period of more than one week.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.
The results revealed clear gaps in primary research, confirming that current management is based
on knowledge of beneficial frequencies, particularly the 432 Hz. This review may be useful for
general management and may provide a starting point for future research.