'Play it again, Etta'

Etta Tierney is a big fan of sound therapy

A new music therapy technique is helping to transform the lives of both elderly stroke victims and youngsters with learning difficulties.

The technology, called Soundbeam, helps stroke victims to express themselves again through music.

It works by sending out a beam of sound waves from a transmitter.

By moving their hand across the beam, the "musician" can trigger changes in pitch and tone.

A microphone link to a sound processor can also enable participants to improve their speech abilities by "singing" into the machine.

Ballet dancers

The machine was originally designed as performance tool for ballet dancers.

But researcher Dr Phil Evans, from Warwick University, said it had proved to have far more important uses.

He said: "There is a lot of benefit, both physical and psychological.

"Physically we can help people learn how to move again if they have lost that ability through a stroke. We can develop communication skills with the voice as well as through eye contact and general body language."

'I really enjoyed it'

Sound therapy has been a real boon for 90-year-old Etta Tierney. "I have really enjoyed it. It has been very helpful," she said, "I just enjoy the music, it certainly makes me feel happy."

The technique has also proved helpful with children with severe learning disabilities. Videotaped sessions have proved that youngsters have made significant process using the technology.

A year-long trial has just been completed at a home for the elderly. The aim now is to run a large scale three-year trial.