Effect of Music Listening on Neurocognition, Stress, and Performance in Neurosurgeons During Microsurgery

Abstract

BackgroundStress in surgeons is well-known for its negative impact on neurocognition and surgical performance. Surgeons commonly use music for stress reduction, but its specific effects on neurosurgeons remain unclear. This study aims to investigate how listening to music during microsurgery affects neurocognitive functions, subjective anxiety, and stress levels in neurosurgeons. MethodConducted in two phases, the pilot phase involved 23 neurosurgeons completing a survey and rating compositions based on ragas of North Indian/Hindustani classical music for suitability during surgery. Five excerpts were selected for the main phase, which involved three neurosurgeons performing 16 surgeries, eight with and eight without music. Data collection included pre-surgery assessments of sleep, caffeine intake, subjective stress levels, perceived complexity of the surgery that was to be performed, and neurocognitive tasks. Post-surgery subjective stress levels, actual complexity, and surgeon experiences with music were recorded. ResultsWhile there was a trend toward reduced stress and perceived complexity with music, statistical significance was not reached. Neurocognitive tasks showed non-significant improvement with music, with a significant (at p < 0.001) speed-accuracy trade-off noted in response inhibition. ConclusionMusic appears to reduce subjective stress and task complexity, influencing neurocognition, particularly through speed-accuracy trade-offs. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and appropriate contexts for use before widespread recommendation.