Abstract
BackgroundThe present study aimed at examining whether methodological strategies from a previously implemented study design could be transferred to the evaluation of the psychological and physiological effects of a music therapy intervention working with vibroacoustic stimulation in palliative care.MethodNine participants suffering from advanced cancer took part in single-sessions of music therapy, lasting for 30 min. The live music therapy intervention utilized singing chair sounds and vocal improvisation. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to assess self-ratings of pain, relaxation, and well-being before and after each session. During the intervention, we continuously recorded heart rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic functioning. Data collection was complemented by a semi-structured interview to explore subjective experiences in more detail. Feasibility was defined as the ability to complete 80 % of the sessions in accordance with the study protocol.ResultsIn 5 out of 9 sessions (55 %) it was possible to deliver the intervention and obtain all data as intended. VAS assessment was feasible, although graphical and statistical examination revealed only marginal mean changes between pre and post. HRV recordings were subject to artifacts. While HRV parameters differed between individuals, mean changes over time remained relatively constant. Interview data confirmed that the individual perception was very heterogeneous, ranging from “calming” to “overwhelming”.ConclusionThe criterion of feasibility was not met in this study. Physiological data showed high attrition rates, most likely due to movement artifacts and reduced peripheral blood flow in some participants’ extremities. Examination of individual-level trajectories revealed that vibroacoustic stimulation may have an impact on the autonomic response. However, the direction and mechanisms of effects needs to be further explored in future studies.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register – DRKS00006137 (July 4th, 2014).
Highlights
The present study aimed at examining whether methodological strategies from a previously implemented study design could be transferred to the evaluation of the psychological and physiological effects of a music therapy intervention working with vibroacoustic stimulation in palliative care
While heart rate variability (HRV) parameters differed between individuals, mean changes over time remained relatively constant
Since we expected a small sample size in this pilot study, the analysis focused on descriptive statistics and confidence intervals (CI)
Summary
The present study aimed at examining whether methodological strategies from a previously implemented study design could be transferred to the evaluation of the psychological and physiological effects of a music therapy intervention working with vibroacoustic stimulation in palliative care. Alternative and complementary treatments such as music therapy have been integrated into palliative care since the foundation of the first institutions in the late 1970’s [6]. The work of music therapists receives high acceptance by other health-care professionals in end-of-life care [7], and music therapy interventions are among the most frequently used complementary treatments in US hospices [8, 9]. In contrast to active music therapy - where the patient himself plays an instrument or uses his voice – receptive techniques require very little or no physical activity and mental strain, and are frequently used in end-of-life care settings
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