Feeling the sound – short-term effect of a vibroacoustic music intervention on well-being and subjectively assessed warmth distribution in cancer patients—A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectivesSo far, the effects of vibroacoustic music therapy in cancer patients are unknown. However, used in anthroposophic medicine, it could be an approach to enhance well-being.The goal of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of a sound-bed music intervention with respect to the subjective well-being as well as body warmth and pain. Patients and methodsWe treated 48 cancer patients with 10 min of sound-bed intervention in a cross-over design. Primary outcome was the total sum of the Basler Mood Questionnaire (BMQ), secondary outcomes were subscales of the BMQ and questions addressing body warmth and pain. The EORTC-QLQ C30 was used as baseline assessment for quality of life (QOL). ResultsPatients had lower QOL values than the EORTC reference samples (p < .001, d = 0.90). The primary outcome increased after music (p < .001, d = 0.47), no changes were seen in the control condition (p = .73, d = 0.04), the time by condition interaction was significant (p < .05). Secondary outcomes: Increase after music for the BMQ subscales inner balance (p < .001, d = 0.73), vitality (p < .001, d = 0.51) and vigilance (p < .001, d = 0.37) as well as for the additional questions satisfaction (p < .001, d = 0.43), current mood (p < .001, d = 0.43), body warmth (p < .05, d = 0.44) and warmth distribution (p < .01, d = 0.49). No significant changes were seen in pain levels and social extroversion. ConclusionSound-bed intervention improved momentary well-being and caused self-perceived physiological changes associated with relaxation beyond the benefits of simple resting time (control condition). Thus, it might be a promising approach to improve well-being in cancer patients.