Music-based interventions at workplaces: a scoping review.

IntroductionEating disorders (EDs) are potentially life-threatening conditions characterized by persistent eating- and body-related disturbances that negatively impact nutritional intake, psychological well-being, and physical health. While psychological therapies remain the primary treatment for patients with EDs, music-based interventions (MBIs) show significant promise for addressing symptoms in clinical practice. However, little is known about the methods employed in these interventions or their effectiveness in addressing or improving ED outcomes.MethodsFollowing PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of the literature. Eight electronic databases were systematically queried from inception to May 2025 for studies evaluating MBIs in patients engaged in ED treatment. Data regarding study design, sample characteristics, intervention components, and primary outcomes were extracted and analysed utilising either reflexive thematic analysis or descriptive statistics. The quality of intervention reporting was additionally examined utilising the established MBI reporting guidelines.ResultsOf the 114 articles screened, 21 met inclusion criteria. The final sample comprised 10 case studies, 6 qualitative studies, 4 quantitative studies, and 1 mixed methods study, with all but one conducted in high-income countries. Settings included inpatient (n = 12), outpatient (n = 7), and combined (n = 2) ED programs. Most MBIs involved music therapy (n = 18), while others incorporated vibroacoustic therapy (n = 1), background music during mealtimes (n = 1), and group singing (n = 1). Delivery formats encompassed individual (n = 14), group (n = 5), and hybrid (n = 1) sessions, or were not indicated. Qualitative synthesis identified seven themes reflecting symptom management, self-development, and treatment engagement. Quantitative studies reported improvements in anxiety, mood, ED symptoms and increased food eaten and weight gain. However, robust conclusions were limited by small sample sizes, a lack of control group, non-randomisation, or another intervention being implemented with the MBI. Overall, reporting of MBI components was inconsistent, with a mean completeness of 45–100%.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the largest scoping review to map the breadth and depth of studies assessing MBIs in ED treatment. Preliminary evidence supports positive psychological and behavioural outcomes for patients with EDs. However, conclusions are limited by lack of methodological rigor, variable outcome measures, and inconsistent reporting of intervention components or theoretical framework. The complex and multifaceted nature of EDs and high rates of comorbidities and trauma histories further complicates interpretations. To advance research and clinical application of MBIs in ED care, standardized approaches to intervention design and reporting are needed, as well as randomised controlled studies clearly testing MBIs against other interventions.

A growing body of research indicatesthat music-based interventions show promising results for adults with a wide range of speech, language and communication disorders. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence on how speech-language therapists (SLTs) use music and music-related elements in therapeutic interventions for adults with acquired neurogenic communication impairments. This scoping review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search of three databases (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and OVID Medline) was conducted and articles were included if they (1) incorporated adult human participants; (2) received an assessment or intervention facilitated by an SLT; (3) incorporated techniques and interventions which included music-related elements (e.g., rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics); (4) were written in the English language; and (5) were peer-reviewed full-text articles. Data were extracted using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System framework. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies included participants with neurogenic communication impairments secondary to stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia and traumatic brain injury. Musical interventions identified in the studies were Melodic Intonation Therapy, Modified Melodic Intonation Therapy, choral singing, singing therapy and songwriting. The majority of the studies reported interprofessional collaboration between SLTs and at least one other healthcare clinician and/or musician. Many studies also included music-based interventions lead and facilitated by musically trained SLTs. The results of the studies included in this review indicate that SLTs are using music-based interventions to target therapeutic goals to improve speech, language, voice and quality of life in collaboration with other clinicians and professional musicians. What is already known on this subject A growing body of research indicates that interventions using music (i.e., choirs and songwriting) and musical elements (i.e., rhythm and dynamics) show promising results for adults with neurogenic communication impairments. Currently, however, there is no clear indication of how speech-language therapists (SLTs) are using music in their clinical practice. What this study adds This scoping review collates the current evidence on how SLTs use music and musical elements in their clinical practice. SLTs are using music and musical elements for individuals with neurogenic communication impairments in populations such as Parkinson's disease, dementia and traumatic brain injury. Common interventions described in the literature include Melodic Intonation Therapy, choral singing, singing therapy and songwriting. What are the clinical implications of this work? Many SLTs collaborate when delivering music-based interventions, particularly with music therapists (MTs). This scoping review suggests that SLTs should continue to explore music-based interventions in collaboration with MTs and professional musicians to target therapeutic goals to improve speech, language, voice and quality of life.

Music-based interventions (MBIs) have shown promise in enhancing cognitive and behavioural functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the clinical application of MBIs in MCI and explore their potential use in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases for studies published between January 2013 and October 2023. The search focused on MBIs applied to MCI and CKD patients. We collected data on study design, type of MBIs administered and main clinical outcomes. Sixteen studies were included in this review, ten of which were randomized controlled trials. MBIs ranged from passive music listening (four studies) to active participation in music-making (vocal or singing activities, playing instruments and improvisation, music interventions associated with physical activity, musical stimulation). While no studies specifically focused on CKD patients, cognitive improvements were generally more significant with active interventions, whereas behavioural benefits were more associated with receptive approaches. MBIs showed potential benefits in improving cognitive and depressive symptoms associated with MCI. Given the high prevalence of MCI in CKD patients, future studies should investigate the application of MBIs in this population.

BackgroundThe use of digital technology in music-based interventions for individuals with brain injuries has gained traction, especially post COVID-19, in addressing the need for effective, long-term rehabilitation. This scoping review examines the landscape of digital music-based interventions, focusing on their application in motor and cognitive rehabilitation for patients with brain injuries.MethodsWe conducted a literature search using five academic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Twenty-six studies met the predefined criteria for inclusion in this review, and these studies were analyzed including digital interventions used.ResultsTwenty-six of 1994 studies were included. Results demonstrated a clear evolution in intervention methodologies, with earlier research focusing on rhythmic and MIDI-based tools, while more recent studies integrated virtual reality, augmented reality, and adaptive feedback mechanisms. The findings showed significant improvements in motor functions, such as upper limb movement and gait, in most of the reviewed studies, as well as some cognitive benefits, particularly when personalized music interventions were applied. However, challenges were noted regarding device complexity, cost, and inconsistent assessment methods across studies.DiscussionDigital music-based interventions show substantial promise in enhancing motor and cognitive function for individuals with neurological impairments. Nevertheless, barriers such as technological accessibility, the need for patient comfort, and a lack of standardization in assessment remain. Future research should focus on simplifying interfaces, standardizing protocols, and exploring hybrid interventions that combine immersive virtual reality with the adaptability of music therapy to create holistic, patient-centered rehabilitation solutions.

The use of music in cognitive interventions represents a possibility with potential worthy of further investigation in the field of aging, both in terms of prevention from dementia, in the phase of mild cognitive impairment, and in the treatment of overt dementia. Currently, the types of music-based interventions proposed in the literature are characterized by wide heterogeneity, which is why it is necessary to clarify which interventions present more evidence of effectiveness in stimulating different cognitive domains. The study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. By searching two different databases, PubMed and the Web of Science, all studies evaluating the cognitive effects of music-based interventions on people at early stages of cognitive decline (MCI or mild-to-moderate dementia) were selected. The study selection included a total of 28 studies involving n = 1612 participants (mean age ranged from 69.45 to 85.3 years old). Most of the studies analyzed agree with the observation of an improvement, or at least maintenance, of global cognitive conditions (mainly represented by the results of the MMSE test) following music-based interventions, together with a series of other positive effects on verbal fluency, memory, and executive processes. The results of this review suggest the introduction of music-based interventions as complementary approaches to usual cognitive treatments. Also, the use of standardized and well-defined protocols, in addition to strong methodological research approaches, is suggested. Music-based interventions are recommended in the early stages of dementia, in MCI, and in a preventive sense in healthy older adults.

Music-based interventions may help to alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and promote prosocial interactions between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. However, current literature does not combine these evidence bases toward explanation of how music-based interventions may alleviate symptoms and promote prosocial interactions. We conducted a scoping review to address the following question: what do the evidence bases suggest toward how music therapy or music-based therapeutic interventions might promote prosocial interactions between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers? In this review we focused on: 1) quantitative and qualitative evidence of music-based therapies promoting prosocial behaviors in individuals living with dementia, and 2) potential neurobehavioral mechanisms associated with the processes involved with how music may promote prosocial interactions. Databases included PubMed, EBSCOhost's CINAHL and PsycINFO, Cochrane Library (sub-search conducted using ALOIS, the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group), Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, ProQuest's Biological Science Collection, the Journal of Music Therapy, Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, and Google Scholar. Sixteen original research studies were included for evidence synthesis. This scoping review reveals the need to define and clarify mechanisms of prosocial interactions between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers considering biological and social factors. These mechanisms may include dynamic interactions between preserved brain regions associated with music-evoked autobiographical memory recall and shifts from negative to positive mood states. Defining and clarifying how and to what extent music may promote prosocial behaviors using well-designed and well-controlled mixed-methods studies may positively influence the design of interventions to promote prosocial interactions with caregivers.

Purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability with life-long implications requiring assessment and treatment of several functional domains. This review identifies the results from research into music-based interventions (MBIs), including music therapy (MT), for executive functions (EFs) and emotional well-being (EWB) in adults with stroke and highlights opportunities for clinical practice and future research. Methods: APA PsycInfo (EBSCOhost), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) were searched, in addition to grey literature. Results: A total of 49 studies were included and encompassed experimental, analytic, and descriptive observational studies, and case reports, involving a total of 1663 participants. In total, 32 studies included MT interventions, and 17 were MBIs. EFs were an outcome in 20.41%, and EWB in 61.22% of studies, for which active interventions were the most utilized. Overall, 73.47% of the studies reported positive results. Conclusions: This scoping review indicates that music interventions can be beneficial for the improvement of different aspects of EFs and EWB at different stages of stroke recovery. Further research may benefit clinical practice by including standardized protocols, outcome and self-reported measures, and brain imaging data to determine the effects of interventions and support evidence-based decisions for treatment policies for stroke survivors.

Background: Interest in the application of music in the health, social care and community contexts is growing worldwide. There is an emerging body of literature about the positive effects of music on the well-being and social relationships of children and adult populations. Music has also been found to promote social interaction, communication skills, and social-emotional behaviours of children with medically complex care needs. Despite significant advancements in the area, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to investigate the evidence for using music therapy and music-based interventions for children living with rare diseases in the healthcare setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a scoping review of the literature to map out the existing studies about the use of music therapy and music-based interventions with children who have rare diseases in the healthcare setting. This review will also identify gaps in current knowledge and use of these interventions.Method: This study follows the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews, utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework: 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) study selection; 4) charting the data; 5) collating, summarising and reporting results; and 6) consulting with relevant stakeholders step. A comprehensive search will be conducted in CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE Complete; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; and PubMed Central databases. A search strategy with selected inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to reveal a wide range of evidence. This study will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods studies published in English from 2010 to 2020.

Background: Interest in the application of music in the health, social care and community contexts is growing worldwide. There is an emerging body of literature about the positive effects of music on the well-being and social relationships of children and adult populations. Music has also been found to promote social interaction, communication skills, and social-emotional behaviours of children with medically complex care needs. Despite significant advancements in the area, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first scoping review to investigate the evidence for using music therapy and music-based interventions for children living with rare diseases in the healthcare setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a scoping review of the literature to map out the existing studies about the use of music therapy and music-based interventions with children who have rare diseases in the healthcare setting. This review will also identify gaps in current knowledge and use of these interventions. Method: Thisstudyfollows theJoanna BriggsInstitute'smethodologyforscopingreviews, utilising Arksey and O'Malley's six-stage scoping review framework: 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) study selection; 4) charting the data; 5) collating, summarising and reporting results; and 6) consulting with relevant stakeholders step. A comprehensive search will be conducted in CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE Complete; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; and PubMed Central databases. A search strategy with selected inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to reveal a wide range of evidence. This study will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods studies published in English from 2010 to 2020.

Background: Patients in intensive care units experience high symptom burden during mechanical ventilation (MV). Pharmacologic symptom management is associated with side effects and increased morbidity. Music-based interventions (MBIs) have been associated with reductions in both anxiety in MV adults and pain for critically ill adults, yet their use for the management of other burdensome symptoms has not been evaluated. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the state of evidence for the use of prerecorded music listening MBIs for symptom management in MV adults. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted across four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for experimental designed studies that measured the efficacy of MBIs for the management of physical and psychological symptoms including anxiety, sedation/agitation, dyspnea, distress, delirium, sleep, stress, fear, loneliness, or depression in critically ill, MV adults between January 1, 1998, and April 18, 2023. Results: A total of 643 abstracts and 29 clinical trials were included. Overall, the risk of bias, assessed using the Evidence Project tool, was moderate. MBIs were mostly delivered with headphones using music selected either by investigators or from a limited selection. MBIs were associated with reduced pain, agitation, dyspnea, distress and anxiety, and improved tolerance of MV and sedative weaning. Outcomes of delirium were mixed. No studies explored sleep disturbances, fear, or loneliness. Conclusions: Use of MBIs improved symptom experience for critically ill adults during MV. Future studies employing unrestricted patient-preferred music selections and exploring outcomes of sleep quality, psychological distress, and delirium are needed in this highly symptomatic patient population.

The cost-effectiveness of an intervention is an important factor in health care decisions about which health care services should be publicly funded and/or approved as an eligible intervention for private insurance coverage. Music therapy as a health profession lacks substantial research on the cost-effectiveness of its services and there is no overview of existing data. We therefore conducted a scoping review. To contextualize and focus the scope, we describe different types of economic evaluations (EEs) and characterize four types of music interventions. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we systematically searched six databases (EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Scopus, and Prospero) in January 2023, and, after screening the initial 1,041 hits, 26 references were included in the review. The results consist of 19 completed and 7 planned EEs published between 1999 and 2022, mainly in the United States. The results show a heterogeneous picture with regard to: (a) the health economic methods used, ranging from cost analyses to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and one social return on investment analysis; (b) the service users involved, ranging from neonatal intensive care patients to persons with dementia and care staff; (c) the outcomes and cost components examined in the respective studies; and (d) the type of study and the conclusions drawn from the results. Accordingly, this scoping review provides an up-to-date overview of health economic studies and identifies research gaps in the field of music interventions for health-related goals and aims to contribute to the discussion on this topic.

Healthcare is often dependent on evidence derived from quantitative measurement. Music-based psychometric inventories are thus necessary to quantify health-related constructs. Despite an increase in the number of inventories, there is no systematic overview of the existing inventories, which may hinder dialogue across music disciplines (e.g., music psychology, music therapy). Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify and categorize psychometric inventories measuring music and health. This pre-registered review followed best practice and was reported following PRISMA guidelines. We extracted data and used a two-phase process to categorize inventories based on our operational definitions. After screening 904 titles and abstracts, we identified 56 psychometric inventories that met our inclusion criteria. Based on full-text reviews, we categorized the inventories into seven groups: Functions of music (16 inventories); Clinical assessment (9 inventories); Music-based intervention (8 inventories); Music engagement (7 inventories); Musicians’ health (7 inventories); Music processing (4 inventories); and Perception of self and others (5 inventories). The inventories captured a wide range of highly specified and diverse approaches to music and health. This overview and categorization may encourage researchers to use the inventories, apply them to a broader range of clinical contexts, and to inform the development of new inventories.

IntroductionMusic-based interventions are used to improve well-being in individuals who are psychologically vulnerable and have long-term illnesses. To date, no study has systematically assessed the literature on music-based interventions aimed...

IntroductionBoth music-related and nature-based therapeutic activities can enhance wellbeing, physical, social, emotional, and mental health, and recovery from posttraumatic stress. While music- and nature-based therapeutic approaches have been studied individually, research is limited on the holistic combination of music- and nature-based therapeutic interventions. Thus, a scoping review was conducted to chart primary research on the combined use of music- and nature-based therapeutic strategies and their effects on overall wellbeing, and within this scope, potentially on mental and behavioral health outcomes.MethodsIncluded were peer-reviewed articles reporting primary research findings on how (if at all) the combined use of both music and nature-based interventions impacted wellbeing and thus, mental and behavioral health. All studies had to be reported in English. Excluded were studies that did not involve both nature-based and music-related therapeutic activities, those not involving primary research, and articles without a clear discussion on potential impacts on wellbeing, mental, or behavioral health. After applying this inclusion and exclusion criteria, 884 potentially relevant peer-reviewed articles were identified, 23 of which were preliminarily screened in upon abstract and title review. After full text reading, eight of these articles were deemed eligible for the review and were thematically analyzed.ResultsFour themes were identified from the reviewed studies: (a) music- and nature-based activities yield benefits across various aspects of wellbeing, (b) multiple activities can be combined and adapted for diverse contexts and populations, (c) more research is needed on the combined therapeutic use of music and nature, and (d) choice and expression should be prioritized, which music and nature can facilitate. The primary focus of the reviewed studies was on how music-based interventions in outdoor or natural settings can impact multiple aspects of wellbeing, particularly emotional wellbeing, and with this, improved mood.DiscussionThe results suggest that combining music and nature-based therapeutic approaches can improve mental and behavioral health by enhancing multiple aspects of wellbeing. For example, music-making in natural settings can foster deep connections with nature and spiritual wellness. Implications for future research are provided, as further research is needed on the combined use of music- and nature-based therapeutic activities.

Background: Music therapy is a non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention that is increasingly recognised for its role in supporting older adults in acute hospital settings. Engagement with music, whether through passive listening, preferred recorded music, live music, or creative music therapy, has been linked to improvements in behavioural, cognitive, and emotional outcomes during episodes of delirium. Although there are reviews on non-pharmacological approaches to delirium, few have focused specifically on music therapy within acute hospital environments. Methods: This scoping review examined the evidence relating to music-based interventions for older adults who are experiencing delirium or who are at risk of delirium in acute care settings. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR). Four electronic databases were searched systematically, namely, CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Embase. Results: Seven primary research studies published between 2004 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarise the data. Three themes were identified. The first relates to the extent to which music therapy may reduce the incidence or severity of delirium or other related behaviours in acute hospital settings. The second relates to the potential for music-based interventions to support clinical practice by improving interaction between patients and staff and reducing distress during recovery and enhancing physical recovery. The third relates to the impact of music therapy on emotional regulation, engagement, cooperation with care, and overall patient experience. Conclusion: Music therapy shows promise as a person-centred, safe, and low-cost intervention that may enhance wellbeing and support delirium care for older adults in acute hospital settings. Further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base and guide practice.