Effects Of Music Intervention Research Articles

Technology-Based Music Interventions to Reduce Anxiety and Pain Among Patients Undergoing Surgery or Procedures: Systematic Review of the Literature.

Hospitalized patients undergoing surgery or procedures may experience negative symptoms. Music is a nonpharmacological complementary approach and is used as an intervention to reduce anxiety, stress, and pain in these patients. Recently, music has been used conveniently in clinical situations with technology devices, and the mode of providing music is an important factor in technology-based music interventions. However, many reviews have focused only on the effectiveness of music interventions. We aimed to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of technology-based music interventions for reducing anxiety and pain among patients undergoing surgery or procedures. We examined the clinical situation, devices used, delivery methods, and effectiveness of technology-based music interventions in primary articles. The search was performed in the following 5 electronic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE (OvidSP), CINAHL complete, PSYCINFO, and Embase. This systematic review focused on technology-based music interventions. The following articles were included: (1) RCTs, (2) studies using interactive technology (eg, smartphones, mHealth, tablets, applications, and virtual reality), (3) empirical studies reporting pain and anxiety outcomes, and (4) English articles published from 2018 to 2023 (as of January 18, 2023). The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2. Among 292 studies identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria and were included. Of these studies, 9 reported that anxiety scores decreased after music interventions and 7 reported that pain could be decreased before, during, and after procedures. The methodology of the music intervention was important to the results on anxiety and pain in the clinical trials. More than 50% (13/21, 62%) of the studies included in this review allowed participants to select themes themselves. However, it was difficult to distinguish differences in effects depending on the device or software used for the music interventions. Technology-based music interventions could help reduce anxiety and pain among patients undergoing surgery or procedures. The findings of this review could help medical teams to choose a practical methodology for music interventions. Future studies should examine the effects of advanced technology-based music interventions using smart devices and software that promote interactions between medical staff and patients.

Effectiveness of Music Interventions in Occupational Stress of Women

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate if listening to music can help reduce stress for women who work in an electric car parts factory in Mashhad. Methods: Out of 200 people in this study, 32 were chosen at random and split into two groups: one for the experiment and one for comparison. To gather information, we used a job stress questionnaire and a music therapy plan that consisted of 30 sessions, which lasted for one month. In this study, we played the music that the participants liked 4 times during each session. Each time, we played the music for 15 minutes, while they were taking a break or before they started working. Results: There were 16 participants in the group we tested. The people in the control group followed their normal way of doing things and did not use this procedure. The research found that music intervention helps decrease the occupational stress in women more than the traditional work schedule method. The effect size of the music intervention was 0.809, which means it had approximately an 81% impact on reducing stress. Conclusion: The results of the pre-tests and post-tests indicated that the stress levels of women in the experiment group decreased significantly after listening to music. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that listening to music while taking breaks at work helps to lower job stress.

The effect of music intervention in decreasing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy procedure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

BackgroundHysteroscopy is a common outpatient procedure but procedural pain limits its use. Music could be used as a pain-relieving intervention. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of music on pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy.MethodsFour electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, from inception to September 2022. We included only the Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of music on women who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy in reducing pain and anxiety levels compared to no music. We assessed the quality of included RCTs using the risk of bias tool 1 reported in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data were pooled as the Mean Differences (MDs) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in a random-effects model, using Review Manager 5.3 software. Also, we assessed the evidence of the results using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).ResultsThree RCTs (540 women) were included. Music significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores as well as State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores compared to controls (MD = -1.28; 95% CI [-2.19, -0.36]; P = 0.007) and (MD = -3.91; 95% CI [-6.98, -0.85]; P = 0.01) respectively. Also, the decrease in VAS score for pain was significantly greater in the music group (MD = 1.44; 95% CI [0.44, 2.45]; P = 0.005). However, the change in STAI showed no significant difference between the two groups. The GRADE ratings for all outcomes were very low.ConclusionMusic is a potentially promising method for controlling pain for patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy; however, its effect in controlling anxiety is controversial.

The Effects of Music Intervention on Respiratory Comfort, Anxiety, and Depression During Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation Among Patients With COVID-19

Background: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 may experience emotional problems and respiratory discomfort during mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music therapy on respiratory comfort, anxiety, and depression among patients with COVID-19 under noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: It was a randomized clinical trial. The study subjects were 64 patients requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) who were selected from the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) of Ali ibn Abi Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan City, Iran. They were randomly allocated to the intervention (n=32) and control (n=32) groups. The intervention group received 30 minutes of daily light music by an MP3 player and a JBL headphone for 4 consecutive days, and the control group only used headphones. The data were collected by the hospital anxiety and depression scale and a visual analog scale before and 4 days after the intervention. The SPSS software, version 16 was employed for data analysis through the chi-square, independent sample, and paired-samples t-tests at a significance level P<0.05. Results: The groups did not significantly differ regarding the pre-test mean scores of respiratory comfort, anxiety, and depression before intervention (P>0.05). The mean scores of respiratory comfort, anxiety, and depression significantly changed in the intervention group (P<0.05), but no significant changes were seen in the control group (P>0.05). Between-group differences respecting the post-test mean scores of these variables were also significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Thirty minutes of daily music therapy for 4 days is effective in reducing anxiety and depression and improving respiratory comfort among patients with COVID-19 under noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

The Effect of Music Intervention on Anxiety and Pain During Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-Analysis of 1513 Patients

Background: A cesarean section (CS) is one of the most common operations globally, with an estimated 18.5 million surgical procedures each year. Accordingly, music therapy has become a trendy possible solution in many clinical conditions and surgical procedures. However, most previous studies have shown conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of music in reducing pain and anxiety in women with cesarean delivery. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate whether music intervention has a beneficial effect on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anxiety, pain, and vital signs in women with cesarean section. Method: We conducted a comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Central was conducted for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception until August 2022. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) values in a random-effect model meta-analysis, using RevMan software. All the steps of this study were performed according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. Results: Thirteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 1513 patients. Our study showed that music was superior to control in terms of overall anxiety score (SMD = - 0.26, 95% CI [- 0.39, - 0.14], p <0.0001), postoperative pain (SMD = - 0.50, 95% CI [- 0.74, - 0.26], p < 0.0001), and the overall effect of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -1.58, 95% CI [- 3.11, - 0.04], p = 0.04). The overall effect did not favor either of the two groups in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate ((MD = - 1.87, 95% CI [-4.04, 0.30], p = 0.09), (MD = - 2.10, 95% CI [- 4.78, 0.58], p = 0.12); respectively). Conclusion: Ultimately, the current evidence supports using music to alleviate the anxiety and pain of women during and after cesarean sections. In addition, our analysis revealed that music has a beneficial effect on DBP and intraoperative heart rate over control in patients with CS. However, the music did not differ significantly from the placebo in preoperative anxiety, postoperative heart rate, as well as SBP. Future RCTs are recommended to confirm the efficacy of music in the preoperative period and vital signs among women undergoing cesarean section.

Effect of music intervention on subjective scores, heart rate variability, and prefrontal hemodynamics in patients with chronic pain.

Music interventions have been proposed in recent years as a treatment for chronic pain. However, the mechanisms by which music relieves pain are unclear, and the effects of music intervention on physiological indicators in patients with chronic pain remain to be explored. This study aimed to explore whether a music intervention would have effects on subjective pain ratings, heart rate variability, and functional connectivity of the cerebral cortex in patients with chronic pain. A randomized controlled study was conducted on 37 pain patients aged 18-65 years, with the control group receiving usual care, and the intervention group receiving music intervention (8-150 Hz, 50-70 dB) for 30 min before bedtime for 7 days on top of usual care. Pain visual analog scale and heart rate variability were used as subjective and objective physiological indices before and after the music intervention, respectively. Changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations in the cerebral cortex were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and whole-brain correlation analysis was used to quantify the connectivity of prefrontal brain regions associated with the pain response. Results showed that patients with chronic pain in the intervention group had significantly lower visual assessment scale scores, as well as significantly lower overall voluntary mobility during pain episodes, resulting in relatively higher vagal innervation compared to the control group. In addition, connections between the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9, BA46) and frontal areas (BA10) were significantly higher in the intervention group. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined application of music interventions with usual care in reducing pain levels in patients with chronic pain and provides insight into the pathological mechanisms of music interventions for analgesia, providing direction for new baseline indicators for quantitative clinical assessment of pain. The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100052993). [https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=136268], identifier [ChiCTR2100052993].

The Effect of Music Intervention on Fetal Education via Doppler Fetal Monitor.

This study focused on the effects of music intervention on fetal education in pregnant women. The fetal heart rate of the fetus at 30–38 weeks of gestational age was monitored by an ultrasound Doppler fetal monitor, and differences in the frequency of fetal movement responses to familiar and unfamiliar music courses were recorded and analyzed. The analysis results showed that the fetuses had less fetal movement to fixed singing activities, with a mean of 0.7 and a standard deviation of 0.79. On the contrary, the fetuses had significant fetal movement responses to irregular singing, with a mean of 1.73 and a standard deviation of 1.37. The results showed that the fetus receives external sounds through hearing, and a pregnant woman singing fixed music to her fetus can stabilize the frequency of fetal movement, promote the health of herself and the fetus, and establish maternal-fetal bonding.

Effectiveness of music intervention on cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the elderly with dementia: a meta-analysis

Abstract Dementia is increasing dramatically with an increasing elderly population. Pharmacological interventions are proven to have limited efficacy to treat many of the features of dementia. In such a situation, non-pharmacological means become important to help people with dementia, especially music therapy. The efficacy of music intervention on cognition has been barely explored in the literature, and the few studies that are available present inconsistent results. The aim of this systematic review is to have a meta-analysis on the effect of music therapy for improvements in cognitive functions as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms in the elderly with dementia.

Effect of music intervention in colonoscopy-naïve adults: a randomised controlled trial.

Previous studies have evaluated music interventions before and during a colonoscopy, but the results are contradictory and inconclusive. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effect of a music intervention with MusiCure music, both before and during colonoscopy. The study was a two-armed, prospective, randomised, controlled trial and 337 patients undergoing colonoscopy were included. Patients were allocated to receive relaxing music (MusiCure) before and during the colonoscopy or standard care (no music). Outcome measures included pain intensity, duration of the colonoscopy, consumption of alfentanil and midazolam, vital signs, patient satisfaction and caecal intubation rates (CIR). Men in the music group had a lower middle arterial blood pressure compared with men in the no music group. The majority of patients in the music group would prefer to listen to music if they need a colonoscopy in the future. No differences were found between groups regarding pain intensity, duration of the colonoscopy, consumption of alfentanil and midazolam, vital signs, patient satisfaction and CIR. The researchers were unable to show an effect on the primary endpoints. However, a high patient satisfaction was found in the music group and a decrease in the blood pressure during the colonoscopy, indicating a reduced stress level. Music before and during a colonoscopy may improve the patient experience.

Effects of music interventions on sleep in people with dementia: A systematic review

Poor sleep health is a risk factor for and a common symptom of dementia. Music has been shown to improve sleep across a wide range of clinical and community populations. However, it is unclear whether and to what extent music interventions may also help alleviate sleep problems in people with dementia. This systematic review is the first review examining the effects of music on sleep outcomes among people with dementia. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we extracted 187 articles from nine databases (Academic Search Premier, Ageline, APA PsycArticles, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Eight studies were eligible for this systematic review (Range sample sizes: 1-59 people with dementia). Results revealed that assessments of sleep in the current literature were limited and mainly focused on sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, or nighttime sleep disturbances. Intervention delivery, music selection, and findings varied. Positive effects of music on sleep outcomes were observed in six out of the eight studies (75%), specifically there were decreases in nighttime sleep disturbances, increases in daytime alertness, and improvements in sleep quality. The remaining two studies found no statistically significant change in sleep outcomes (i.e., daytime sleepiness and quality). Study limitations included small sample sizes and the use of proxy reporters (e.g., caregiver, researcher, blinded clinician) which may reduce the accuracy of the sleep measures. Future research may want to incorporate objectively measured sleep to better understand the role of sleep in dementia care. More research is needed to determine whether music interventions are effective in improving sleep in people with dementia and whether improvements in sleep can slow the progression of dementia.

Music Interventions and Delirium in Adults: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome represented by an acute disturbance in attention, awareness and cognition, highly prevalent in older, and critically ill patients, and associated with poor outcomes. This review synthesized existing evidence on the effectiveness of music interventions on delirium in adults, and music interventions (MIs), psychometric assessments and outcome measures used. We searched MEDLINE, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, Clinical Trials and CENTRAL for quantitative designs comparing any MIs to standard care or another intervention. From 1150 studies 12 met the inclusion criteria, and 6 were included in the meta-analysis. Narrative synthesis showed that most studies focused on prevention, few assessed delirium severity, with the majority of studies reporting beneficial effects. The summary relative risk for incident delirium comparing music vs. no music in postsurgical and critically ill older patients was 0.52 (95% confidential interval (CI): 0.20–1.35, I2 = 79.1%, heterogeneity <0.0001) for the random effects model and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.34–0.66) using the fixed effects model. Music listening interventions were more commonly applied than music therapy delivered by credentialed music therapists, and delirium assessments methods were heterogeneous, including both standardized tools and systematic observations. Better designed studies are needed addressing effectiveness of MIs in specific patient subgroups, exploring the correlations between intervention-types/dosages and delirium symptoms.

Effect of Music Intervention on Lung Expansion Exercises after Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Background: Music intervention can reduce anxiety. This study analyzed the physiological changes from using music intervention after cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: Subjects were randomly assigned to the music group or the control group. The maximal inspiratory pressure/maximal expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP), pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were compared. Results: Compared to the control group (n = 9), the music group (n = 9) had higher MIP and MEP during the overall test (p < 0.05), with significant differences in the changes and time (p < 0.001). However, only MEP was significant in terms of the interaction between music intervention and time (p < 0.001). In terms of the groups, SpO2 and VAS were significant (p < 0.05). SBP, SpO2, and VAS over time showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). In terms of the interaction between music intervention and time, only SpO2 was significant (p < 0.05). The STAI-S scale decreased by −5.7 ± 5.8 in the music group vs. −0.47 ± 9.37 in control group and the STAI-T scale increased by 4.17 ± 12.31 in the music group vs. 1.9 ± 9.29 in the control group, but showed no significance. Conclusions: Music intervention with nature sounds has a positive physiological impact and can reduce postoperative pain and anxiety in cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Music Intervention for Pain Control in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Music intervention (MI) has been applied as an effective adjunctive treatment for pain control in various clinical settings. However, no meta-analysis has yet been published on the analgesic effects of MI in infants and children. We performed a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the keywords “pain” AND “music therapy” from inception to January 2022. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and vital signs. Standardized mean difference (SMD) values and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using a random effect model. Subgroup analyses with age groups, types of pain, and music styles were conducted. A total of 38 RCTs involving 5601 participants met the selection criteria. MI significantly decreased the pain levels (SMD = −0.57, p < 0.001), both in the newborn group (p = 0.007) and in the infant/children group (p < 0.001). MI significantly reduced heart rate (SMD = −0.50, p < 0.001) and respiratory rate (SMD = −0.60, p = 0.002) and increased peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SMD = 0.44, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses of types of pain, MI had significant effects on prick pain (p = 0.003), chronic and procedural pain (p < 0.001), and postoperative pain (p = 0.018). As for music styles, significant analgesic effects were observed for classical music (p < 0.001), kids’ music (p < 0.001), and pop music (p = 0.001), but not for world music (p = 0.196), special composition (p = 0.092), and multiple music combinations (p = 0.420). In conclusion, our analysis provides supportive evidence about the efficacy of MI, especially classical, kids’, and pop music, in controlling prick, procedural, and postoperative pain in the pediatric population.

What are the effects of music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes among adults with cancer?

What are the effects of music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes among adults with cancer?

Effects of Music Intervention on Stress in Concussed and Non-Concussed Athletes.

Sport-related concussion is a serious public health issue affecting millions of individuals each year. Among the many negative side effects, emotional symptoms, such as stress, are some of the most common. Stress management is repeatedly cited by expert groups as an important intervention for this population. It was shown that music has relaxing effects, reducing stress through the activation of brain areas involved in emotions and pleasure. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a music-listening intervention compared with silence on experimentally induced stress in concussed and non-concussed athletes. To this aim, four groups of athletes (non-concussed music, non-concussed silence, concussed music, and concussed silence) performed the Trier Social Stress Test, for which both physiological (skin conductance level) and self-reported stress measurements were taken. No significant difference was found in the pattern of stress recovery for self-reported measurements. However, the skin conductance results showed greater and faster post-stress recovery after listening to music compared with silence for concussed athletes only. Taken together, these results suggest that music could be an efficient stress management tool to implement in the everyday life of concussed athletes to help them prevent stress accumulation.

The effectiveness of music as an intervention for dementia patients in acute settings

In 2019 there were an estimated 50 million people living with dementia globally [1]. There is a strong need for therapies and interventions that ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia. Whilst there is evidence for the effectiveness of music interventions in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, less research has been conducted into their effectiveness in acute settings. It is important to build up an evidence base of effective interventions in acute settings specifically, which often see the most challenging cases of symptoms associated with dementia. This systematic review represents a novel examination of the literature on music as an intervention for dementia patients in acute settings. A database search identified 204 papers, of which 10 studies satisfied criteria and were reviewed. A quality assessment framework was applied, with the majority of studies scoring highly (above 80%). The review identified 4 areas where music interventions have been utilized to improve outcomes for dementia patients in acute settings: mood and wellbeing, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and use of inpatient resources. The most reliable evidence is currently within mood and behavior domains reflecting positive change following music intervention for inpatients. Limitations, clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

The Effects of Music Intervention on Pain and Anxiety in the Immediate Postoperative Period in Adults Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty

<h3>Introduction</h3> This study evaluated the effect of music on acute and/or acute on chronic pain and anxiety during the immediate postoperative period. A standardized music intervention (Music Care) was used with patients who had undergone elective joint replacement. <h3>Identification of the problem</h3> The current opioid crisis has led us to examine adjunct therapies for pain control in postoperative care. One such therapy, music, has demonstrated value in the treatment of pain and anxiety in multiple clinical settings. Patients who receive fewer opioid analgesics postoperatively have shown fewer respiratory events and a decreased length of stay. <h3>EBP Question/Purpose</h3> PICO question. Databases utilized: Does the addition of music reduce postoperative pain, anxiety and analgesia during the initial recovery phase of orthopedic surgery patients? <h3>Methods/Evidence</h3> Study participants included patients of who underwent elective joint replacement in 2019 and early 2020. Historical data was gathered from the electronic health record (EHR) of patients January to April 2019 (n=50). From December 2019 to March 2020, the music intervention was initiated upon admission to the PACU (Phase 1 of recovery) and discontinued when patients entered Phase 2 of recovery (n=50) Perioperative data collected from EHR of all patients included: vital signs, Pasero Opioid Induced Sedation Scale (POSS), narcotics and benzodiazepines administered and pain ratings. Significance of the findings/Outcomes: There was a statistically significant decrease in the amount of Dilaudid administered in the study participants, with a p value of 0.03, as well as statistically significant decrease in heart rate (p value 0.006), respiratory rate (p value 0.05) and POSS (p value 0.05). <h3>Implications for perianesthesia nurses and future research</h3> These findings are important in supporting the use of adjunct therapies for pain control thus decreasing the use of narcotics and their untoward side effects and related sequelae. A lower POSS and decreased narcotic use may promote early mobility and discharge. Further research in the use of music throughout the entire operative experience, and beyond, may be of interest.

A person-centered framework for designing music-based therapeutic studies in dementia: current barriers and a path forward

Objectives: Music-based interventions have received growing attention to improve quality of life for people diagnosed with dementia. Results of randomized controlled trials and meta-analytic reviews to date, however, reveal a lack of conclusive evidence for or against the effectiveness of such interventions. Herein, we critically review the basic assumptions and methodological issues ingrained in the cultures of research and care as they relate to evaluating music-based treatments for people with dementia, and propose a shift in the methodology by which music interventions are empirically evaluated. Method: We begin by reviewing existing barriers to achieving clarity on the effectiveness of music interventions, and we highlight methodological and sociocultural constraints that have limited our ability to reach concrete conclusions in research studies to-date. We then consider several key factors that have demonstrated relevance in matching people to specific music-based interventions. Based on these key factors, we developed a person-centered framework integrating elements from precision-medicine methodology to guide intervention studies. Results: Our organizing framework systematically integrates the following factors to inform the design of intervention studies: 1) person-centered goals and desired outcomes; 2) differences among individuals in clinical, cognitive, and historical attributes; and 3) the context of intervention and access to resources. Conclusion: Integration of the proposed framework into empirical investigations of music interventions for people living with dementia will inform precise and tailored interventions that will bring clarity to this growing body of research. Another aim of this framework is to foster a more humane, person-centered approach to our culture of care.

Effect of music intervention during hemodialysis: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Aggravating disease and the accompanying increase in the frequency of hemodialysis interventions worsen the quality of life of patients leading to poor physical and psychological outcomes. Music-based interventions have been suggested to improve both the physical and psychological prognoses for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Two meta-analyses on the impact of music-based interventions on anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis failed to evaluate the impact of these interventions on other physiological outcomes. Therefore, in this study, we gather evidence on the effects of music-based interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. To determine the influence of music-based interventions on anxiety, pain, heart rate, and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic) in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, we performed a systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines on the EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and MEDLINE academic databases. We performed meta-analyses to consolidate the evidence on the influence of music-based interventions on the physical and psychological outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. From 1,402 studies, we found eight eligible studies with 597 (264 women, 287 men) patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (mean age, 56.9 ± 10.8 years). Among these patients, 298 received the music-based intervention and 299 were included as controls. Our meta-analysis revealed a small-to-medium effect of the music-based intervention to reduce pain levels (Hedge's g, -0.75), anxiety (-0.16), heart rate (-0.15), and systolic (-0.14) and diastolic blood pressure (-0.11) in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis as compared to the values of the same variables in the control group. The evidence from our analyses supports the beneficial impact of music-based interventions to alleviate anxiety and pain, and to reduce heart rate and blood pressure in these patients.

The effects of a music intervention during port catheter placement on anxiety and stress

Studies have shown that perioperative music interventions can reduce patients’ anxiety levels. However, in small operations like port catheter surgery evidence is sparse. The present single-blinded, randomised controlled two-armed study included 84 female patients undergoing port catheter placement who were randomly assigned to either listening to music during surgery vs. no music intervention. The medical staff was blind to group allocation. On the day of the surgery anxiety and stress levels were evaluated using subjective (STAI questionnaire, visual analogue scales) and objective (vital parameters, salivary cortisol) parameters at different time points (before the surgery, at the end of the surgery and 1 h post-surgery). The music group showed significant reductions of systolic blood pressure (from 136.5 mmHg ± 26.1 to 123.3 mmHg ± 22.0, p = .002) and heart rate (from 75.6 bpm ± 12.3 to 73.1 bpm ± 12.2, p = .035) from beginning of the surgery to skin suture, whereas the control group did not. No significant effects of the music intervention on subjective anxiety measures or salivary cortisol were revealed. In sum, the study demonstrates that a music intervention during port catheter placement positively influences physiological anxiety levels, whereas no effects were revealed for subjective anxiety and salivary cortisol. Thus, music can be considered as a low cost addition in clinical routine in order to reduce patients’ heart rate and blood pressure. Future studies are encouraged to further explore the differential effects of intraoperative music interventions on physiological, endocrinological and subjective anxiety levels.