Music Therapy Techniques Research Articles

Functional outcomes in children and adolescents with neurodisability accessing music therapy: A scoping review.

To determine the evidence for functional outcomes experienced by a population with paediatric neurodisability (such as acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders), who access music therapy through neurorehabilitation services across the rehabilitation spectrum. Using scoping review methodology of the JBI and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), a systematic search was conducted across eight databases and expert knowledge users were consulted. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and data from eligible studies were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth version (ICF-CY). From 1726 records identified, 53 eligible primary sources were included in the synthesis. Most literature (n = 30) related to children and adolescents with an acquired or traumatic brain injury. Physical functionwas the most frequently reported outcome across sources(n = 27), followed by communication (n = 25), social (n = 22), cognitive (n = 17), emotional (n = 13), psychological (n = 13), behavioural (n = 8), and sensory (n = 5). Evidence for functional outcomes experienced by children and adolescents accessing music therapy as part of their neurorehabilitation is limited. More than half of the included sources were clinical descriptions with small samples. High-quality studies involving children, adolescents, families, and interprofessional teams are needed to identify the most effective music therapy methods and techniques for functional outcomes in paediatric neurodisability.

Music therapy with adults in the subacute phase after stroke: A study protocol

Stroke is a highly disabling condition, for which music therapy is regularly used in rehabilitation. One possible mechanism for the effects of music therapy is the motivational aspect of music, for example regarding treatment adherence based on improved mood. In this study, changes in motivation related to Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques during rehabilitation in the subacute phase after stroke will be investigated. Using a randomised within-subjects cross-over design, the effects of two NMT techniques and related motivational indices will be investigated. Data will be collected at three timepoints: baseline (TP1), after being randomised into groups and receiving NMT or standard care (TP2), and then at a third time point after the cross-over and having received both conditions (TP3). This design allows to counteract order effects, time effects due to spontaneous and/or nonlinear recovery, as well as single-subject comparisons in a relatively heterogeneous sample. Twenty adult participants who have experienced a supratentorial ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and are experiencing upper-limb impairments and/or cognitive deficits will be included. Behavioural measures of motor function, cognition, and quality of life will be collected, along with self-reported indices of overall motivation. The study outcomes will have implications for the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of music therapy in stroke recovery, more specifically regarding the relevance of motivational states in neurorehabilitation.

Approaches, Goals, and Scientific Integrity in Music Therapy Research with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: An Integrative Review.

Scientific integrity is fundamental to evidence-based practice (EBP) and essential in music therapy (MT) research and clinical practice. Researchers conducted an integrative review of approaches and interventions employed by music therapists (MTs) with individuals on the autism spectrum in the context of how studies are analyzed by the National Autism Center (NAC) and National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP). Researchers identified 880 database records meeting initial search criteria (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, autism, PDD-NOS, MT, and music interventions); 36 studies remained after screening for duplication, topic relevance, and adherence to inclusion criteria. Included studies were published between 1964 and 2021, in English language, in free open-access journals, worldwide; peer reviewed; conducted by MTs; empirical quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design; intervention-based; and presented separate data for participants on the autism spectrum. Content and quantitative analyses identified deficits in scientific integrity and the following gaps in studies reviewed: Motor Skills and Placement (NAC-defined intervention targets), Computer-based and Songwriting and Composition (MT techniques), and Wellness and Bonny Method of Guided Imagery in Music (clinical approaches); no patterns were evident among NAC Interventions with MT techniques and approaches. Analysis of 5-point Scientific Merit Ratings yielded a mean 2.78 rating. A comparison of NAC and NCAEP terminology (i.e., how MT researchers report independent variables) indicated eight titles mention specific non-music interventions, 19 mention MT, 14 include music-based technique descriptors, and two mention both non-music interventions and MT. Researchers offer guidelines regarding identity-inclusive language, scientific integrity, and clarity of EBPs within MT intervention research with individuals on the autism spectrum.

Influence of Music Therapy on the Improvement of Perceived Well-Being Indices in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Hormonal Treatment

ABSTRACT Background Although there are a growing number of studies investigating the benefits of music therapy interventions with patients diagnosed with cancer, few studies have taken an approach that specifically examines indices of perceived well-being in women with breast cancer. Overcoming these challenges can be an important step in the recovery process. Purpose The purpose of our study was to know the positive influence of responsive music therapy through gong sounds, emitted live, on different areas of well-being of women with breast cancer. Methods Four individual sessions of responsive music therapy with live gong sounds were conducted in which three women (M = 54; SD = 5.57) participated both in the music therapy program and in the completion of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT-B) and a semi-structured interview with ad hoc designed questions about perception of qualitative aspects. Results The results showed that the music therapy sessions significantly improved, p = .043 < 0.05, various domains of perceived well-being in women with breast cancer. Discussion This article highlights several key benefits associated with music therapy and various indices of well-being in women with breast cancer, identifies the limitations of the study, and discusses the findings. It is considered necessary to replicate this practice in future studies that include a larger sample and age range over longer follow-up periods. Translation for Health Education Practice The text highlights the importance of considering music therapy as a complementary intervention in comprehensive cancer care programs, which may be relevant to health educators when considering intervention and support approaches for cancer patients. Health education interventions targeting the enhancement of cancer patients’ well-being should incorporate music therapy techniques.

Neurologic music therapy for non-fluent aphasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IntroductionThe efficacy of neurologic music therapy (NMT) techniques for the treatment of non-fluent aphasia has been widely accepted by the rehabilitation medical community. However, consensus on which dimensions of speech function can be improved by NMT techniques and standardized intervention dosage remains elusive. This study aimed to provide evidence regarding the efficacy of NMT in improving speech function and explore the optimal intervention dose. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search for randomized clinical trials and open-label trials that evaluated speech functions after NMT.MethodsWe searched all papers and reviews published from database inception to July 2023, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI. Statistical analyses were mainly carried out on RevManV5.4.1 and pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) in speech functions, determined by calculating the change in speech functions score from baseline to the primary endpoint in the NMT group versus the control arm.ResultsA total of 11 studies with 329 patients were included. NMT had a positive effect on repetition ability (SMD = 0.37, 95%CI [0.12, 0.62], p &amp;lt; 0.05), but did not lead to significant differences in naming, comprehension, spontaneous speech, or communication. When the intervention time was &amp;gt;20 h, NMT exhibited a significant advantage at improving repetition ability (SMD = 0.43, 95%CI [0.06, 0.79], p &amp;lt; 0.05).DiscussionThis study provides evidence supporting the NMT enhancement of repetition ability in patients with non-fluent aphasia. Future large-sample studies are required to determine the optimal intervention dose of music therapy for different subtypes of non-fluent aphasia.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42023470313.

The Efficacy of Music Therapy Programs on the Development of Social Communication in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted repetitive behavior patterns. Music therapy appears to have beneficial effects in the area of social interaction and communication. The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate the effectiveness of music therapy programs on the development of social communication among preschool- and school-aged children with ASD. For this purpose, a detailed study of the relevant literature that has been published in the last decade in peer-reviewed scientific journals was conducted. Web of Science, Springer Link, PsyINFO, and ERIC databases were searched, and according to the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were finally selected from the 167 initially found. From the analysis of the results, the following categories were defined to contribute to enhancing social communication: (a) improvisational music therapy; (b) joint attention and eye contact; (c) therapeutic relationship, synchronization, and attunement; (d) imitation; (e) understanding and interaction; (f) family-centered music therapy; and (g) language and socioemotional adjustment. The results of the review were mixed, as music therapy appeared to have a positive effect on improving the social communication of children with ASD, but a general conclusion could not be drawn about the degree of its effectiveness compared to the standard treatments that children usually receive. In the future, further research in this field, especially on the improvisational music Therapy technique, is recommended. Moreover, an increased focus on the development of a common methodological practice regarding the sample selection process and measurement tools is suggested.

Compositional music therapy: A systematic review of clinical trials

Purpose: Compositional music therapy involves the creation of original music by the therapist, the patient/client, or both together. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine techniques of compositional music therapy and the evidence for its therapeutic uses. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed in performing this systematic review. Studies published in the last 25 years from January 1998 to December 2023 were identified through the use of the PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar databases, using the following keywords: Musi*, AND Therap*, AND Compos*. Two authors independently conducted a focused analysis and reached a final consensus on nine studies that met the specific selection criteria and passed the study quality checks. Results: Review yielded four key compositional music therapy techniques: songwriting, lyric analysis, instrumental composition, and therapeutic rap and singing. Eight out of the nine studies showed positive results for compositional music therapy. These techniques were associated with reduction in anxiety levels and an enhancement of positive affective states, the development of coping strategies, and improvement of emotional regulation. Conclusion: This review shows a body of positive evidence for compositional music therapy, highlighting its potential to foster psychological and physiological well-being across various demographics, especially in terms of coping strategies and emotion regulation. Future directions include the use of digital music technology for composition in music therapy.

THE EFFECT OF SAPE DAYAK MUSIC THERAPY TO REDUCING STRESS LEVELS FOR ACEH SINGKIL MUHAMMADIYAH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

&lt;p&gt;In overcoming stress disorders in students, special media are needed that are able to be a stimulus in learning management and individual stress. Action or effort that can be done is to use music therapy techniques. Sape' or also called Sampe is a musical instrument or instrument originating from the Dayak Kenyah and Kayan tribes. The purpose of this study is to apply Sape Dayak music therapy for junior high school students who are prone to stress. This study uses a quantitative approach, with the type of pre-experimental method with one group pre- and post-design. Where the population in this research is class X Aceh Singkil Muhammadiyah Middle School Students, with a total of 31 students. data collection technique using a stress measurement instrument, namely DASS 42. Music therapy has an effect on reducing stress levels in class X students of SMP Muhammadiyah Gunung Meriah. On the first day and the second day of the study, there was a significant difference between stress levels before and after music therapy was carried out in the X grade group of Aceh Singkil Muhammadiyah Middle School Students. Thus, it can be concluded that music therapy has an effect on reducing stress levels in the class X group of Aceh Singkil Muhammadiyah Middle School Students.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0072/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

A scoping review of music-based interventions for swallowing difficulties: implications for treating older adults with presbyphagia.

Presbyphagia refers to age-related changes in the swallowing mechanism (e.g., reduced skeletal muscle strength that decreases bolus control). If left untreated, these changes can lead to dysphagia, which refers to impaired swallowing (e.g., coughing or choking when eating). Given that swallowing difficulties are common among older adults that they make up the fastest growing age group globally, the need for interventions to address presbyphagia is gaining urgency. To begin to address this need, we conducted a scoping review to analyze music therapy research aimed at enhancing swallowing function. The objective was to identify key intervention characteristics and propose clinical implications for treating presbyphagia using music therapy. This review followed the methodological frameworks outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al. and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews for analysis and reporting. Four electronic databases (i.e., ProQuest, PubMed, RISS, Web of Science) were searched for quantitative and qualitative studies in English or Korean that used music-based interventions to address swallowing function in older adults. Content analysis was conducted to identify and compare the main features of music interventions for swallowing difficulties among older adults. Ten articles were identified and analyzed. It was found that three core components-respiration, vocalization, and singing-were employed to enhance swallowing function in populations with neurological impairments, dementia, or head and neck cancer. Notably, actions closely linked to swallowing function, such as laryngeal elevation and oral movements, were utilized therapeutically to speak or sing. Based on these characteristics, clinical implications are proposed to address presbyphagia. Singing entails a systematic and focused incorporation of stepwise activities that can be used to address swallowing disorders. In this context, critical clinical implications that music therapists should consider when treating individuals with presbyphagia include warmup breathing, vocalizing targeting laryngeal control, and singing targeting oral motor control. This review can contribute to the expansion of music therapy with older adults and the advancement of music therapy techniques.

The use of music therapy techniques as an educational tool: A systematic review

The use of music therapy techniques has recently extended into the educational realm to help overcome learning difficulties, support emotional management, and assist students to develop necessary social skills. This is known as educational music therapy (EMT). Current educational policies give ever greater importance to the fostering and development of core social skills and competencies as decisive factors in overall educational success. Thus, teachers are being encouraged to explore interdisciplinary and creative collaboration and to innovate and incorporate new, more active, teaching methods to enable students to meet these educational objectives. This article comprises a systematic review of 34 research studies from 13 countries concerning the use of EMT over the last 15 years. The authors have identified uses of EMT in general teaching and in music education. The PICO(C) framework was used to develop the research question and the PRISMA diagram was used to determine the criteria for exclusion or inclusion of studies for review. The results from all studies considered agree that music therapy has benefits at all contexts and levels of education. The studies examined are diverse in terms of design, application, and procedures, and music therapy and music education techniques largely coincide in their educational objectives: improving inclusion, learning outcomes, and well-being among students. In conclusion, there is a two-way process of transfer between music education and EMT, and the addition of EMT techniques as another innovative method within teachers’ repertoires could have many benefits in education. The added value can be found in the way this review relates different studies, revealing those dimensions that would benefit from further study as well as exploring the decision-making process around their potential applications.

International Online Collaboration to Enhance Outcomes in Community-Based Rehabilitation Through Music

In this 1.5 year action research pilot study, an interprofessional team of co-researchers studied the use of online intercultural collaboration to integrate music therapy-informed activities into community-based rehabilitation (CBR) with rural families in central India. Over four cycles of action and evaluation, Australian music therapy (MT) co-researchers and Indian CBR co-researchers studied the perceived impact of MT-informed activities in CBR for CBR facilitators and participating families, and the online communication strategies and MT information that were useful. The research team identified that the integration of MT-informed activities into CBR led to a perceived increase in family motivation and engagement in CBR, enhanced connection between CBR facilitators and families, and greater enjoyment and fun for all involved. Researchers also identified some foundational MT techniques that were useful and articulated some practical considerations for online intercultural collaboration. Importantly, the research team clarified the scope of information sharing that was useful in the context of online intercultural collaboration, and the need to prioritise local expertise and resources. Learning from this study may inform other online intercultural collaborations in both music therapy and international/community development.

The use of music therapy to address psychosocial needs of informal caregivers: An integrative review

In 2020 there were estimated to be 117 million Americans who needed care assistance, which continues to rise as the aging population increases. The complexities of caregiving duties, the balance of employment, and how long caregiving duties last contribute to caregiver physiological and psychological health needs. Music therapy, an interdisciplinary health profession incorporating patient-and-family centered care, is an effective nonpharmacological approach for psychosocial health needs, including those effecting informal caregivers. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and analyze the existent music therapy literature addressing psychosocial needs of informal caregivers. Studies were obtained through a computer-assisted search using OneSearch platform, ProQuest Databases, and a manual search of pertinent journals based on the established criteria. The search produced (N = 50) studies, which were appraised for quality utilizing Cuenca & Crawford’s (2011) Evidence Leveling System (ELS). Three categories were developed to sort and synthesize the literature including articles with interventions targeting joint informal caregiver (ICG) and care receiver (CR) participation (n = 30), ICG specific participation (n = 12), and CR specific participation (n = 8). Most studies utilized an experimental design (n = 15) and incorporated a variety of active music therapy techniques in a group format (n = 10) or songwriting (n = 13).

Analysis of Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Techniques Based on Instrumental Music Chinese Tonal Language Spectrogram Analysis.

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of timbre-speech spectrograms in instrumental music, designs a model analysis of rehabilitation occupational therapy techniques based on the analysis of timbre-speech spectrograms in instrumental music, and tests the models for comparison. Starting from the mechanism of human articulation, this paper models the process of human expression as a time-varying linear system consisting of excitation, vocal tract, and radiation models. The system's overall architecture is designed according to the characteristics of Chinese speech and everyday speech rehabilitation theory (HSL theory). The dual judgment of temporal threshold and short-time average energy realized the phonetic length training. Tone and clear tone training were achieved by linear predictive coding technique (LPC) and autocorrelation function. Using the DTW technique, isolated word speech recognition was achieved by extracting Mel-scale Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) parameters of speech signals. The system designs corresponding training scenes for each training module according to the extracted speech parameters, combines the multimedia speech spectrogram motion situation with the speech parameters, and finally presents the training content as a speech spectrogram, and evaluates the training results through human-machine interaction to stimulate the interest of rehabilitation therapy and realize the speech rehabilitation training of patients. After analyzing the pre- and post-test data, it was found that the p-values of all three groups were <0.05, which was judged to be significantly different. Also, all subjects changed their behavioral data during the treatment. Therefore, it was concluded that the music therapy technique could improve the patients' active gaze communication ability, verbal command ability, and active question-answering ability after summarizing the data, i.e., the hypothesis of this experiment is valid. Therefore, it is believed that the technique of timbre-speech spectrogram analysis in instrumental music can achieve the effect of rehabilitation therapy to a certain extent.

Effect of Carnatic raga-Bilahari based music therapy on anxiety, sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms among caregivers of cancer patients

Carnatic raga-Bilahari based intervention is a music therapy technique that enhances relaxation and positivity by reducing anxiety. With extensive empirical evidence pointing out the detrimental challenges faced by the caregivers of cancer patients, the present study intends to find out the effectiveness of a Carnatic raga based music therapy on reducing anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms and distress level among this population A single group pre-post research design was was used to conduct the study. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used as a screening tool to select participants, and 30 participants were chosen using the purposive sampling. These individuals received instruction in listening to Carnatic music (raga-Bilahari), 5 days a week. The vocal and instrumental recordings were given on alternative days with each session lasting 15–30 min over a month of standard care. From the findings it is observed that there is significant decrease in the anxiety (p < 0.001), sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), somatic symptoms (p < 0.001) and distress level (p < 0.001) after the intervention.The study result thus indicates that Carnatic raga-Bilahari-based music intervention is effective among caregivers of cancer patients to reduce anxiety, sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms presentation, and their distress level.

Neurologic Music Therapy with a Habilitative Approach for Older Adults with Dementia: A Feasibility Study

Abstract The incidence of dementia continues to increase in our aging population. Numerous cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms accompany this diagnosis, and the need for non-pharmacological interventions that may alleviate them is of paramount importance. This feasibility study presents the results of a crossover randomized control trial that evaluated the effects of neurologic music therapy with a habilitative approach on the treatment acceptability, cognition, mood, and behavior of older adults with moderate to severe dementia. Twenty-nine residents living in an assisted living community rotated between 50-minute group sessions of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques implemented with a habilitative approach, an Enrichment Program (EP) that combined physical and cognitive exercises, and a non-facilitated television program (TV). Data were collected before and after each crossover period using attendance, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home (NPI-NH) version, the Dementia Mood Picture Test (DMPT), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). NMT had the highest level of treatment acceptability, as measured by attendance and adherence. NPI-NH scores were the lowest after TV viewings, and DMPT results were the highest after NMT, followed by EP and TV. The positive effect of NMT on general cognitive functioning for residents with moderately severe cognitive decline was remarkable. These results suggest that NMT with a habilitative approach is a viable tool to engage older adults with dementia. The promising results on cognition and its high treatment acceptability make a powerful case to increase NMT use with this population and continue studying its effectiveness.

АКТИВАЦІЯ СТРЕС-ПЕРЕБОРЮВАНИХ СТРАТЕГІЙ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ ПОЧАТКОВИХ КЛАСІВ ЗАСОБАМИ МУЗИКИ

The article examines the use of music in the process of students’ implementation of stress-relieving strategies during the period of martial law. A theoretical analysis of musical means (imaginative music-making, therapeutic song-writing, active music-making, joint music-making, joint improvisation, music listening, integrative music therapy techniques, in particular using the Orff approach) as factors in the activation of stress-overcoming strategies was carried out. An empirical study of the structure of personal stress coping strategies of future teachers in war conditions was conducted with the help of a survey and the Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) method by James H. Amirkhan. The optimal musical techniques for the activation of the mentioned strategies have been found out. According to the empirical study, it was found that the vast majority of students choose musical techniques in view of their positive effect on communication processes, activation of mechanisms of social and psychological adaptation, psychophysiology. Moreover, students choose musical techniques taking in consideration the influence on the processes of excitation and inhibition, self-awareness and self-regulation, and regulation of psycho-emotional and cognitive activity. The analysis of students’ stress-coping strategies indicates a significant advantage of the stress-coping tendency of ‘problem solving’ and ‘seeking social support’, which are considered to be more effective strategies in a stressful situation compared to the ‘avoidance’ strategy, which is not often used by students. Using Spielberger – Hanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) the dynamics of changes of anxiety levels as a result of the musical intervention were analyzed. Based on the results obtained, a positive relationship between musical techniques and the level of situational and personal anxiety was revealed. The tendency to decrease the level of situational anxiety is more pronounced compared to personal anxiety, which corresponds to the norms of response to stressful factors in the conditions of a war situation. According to the research results, a conclusion was made about the expediency of using certain musical techniques during the performance of stress-relieving strategies, in order to do certain tasks that ensure efficiency of their introduction.

MUSIC THERAPY WITH HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC PERIOD - ONLINE MEETINGS AS PART OF MULTIPROFESSIONAL TREATMENT

Objective: This paper aims to report the participation of the music therapist in the care of hypertensive patients, using information and communication technology during the pandemic period in Brazil. Design and method: Before the pandemic, Music Therapy interventions took place mainly in the waiting room of the outpatient service and in meetings called Hypertensive’s Club. The main resources used were the voice and the guitar, more accessible instruments for care in a hospital environment. With the arrival of the Pandemic, in March 2020, during the period of social removal, there was an interruption of in-person calls. During this period, the patients were invited to meetings by Google Meeting and the music therapist conducted the interventions using the voice and instruments, such as the guitar, keyboard and/or drum. Online interventions lasted one hour. Interactive Music Therapy techniques were used, using singing as the main activity, in addition to music listening activities, with guided relaxation and breathing activities. Results: Interventions were carried out online, with the participation of hypertensive patients and, in some cases, family members who helped with the handling of cell phones/equipment, since most patients are elderly people with little experience in technology. Music Therapy had a humanistic approach and a look at the patient’s integrality, welcoming all feelings arising from anxiety, fear, stress and grief experienced in the pandemic period. The techniques used provided the self-perception of the body (breathing, heartbeat, posture, etc.) and the self-expression of feelings through songs chosen by the participants or improvised with the guidance of the music therapist. Spirituality and/or religiosity also emerged through the choices of songs, bringing to light the hope of better days and the strength needed to face the losses suffered by many of the participants. Conclusions: The music therapist’s action, through online consultations with hypertensive patients, helped to maintain the quality of life, to improve the individual’s entirety, to reduce stress and to express the patients’ subjectivity. Therefore, the music therapist in the multidisciplinary team contributed to the humanization of collective health care, in line with the National Policies of the Ministry of Health.

Application of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapy on Patient with Postoperative Pain After Cardiac Surgery: a Literature Review

Pain is a devastating outcome following cardiac surgery due to routine procedures, including chest tube removal, deep breathing, and coughing exercise. Pharmacological treatment requires complementary interventions in addressing the post-acute pain phase. This study aimed to identify the application of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to reduce postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. A literature search was conducted by exploring original studies on the Google Scholar, PubMed NCBI, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect database that published in the last five years (2016-2021), enrolled adult participants who were undergoing cardiac surgery, and evaluated the outcome of CAM therapy on the postoperative pain after the cardiac surgery. Eighteen original studies were analyzed and synthesized. Thirteen studies employed randomized controlled trial, four studies applied quasi-experimental, and one study used one group pre-post-test design. Among these studies, ten studies focused on the manipulative and body-based practices domain (cryotherapy and massage). The application of relaxation exercise, music therapy, and distraction technique from the mind-body intervention domain was discussed in six studies. Only three studies reported the utilization of therapy from the alternative medical system, biologically-based therapy, and energy therapy domain. The majority of the CAM interventions provided significant effects in postoperative pain relief after cardiac surgery. Nurses should be able to assign appropriate CAM therapies for each patient, although all domains of CAM consider as an effective modality for postoperative pain relief after cardiac surgery. Hence, the CAM therapy would be a proper complement for the pharmacological therapies, effective in reducing the pain, and provides a chance for the patient to manage their pain independently.

Brain Melody Interaction: Understanding Effects of Music on Cerebral Hemodynamic Responses

Music elicits strong emotional reactions in people, regardless of their gender, age or cultural background. Understanding the effects of music on brain activity can enhance existing music therapy techniques and lead to improvements in various medical and affective computing research. We explore the effects of three different music genres on people’s cerebral hemodynamic responses. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals were collected from 27 participants while they listened to 12 different pieces of music. The signals were pre-processed to reflect oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbR) concentrations in the brain. K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF) and a one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network (CNN) were used to classify the signals using music genre and subjective responses provided by the participants as labels. Results from this study show that the highest accuracy in distinguishing three music genres was achieved by deep learning models (73.4% accuracy in music genre classification and 80.5% accuracy when predicting participants’ subjective rating of emotional content of music). This study validates a strong motivation for using fNIRS signals to detect people’s emotional state while listening to music. It could also be beneficial in giving personalised music recommendations based on people’s brain activity to improve their emotional well-being.

Self-assessed Competence of Nurses in Critical Care Units in Malawi: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: The birth of a premature infant and admission to the NICU is often unexpected and traumatic for families, leading to increased distress and can negatively impact parental-infant attachment. Appropriate interventions can help to lessen the negative impact of a NICU admission on families, improving parental mental health, reducing distress, enhancing parent- infant relationships, and improving the long-term physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the infant.&#x0D; Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate research evidence on the effectiveness of current interventions for improving parental distress in the NICU. Methods: A rapid review was conducted utilizing a protocol based on the Virginia Commonwealth University guidance. Keyword searches were conducted on CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO, and studies were selected according to pre-defined eligibility criteria, published between January 2015 and January 2020. The literature search included primary studies of interventions with parental stress and/or anxiety reduction as outcomes.&#x0D; Results: A total of 14 articles were included, evaluating the effectiveness of 13 different interventions, including narrative writing, art therapy, structured nursing interventions, anxiety counselling, spiritual care, organizational change, music therapy, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques. With the Pexception of three, all the studies found significant results in the reduction of stress and/or anxiety levels of the subjects, with mothers having overall higher levels of stress indicated by higher stress scores on standardized measurement tools.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a need for ongoing assessment of parental distress and integration of appropriate interventions within the NICU settings. In this review, both individualized and group interventions including narrative writing, art therapy, music therapy, spiritual care, activity-based group therapy, music therapy, audio-assisted relaxation techniques, mindfulness based neurodevelopmental care, cognitive behavioral based counselling, family nurture intervention and a structured nursing intervention were shown to be effective in reducing parental stress and/or anxiety in the NICU. The small scale of the studies included in this review impact generalizability to a broader audience and emphasizes the need for larger scope, multi-center studies at an international level to build on and broaden our level of knowledge on how to better support families and reduce parental distress in the NICU.&#x0D;