Music preference and relaxation in Taiwanese elderly people

Accelerated construction of stress relief music datasets using CNN and the Mel-scaled spectrogram

Listening to music is a crucial tool for relieving stress and promoting relaxation. However, the limited options available for stress-relief music do not cater to individual preferences, compromising its effectiveness. Traditional methods of curating stress-relief music rely heavily on measuring biological responses, which is time-consuming, expensive, and requires specialized measurement devices. In this paper, a deep learning approach to solve this problem is introduced that explicitly uses convolutional neural networks and provides a more efficient and economical method for generating large datasets of stress-relief music. These datasets are composed of Mel-scaled spectrograms that include essential sound elements (such as frequency, amplitude, and waveform) that can be directly extracted from the music. The trained model demonstrated a test accuracy of 98.7%, and a clinical study indicated that the model-selected music was as effective as researcher-verified music in terms of stress-relieving capacity. This paper underlines the transformative potential of deep learning in addressing the challenge of limited music options for stress relief. More importantly, the proposed method has profound implications for music therapy because it enables a more personalized approach to stress-relief music selection, offering the potential for enhanced emotional well-being.

Listening to music during intranasal (es)ketamine therapy in patients with treatment-resistant depression correlates with better tolerability and reduced anxiety

Background

Although the effectiveness of (es)ketamine for therapy-resistant depression (TRD) has been established, potential treatment-limiting factors include side effects like dissociation, anxiety, or elevated blood pressure. Music can reduce stress and negative emotions as anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the impact of listening to music during intranasal (es)ketamine administration on both tolerability and efficacy.

Methods

Records of 494 sessions (of 37 patients) with intranasal (es)ketamine administration, each containing data of blood pressure measurements, DSS-IV (dissociation symptoms scale-IV), anxiety and euphoria analogue scale, MADRS (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) and BDI (Beck's Depression Inventory) were evaluated.

Results

The between-group analysis, comparing participants who listened to music with those who did not, revealed significant differences in the administered dose (p-value: 0.003, mean: 131.5 mg with music vs. 116.7 mg without music), scores on the DSS Item 1 (p-value: 0.005, mean: 3 points vs. 2.4 points), levels of anxiety (p-value: <0.001, mean: 0.4 points vs. 1.4 points), and measurements of maximal systolic blood pressure after administration (p-value: 0.017, mean: 137.9 mmHg vs. 140.3 mmHg). Listening to music had no impact on the MARDS-change score between the sessions.

Limitations

Key limitations include a non-randomized naturalistic design and the non-standardized selection of music, which was based on individual patient preferences.

Conclusion

Listening to music during intranasal (es)ketamine therapy appears to be linked to reduced anxiety and lower blood pressure, stable or increased dissociation levels, and improved tolerance for higher doses. These findings could potentially contribute to the optimization of (es)ketamine therapy, both in terms of treatment efficacy and managing side effects.

Tailored Music Listening in Persons With Dementia: A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of tailored music listening intervention on sleep disturbances in older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Methods: We randomly assigned 33 older adults with dementia (mean age 71.7 [SD: 7.1], 72.7% female, 81.8% African American/Black) and their caregivers (mean age 58.4 [SD: 16.7], 72.7% female, 84.8% African American/Black) to a wait-list control or intervention group (NCT04157244). Results: The music intervention was feasible as evidenced by high study measure completion and retention rates (>90%). Recruitment was stopped prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found mixed acceptability results from the survey and qualitative interviews with the participants. Both groups improved on objective sleep outcomes of sleep latency and wake sleep after onset. We found a small effect size for sleep duration post-intervention. Discussion: The findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility of a tailored music intervention and identified ways to improve its acceptability.

The Use of Music to Manage Burnout in Nurses: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

There is a high prevalence of burnout in nurses. This systematic review investigates the use of music to manage burnout in nurses.

DATA SOURCE

MEDLINE (Ovid), MEDLINE InProcess/ePubs, Embase, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched.

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Full-text articles were selected if the study assessed the use of music to manage burnout in nurses. Burnout was defined according to the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted using an Excel sheet. The second and third authors independently extracted study characteristics, frequency and type of music engagement, measures of burnout, and burnout outcomes (occupational stress, coping with stress, and related symptoms such as anxiety).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Study and outcome data were summarized.

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in 2210 articles and 16 articles were included (n = 1205 nurses). All seven cross-sectional studies reported upon nurses' self-facilitated use of music including music listening, playing instruments, and music entertainment for coping or preventing stress, supporting wellbeing, or enhancing work engagement. Externally-facilitated music engagement, including music listening, chanting, percussive improvisation, and song writing, was reported in the four randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies with reductions in burnout outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-facilitated and externally-facilitated music engagement can help to reduce burnout in nurses.

Effects of music interventions on sleep in older adults: A systematic review

Sleep disruption is common among older adults. Non-pharmacological interventions involving music has emerged as a promising approach to address sleep disruption. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of music interventions on sleep outcomes among older adults (age ≥ 50). We searched five databases through May 2020 and found 16 eligible studies focused on two types of music interventions: music listening (n = 11) and multi-component (n = 5). We found mixed evidence in the efficacy of music interventions to improve sleep outcomes in older adults, which included sleep quality, objective and subjective sleep characteristics. Music listening interventions contained relaxing music with research teams personalizing music choice based on participants' preferences. Multi-component interventions included listening to music in addition to one other approach, such as massage, tai chi, and nature scenes. Future higher-quality studies should provide a detailed description of music interventions and tailor music selections to older adults' preferences.

Tailored music listening intervention to reduce sleep disturbances in older adults with dementia: Research protocol

Sleep disruption in older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is debilitating and contributes to increased institutionalization, reduced cognitive function, and accelerated disease progression. Furthermore, sleep disruption is linked to poor health outcomes in caregivers, such as decreased quality of life and increased caregiver burden. Given the potentially harmful side effects of pharmacologic treatment, nonpharmacologic approaches, such as music, may provide a safer alternative to reducing sleep disruption in this vulnerable population. A growing body of literature suggests that calming tailored music may improve sleep quality in older adults with memory loss, but its efficacy has not been demonstrated in older adults with ADRD in the community, where most older adults with ADRD live. If shown to be feasible and acceptable, tailored music interventions can then be tested for efficacy in reducing sleep disruption. This protocol details a wait-list randomized controlled trial (NCT04157244), the purpose of which is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and examine the preliminary efficacy of a tailored music listening intervention in older adults with ADRD who report sleep disruption. Music selections will be tailored to the music genre preferences of older adults with ADRD and account for known sleep-inducing properties. The feasibility of processes that is key to the success of the subsequent study will be examined. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention will be assessed using objective (actigraphy) and subjective (proxy-reported) sleep quality measures. In addition, qualitative data will be solicited, examining the acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention by individuals with ADRD.

Effects of passive music therapy on anxiety and vital signs in lung cancer patients undergoing peripherally inserted central catheter placement procedure

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects of passive music therapy on anxiety and vital signs among lung cancer patients at their first peripherally inserted central catheter placement procedure in China.

Methods:

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the cancer center of a hospital in Chengdu from May to December 2017. A total of 304 lung cancer patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental ( n = 152) and control ( n = 152) group, respectively. The control group only received standard care, while the experimental group received standard care and passive music therapy during peripherally inserted central catheter placement (30–45 min) and after catheterization, until discharged from the hospital (twice a day, 30 min once). Measures include anxiety and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate).

Results:

Repetitive measurement and analysis of variance showed that the patients in experimental group had a statistically significant decrease in anxiety, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate over time compared to the control group, but no significant difference was identified in systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate.

Conclusion:

Passive music therapy can efficiently relieve the anxiety of lung cancer patients during peripherally inserted central catheter placement. It also can lower the patient’s diastolic blood pressure and slow down the heart rate. So, music therapy benefits patients with peripherally inserted central catheter.

Does Music Matter? A Look at the Issues and the Evidence

Does music matter? Judging from the ever-diminishing support for music education in public funding, the message is that it is just a frill to be cast aside for more pressing needs. The pleasure of listening to music is worthy in itself and reason enough for support, but what happens when people are more deeply engaged, such as when they learn to read music and play an instrument? Can more material rewards follow for cognition, language, and emotion, and for social and physical well-being? This essay presents an overview of issues and evidence from a broad range of disciplines and age groups.

Effects of Classical Background Music on Stress, Anxiety, and Knowledge of Filipino Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Previous work on the use of background music suggests conflicting results in various psychological, behavioral, and educational measures. This quasi-experiment examined the effect of integrating classical background music during a lecture on stress, anxiety, and knowledge. A total of 42 nursing students participated this study. We utilized independent sample t-test and multivariate analysis of variance to examine the effect of classical background music. Our findings suggest that the presence or absence of classical background music do not affect stress, anxiety, and knowledge scores (Λ = 0.999 F(3, 78) = 0.029, p = 0.993). We provided literature to explain the non-significant result. Although classical music failed to establish a significant influence on the dependent variables, classical background music during lecture hours can be considered a non-threatening stimulus. We recommend follow up studies regarding the role of classical background music in regulating attention control of nursing students during lecture hours.

Exploring the impact of music concerts in promoting well-being in dementia care

OBJECTIVES

This study explores the specific effects of live music concerts on the clients with dementia, their families and nursing staff/caregivers.

METHODS

Researchers attended 22 concerts in care facilities in England and Japan. Interviews were carried out with clients with dementia, nursing staff and family members. Observations were also carried out before, during and after the concerts. All observations were recorded in field notes.

RESULTS

The effect of the concerts in both countries was seen to be beneficial to all clients and nursing staff, whether or not they attended the concert. Interviews with clients with mild to mid-stage dementia noted increased levels of cooperation, interaction and conversation. Those with more advanced forms of dementia exhibited decreased levels of agitation and anti-social behaviour. Staff members reported increased levels of care, cooperation and opportunities for assessment. Family members noted an increase in the levels of well-being in their partner/parent as well as in themselves. The study also suggested that the knowledge of musical components, an awareness of the rules of music and specific musical preferences appear to remain well beyond the time when other cognitive skills and abilities have disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS

This initial study provided some further indication in terms of the uses of music as a non-pharmacological intervention for those living with all stages of dementia. These included opportunities for assessment of physical abilities as well as facilitating an increasing level of care.

Efficacy of rhythmic exercise and walking exercise in older adults' exercise participation rates and physical function outcomes

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of two different exercise types, rhythmic exercise designed from local music and dance (RE) and walking exercise (WE), in terms of exercise participation and physical function changes in older adults over a period of 12 weeks.

METHODS

Exercise participation was assessed through the attendance rate and retention rate, and physical function was evaluated through the Short Physical Performance Battery, static balance test and gait test.

RESULTS

The RE group showed significantly higher attendance and retention rates; greater improvement in Short Physical Performance Battery scores; and greater improvement in static balance, as compared with the WE. No differences were found between the RE and WE groups in gait parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that RE was more effective than WE in retaining exercise participation and improving physical function in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2311-2318.

Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing

HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ARTICLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.2 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing" found on pages 25-31, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until May 31, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES 1. Identify the worldwide shortage of nurses specializing in gerontological nursing. 2. Describe the results of using music therapy to create positive attitudes toward older adults. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Nursing students generally have a negative attitude toward older adults. Preparing nurses to meet the care needs of an expanding aging population is a challenge for nursing educators. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether incorporating music therapy into a practical geriatric nursing course at a nursing home cultivates positive attitudes toward older adults, raises students' willingness to work with older adults, and increases their interest in specializing in gerontological nursing after graduation. Focus groups were conducted to collect data from three participant groups (N = 20). Verbatim transcripts of audiorecorded interviews were analyzed using content analysis, which revealed four themes: (a) better appreciation and understanding of music therapy, (b) role modeling instructors' successful experience and positive attitude toward older adults, (c) changing attitudes toward older adults, and (d) improving interaction skills with older adults. Results suggested music can be integrated into a gerontological nursing course to enhance students' motivation to learn, empathize, and approach older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(6), 25-31.].

Effects of music therapy on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients after thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of music listening on pain, anxiety, and vital signs among patients after thoracic surgery in China.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the thoracic surgery department of two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan, China. 112 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either experimental (n=56) or control (n=56) group respectively.

INTERVENTION

The experimental group received standard care and a 30-min soft music intervention for 3 days, while the control group received only standard care. Measures include pain, anxiety, vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate), patient controlled analgesia, and diclofenac sodium suppository use.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed statistically significant decrease in pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate over time compared to the control group, but no significant difference were identified in diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, patient controlled analgesia and diclofenac sodium suppository use.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide further evidence to support the practice of music therapy to reduce postoperative pain and anxiety, and lower systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients after thoracic surgery in China.

Autonomic effects of music in health and Crohn's disease: the impact of isochronicity, emotional valence, and tempo

BACKGROUND

Music can evoke strong emotions and thus elicit significant autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses. However, previous studies investigating music-evoked ANS effects produced inconsistent results. In particular, it is not clear (a) whether simply a musical tactus (without common emotional components of music) is sufficient to elicit ANS effects; (b) whether changes in the tempo of a musical piece contribute to the ANS effects; (c) whether emotional valence of music influences ANS effects; and (d) whether music-elicited ANS effects are comparable in healthy subjects and patients with Crohn´s disease (CD, an inflammatory bowel disease suspected to be associated with autonomic dysfunction).

METHODS

To address these issues, three experiments were conducted, with a total of n = 138 healthy subjects and n = 19 CD patients. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electrodermal activity (EDA) were recorded while participants listened to joyful pleasant music, isochronous tones, and unpleasant control stimuli.

RESULTS

Compared to silence, both pleasant music and unpleasant control stimuli elicited an increase in HR and a decrease in a variety of HRV parameters. Surprisingly, similar ANS effects were elicited by isochronous tones (i.e., simply by a tactus). ANS effects did not differ between pleasant and unpleasant stimuli, and different tempi of the music did not entrain ANS activity. Finally, music-evoked ANS effects did not differ between healthy individuals and CD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The isochronous pulse of music (i.e., the tactus) is a major factor of music-evoked ANS effects. These ANS effects are characterized by increased sympathetic activity. The emotional valence of a musical piece contributes surprisingly little to the ANS activity changes evoked by that piece.

Effects of practice on variability in an isochronous serial interval production task: asymptotical levels of tapping variability after training are similar to those of musicians

Timing permeates everyday activities such as walking, dancing and music, yet the effect of short-term practice in this ubiquitous activity is largely unknown. In two training experiments involving sessions spread across several days, we examined short-term practice effects on timing variability in a sequential interval production task. In Experiment 1, we varied the mode of response (e.g., drumstick and finger tapping) and the level of sensory feedback. In Experiment 2 we varied the interval in 18 levels ranging from 500 ms to 1624 ms. Both experiments showed a substantial decrease in variability within the first hour of practice, but little thereafter. This effect was similar across mode of response, amount of feedback, and interval duration, and was manifested as a reduction in both local variability (between neighboring intervals) and drift (fluctuation across multiple intervals). The results suggest mainly effects on motor implementation rather than on cognitive timing processes, and have methodological implications for timing studies that have not controlled for practice.

Effects of music on immunity and physiological responses in healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial

Research-based evidence supports the effectiveness of soothing music in improving stress-related psycho-physiological indices in a clinical setting. However, there is currently insufficient scientific knowledge of the effects of music on immune markers of stress in humans. Therefore, the aims of the study were to compare the effects of music and quiet rest on the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), heart rate and mean arterial pressure among healthcare workers. By using a randomized controlled trial design, 60 nurses were randomly assigned to the stimulating or sedating music or rest groups for 30 min. Participants' psychoneuroimmunological parameters were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. General estimating equation was used to analyse data. Results revealed that IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 were not detectable in this population. No significance differences in heart rate were found among the three groups. However, the stimulating music group had significantly higher mean arterial pressure levels than the sedating music group but no differences between the quiet rest group and the sedating music group. Music with different tempi had little effect on mean arterial pressure. Any effect of music on immune markers of stress requires further research.

A randomized controlled trial of the effects of listening to non-commercial music on quality of nocturnal sleep and relaxation indices in patients in medical intensive care unit

AIM

The purpose was to examine the effects of non-commercial music on quality of sleep and relaxation indices, including heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate in patients in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND

There is currently insufficient scientific knowledge for the effects of music on quality of sleep in critically ill patients.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Between January-December 2010, 28 patients aged 39-78 years were randomly assigned to music and control groups. Participants in the music groups listened to non-commercial music for 45 minutes at nocturnal sleep time. In the control group, participants slept with no music. Participants were assessed using vital signs monitors, standardized questionnaire, and polysomnography. Polysomnography sleep was recorded for the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep. General estimating equation was applied to analyse data.

FINDINGS

Participants in the music group had shorter stage N2 sleep and longer stage N3 sleep in the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep and improved self-reported sleep quality, compared with those in the control group. The music group patients also had significantly lower heart rates than those in the control group. The intensive care units patients experienced fragmented sleep with a high frequency of awakenings and severe reduction in random eye movement sleep during the first 2 hours of the nocturnal sleep.

CONCLUSION

The findings provided evidence for nurses to use soothing music as a research-based nursing intervention for intensive care unit patients' sleep improvement.

The effects of researcher-composed music at mealtime on agitation in nursing home residents with dementia

This study examined the effects of music at mealtimes on agitation in 22 nursing home residents with dementia. We used a pretest-posttest research design. We played researcher-composed music to residents at each of two mealtimes daily over a consecutive 4-week period. We observed and recorded agitation 24 hours daily for the 4-week period and the following 2-week period. Results revealed a significant decline in mean agitation scores. A cumulative dose effect and a short-term linger effect were observed. Findings suggest that soothing music may be beneficial in managing agitation in nursing home residents with dementia.

Preliminary study of the effects of an educational workshop on therapeutic use of music and aesthetic experience with music in first-line nurses

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an educational workshop on knowledge of and attitude toward therapeutic use of music and aesthetic experiences with music among first-line nurses.

DESIGN

A one-group pre-test/post-test design was used.

METHODS

Forty-six first-line nurses, aged 21-56 years, were recruited from seven different hospitals. Questionnaires were used to assess the nurses' knowledge of and attitude toward therapeutic use of music and aesthetic experience with music before and after the workshop, and 3 months after the workshop. The workshop comprised three sessions; the nurses participated in 8h of instruction the first week and 4h, the second week covering analytical music appreciation, music staves comprehension, theory and practice of music therapy, and evidence-based music intervention.

RESULTS

Educational workshop significantly improved knowledge of and attitudes toward therapeutic use of music and music aesthetic experiences (p<0.001). A sustained effect of the workshop was found at follow up 3-month after workshop. The mean change in scores for music aesthetic experiences between nurse with and without music backgrounds differed significantly (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The workshop enhanced the knowledge of and attitude toward therapeutic use of music and aesthetic experiences with music among first-line nurses.

The effects of music as therapy on the overall well-being of elderly patients on maintenance hemodialysis

In this study, the authors explored the use of music during hemodialysis (HD) as a complementary therapy to improve overall well-being in elderly patients. The authors recruited a convenience sample of 88 patients on maintenance HD from a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan and randomly assigned them to either an experimental group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 44). In the first week, participants in the experimental group created their own music playlists. During the second week, these participants listened to music from their own playlists during each HD session (three times/week). The authors evaluated the effects of music as therapy by assessing its impact on perceived stressors and adverse reactions during HD (HD Adverse Reactions Self-Assessment Scale and HD Stressor Scale [HSS]) and measuring changes in physiological indices during the course of the music listening. After 1 week of the use of music as therapy during HD, the authors noted significant reductions in the frequency and severity of adverse reactions during dialysis and in scores on the HSS, p < .001. The authors also observed significantly decreased respiratory rate and significantly increased finger temperature and oxygen saturation, p < .001, during the same period. In conclusion, listening to music during HD may promote overall patient well-being. It may thus serve as a complementary form of therapy that facilitates care and delivery of adequate dialysis and thus improves overall patient well-being in the long run.

The effect of music on biochemical markers and self-perceived stress among first-line nurses: a randomized controlled crossover trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of music on stress indices and to examine the association between music preference and stress.

BACKGROUND

Although clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of music on stress, study results have been inconsistent. At the time of writing, no known publications had investigated the effects of preferred music on workers in high-stress professions such as nursing.

METHODS

Using a randomized crossover controlled trial, 54 nurses were randomly assigned to a music/chair rest sequence or chair rest/music sequence during the period February to June 2006. Each intervention lasted for 30 minutes. Participants in the music condition listened to self-selected soothing music using headphones for 30 minutes. In the chair rest condition, participants sat quietly for 30 minutes. Serial measurements of participants' heart rate, mean arterial pressure, finger temperature and cortisol levels were taken with a BP monitor and chemillumincent immunoassay every 15 minutes throughout the procedure.

FINDINGS

Compared with chair rest, participants had a lower perceived stress level, cortisol, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and higher finger temperature while listening to music (P < 0·05). Significant differences were also found between the two conditions in terms of post-test heart rate, cortisol levels, finger temperature and mean arterial pressure (P < 0·05). Music preference scores ranged between 7 and 10, with a mean score of 8·81 (sd = 1·05), and was significantly associated with mean arterial pressure, cortisol levels, self-perceived stress and finger temperature.

CONCLUSION

The findings provided evidence for nurses to use soothing music as a research-based nursing intervention for stress reduction.

Randomized crossover trial studying the effect of music on examination anxiety

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of lento music on examination anxiety among nursing students. A randomized crossover classroom-based trial was conducted. Thirty-eight students with a mean age of 19.4 years (SD = .54) were randomly assigned to either a music/silence or a silence/music group sequence. The students in the music group were given a 40-min group-based music intervention in a classroom, whereas the students in the silence group received the regular test without music. Using paired t-tests, there were no significant different in pretest scores for state anxiety, examination anxiety, finger temperature and pulse rate between the two conditions. Nonetheless, the findings indicated that music intervention did effectively decrease examination anxiety and state anxiety as well as reducing pulse rate and increasing higher finger temperature (p = 0.05 to 0.001). In addition, significant differences were detected between the pretest and posttest measures for silence (p = 0.001). The results suggest that lento music is effective at anxiety reduction. This study provides evidence for nursing faculty and clinical educators to foster nursing students' mastering over the anxiety of examination by using lento music.

Comparison of two pain-management strategies during chest tube removal: Relaxation exercise with opioids and opioids alone

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a slow deep-breathing relaxation exercise, when used as an adjunct to opioid analgesia, decreases pain during chest tube removal (CTR) after coronary bypass surgery.

DESIGN

A two-group quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design was used.

SAMPLE

A convenience sample of 40 adults who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery and met all inclusion criteria were recruited before CTR.

SETTING

Data were collected in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Units of three acute care facilities in the Midwestern United States.

METHOD

A 10-cm vertical Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain at three points: before CTR, immediately after CTR, and 15 minutes after CTR. The experimental group received slow breathing relaxation exercises in addition to the usual opioid doses administered.

FINDINGS

Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of covariance yielded a significant difference in pain ratings immediately after CTR and 15 minutes after CTR for the group receiving relaxation exercise as an adjunct to opioid analgesic.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of a slow deep-breathing relaxation exercise as an adjunct to the use of opioids for pain management during CTR among patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery.

Effects of music-based therapy on distress following knee arthroplasty

Anxiety and depression are frequent after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Musical intervention can benefit many, including severe patients (agitated older people with dementia and terminal-ill patients) and surgical cases. This pilot study was aimed at verifying whether music therapy is beneficial after TKA. Reducing anxiety and depression is has a positive effect for the wellbeing of patients and is likely to have positive effects on outcome. In their pilot study, the authors found that a positive and specific effect of singing on depression was seen and that music therapy may be recommended after TKA instead of a pharmacological intervention.

Randomized controlled trial of music during kangaroo care on maternal state anxiety and preterm infants’ responses

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the influences of music during kangaroo care (KC) on maternal anxiety and preterm infants' responses. There are no experimental studies that explore the influences of combination of music and KC on psychophysiological responses in mother-infant dyads. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 hospitalized preterm infants body weight 1500 gm and over, gestational age 37 weeks and lower from two NICUs. Mother-infant dyads were randomly assigned to the treatment and the control group using permuted block randomization stratified on gender. There were 15 mother-infant dyads in each group. Subjects in the treatment dyads listened to their choice of a lullaby music during KC for 60 min/section/day for three consecutive days. Control dyads received routine incubator care. Using a repeated measures design with a pretest and three posttests, the responses of treatment dyads including maternal anxiety and infants' physiologic responses (heart rate, respiratory rate, and O2 saturation) as well as behavioural state were measured. The results revealed that there were no significant differences between the two groups on infants' physiologic responses and the values were all in the normal range. However, infants in the treatment group had more occurrence of quiet sleep states and less crying (p<0.05-0.01). Music during KC also resulted in significantly lower maternal anxiety in the treatment group (p<0.01). Maternal state anxiety improved daily, indicating a cumulative dose effect. The findings provide evidence for the use of music during KC as an empirically-based intervention for bahavioural state stability and maternal anxiety in mother-infant dyads.