Effect of music on depression levels and physiological responses in community-based older adults

Live bedside music for hospitalized older adults: A qualitative descriptive interview study

INTRODUCTION

Hospitalization may have a major impact on older patients as it is often a period of psychosocial vulnerability. Music is one of the most described art forms used in healthcare. Applied in clinical settings, it can affect a patients' emotional and psychosocial well-being. Incorporating a wider perspective of health promotion that aims to advance not only physical health, but a patients' overall well-being, is part of a person-centred approach to care. We developed an innovative participatory music practice in which professional musicians and music therapists visited patients at their bedside for 10-15 min in a Dutch and Austrian hospital. This qualitative study explores the added value of live bedside music practice for older hospitalized patients in Austria and the Netherlands.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2022 with 23 hospitalized patients aged ≥60 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the music sessions in Austria were facilitated by establishing a live connection between musicians and patients using a tablet. Data were transcribed verbatim and performed qualitative content analysis following the steps of thematic analysis. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was applied to report data collection, analysis and results.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged from the data analysis. Participants described the perceived influences of live bedside music in terms of (1) emotional release, (2) positive distraction, (3) alterations in contact and (4) shared humanity. Overall, participants positively valued the live bedside music practice and expressed a desire for its continuation.

CONCLUSION

This study explores the experiences and the added value of live bedside music for older hospitalized patients. By facilitating distraction and emotional release and enhancing nurse-patient interactions, live bedside music can significantly improve hospital experiences for older patients. Results reveal that live bedside music provides a positive patient experience and can be part of integrative and holistic care for hospitalized older patients. Live bedside music can attend to the emotional needs of older patients which are often under addressed in clinical settings but are crucial for enhancing their well-being.

Effect of music therapy on older adults with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Depression is becoming more prevalent in older adults. Music therapy appears to have a positive effect on older adults with depression, but the effects of specific interventions (such as active music therapy and passive music therapy) are not fully known. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of music therapy and the effects of specific interventions on older adults with depression.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted from inception to June 2022, and an updated search was conducted in July 2023 on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, VIP, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and CBM. This review solely targeted randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers independently reviewed the retrieved studies. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 2.0, and statistical analysis was made using the RevMan 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies with a total of 1777 participants were included. Music therapy was beneficial in reducing depression, anxiety, and blood pressure and increasing cognitive ability (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that passive music therapy, single intervention for 60 min, individual intervention format, and total duration of 20 h had a more significant effect on depressive symptoms in older adults.

CONCLUSION

Music therapy reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves blood pressure, and enhances cognitive ability in older adults with depression. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted to confirm the effects of music therapy on older adults with depression.

Effect of educational music intervention on college students' aggressive behaviour

BACKGROUND

Students' aggressive behavior and its negative implications have continued to intrigue researchers. Thus, the present study examined the effect of educational music intervention in reducing aggressive behavior among college students.

METHOD

Quantitative data were collected from 30 college student participants in the treatment group and 30 college student participants in the control group using the teacher-rating of students' aggressive behaviors and self-rated aggression scale instruments. This study adopted the IBM SPSS version 25 program and JASP statistical program for data analysis.

RESULTS

The result of the study indicated that college students in the educational music group showed considerable mean decline in aggressive behavior at posttest compared to their counterparts in the control group. At follow-up, it was revealed that educational music intervention consistently reduced the college students' aggressive behavior.

CONCLUSION

Educational music intervention proved to be a helpful intervention in reducing Nigerian college students' aggressive behavior. In light of this, it would be beneficial to implement educational music intervention to reduce aggressive behavior among college students in other localities.

Effects of educational music training on music performance anxiety and stress response among first-year undergraduate music education students

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of educational music training in lowering stress and performance anxiety among first-year undergraduate music education students is an understudied area. The goal of this study was to determine if educational music training affects first-year undergraduate music education students' stress and anxiety associated with musical performance.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial design was used in this study. A waiting list group of 35 students and an educational music training intervention group of 35 first-year undergraduate music education students were randomized for the study to commence. The Kenny music performance anxiety (MPA) scale and perceived stress scale (PSS) were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

The findings show that, among first-year undergraduate music education students, educational music training decreased their stress level associated with music performance [F(1, 68) = 390.751; P = .001, ηp2 = 0.270]. It was also found that after the educational music training, the students reported decreased anxiety level associated with music performance [F(1, 68) = 1375.495; P = .001, ηp2 = 0.344]. Significant interaction effects of educational music training and time on students' stress [F(2, 68) = 127.301; P = .001] and anxiety levels [F(2, 68) = 260.535; P = .001] were also found.

CONCLUSION

Educational music intervention can be successful as a means of reducing anxiety and stress in undergraduate music education students during the first year of study.

Comparative effects of music interventions on depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of different music interventions on depression in older adults is varied. We aimed to explore the comparative effect of different music intervention features on depression in older adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertations&Theses from inception to October 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of music interventions in participants aged ≥60 years. Music interventions were classified based on the TIP (theme, intensity, and provider/platform) framework. The theme was divided into: 1) active music therapy (ACT); 2) receptive music therapy (Recep); and 3) music medicine (MM). The intensity was classified as high (>60 minutes/week), and low (≤60 minutes/week). The provider was classified as a music therapist (MT) or a non-music therapist (NonMT). Summary standardized mean differences (SMD) of level of depression with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a frequentist framework with a random-effects model. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) approach. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021247165).

FINDINGS

Fifteen RCTs involving 1,144 older adults (mean age 67.9-86.6 years) were included. When compared with usual care, the most effective music intervention was active music therapy >60 minutes/week by music therapist (Act/High/MT) (SMD -3.00; 95%CI, -3.64,-2.35), followed by music medicine >60 minutes/week by non-music therapist (MM/High/NonMT) (SMD -2.06; 95%CI, -2.78,-1.35) with moderate and high certainty of evidence, respectively. Depression scores in older adults treated with ACT/High/MT was also significantly lower than all other interventions, except MM/High/NonMT. Low intensity music interventions other than Act/Low/MT had no impact on depression.

INTERPRETATION

Although active music therapy >60 minutes/week by music therapist is the most effective intervention to alleviate depression in older adults, music medicine by listening to music of older adult's own preference >60 minutes/week is an alternative approach in settings with limited resources.

FUNDING

None.

Why Sleep is Key: Poor Sleep Quality is a Mechanism for the Bidirectional Relationship between Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Across 18 Years

BACKGROUND

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) reliably precede and predict one another. However, there is insufficient data on mediators through which the longitudinal GAD-MDD association unfold. Based on insomnia theories, such as the hyperarousal model of sleep, we tested the degree to which poor global sleep quality functioned as a mediator of the prospective bidirectional anxiety-depression relationship.

METHOD

Participants were 3,294 community-dwelling adults who partook in three measurement waves nine years apart. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form assessed GAD and MDD in-person at baseline (Time 1 [T1]), Time 2 (T2; nine years after T1), and 18 years later (T3). T2 global sleep quality was measured using the multiple-domain Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index self-report at T2. We used longitudinal structural equation modeling mediation analyses.

RESULTS

Analyses showed that higher T1 MDD and GAD severity individually predicted lower T2 global sleep quality (Cohen's d = -0.561 to -0.480) and less T2 global sleep quality, thereby forecasted both higher T3 MDD and GAD (d = -0.275 to -0.190). Poorer T2 global sleep quality significantly mediated the T1 GAD-T3 MDD relation, explaining 41% of the association. Worse global sleep quality at T2 also significantly mediated the T1 MDD-T3 GAD association, mediating 11% of the T1 MDD-T3 GAD pathway. The results remained similar after controlling for multiple sociodemographic and clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings offer evidence for transdiagnostic theories of sleep and insomnia. Theoretical and clinical implications, such as prioritizing sleep improvement in cognitive-behavioral therapies, are also discussed.

Neurophysiological effects of various music genres on electroencephalographic (EEG) cerebral cortex activity

Background

Music has been associated with therapeutic properties for thousands of years across a vast number of diverse regions and cultures. This study expands upon our current understanding of music’s influence on human neurophysiology by investigating the effects of various music genres on cerebral cortex activity using electroencephalography (EEG).

Methods

A randomized, controlled study design was used. EEG data were recorded from 23 healthy adults, ages 19–28, while listening to a music sequence consisting of five randomized songs and two controls. The five studied music genres include: Classical, Tribal Downtempo, Psychedelic Trance (Psytrance), Goa Trance, and Subject Choice.

Results

Controls were associated with lower percentages of beta frequencies and higher percentages of alpha frequencies than the music genres. Psytrance was associated with higher percentages of theta and delta frequencies than the other music genres and controls. The lowest percentages of beta frequencies and highest percentages of alpha frequencies occurred in the occipital and parietal regions. The highest percentages of theta and delta frequencies occurred in the frontal and temporal regions. Subjects with prior music training exhibited increased percentages of delta frequencies in the frontal region. Subject gender and music preference did not have a significant influence on frequency band percentages.

Conclusions

Findings from this study support those of previous music therapy studies and provide novel insights regarding music’s influence on human neurophysiology. These findings also support the hypothesis that music may promote changes in cerebral cortex activity that have similarities to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, while the listener remains awake.

Effects of clinical Pilates exercises on cardiovascular endurance and psychosomatic parameters on primary caregivers of special needs children: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE), applied to the primary caregivers of special needs children, on cardiovascular endurance (CVE) and psychosomatic parameters in comparison to a control group.

METHODS

Fifty-five primary caregivers of special needs children, divided into two groups as the CPE and control groups, were included in the study. The six-minute walk test, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure CVE, fatigue severity, attitudes toward coping with problems, depression levels and anxiety levels, respectively.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between the groups in favor of the CPE group were found concerning the denial parameter of COPE, fatigue (which was the primary outcome), depression and anxiety (all p values < 0.05). Statistically significant intragroup comparison differences were only detected in the CPE group in the fatigue, depression, anxiety and COPE (use of instrumental and emotional social support and focus on and venting of emotions) questionnaire results (all p values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CPE are an applicable and effective method for the primary caregivers of special needs children in improving psychosomatic parameters, albeit not effective for CVE. It is recommended to investigate the long-term effects of clinical Pilates exercises on a similar group.

Non-pharmacological interventions for older adults with depressive symptoms: a network meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for seniors with depressive symptoms.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed. We conducted network meta-analysis in two ways, intervention classes (psychosocial, psychotherapy, physical activity, combined, treatment as usual) and individual intervention (11 categories). Whenever included studies used different scales, the different instruments were converted to the units of the scale most frequently used (the Geriatric Depression Scale), such that the effect size was reported as a mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias of RCTs included in this review was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. Bayesian NMA was conducted using R-3.4.0 software.Results: A total of 35 RCTs with 3,797 enrolled patients were included. Compared to conventional treatment, physical activity and psychotherapy resulted in significant improvements in depressive symptoms (MD: 2.25, 95%CrI: 0.99-3.56; SUCRA = 86.07%; MD: 1.75, 95% CrI: 0.90-2.64; SUCRA = 66.44%, respectively). Similar results were obtained for music (MD: 2.6; 95% CrI: 0.84-4.35;SUCRA = 80.53%), life review (MD:1.92; 95% CrI:0.71-3.14; SUCRA = 65.62%), cognitive behavioral therapy (MD: 1.27; 95% CrI: 0.23-2.38; SUCRA = 45.4%), aerobic (MD: 1.84; 95% CrI: 0.39-3.36; SUCRA = 63%) and resistance training (MD: 1.72; 95% CrI: 0.06-3.42; SUCRA = 59.24%). Network meta-regression showed that there were no statistically significant subgroup effects.Conclusions: Physical activity and psychotherapy demonstrated statistically significant superiority over conventional treatment. Music and life review therapy proved the most promising individual interventions. However, conclusions are limited by the lack of sufficient sample size and consensus regarding intervention categories and so an adequately powered study is necessary to consolidate these findings.

Mental health as a prerequisite for functioning as optimally as possible in old age: A phenomenological approach

Aim

To describe the impact of mental health on the ability to function optimally among older adults experiencing mental health issues.

Design

This study had a descriptive qualitative design.

Methods

Six older females with a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score of ≥8 on either of the subscales (depression or anxiety) participated in individual interviews. All data were analysed using a phenomenological approach influenced by Giorgi.

Results

The phenomenological analysis led to a structured synthesis comprising the following three themes: (a) life situations affecting mental health, (b) consequences of mental health in everyday life and (c) strategies for maintaining mental health.

Effects of music therapy on depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

We aimed to determine and compare the effects of music therapy and music medicine on depression, and explore the potential factors associated with the effect.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid-Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Clinical Evidence were searched to identify studies evaluating the effectiveness of music-based intervention on depression from inception to May 2020. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated with random-effect model and fixed-effect model.

Results

A total of 55 RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Music therapy exhibited a significant reduction in depressive symptom (SMD = −0.66; 95% CI = -0.86 to -0.46; P<0.001) compared with the control group; while, music medicine exhibited a stronger effect in reducing depressive symptom (SMD = −1.33; 95% CI = -1.96 to -0.70; P<0.001). Among the specific music therapy methods, recreative music therapy (SMD = -1.41; 95% CI = -2.63 to -0.20; P<0.001), guided imagery and music (SMD = -1.08; 95% CI = -1.72 to -0.43; P<0.001), music-assisted relaxation (SMD = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.38; P<0.001), music and imagery (SMD = -0.38; 95% CI = -0.81 to 0.06; P = 0.312), improvisational music therapy (SMD = -0.27; 95% CI = -0.49 to -0.05; P = 0.001), music and discuss (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI = -1.12 to 0.60; P = 0.225) exhibited a different effect respectively. Music therapy and music medicine both exhibited a stronger effects of short and medium length compared with long intervention periods.

Conclusions

A different effect of music therapy and music medicine on depression was observed in our present meta-analysis, and the effect might be affected by the therapy process.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for treating post-stroke depressive symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on depressive symptoms in people after stroke.

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed through databases from January 2000 to August 2018: MEDLINE; CINAHL Plus; Scopus; Academic Search Complete; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Scopus; and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts. Search terms included depression, stroke, non-pharmacologic, and intervention.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials comparing non-pharmacological interventions to controls for depressive symptoms in people after stroke. Of 1703 identified articles, 22 trials were included in narrative synthesis, of which 13 were eligible for meta-analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers extracted characteristics of participants, interventions, and results from all included trials.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Thirteen interventions were categorized into four types: complementary and alternative therapy (five trials, n=228), exercise (four trials, n=263), psychosocial therapy (two trials, n=216), and multifactorial therapy (two trials, n=358). Overall beneficial effects of non-pharmacological interventions on depressive symptoms were found both post-intervention (effect size [ES] = -0.24, 95% confidence Interval [CI]: -0.37 to -0.11, p < 0.05) and at follow-up (ES = -0.22, CI: -0.36 to -0.07, p< 0.05). We found individual beneficial effects for complementary and alternative therapy (ES = -0.29, CI: -0.55 to -0.02, p < 0.05) and psychosocial therapy (ES = - 0.33, CI: -0.60 to -0.06, p < 0.05) post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Complementary and alternative therapy and psychosocial therapy appear to be promising strategies for improving post-stroke depression. Future studies target  a personalized approach for people with specific conditions such as cognitive impairment.

Testing a Musical Game Activity for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Leisure programs that combine music with active leisure activities are more common than music combined with passive activities. The latter offers alternatives for older adults with health declines. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of an innovative song bingo game on mood, satisfaction, and acceptability in community-residing older adults. The design was quasi-experimental. A convenience sample of 13 older adults (mean age = 74.4; 53.8% female, 38.5% black) were recruited from a community senior center. The intervention was an innovative song bingo program offered one time with staff assistance. A song list was created from age-appropriate music. Measures included a demographic survey, mood scale, and satisfaction and acceptability items. Data analysis was performed to compute descriptive items and compare mean mood scores before and after the program. Before the program, 33.4% of the participants reported their mood as “very happy” or “happy.” Afterwards, 61.5% reported their mood was either “very happy” or “happy.” When comparing the preprogram and postprogram mean mood scores, mean values increased from 5.0 (standard deviation [ SD] = 1.0) to 5.7 ( SD = 1.4), although the difference was not statistically significant ( t = −1.8, p = .09). Overall participants were satisfied and would play again. This program was cost-effective and improved mood in community-dwelling older adults. Replicating this study in a larger sample and different settings is recommended.

Understanding the Effectiveness of Psychosocial Services for Anxiety and Depression in Chinese Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

There exists an imperative need to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for Chinese geriatric populations' mental wellbeing. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of psychosocial services for Chinese older adults' depression and anxiety.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A search of nine electronic databases, five geriatric mental health journals, and reference lists was conducted for studies published between 1980 and April. 2018. Thirty-three studies (including totally 3,478 participants, 107 effect sizes) of true and quasiexperimental controlled trials were eligible and included for meta-analysis using robust variance estimation in meta-regression. Outcome indicators were geriatric depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

An overall significant treatment effect was identified for geriatric depression and anxiety (d = 0.577, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.288, 0.867, p < .001). Outcomes, geographic area, participants' marriage, service setting, and types of control group were moderators for treatment effects. Subgroup analysis observed statistically significant effect size among studies in Taiwan, used innovative service methods and small group interventions. Both in-person, home-based interventions and interventions provided by nurse practitioners and specially trained providers were statistically significant.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Psychosocial services can benefit Chinese geriatric populations. Innovative and culturally relevant programs received strongest research supports. Future research should incorporate social interaction as an important component for serving Chinese older adults' mental wellbeing.

Sleep disturbances and related factors among nurses

The aim of this study was to describe patterns and potential risk factors for sleep disturbances, including that of sleep apnea, among Thai registered nurses. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was implemented. A sample of 233 registered nurses was recruited from 10 nursing departments from a tertiary hospital. Participants completed a one-time, self-report questionnaire and a 1 week-long sleep diary. Descriptive and logistic regression statistics were used for the analysis. Approximately 76% of nurses slept less than 7 h, 12.3% had difficulty initiating sleep, and 5% had difficulty maintaining sleep. Short sleep duration was prevalent, and night shift work schedules that exceeded 10 episodes/month were perceived as contributing to difficulties with initiating sleep. After excluding males from the analysis, the risk for depression related to short sleep duration becomes statistically significant. Organizational policies for registered nurses' shift work should include effective management of night shift assignments, as well as interventional strategies and policy directions, to promote sleep quality and mental health to ensure nurse well-being and patient safety.

Non-traditional support workers delivering a brief psychosocial intervention for older people with anxiety and depression: the NOTEPAD feasibility study

Background

Anxiety and depression often coexist in older people. These disorders are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, and are associated with increased use of health and social care services, and raised mortality. Barriers to diagnosis include the reluctance of older people to present to their general practitioner (GP) with mood symptoms because of the stigma they perceive about mental health problems, and because the treatments offered are not acceptable to them.

Objectives

To refine a community-based psychosocial intervention for older people with anxiety and/or depression so that it can be delivered by non-traditional providers such, as support workers (SWs), in the third sector. To determine whether or not SWs can be trained to deliver this intervention to older people with anxiety and/or depression. To test procedures and determine if it is feasible to recruit and randomise patients, and to conduct a process evaluation to provide essential information to inform a randomised trial.

Design

Three phases, all informed by a patient and public involvement and engagement group. Qualitative work with older people and third-sector providers, plus a consensus group to refine the intervention, training, SW manuals and patient participant materials (phase 1). Recruitment and training of SWs (phase 2). Feasibility study to test recruitment procedures and assess fidelity of delivery of the intervention; and interviews with study participants, SWs and GPs to assess acceptability of the intervention and impact on routine care (phase 3).

Setting

North Staffordshire, in collaboration with Age UK North Staffordshire.

Intervention

A psychosocial intervention, comprising one-to-one contact between older people with anxiety and/or depression and a SW employed by Age UK North Staffordshire, based on the principles of behavioural activation (BA), with encouragement to participate in a group activity.

Results

Initial qualitative work contributed to refinement of the psychosocial intervention. Recruitment (and retention) of the SWs was possible; the training, support materials and manual were acceptable to them, and they delivered the intervention as intended. Recruitment of practices from which to recruit patients was possible, but the recruitment target (100 patients) was not achieved, with 38 older adults randomised. Retention at 4 months was 86%. The study was not powered to demonstrate differences in outcomes. Older people in the intervention arm found the sessions with SWs acceptable, although signposting to, and attending, groups was not valued by all participants. GPs recognised the need for additional care for older people with anxiety and depression, which they could not provide. Participation in the study did not have an impact on routine care, other than responding to the calls from the study team about risk of self-harm. GPs were not aware of the work done by SWs with patients.

Limitations

Target recruitment was not achieved.

Conclusions

Support workers recruited from Age UK employees can be recruited and trained to deliver an intervention, based on the principles of BA, to older people with anxiety and/or depression. The training and supervision model used in the study was acceptable to SWs, and the intervention was acceptable to older people.

Future work

Further development of recruitment strategies is needed before this intervention can be tested in a fully powered randomised controlled trial.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN16318986.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full inHealth Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 7, No. 25. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Creative Arts Interventions to Address Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Outcomes, Processes, and Mechanisms

Depression experienced by older adults is proving an increasing global health burden, with rates generally 7% and as high as 27% in the USA. This is likely to significantly increase in coming years as the number and proportion of older adults in the population rises all around the world. Therefore, it is imperative that the effectiveness of approaches to the prevention and treatment of depression are understood. Creative arts interventions, including art, dance movement, drama, and music modalities, are utilized internationally to target depression and depressive symptoms in older adults. This includes interventions led by trained arts therapists as well as other health and arts professionals. However, to date there has not been a systematic review that reports effects and examines the processes (why) and mechanisms (how) of creative arts interventions are used to address depression in this older age group. This systematic review of studies on creative arts interventions for older adults experiencing depression examined: outcomes of four creative arts modalities (art, dance movement, drama, and music); with particular attention paid to processes documented as contributing to change in each modality; and mechanisms considered to result from these processes. Our analysis of 75 articles (17 art, 13 dance, 4 drama, and 41 music) indicates mostly significant quantitative or positive qualitative findings, particularly for interventions led by creative arts therapists. Mechanisms of change gleaned from the studies that were common across modalities include physical (e.g., increased muscle strength; neurochemical effects, such as endorphin release), intra-personal (e.g., enhanced self-concept, strengthened agency and mastery; processing and communication of emotions), cultural (e.g., creative expression, aesthetic pleasure), cognitive (e.g., stimulation of memory), and social (e.g., increased social skills and connection), that were all considered to contribute to reduced depression and symptoms. Recommendations for future research includes stronger focus on testing of processes and mechanisms.

Exposure to Patterned Auditory Stimuli during Acute Stress Prevents Despair-Like Behavior in Adult Mice That Were Previously Housed in an Enriched Environment in Combination with Auditory Stimuli

Several interventions have been shown to counteract the effects of stress that may be related to improved neuroplasticity and neuronal activation. In this sense, environmental enrichment (ENR) protects against acute stress and increases neuroplasticity. It has been suggested that the use of patterned auditory stimuli (PAS) may be beneficial in increasing the effectiveness of ENR on disorders related to stress, such as depression and anxiety. Examples of PAS are classical music compositions that have interesting effects at both clinical and preclinical levels. Thus, we analyzed the effects of the exposure to PAS, represented in this study by Mozart's compositions, during ENR housing for 35 days in adult male Balb/C mice to evaluate depression-associated behavior using the forced-swim test (FST) paradigm with an additional short exposure to PAS. We found that the ENR mice that were exposed to PAS during both housing and behavioral task (ENR + PAS/FST + PAS) show decreased immobility and the number of despair episodes within a higher latency to show the first bout of immobility. Additionally, we found increased neuronal activation evaluated by the identification of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein- (Arc-) labeled cells in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in mice exposed to PAS during housing and in the absence or presence of PAS during FST. Moreover, we found increased neuronal activation in the auditory cortex (AuCx) of mice exposed to PAS during FST. Our study suggests that the exposure to PAS during an emotional challenge decreases despair-like behavior in rodents that were previously housed in an enriched environment in combination with auditory stimuli. Thus, our data indicate that the role of the exposure to PAS as an intervention or in combination with positive environment to aid in treating neuropsychiatric disorders is worth pursuing.

Could listening to music during pregnancy be protective against postnatal depression and poor wellbeing post birth? Longitudinal associations from a preliminary prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study explored whether listening to music during pregnancy is longitudinally associated with lower symptoms of postnatal depression and higher well-being in mothers post birth.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

We analysed data from 395 new mothers aged over 18 who provided data in the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 and 6 months later (0-3 and 4-6 months post birth).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Postnatal depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and well-being was measured using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Our exposure was listening to music and was categorised as 'rarely; a couple of times a week; every day <1 hour; every day 1-2 hours; every day 3-5 hours; every day 5+hrs'. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to explore the effects of listening to music during pregnancy on depression and well-being post birth, adjusted for baseline mental health and potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

Listening during pregnancy is associated with higher levels of well-being (β=0.40, SE=0.15, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.70) and reduced symptoms of postnatal depression (β=-0.39, SE=0.19, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.03) in the first 3 months post birth. However, effects disappear by 4-6 months post birth. These results appear to be particularly found among women with lower levels of well-being and high levels of depression at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Listening to music could be recommended as a way of supporting mental health and well-being in pregnant women, in particular those who demonstrate low well-being or symptoms of postnatal depression.

Evaluation of a novel approach to preventing railway suicides: the community stations project

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of the Community Stations Project. The Community Stations Project was designed to address railway suicides in two ways: by improving the station environment in a manner that might improve community members’ feelings of wellbeing; and raising community members’ awareness of poor mental health and likelihood of reaching out to at-risk individuals. It involved four types of interventions (arts and culture, music, food and coffee, and “special events”) delivered at four stations in Victoria.

Design/methodology/approach

A short anonymous survey was administered to community members on iPads at the four participating railway stations during the implementation of the interventions (between October and December 2016). The survey included questions about respondents’ demographics, their awareness of the intervention(s), their views of the station, their attitudes towards people with poor mental health and their emotional wellbeing.

Findings

A total of 1,309 people took part in the survey. Of these, 48 per cent of community members surveyed reporting noticing an intervention at their station. Noticing the events was associated with positive views of the station, improved understanding of poor mental health, and a greater likelihood of reaching out to someone who might be at risk of poor mental health. Awareness of intervention events was not associated with respondents’ own emotional wellbeing.

Practical implications

Continuing to focus efforts on mental health awareness activities may further strengthen the impact of the Community Stations Project interventions and ultimately prevent suicides at railway stations.

Originality/value

This paper evaluates a novel approach to improving wellbeing and understanding of poor mental health in the train station environment.

The effect of music therapy on depression and physiological parameters in elderly people living in a Turkish nursing home: a randomized-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out in an effort to determine the effect of music therapy on depression and physiological parameters in elderly people who were living in a nursing home.

METHOD

The study was a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 64 elderly people who complied with the criteria of inclusion for the study. The data were collected using the 'Elderly Information Form' and 'Geriatric Depression Scale'. The music group listened to music three days in a week during 8 weeks. The depression levels were assessed at baseline (week 0) and follow-up in the eight week.

RESULTS

It was found that the difference between post-test depression scores of the two groups was found to be statistically significant (t = -2.86, p <.01). The mean scores of post-test systolic blood pressure in the music group were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group (t = -3.11, p < .05).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that music therapy decreased the depression level and systolic blood pressure in elderly people. The study results implies that music therapy can be an effective practice for public health and home care nurses attempting to reduce depression and control physiological parameters of elderly people.

Reviewing the Effectiveness of Music Interventions in Treating Depression

Depression is a very common mood disorder, resulting in a loss of social function, reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Music interventions have been shown to be a potential alternative for depression therapy but the number of up-to-date research literature is quite limited. We present a review of original research trials which utilize music or music therapy as intervention to treat participants with depressive symptoms. Our goal was to differentiate the impact of certain therapeutic uses of music used in the various experiments. Randomized controlled study designs were preferred but also longitudinal studies were chosen to be included. 28 studies with a total number of 1,810 participants met our inclusion criteria and were finally selected. We distinguished between passive listening to music (record from a CD or live music) (79%), and active singing, playing, or improvising with instruments (46%). Within certain boundaries of variance an analysis of similar studies was attempted. Critical parameters were for example length of trial, number of sessions, participants' age, kind of music, active or passive participation and single- or group setting. In 26 studies, a statistically significant reduction in depression levels was found over time in the experimental (music intervention) group compared to a control (n = 25) or comparison group (n = 2). In particular, elderly participants showed impressive improvements when they listened to music or participated in music therapy projects. Researchers used group settings more often than individual sessions and our results indicated a slightly better outcome for those cases. Additional questionnaires about participants confidence, self-esteem or motivation, confirmed further improvements after music treatment. Consequently, the present review offers an extensive set of comparable data, observations about the range of treatment options these papers addressed, and thus might represent a valuable aid for future projects for the use of music-based interventions to improve symptoms of depression.

Psychological treatment of comorbid asthma and panic disorder in Latino adults: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Confusion between panic and asthma symptoms can result in serious self-management errors. A cognitive behavior psychophysiological therapy (CBPT) intervention was culturally adapted for Latinos consisting of CBT for panic disorder (PD), asthma education, differentiation between panic and asthma symptoms, and heart rate variability biofeedback. An RCT compared CBPT to music and relaxation therapy (MRT), which included listening to relaxing music and paced breathing at resting respiration rates. Fifty-three Latino (primarily Puerto Rican) adults with asthma and PD were randomly assigned to CBPT or MRT for 8 weekly sessions. Both groups showed improvements in PD severity, asthma control, and several other anxiety and asthma outcome measures from baseline to post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. CBPT showed an advantage over MRT for improvement in adherence to inhaled corticosteroids. Improvements in PD severity were mediated by anxiety sensitivity in CBPT and by depression in MRT, although earlier levels of these mediators did not predict subsequent improvements. Attrition was high (40%) in both groups, albeit comparable to CBT studies targeting anxiety in Latinos. Additional strategies are needed to improve retention in this high-risk population. Both CBPT and MRT may be efficacious interventions for comorbid asthma-PD, and CBPT may offer additional benefits for improving medication adherence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of music therapy for the older adults with depression

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy of music therapy in the management of depression in the elderly.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Change in depressive symptoms was measured with various scales. Standardized mean differences were calculated for each therapy-control contrast.

RESULTS

A comprehensive search yielded 2,692 citations; 19 articles met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis suggests that music therapy plus standard treatment has statistical significance in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults (standardized mean differences = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.87, 1.17).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that music therapy has an effect on reducing depressive symptoms to some extent. However, high-quality trials evaluating the effects of music therapy on depression are required. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of music interventions in hypertension treatment: a quest for answers

Background

Adverse effects, treatment resistance and high costs associated with pharmacological treatment of hypertension have led to growing interest in non-pharmacological complementary therapies such as music interventions. This meta-analysis aims to provide an overview of reported evidence on the efficacy of music interventions in the treatment of hypertension.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted for publications on the effect of music interventions on blood pressure in adult hypertensive subjects published between January 1990-June 2014. Randomized controlled trials with a follow-up duration ≥28 days were included. Blood pressure measures were pooled using inverse variance weighting.

Results

Of the 1689 abstracts reviewed, 10 randomized controlled trials were included. Random-effects pooling of the music intervention groups showed a trend toward a decrease in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 144 mmHg(95 % CI:137–152) to 134 mmHg(95 % CI:124–144), and in mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) from 84 mmHg(95 % CI:78–89) to 78 mmHg(95 % CI:73–84). Fixed-effect analysis of a subgroup of 3 trials with valid control groups showed a significant decrease in pooled mean SBP and DBP in both intervention and control groups. A comparison between music intervention groups and control groups was not possible due to unavailable measures of dispersion.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a trend towards a decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive patients who received music interventions, but failed to establish a cause-effect relationship between music interventions and blood pressure reduction. Considering the potential value of this safe, low-cost intervention, well-designed, high quality and sufficiently powered randomized studies assessing the efficacy of music interventions in the treatment of hypertension are warranted.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0244-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pre-attentive dysfunction of musical processing in major depressive disorder: A mismatch negativity study

BACKGROUND

Deficits of pre-attentive information processing have been frequently found in patients with major depressive disorder, nevertheless the results are quite inconsistent due to clinical heterogeneity and methodological difference. Cognitive processing of music is a useful tool for investigating human cognition and its underlying brain mechanisms. Although general auditory processing and perception of musical sound are hampered in patients with MDD, whether the deficits in musical processing begin from pre-attentive stage is not well investigated yet. The present study aimed to investigate the MMN of musical sound in patients with MDD.

METHOD

MMN responses to different musical features were compared in 20 patients with MDD and 20 age-matched healthy controls. The multi-feature paradigm was used to examine automatic change detection of six different musical sound features (pitch, timbre, location, intensity, slide, rhythm) in a complex musical context. Severity of depression and co-morbid anxiety were evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (HRSD-17) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA).

RESULTS

MMNs were obtained with all deviants. The timbre-MMN was significantly larger in MDD patients than in healthy controls, while the other deviants (pitch, location, intensity, slide and rhythm) elicited similar MMN across groups. For MDD patients, the amplitudes and latencies of MMNs did not correlate with severity of depression or co-morbid anxiety.

LIMITATIONS

The sample size in this study is relatively small.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MDD do not perform at the same level as controls in automatic change detection of timbre. This dysfunction is considered to be a trait-dependent feature of MDD.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Older Women

Objective: Depression and inactivity in the elderly are major health problems with significant ramifications for healthy aging. Research shows an inverse relationship between depression and physical activity levels. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in healthy older women, first within the framework of exercise programs, and second via the impact of an intervention. Method: Two experiments were conducted. In the first, 65 women, all above the age of 60, participated. Measures of physical activity were gained by self-report using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire while the measure of depressive symptomatology was the Beck Depression Inventory. In the second, 11 women participated in a line dancing intervention, and their self-reported depressive symptomatology was measured prior to and just after the 6-week exercise intervention using the Beck Depression Inventory. In addition, during the second experiment, pedometer data were gathered during the fourth week. Results and Conclusion: The data of the first study revealed a relationship between the total amount of physical activity and scores on the Beck Depression Inventory; that is, the more active a person is, the lower her self-reported depressive symptoms. Significant correlations were found between the Beck Depression Inventory and the reports of vigorous and moderate exercise levels, but not with walking. Participants who were part of an organized exercise group exercised significantly more than those who exercised on their own. In the second study, those who participated in a line dancing intervention had significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory scores post intervention. The implications of these findings for public health are discussed.

Effects of relaxation interventions on depression and anxiety among older adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review examined empirical evidence of the effects of relaxation interventions on anxiety and depression among older adults.

METHOD

A comprehensive literature search identified studies that satisfied the pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. We focused on 15 published and non-published studies - 12 randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised controlled trials - undertaken in the past 20 years (1994-2014). Three reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality. We then computed Hedges' effect sizes and used these to represent the effects of intervention.

RESULTS

Our findings suggested that older adults who received relaxation interventions experienced greater reductions in depression and anxiety than controls in most studies. Progressive muscle relaxation training, music intervention, and yoga had the strongest intervention effects on depression. Music intervention, yoga, and combined relaxation training most effectively reduced anxiety symptoms among older adults. Furthermore, the impact of some relaxation interventions remained in effect for between 14 and 24 weeks after the interventions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review supported the positive effects of relaxation interventions on depression and anxiety among older adults. Health care providers may integrate relaxation interventions into standard care for older adults in community and hospital settings, taking into consideration the participant's preference and health care policy.

Effects of live saxophone music on physiological parameters, pain, mood and itching levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Few studies have focused on the effect of music in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of live saxophone music on various physiological parameters and pain, mood and itching levels.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled study with 114 patients undergoing haemodialysis with a control group (n = 57) and an experimental group (n = 57) who received 30 minutes of live saxophone music therapy.

MEASUREMENTS

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, glycaemia, oxygen saturation, pain, mood and itching levels were measured before and after the live music performance, resulting in baseline and post-test values for the patients in the experimental group.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain level, and an improvement in mood and itching levels and in the oxygen saturation.

CONCLUSION

Live saxophone music could be introduced to improve clinical and quality-of-life measures in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

What is the role of alternative treatments in late-life depression?

Late-life depression remains challenging to treat. One major limitation to treatment is the concern over medication-related side effects to which the elderly are especially vulnerable. Also, because many elderly people are already taking multiple medications for medical conditions, there is the concern over drug-drug interactions. This article reviews various complementary and alternative medicine interventions for late-life depression, including natural remedies, exercise, yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, music therapy, and religion and spirituality.

Role of music in intensive care medicine

The role of music in intensive care medicine is still unclear. However, it is well known that music may not only improve quality of life but also effect changes in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). Reactions to music are considered subjective, but studies suggest that cardio/cerebrovascular variables are influenced under different circumstances. It has been shown that cerebral flow was significantly lower when listening to “Va pensioero” from Verdi's “Nabucco” (70.4+3.3 cm/s) compared to “Libiam nei lieti calici” from Verdi's “La Traviata” (70.2+3.1 cm/s) (P<0,02) or Bach's Cantata No. 169 “Gott soll allein mein Herze haben” (70.9+2.9 cm/s) (P<0,02). There was no significant influence on cerebral flow in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony during rest (67.6+3.3 cm/s) or music (69.4+3.1 cm/s). It was reported that relaxing music plays an important role in intensive care medicine. Music significantly decreases the level of anxiety for patients in a preoperative setting (STAI-X-1 score 34) to a greater extent even than orally administered midazolam (STAI-X-1 score 36) (P<0.001). In addition, the score was better after surgery in the music group (STAI-X-1 score 30) compared to midazolam (STAI-X-1 score 34) (P<0.001). Higher effectiveness and absence of apparent adverse effects make relaxing, preoperative music a useful alternative to midazolam. In addition, there is sufficient practical evidence of stress reduction suggesting that a proposed regimen of listening to music while resting in bed after open-heart surgery is important in clinical use. After 30 min of bed rest, there was a significant difference in cortisol levels between the music (484.4 mmol/l) and the non-music group (618.8 mmol/l) (P<0.02). Vocal and orchestral music produces significantly better correlations between cardiovascular and respiratory signals in contrast to uniform emphasis (P<0.05). The most benefit on health in intensive care medicine patients is visible in classical (Bach, Mozart or Italian composers) music and meditation music, whereas heavy metal music or techno are not only ineffective but possibly dangerous and can lead to stress and/or life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly in intensive care medicine patients.

Effect of the Raga Ananda Bhairavi in Post Operative Pain Relief Management

Music is considered as an universal language and has influences the human existence at various levels.In recent years music therapy has evolved as a challenge of research with a clinical approach involving science and art. Music therapy has been used for various therapeutic reasons like Alzheimer's disease,Hypertension and mental disorders to name a few. We conducted a study to establish the effect of the classical ragam Anandhabhairavi on post operative pain relief. A randomized controlled study involving 60 patients who were to undergo surgery was conducted at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research,Coimbatore.30 patients selected at random and were exposed to the ragam Anandhabhairavi which was played in their room pre operatively (from the day they got admitted for surgery) and 3 days post operatively. The control group did not listen to the music during their stay in the hospital. An observation chart was attached in which the requirement of analgesics by the patient was recorded. On completion of the study and on analysis,the ragam Anandhabhairavi had a significant effect in post operative pain management which was evidenced by the reduction in analgesic requirement by 50 % in those who listened to the ragam.A significant p value of <0.001 was obtained.

Effects of music on depression in older people: a randomised controlled trial

AIM

To determine the effect of music on depression levels in older adults. Background.  Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in older adults, and its impacts on this group of people, along with its conventional treatment, merit our attention. Conventional pharmacological methods might result in dependence and impairment in psychomotor and cognitive functioning. Listening to music, which is a non-pharmacological method, might reduce depression.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled study.

METHOD

The study was conducted from July 2009-June 2010 at participants' home in Singapore. In total, 50 older adults (24 using music and 26 control) completed the study after being recruited. Participants listened to their choice of music for 30 minutes per week for eight weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Depression scores were collected once a week for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Depression levels reduced weekly in the music group, indicating a cumulative dose effect, and a statistically significant reduction in depression levels was found over time in the music group compared with non-music group.

CONCLUSIONS

Listening to music can help older people to reduce their depression level.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Music is a non-invasive, simple and inexpensive therapeutic method of improving life quality in community-dwelling older people.

The effectiveness of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

We aim to review trials of the effectiveness of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults, and identify areas requiring further study.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the efficacy of music listening in the mediation of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

We systematically search 9 databases and reviewed 17 studies included randomized controlled and quasi-experimental trails of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults. The Joanna Briggs Institute-Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used for quality assessment of included studies.

RESULTS

Music listening over a period of time helps to reduce depressive symptoms in the adult population. Daily intervention does not seem to be superior over weekly intervention and it is recommended that music listening session be conducted repeatedly over a time span of more than 3weeks to allow an accumulative effect to occur.

CONCLUSIONS

All types of music can be used as listening material, depending on the preferences of the listener. So, it is recommended that the listeners are given choices over the kind of music which they listen to. There is a need to conduct more studies, which replicate the designs used in the existing studies that met the inclusion criteria, on the level of efficacy of music listening on the reduction of depressive symptoms for a more accurate meta-analysis of the findings and reflect with greater accuracy the significant effects that music has on the level of depressive symptoms.

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.

Emotional and cognitive health correlates of leisure activities in older Latino and Caucasian women

This study examined differences in the frequency of leisure activity participation and relationships to depressive symptom burden and cognition in Latino and Caucasian women. Cross-sectional data were obtained from a demographically matched subsample of Latino and Caucasian (n = 113 each) postmenopausal women (age ≥60 years), interviewed in 2004-2006 for a multiethnic cohort study of successful aging in San Diego County. Frequencies of engagement in 16 leisure activities and associations between objective cognitive performance and depressive symptom burden by ethnicity were identified using bivariate and linear regression, adjusted for physical functioning and demographic covariates. Compared to Caucasian women, Latinas were significantly more likely to be caregivers and used computers less often. Engaging in organized social activity was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in both groups. Listening to the radio was positively correlated with lower depressive symptom burden for Latinas and better cognitive functioning in Caucasians. Cognitive functioning was better in Latinas who read and did puzzles. Housework was negatively associated with Latinas' emotional health and Caucasians' cognitive functioning. Latino and Caucasian women participate in different patterns of leisure activities. Additionally, ethnicity significantly affects the relationship between leisure activities and both emotional and cognitive health.

The impact of group drumming on social-emotional behavior in low-income children

Low-income youth experience social-emotional problems linked to chronic stress that are exacerbated by lack of access to care. Drumming is a non-verbal, universal activity that builds upon a collectivistic aspect of diverse cultures and does not bear the stigma of therapy. A pretest-post-test non-equivalent control group design was used to assess the effects of 12 weeks of school counselor-led drumming on social-emotional behavior in two fifth-grade intervention classrooms versus two standard education control classrooms. The weekly intervention integrated rhythmic and group counseling activities to build skills, such as emotion management, focus and listening. The Teacher's Report Form was used to assess each of 101 participants (n = 54 experimental, n = 47 control, 90% Latino, 53.5% female, mean age 10.5 years, range 10-12 years). There was 100% retention. ANOVA testing showed that intervention classrooms improved significantly compared to the control group in broad-band scales (total problems (P < .01), internalizing problems (P < .02)), narrow-band syndrome scales (withdrawn/depression (P < .02), attention problems (P < .01), inattention subscale (P < .001)), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-oriented scales (anxiety problems (P < .01), attention deficit/hyperactivity problems (P < .01), inattention subscale (P < .001), oppositional defiant problems (P < .03)), and other scales (post-traumatic stress problems (P < .01), sluggish cognitive tempo (P < .001)). Participation in group drumming led to significant improvements in multiple domains of social-emotional behavior. This sustainable intervention can foster positive youth development and increase student-counselor interaction. These findings underscore the potential value of the arts as a therapeutic tool.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults

BACKGROUND

The use of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depressive symptoms has its disadvantages, therefore various complementary treatments have been sought and included to reduce depressive symptoms. The use of music as a healing intervention has been well documented throughout history. Even though there are many benefits to the use of music as a potential intervention, little is known about the efficacy of music listening in the mediation of depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to determine the effectiveness of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Types of participants This review included studies on adult men and women (aged 18 years and above) with depression or depressive symptoms.Types of intervention The review focused on studies that investigated music listening as an intervention for depressive symptoms.Types of outcomes The primary outcome measures examined were changes in depressive symptoms as quantified via validated depression scale scores.Types of studies Randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, interrupted time series (ITSs) and controlled before and after designs were included.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A literature search ranging from the 1989 to January 2010, was conducted using major electronic databases. A three-stage search strategy was utilized in the process of the search to ensure that all studies that met the inclusion criteria were included.

METHODOLOGICAL QUALITY

The quality of the included studies was subjected to assessment by two independent reviewers using the critical appraisal checklists for experimental studies from the JBI-MAStARI (Joanna Briggs Institute-Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument).

DATA EXTRACTION/DATA SYNTHESIS

Data were extracted from included papers using the standardized extraction tool from the JBI -MAStARI. Quantitative data were grouped together and combined into a meta-analysis for the assessment of the overall efficacy of an intervention were appropriate. Narrative formats were used when meta-analysis was not appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

From the overall results, the evidence offers some support that music listening over a period of time helps to reduce depressive symptoms in the adult population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: There is a need to conduct more studies, which replicate the designs used in the existing studies that met the inclusion criteria, on the level of efficacy of music listening on the reduction of depressive symptoms for a more accurate meta-analysis of the findings and reflect with greater accuracy the significant effects that music has on the level of depressive symptoms.