Meta-analysis evaluating music interventions for anxiety and pain in surgery

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate anxiety and pain following perioperative music interventions compared with control conditions in adult patients.MethodsEleven electronic databases were searched for full‐text publications of RCTs investigating the effect of music interventions on anxiety and pain during invasive surgery published between 1 January 1980 and 20 October 2016. Results and data were double‐screened and extracted independently. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to calculate effect sizes as standardized mean differences (MDs). Heterogeneity was investigated in subgroup analyses and metaregression analyses. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database as CRD42016024921.ResultsNinety‐two RCTs (7385 patients) were included in the systematic review, of which 81 were included in the meta‐analysis. Music interventions significantly decreased anxiety (MD –0·69, 95 per cent c.i. –0·88 to –0·50; P < 0·001) and pain (MD –0·50, –0·66 to –0·34; P < 0·001) compared with controls, equivalent to a decrease of 21 mm for anxiety and 10 mm for pain on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Changes in outcome corrected for baseline were even larger: MD –1·41 (–1·89 to –0·94; P < 0·001) for anxiety and –0·54 (–0·93 to –0·15; P = 0·006) for pain. Music interventions provided during general anaesthesia significantly decreased pain compared with that in controls (MD –0·41, –0·64 to –0·18; P < 0·001). Metaregression analysis found no significant association between the effect of music interventions and age, sex, choice and timing of music, and type of anaesthesia. Risk of bias in the studies was moderate to high.ConclusionMusic interventions significantly reduce anxiety and pain in adult surgical patients.

Effect of Music Therapy on Pain After Orthopedic Surgery—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

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Human Social Evolution: Self-Domestication or Self-Control?

“…Studies on the neurochemistry of music point to its influence on factors related to reducing stress and enhancing social bonding (Chanda and Levitin, 2013). A meta-analysis of music therapy studies concluded that it is effective in reducing pain and anxiety (Kühlmann et al, 2018), something which appears to be related to reducing levels of cortisol and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). Listening to soothing music was found to increase oxytocin levels during post-surgery bed rest (Nilsson, 2009), and Kreutz (2014) found that, compared to dyadic chatting, group singing increased oxytocin levels, as well as significantly enhancing perceived psychological well-being.…”

Evaluation of music interventions for anxiety during dermatosurgery under local anesthesia

“…6,21 Music intervention during any type of surgery performed not only reduces anxiety, but also pain and stress levels. 4,22,23 Earlier studies with patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia that included music intervention intraoperatively or postoperatively, also resulted in a reduction in the anxiety levels. 24,25 The current study showed that all physiological parameters decreased significantly post music therapy (p<0.01).…”

“…1,2 World health organization (WHO) has estimated 266-360 million surgical procedures performed annually worldwide. 3,4 Many studies have reported that the dosage level of anesthesia has been increased to reduce the anxiety levels of patients which could result in untoward side effects. 5,6 Visual therapy, journaling, scheduling of pleasant activities, meditation and skills training are few other techniques used to improve the psychological status of a patient.…”