 indicate that music therapy produces emotional and physiologic benefits by reducing anxiety, stress, depression, and pain.
In a large trial of 500 surgical subjects randomized to control, recorded music, jaw relaxation, or a music and jaw relaxation combination, music led to significant decreases in both pain intensity and related distress associated with pain.
In a randomized study conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 62 cancer patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation were randomized to receive music therapy or standard care. Anxiety, depression, and total mood disturbance scores were significantly reduced in patients who received music therapy, compared to those in the standard care group.
Music was also effective among cancer patients with chronic pain. Data from other studies suggest that music alleviates anxiety in patients receiving radiation therapy, improves the quality of life in those with terminal cancer, and reduces anxiety and increases comfort in pediatric cancer patients.
2. Allen K, et al: Normalization of hypertensive responses during ambulatory surgical stress by perioperative music. Psychosom Med 63:487-492, 2001.
3. Good M, et al: Relaxation and music reduce pain after gynecologic surgery. Pain Manag Nurs 3:61-70, 2002.
4. Good M, et al: Relaxation and music to reduce postsurgical pain. J Adv Nurs 33:208-215, 2001.
5. Cassileth BR, et al: Music therapy for mood disturbance during hospitalization for autologous stem cell transplantation: A randomized controlled trial. Cancer 98:2723-2729, 2003.
6. Zimmerman L, et al: Effects of music in patients who had chronic cancer pain.West J Nurs Res 11:298-309, 1989.
7. Smith M, et al: Music as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety in patients receiving radiation therapy. Oncol Nurs Forum 28:855-862, 2001.
8. Hilliard RE: The effects of music therapy on the quality and length of life of people diagnosed with terminal cancer. J Music Ther 40:113-137, 2003.
9. Barrera ME, et al: The effects of interactive music therapy on hospitalized children with cancer: A pilot study. Psychooncology 11:379-388, 2002.
For additional information visit the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Service free website, “About Herbs” at http://www.mskcc.org/AboutHerbs.