Category: Music

Introduction

The analysis of Mrázová and Celec explained that music/sound therapy can create a positive effect on an individual since it helps to calm their nerves and induce feelings of relaxation, peace and security. This is one of the reasons why music/sound therapy has become an increasingly popular method of addressing the problem of stress caused by environmental sounds.

However, it must be questioned what aspect of music/sound therapy actually contributes the most towards a better mental state. In certain cases it has been shown that the higher the decibel level of the ambient noise produced (applied through music/sound therapy or even through the general environment), the greater the adverse impact on the human body.

This means that just because a person plays loud music to counter the ambient environmental noise does not mean that this constitutes proper music/sound therapy. It is based on this that this study will examine two characteristics of music/sound therapy, namely sound and rhythm. This study assumes that sound, while an important component of musical therapy is supplanted in its level of importance by rhythm due to the ability of the latter to induce positive psychological reactions.

Reasons behind the use of Sound Therapy

From the point of view of Maguire, daily sounds associated with human activity (i.e. ranging from the sounds of ship engines, the noise heard during the construction of a nearby building or the general environmental noise brought about by cars) can cause an adverse reaction in the human body (Maguire 947-961).

This is one of the reasons why the term “noise pollution” came into being within the past 40 years or so due to the effect that loud environmental sounds had on the human psyche and body. As a result, prolonged exposure resulted in a continued deterioration of an individual’s mental and physical health to the point that it can cause significant health problems in the future.

The O’Callaghan study which attempted to examine the problems associated with noise pollution stated that some of the common symptoms of sound induced psychological stress come in the form of higher levels of stress hormones as well as an increase in the amount of headaches a person gets (O’Callaghan 779-788).

It can also have an impact on the body creating issues with a person’s blood pressure, heart rate and has even been shown in the most extreme cases to cause strokes in the individuals that have been exposed to adverse environmental sounds (O’Callaghan 779-788).

Psychological symptoms often come in the form of anger management issues, high stress as well as being agitated easily (O’Callaghan 779-788). This was evidenced by the study of Mrázová and Celec which noted similar symptoms in animals that were in areas with high concentrations of predators and had to be constantly on guard against threats. (Mrázová and Celec 1089-1095)

Through such an analysis it can be assumed that if loud annoying environmental sounds can cause an adverse physiological and psychological reaction, then the reverse could also be true wherein soft, soothing sounds can create a positive physiological and psychological reaction (Mrázová and Celec 1089-1095).

Sound

Sound, within the context of music/sound therapy, is the backbone of the process wherein through the use of soft and melodious music; a person is invited to enter into a state of complete and utter peace. Depending on the type of sound utilized, ranging from sound waves, singing, violin playing and an assortment of other types of sources, sound can induce different kinds of internal psychological reactions in a person.

The study of Mrázová and Celec, which examined the effect of sound waves on children, showed that when exposed to different types of sound, children were more likely to express different emotional states. It was determined that loud sounds often annoyed children while on the other hand soft and melodious sounds usually calmed them down. Not all sounds though are created equal in terms of their positive impact on a person’s psychological state.

The music of Beethoven, Chopin, Mandel and other such composers supposedly help to calm the mind, however, the Abrams study stated that patients preferred the sound of gentle ocean waves, the soft strumming of a guitar or the sound of rain as a better method of relaxation (Abrams 114-119). The apparent basis behind these responses was explained by Abrams as being connected to the general rhythm and repetitiveness found in the sound of rain, ocean waves and the soft strumming of a guitar.

Rhythm

Rhythm, within the context of music/sound therapy, refers to the regulated movement of sound/music based on a series of successive strong and weak elements. In essence, rhythm refers to the way in which sound goes through a cycle of different beats, tempos and patterns to create a coordinated output.

When applied to music therapy, various researchers such as Cutshall explain that proper rhythm applied in sound therapy induces a more therapeutic reaction as compared to merely exposing a person to an assortment of sounds (Cutshall 16-23).

What Cutshall is attempting to say is that the different types of rhythm evident in various types of sounds can create differing levels of psychological reactions. This is one of the reasons why in the Abrams study the participants explained that they preferred the sound of rain, ocean waves and the soft strumming of a guitar as compared to the work of Beethoven, Chopin, Mandel and other such composers.

It is the general repetitiveness of the rhythm evident in the aforementioned “nature sounds” that is more appealing to an individual as compared to the overly complex sounds evidently found in the music of Beethoven (Sekiya 1). This is not to say that any type of sound would work, rather, when it comes to music therapy soft sounds combined with an equally soft and steady repetitive rhythm seems to work better than overly complex music (Sekiya1).

For example, the unique aspect of the song “Drifting” by Andy McKee is that even though he is merely using a simple string guitar he is able to derive a variety of different tones from a single instrument. There is no singing, no overly elaborate background music, no wailing, shouting, or cursing rather the entire song is the embodiment of simplicity with just one person plucking away at a single instrument.

Yet, despite the utter lack of accompaniment the very texture of the song is vibrant, at times overwhelming yet calming. It distinguishes itself from other songs in that the melody is a combination of short plucking combined with idle strumming. It could be considered slightly repetitive due to the rhythmic quality of the plucking involved however this is accompanied by several incorporations of slight strumming which helps to break the repetitive quality of the plucking.

It is this very repetitiveness that makes the song easy to remember and identifiable with a conjunctive motion that helps to develop its melodic quality and likeability. Doing a brief YouTube search of the song and merely listening to it is evidence enough of how simplicity in sound and repetitiveness in rhythm help to immediately calm a person down.

Different Levels of Appreciation

Before proceeding, it was determined that a brief overview should be done regarding the different types of musical appreciation out there and how this impacts the ability of a person to actually be affected by certain types of music therapy.

First and foremost, different genres of music appeal to different listeners and different time periods in music appeal to fans from different time periods. Rock music was adopted by teenagers due to its apparent “shock value” to older generations due to the overtly sexual, anti-establishment and aggressive quality of the songs.

Rock music was used as a means of distinction, a manner in which teenagers at the time defined themselves as being separate from the distinctions associated with older generations. As such, rock music composers followed this trend by composing songs in such a way so as to incorporate aggressiveness, anti-establishment and sexuality in the way the songs were sung or played.

The reason rock music is mentioned is due to the fact that music created by Beethoven, Chopin and Mandel may not be as appreciated or liked by members of the current generation as compared to the previous generation (Rapoport, Eliezer and Blass 37-60). Thus, if such music is used in their music therapy sessions, it is unlikely that it would be as effective due to the lack of general appreciation the current generation would have towards the music (Rapoport, Eliezer and Blass 37-60).

This particular piece of information helps to support the argument that focusing on rhythm instead of sound in music therapy is more important since sounds related to falling rain, ocean beaches and the light strumming of a guitar helps to cross the generational barrier resulting in more or less equal levels of appreciation.

Conclusion

The issue with high pitched, loud or otherwise annoying environmental sound has been determined by Maguire to be a form of stressor. This can be defined as an outside factor that impacts the ability of normal individuals to continue on with their daily tasks due to increased mental stress which can cause an adverse psychological and physiological reaction over the long term.

The inherent problem with the modern day environment is that in most cases you cannot simply turn off the ambient environmental sounds off with a switch. The perceived physical and psychological reactions brought about by high levels of ambient environmental sound has been theorized as a holdover phenomenon from humanity’s evolution wherein perceived loud noises acted as an external trigger reaction towards a predatory presence.

This is where sound therapy enters into the equation. Based on the findings of this study, it was shown that sound, while an important component of musical therapy is supplanted in its level of importance by rhythm due to the ability of the latter to induce positive psychological reactions.

This shows that merely exposing a person to loud sound would be the same as noise pollution and, as such, music/sound therapy needs an appropriate rhythm to the music/sound that is being played to be effective. The reason why this examination was done was so that better processes in music/sound therapy can be created so as to improve the rate by which patients are helped.

Works Cited

Abrams, Brian. “Understanding music as a temporal-aesthetic way of being: implications for a general theory of music therapy.” Arts in Psychotherapy 38.2 (2011): 114-119. Print

Cutshall, Susanne. “Effect of the combination of music and nature sounds on pain and anxiety in cardiac surgical Patients.” Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 17.4 (2011): 16-23. Print

Maguire, Melissa. “Music and Epilepsy: A Critical Review.” Epilepsia 53.6 (2012): 947-961. Print

Mrázová, Marcela, and Peter Celec. “A systematic review of randomized controlled trials using music therapy for children.” Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 16.10 (2010): 1089-1095. Print

O’Callaghan, Clare. “Music’s relevance for pediatric cancer patients: A constructivist and mosaic research approach.” Supportive Care in Cancer 19.6 (2011): 779-788. Print

Rapoport, Eliezer, Smadar, Shatz, and Noa Blass. “Overtone spectra of gongs used in music therapy.” Journal of New Music Research 37.1 (2008): 37-60. Print

Sekiya, Yoshimasa. “Using fractal music as sound therapy in TRT treatment.” Audiology Online (2013): 1. Print

Health issue in the study

Music therapy has been used in hospitals for a long time especially during surgery to help in reducing anxiety in patients (Shabanloei, Golchin, Esfahani, Dolatkhah, & Rasoulian, 2010). The treatment has so far gained popularity due to its recommendation by different medical experts. Medical professionals argue that music helps in fighting fear and depression amongst patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Significance of the study

The study is important since it aims at eliminating the doubts on whether music has a healing effect on cancerous patients. In the recent past, medical practitioners have differed on the effectiveness of music in reducing fear and anxiety among patients suffering from cancer. The study also forms the basis for future research on this controversial topic. The findings of the study may also be applied in clinical practice if music is found to have positive results.

Aim of the research

For many years, oncologists have argued that patients who undergo radiation treatment are at risk of suffering from stress and depression (Luckett et al., 2010). Oncologists also argue that music can help in reducing fear and stress. This essay is based on research carried out on a sample of patients undergoing radiation treatment in Taiwan. The samples were drawn from a cross section of patients requiring radiation treatment. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the effect that music has on patients undergoing this kind of treatment based on the results of the aforementioned research.

Research design

The research was conducted at a hospital at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in Taiwan where patients seeking radiation treatment were divided into two groups. The first group enjoyed a 15 minutes’ music session before commencement of the treatment while the other group never enjoyed such music and the patients were only left to rest waiting for the treatment. The patients’ levels of depression and anxiety were measured prior to and after the treatment and results were analysed accordingly. The study took a period of 6 months with the researchers engaging the patients in psychological interviews to determine their anxiety levels.

Study participants

The study examined all patients who needed radiation treatment. Patients who were 18 years and above and who were to receive a 5 weeks’ radiation treatment were allowed to participate in the study. Every participant was at liberty to rescind his/her earlier consent at any stage during the research for personal or other reasons (Chen, Wang, Shih, & Wu, 2013).

Inclusion/exclusion criteria

In a bid to qualify for inclusion, a patient had to have attained the age of the majority (18 years) with long-term cancer. The patient had to be of sound mind since the process of acquiring data involved filling in an open-ended questionnaire. The patient was also required to have at least 5-week radiation treatment before being allowed to participate in the exercise. Patients who were already diagnosed with anxiety previously or receiving depression treatments did not meet the inclusion criteria and they were thus excluded. As a common rule according to Hooks (2014), every participant was required to provide a written consent to the research team in order to qualify for inclusion. Earlier treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy were disregarded when selecting patients to participate in the study. The purpose of determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria in advance was mainly to target only the required group of patients.

Allocation of participants into groups

The participating patients were divided into two groups; the intervention group that enjoyed music prior to treatment and the control group that never enjoyed music before the commencement of treatment. Each group had 100 members. Patients allocated to the two groups were chosen at random and none of the patients recognised which group s/he belonged to since they were all kept waiting in a given room for 15 minutes before they were allowed into the treatment room. Choosing patients at random was inappropriate since the patients did not have the same type of cancer.

Treatment of the intervention and control group in the study

The two groups were equally tested for anxiety levels prior to the commencement of the treatment. Two professionals conducted the test with one being a clinical officer and the other a psychologist (Chen et al., 2013). The psychologist was charged with the responsibility of measuring the emotional conditions of the patients including blood pressure levels, palpitations, blood haemoglobin, and the respiratory rate. The intervention group was exposed to a 15 minutes’ music before treatment commenced. On the other hand, the control group was allowed to rest for 15 minutes without listening to music. A psychological test was conducted to all before and after the treatment irrespective of the group that a patient belonged. All the patients were expected to fill in personal information in a given form.

Independent and dependent variables in this study

In this study, music is the independent variable since the researchers are in a position to manipulate it independently of other factors that might affect the anxiety levels of patients. Anxiety on the other hand represents the dependent variable since it constitutes the outcome that is being measured.

Instruments used to collect the data

Data was collected through an open-ended questionnaire, which every participant was required to fill his/her personal information. The questionnaire was the main instrument used in the study though the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y was also invoked (Chen et al., 2013).

Data collection method

The team had an open-ended questionnaire prepared in advance and every participant was required to fill in his/her personal information. Data was collected in 200 patients all of which were undergoing radiation therapy.

Reliability concept

Reliability denotes the extent to which the results of findings accurately reflect the actual situation on the ground (Luckett et al., 2010). It is a measure of consistency and accuracy of the results of a finding. The results obtained in this study are reasonably reliable since previous studies have also shown similar results (Moradipanah, Mohammadi, & Mohammadil, 2009).

Validity concept

Validity refers to the extent to which a research tool measures what it was designed to measure with the results obtained not affected by other factors (Huang, Good & Zauszniewski, 2010). The study on the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety among patients had some degree of reliability, as at the end of the study, the desired results were obtained.

Differences in outcomes

There was a notable difference in the obtainable results. The group to which music was played had reduced palpitations and respiration rates compared to the control group, which is a clear indicator that music significantly reduced fear and anxiety. The results were in conformity with the results obtained in previous studies whereby music was credited with reducing fear among patients, which was noticeable through reduced heartbeats and respiration rates (Kwekkeboom, Cherwin, Lee, & Wanta, 2010).

Significance of the results

The results revealed that music plays a significant role in reducing depression in patients undergoing radiation therapy. The results are of great significance as they form the basis for future research and they can be used to mobilise nurses in hospitals to use music therapy in the treatment of cancer.

Generalisation of the results

The sample from which the data was collected was too small to produce the desired results. In my opinion, the study failed to compare data from different hospitals as the findings are only limited to one hospital. It would thus be wrong to generalise the outcomes and implement the findings thereof since the results do not reflect the actual results that would be obtained if the samples were drawn from patients from a cross section of medical centres as opposed to just one hospital. In addition, the research team did not recognise the fact that there are different types of cancer and the effects of music would thus produce different results in patients with different types of cancer. In this regard, the team treated all the patients equally regardless of the type of cancer that a patient was suffering.

The team also did not repeat the process to confirm the results obtained. Instead, the music was played just once per patient and the tests were carried out. The results would be more accurate if the process were repeated several times to ascertain the results (Nguyen, Nilsson, Hellström, & Bengtson, 2010). The results are thus not reliable and they cannot be implemented devoid of further research.

Implementation of the findings

The results of the findings revealed that music plays a significant role in reducing anxiety among patients. It relieves patients of fear and anxiety thus making the treatment more effective (Bradt, Dileo, Grocke, & Magill, 2011). Though the results of the findings face criticism due to the small samples used, nurses in hospitals can allow patients undergoing radiotherapy to enjoy a 15 minutes’ music before the actual treatment commences. Patients should also be encouraged to try music therapy anytime they feel depressed and before attending hospitals for treatment (Bulfone, Quattrin, Zanotti, Regattin, & Brusaferro, 2009).

References

Bradt, J., Dileo, C., Grocke, D., & Magill, L. (2011). Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients. Cochrane Database Systemic Reviews, 8, 1-98. Web.

Bulfone, T., Quattrin, R., Zanotti, R., Regattin, L., & Brusaferro, S. (2009). Effectiveness of music therapy for anxiety reduction in women with breast cancer in chemotherapy treatment. Holistic nursing practice, 23(4), 238-242. Web.

Chen, C., Wang, F., Shih, N., & Wu, J. (2013). Fifteen-minute music intervention reduces pre-radiotherapy anxiety in oncology patients. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 17(4), 436-441. Web.

Hooks, E. (2014). Effects of Music Intervention on the Patient’s Perception of Pain after Knee Replacement Surgery. Web.

Huang, T., Good, M., & Zauszniewski, J. A. (2010). The effectiveness of music in relieving pain in cancer patients: a randomised controlled trial. International journal of nursing studies, 47(11), 1354-1362. Web.

Kwekkeboom, L., Cherwin, H., Lee, W., & Wanta, B. (2010). Mind-body treatments for the pain-fatigue-sleep disturbance symptom cluster in persons with cancer. Journal of pain and symptom management, 39(1), 126-138. Web.

Luckett, T., Butow, N., King, T., Oguchi, M., Heading, G., Hackl, A.,… & Price, M. (2010). A review and recommendations for optimal outcome measures of anxiety, depression, and general distress in studies evaluating psychosocial interventions for English-speaking adults with heterogeneous cancer diagnoses. Supportive care in cancer, 18(10), 1241-1262. Web.

Moradipanah, F., Mohammadi, E., & Mohammadil, A. Z. (2009). Effect of music on anxiety, stress, and depression levels in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 15(3), 693-47. Web.

Nguyen, N., Nilsson, S., Hellström, L., & Bengtson, A. (2010). Music therapy to reduce pain and anxiety in children with cancer undergoing lumbar puncture: a randomised clinical trial. Journal of Paediatric Oncology Nursing, 27(3), 146-155. Web.

Shabanloei, R., Golchin, M., Esfahani, A., Dolatkhah, R., & Rasoulian, M. (2010). Effects of music therapy on pain and anxiety in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. AORN journal, 91(6), 746-751. Web.

Introduction

The following article investigates the issue of music and its influence on the health of people. The author underlines the fact that music can be used as one of the main methods which can diminish agitation (Gill & Englert, 2013). A decrease of this phenomenon, in its turn, can lead to some improvements in the situation connected with dementia as agitation is known to be one of the factors which promote an increase in the number of people suffering from this disease. That is why the authors investigate the issue of the relation between music and dementia in order to find the best solution to the existing problem.

Resting on these facts, the authors suggest their own hypothesis. In the work, they try to find evidence to the statement that music is able to reduce falls in institutionalized persons with dementia (Gill & Englert, 2013). Stating the fact that agitation is one of the most common syndromes for people who have severe dementia, the authors want to show a correlation between music and agitation and the positive influence of the first issue on the health of a person. Underlining the fact that it is very difficult to manage agitation, the work suggests music as one of the possible solutions to this problem.

Main body

To investigate the problem better and provide credible evidence for their statement, the authors conduct some experiments. “A quasi-experimental 1-group time-series design was conducted on a 55-bed dementia unit in a long-term care facility” (Gill & Englert, 2013, p. 563). Residents were studied for a long period of time, including 3 and 12 months before the intervention. The authors tried to control many different variables, however, fall rates of residents were emphasized and measured. Having conducted their experiment, the researchers compared different showings in order to find whether their hypothesis was true or not and whether music can really improve the situation.

Having obtained the data from their research and analyzed it, the authors come to a certain conclusion. They underline the fact that usually there was a 97% increase in falls during the autumn and winter periods. However, having conducted their experiment, the authors admit the decrease in this percentage. Basing on the statistics, obtained from the research, they are able to state only a 38% increase in falls in the autumn and winter periods. Moreover, the level of agitation is also significantly lower if to compare it with its showings without music intervention. That is why, the positive influence of music on people, who have dementia, could not be denied. It guarantees some improvement in the health of a patient and his good mood.

Conclusion

Having read and analyzed this article, it is possible to state some obvious facts. This work has great practical and theoretical utility. Results obtained in the course of research can be used in practice as they can guarantee the improvement of the state of people who suffer from dementia. This research proves the idea of the positive influence of music on people, that is why further investigations of this issue can be suggested and give even more ways to help people. Moreover, it is possible to use the knowledge obtained from this article in practice while looking after patients who suffer from similar problems. Taking into account the positive influence of music, it is possible to suggest its widespread use in nursing practice. With this in mind, this work can be called very useful and informative.

Reference

Gill, L. & Englert, N. (2013). A Music Intervention’s Effect on Falls in a Dementia Unit. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 9(9), 562-567. Web.

Data Collection

The research objective that was going to be addressed on this report is the use of music during simple laceration repair in the promotion of parent-led distraction in children aged 6 to 18 years. On the part of data collection, the research used assessment questionnaire forms and tables as instrument for the collection of the data. The reason for using forms and tables appear to be clear as both of the two instruments would allow easy data collection.

The check list forms facilitate the giving out of answers by the subjects while the tables allow for easy recording of the numerical data collection from the recorded forms, and this would translate to lessening of the burden during the data analysis stage. The data inserted in the tables were derived using three self-report scales, one ordinary scale and line scales. It can be stated that these were well described especially the tables which were sequential numbered accompanied by a clearly stated table titles. In addition, each part of the tables was also clearly described by having labeled with a column and row sub-titles to ease and direct the respondents on the way of feeding/filling the answers in the form.

Other several materials were disclosed and described in the study including the technician’s tools/instruments such needle. It was stated that the needle used during the laceration process was of gauge 27, hence describing the size of the needle. In addition, the researcher(s) put additional effort and went further on giving details on the instruments which were being used by the subjects to reveal the data needed.

For instance, the researcher(s) did just state that music was employed as a non-pharmacological distraction element, but they went further and distinguished the types of music which were made available to the subjects, that is whether gospels or secular music. However, it was important for them to have mentioned or given more details on the songs used, possibly by stating the producer as different individuals have different interests and are aroused differently by lyrics from the various producers.

Control

The researchers indicated that a sample of 240 individuals was used, among which eleven individuals refused to take part in the study. They also stated that one of the participants belonging to the nonintervention cohort got systematic analgesia, but they could not exclude the party at the start of the study as they were unable to perceive the party’s future reactions. Though the researcher did not state any specific value in the validation of the effects of having some of the participants refusing to take part in the study, they gave a general statement that showed that the results were not affected in any way. Accordingly, they relied in data which was collected between a certain duration and period of the day that is between 9am to 3 pm, a time during which the number of child’s patients was expected to be high.

This means that they were likely to miss those patients whom were visiting the clinic or health center in the early and late hours of the day. The researchers further showed that the approach was possible with small number of individuals and the instruments used were not appropriate to assess the pain experiences with a high value degree. While the study used individuals whom were of the same level experience in the laceration, the researchers were not in a potion to establish the state of tiredness and exhaustion among the physicians. This is a factor potential of influences the mood of the physicians and thus affects the state of children being used in the study.

Statistical Analysis

The researchers used the data of the two arms for the 240 sample size to address the question of music on pain distraction events. A larger percent of children were interested in listening music from certain source than other. The researchers employed SPSS techniques to calculate several values in various tests including t-tests, and Mann-Whitney tests. Using a t-test sampling technique, it was possible to compare the attraction and scoring of children in a particular type of music category.

Reduced regression model was employed for each of the variable of age, duration of suture to establish their effect on the change score for the various behaviors that were being measured. The researchers state that demographic and clinical results were not statistically significant on both cohorts of intervention and the nonintervention. This means that the qi-square p value was described as less than p< 0.05, which was their standard value quoted for determining the significance of comparison result in the study.

Furthermore, the F-test was used to determine the change in score of the various music categories, and proved to be an important tool because it worked very well with the SPSS programs that the researchers used. This F-test was of key importance in making the final decision on which type of music category is most suited for causing a distraction among the large number of children undergoing laceration. As the F-tests result value showed that there was no major difference between the various music categories, the researcher’s null hypothesis, which they could have been stated as “reduction of pain using music distraction technique during laceration repair does not vary with music categories” was accepted.

Reference

Johnston, C., LeMay, S., Maala, B., Rennick, J. and Sobieraj, G., (2009). The Effect of Music on Parental Participation during Pediatric Laceration Repair Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 41 (4), 68-82.

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate. The research experiment has shown that music significantly affects blood pressure and heart rate. The findings did not reveal any significant change in the P-value. Moreover, while listening to baseline music, participants’ heart rate increased but reduced when they were subjected to fast music. Additionally, the results indicated that participants who listened to fast music experienced higher systolic blood pressures (M=116.194, SD =9.77) compared to those who listened to slow music. Nevertheless, diastolic blood pressure was lower for participants who listened to slow music (M=72.08, SD =7.2) compared to those who listened to fast music. Therefore, we can conclude that music has a therapeutic effect on both blood pressure and heart rate. The major limitations of the study were mainly the use of a small and young sample.

Key words: heart rate, blood pressure, cardiovascular system music therapy.

Introduction

For centuries, listening to music has been a culturally accepted therapy with documented relaxing effects. Moreover, music responds positively to high blood pressure and heart rate, which may have positive impacts on the cardiovascular system. In other words, music influences the psychological stressors that may affect cardiovascular functioning. Past research studies have also indicated that music is an effective and appropriate anxiolytic and audio analgesia in both dental and medical settings (Chafin et al. 2006). For example, among patients suffering from coronary heart diseases, music has played a crucial role in lowering apical heart rates. Also, listening to music reduces anxiety among patients, thus causing mental and physical relaxation. Therefore, renders mental and physical healing to patients, which in return reduces their blood pressure and heart rates. In addition, music attenuates symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, senile dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy (Sutoo & Akiyama 2004). Individuals suffering from coronary heart disease repeatedly suffer from cardiac complications and distress, and on certain occasions, they succumb to cardiac arrest. However, listening to music is believed to reduce the respiratory rate and pain among coronary heart disease patients.

Experimental aim

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of the study is that listening to music reduces the elevation of blood pressure and heart rate.

The hypothesis is based on past research findings, which have indicated that music reduces cardiovascular reactivity, which is associated with high blood pressure and heart rate (Chafin et al. 2006). Moreover, music facilitates quick recovery from the post-stress effects of high blood pressure. Although, there are limited research studies on the effects of music on the heart rate, nonetheless, available studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between music and the heart rate (Loomba, Shah, Chandrasekar, Arora, & Molnar 2012). Therefore, in this current study we aim to support the previous studies based on the stated hypothesis.

Literature Review

Several studies have been conducted in the past to determine the effects that music has on blood pressure and heart rate. These studies have showed a positive correlation between music and blood pressure and heart rate. Loomba et al. (2002) used a meta-analysis to compare the effect that music had on heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure. In their study, the authors established that music therapy significantly reduced the heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure. The study also established that a reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure readings usually serves an important role in the mental and physiological relation, thus reducing anxiety among the patients. Moreover, music reduces the pre-operative anxiety among patients, which in turn enhances a decrease in recovery time, pain, and postoperative vomiting. These findings have been supported and described in a study conducted by Chafin et al. (2004). In this study, 75 participants were subjected to a three-minute challenging mental arithmetic task after which the participants were allowed to listen to pop, jazz, and classical music. Subjects who listened to music compared to those who did not had lower systolic blood pressure levels (Chafin et al. 2004). The major finding and conclusion made was that listening to music served as an impetus to cardiovascular recovery derived from stress.

Anxiety and helplessness is common among patients waiting to undergo any form of surgical procedures. Moreover, tension and postoperative pain is exhibited which may have an effect on cardiovascular recovery and the immune system. In their study to establish if preoperative relaxation music influenced physiological aspects (respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate) Ikonomidou, Rehnstrom and Naesh (2004) established that anxiety reduces after a patient listened to music. Therefore, music therapy improves patients’ satisfaction and comfort, thus preventing any post respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate complications. These findings are reflected in a study conducted by Bradt and Dileo (2009), which showed that listening to music has a positive effect on pain, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate in persons with coronary heart disease. The findings also showed that continuous music led to minor but consistent pain-reducing effects. Therefore, listening to music has significant beneficial effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Clinical findings tabulated by Sutoo and Akiyama (2004) have indicated that music has the capacity to reduce blood pressure among various patients.

Elevated blood pressure is usually linked to kidney disease, stroke, heart failure and heart attack. Moreover, there exists a closer relationship between the risk of developing coronary heart disease and blood pressure (Lin, Liu, Liou, Hsu, & Lin 2012). People with high blood pressure also suffer from other health issues such as obesity and body weight problems that may result in cardiovascular diseases or heart attack if not addressed. It is recommended therefore that persons with high blood pressure undertake regular exercises such as listening to music or performing physical exercises. Burggraaf and Elffers et al. (2013) carried out a study to evaluate the neurocariological differences between normal people and musicians. The results indicated that active music making has the same effect as those experienced during physical training. In the study, parameters such as heart rate, baroreflex gain, and blood pressure were measured. It was established that music has therapeutic values as it lowers blood pressure, increases baroreflex gain, and reduces the heart rate. Therefore, to prevent early death from cardiovascular diseases, Burggraaf and Elffers et al. (2013) advises young adults to engage in active music making. The study introduced a new perspective that other than acting as a form of career for artisans, active music making has other potential health benefits.

Music does not primarily advance one’s quality of life but it has effects on heart rate variability (HRV) and the heart rate (HR). These presuppositions are supported and described by a research study carried out by Trappe (2012) and Trappe (2011) on the effects of music on the human body. The study established that listening to Mozart symphony or any form of music “could also lower blood pressure, heart rate and improve heart rate variability” (Trappe 2012, p.133; Bernardi, 2007, p.139). What this means is that HRV improves when a person listens to music, while HR and blood pressure reduces. The study further showed that therapeutic music significantly decreased anxiety levels among preoperative patients. Moreover, patients who listened to music while relaxing in bed following open-heart surgery showed changes in their cortisol levels. Medication music and classical music are more beneficial to health, whereas techno or heavy metal is considerably dangerous or ineffective. Other than having significant effect on HRV, HR, and blood pressure, music makes one happy, thus minimizing any significant effects on the cardiovascular system (Trappe 2012; Trappe 2011). Therefore, music could be used to regulate cardiovascular disturbances, psychiatric diseases, depressive syndromes, and pain.

The use of music albeit in varying beats or tempos per minute has physiological effects on the human body. For instance, when one listens to fast beat/tempo music (120-130beats/minute), the heart rate and blood pressure increases as a result of increased anxiety (Armon, Fisher, Goldfarb, & Milton (2011). On the other hand, slow music beats lowers anxiety, which in turn reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Armon et al. (2011) carried out a study to determine the effects that music tempos had on skin conductance, heart rate, and blood pressure following physical exertion. The research findings showed that compared to any other music tempo, rock music had a higher heart rate (p <.01) and classical music had higher systolic blood pressure (p <.01). However, music tempo had no effect on diastolic blood pressure and Galvanic skin response. In a separate study on the effects of music on a heart’s electrical function, Dousty, Daneshvar, and Haghjoo (2011) found that “arousal music influenced T-wave maximum amplitude, whereas no such change was recorded in response to the sedative music” (p.396). in other words, arousal music has an electrical function on the heart. In their conclusion, Dousty et al. (2011) stated that music compared to silence had effect on depolarization and polarization of R-wave amplitude and heart rate.

Elderly people are associated with high anxiety and blood pressure levels. This is supported and described by a study by Palmer, Schutte, and Huisman (2009) which established that elderly persons suffer from increased C-peptide and insulin levels. However, the study failed to investigate the effect of music on these variables. Bekiroglu, Ovayolu, Ergün, and Ekerbicer (2013) carried out a study to determine if Turkish classical music positively affected anxiety levels and blood pressure among elderly hypertensive patients. The results showed that systolic blood pressure decreased after a period of 28 days of music therapy. The study also established that within a period of nineteen days, acute music minimized systolic blood pressures. In their conclusion, Bekiroglu et al. (2013) concluded that Turkish classical music exposure supported by resting alone lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressures among hypertensive elderly patients. Slomen, Topp and Singer (2002) carried a study on ambulatory patients undertaking colonoscopy with the aim of determining the effects music therapy had on anxiety. Variables such as blood pressure and heart rate were measured. As expected, the study showed that “heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased among the music intervention group during the procedure while remaining unchanged in the control group” (p.126). This means that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and systolic blood pressure.

Results

Below are results for the study, which were collected from a sample size of 9 participants; 4 females and 5 males. The experiment was conducted within a period of 6 weeks, during which time participants were kept under closer observation. In addition, 2 sets of reading from each subject were recorded each week. The instrument used is The Electronic Blood Presser Monitor. The device screen display three variables systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).

From figure 1 above, there is a direct relationship between music tempo and heart rate. For instance, the participants’ heart rate was higher (77bpm) when listening to baseline music, but it reduced when they were subjected to fast music. However, silence had no significant effect on the participants. The participants’ heart rate was lower when listening to slow music than when listening to baseline music. Therefore, music significantly affects the heart rate.

Table 1 presents data in the form of Mean ± Standard deviation. The T. Test has been used with a 95% confidence interval between all readings and the base line. The variables measured are Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP).

Table 1: Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) Mean and Standard deviation

The findings show that there is no evidence for a significant change in P-value. This is because the P-Value for all readings is > 0.05. There was no significant systolic blood pressure reading among the respondents while not listening to music (p=0.986>0.05). However, the systolic blood pressure was higher while listening to fast music (M=116.194, SD =9.77) than slow music. Moreover, there was no significant difference among the four different conditions on diastolic blood pressure. When the participants were exposed to silence, their diastolic blood pressure was not higher (M =74.34, SD = 7.17), than when exposed to slow music. On the other hand, participants did not have a higher diastolic pressure while listening to fast music (M=72.08, SD =7.2) than slow music.

Discussion

As expected, music has effect on blood pressure and heart rate. While listening to baseline music, heart rate increased, but reduced after the participants were subjected to fast music. Trappe (2012) has added that variation of music resulted to greater modulation of heart rate. Moreover, study findings align with findings from a research carried by Bradt & Dileo (2009) which showed that music has the capacity to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, when relaxation music is played, various effects on blood pressure and heart rate are experienced. This view has been described and supported by Ikonomidou, Rehnstrom and Naesh (2004) that confirmed the current study findings. Lemmer (2008) adds that when Mozart music is played, heart rate decreased significantly. However, relaxing music may increase heart rate or blood pressure depending on the environment (Knight & Rickard 2001). Therefore, people should listen to music so as to reduce heart rate and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

The findings have also shown that participants who listened to fast music experienced higher systolic blood pressures compared when listening to slow music. This is support by RamezanPour Moghaddam, and Sadifar (2011) in their study where they have established that systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly affected by listening to relaxing music. However, diastolic blood pressure was lower for the participants who listened to slow music compared to those who listened to fast music. The study’s findings have been supported by findings conducted by Armon et al. (2004) which showed that fast music increased anxiety, which in turn increased heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, the findings from Bekirogu et al (2013) study have supported the experiment hypothesis that music exposure is beneficial as they have effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, slow music lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressures, while fast music has potential effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Whereas there has been significant decline in diastolic blood pressure after a person is subjected to music, single exposure is less likely to have significant effect. Generally, music when used to people reduces blood pressure as noted by Sutoo and Akiyama (2004). In a separate study, Chafin et al (2004) established that participants who listened to classical music experienced lower post-task systolic blood pressure.

Limitation in the Experiment

Limitations of the experiment include the use of a small sample (9 participants), and lack of analysis on the effect of ethnicity on heart rate and blood pressure. Time constraint (7 weeks) was the major reason why a limited number of subjects were used in the experiment. Moreover, factors which could have influenced the heart rate and blood pressure readings such as anxiety as a result of family presence have not been explored. The experiment was only confined to subjects of ranging between 20 and 30 years of age, thus discriminating elderly patients with cardiovascular disorders. As such, an all inclusive research study is suggested for future researches.

Future Directions

Ideally, a future experiment could use more participants, with the aim of collecting and generating more data that could be used to draw more accurate conclusions. Besides, a study could be carried for a longer period among ethnic lines and ages. This could provide more accurate findings on the effects of music on heart rate and blood pressure. Different settings such as before and after cardiovascular surgery could be used to investigate the role music plays in anxiety reduction, reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. The population could also include people with disabilities, the elderly, and even those with cardiovascular-associated diseases. Moreover, in future research studies, there could be the need to control the participants to ensure that they do not receive caffeinated soda or any other form of drink that may have an effect on blood pressure or heart rate. Other than using terms like high music, low or fast music, it is recommended that music tempos or beats such as classical music, rock or other form of music genre be used.

Conclusion

The aim of the study has been realized as the findings show that music has significant effect on an individual’s blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, we could conclude that the experiment’s hypothesis that listening to music reduces blood pressure elevations and heart rate has been accepted. The experiment results have showed that listening to baseline music increased heart rate, but reduced after the participants were subjected to fast music. Moreover, higher systolic blood pressures were experienced by participants who listened to fast music compared to slow music. Still, diastolic blood pressure was lower to participants who listened to slow music compared to those who listened to fast music. Therefore, slow music lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressures, while fast music has potential effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In sum, music has an effect on blood pressure and heart rate. The use of a small and young sample is a major limitation to the research study.

Reference List

Armon, R, Fisher, A, Goldfar, B, & Milton, C 2011, ‘Effects of music tempos on blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance after physical exertion’, University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Bekiro˘glu, T, Ovayolu, N, Ergün, Y, & Ekerbicer, H C 2013, ‘Effect of Turkish classical music on blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial in hypertensive elderly patients’, Complementary Therapies in Medicine , vol. 21, PP.147—154.

Bernardi, L 2007, ‘Music and the heart’, European Perspectives in Cardiology, p. 139-144

Bradt J, Dileo C 2009, Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no 2, pp. 1-20. CD006577.

Burggraaf, J L I & Elffers, T W 2013, ‘Neurocardiological differences between musicians and control subjects’, Netherland Heart Journal, vol. 21, pp. 183–188.

Chafin, S, Roy, M, Gerin, W & Christenfeld, N 2006, ‘Music can facilitate blood pressure recovery from stress’, British Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 9, pp. 393–403.

Dousty, M, Daneshvar, s & Haghjoo, M 2011, ‘The effects of sedative music, arousal music, and silence on electrocardiography signals’, Journal of Electrocardiology, vol. 44 , pp. 396.e1–396.e6.

Ikonomidou, E, Rehnstrom,A & Naesh, O 2004, Effects of music on vital signs and postoperative pain’, AORN Journal, vol. 80, no.2, pp. 269-277.

Knight W E, & Rickard, N 2001, ‘Relaxing music prevents stress-induced increases in subjective anxiety, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate in healthy males and females’, Journal of Music Therapy, vol. XXXVIII, no. 4, pp. 254-272.

Lemmer, B 2008, ‘Effects of music composed by Mozart and Ligeti on blood pressure and heart rate circadian rhythms in normotensive and hypertensive rats’, Chronobiology International, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 971-86.

Lin, L, Liu, C, Liou, S, Hsu, S & Lin, J 2012, ‘High blood pressure in adults with disabilities: Influence of gender, body weight and health behaviors’, Research in Developmental Disabilities, vol. 33, pp. 508–1515.

Loomba, R S, Shah, P H, Chandrasekar, S, Arora, R & Molnar, J 2012, ‘Effects of music on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate: a meta-analysis’, Indian Heart Journal, vol. 6403, pp. 309–313.

Palmer, I M, Schutte, A E, & Huisman , H W 2009, ‘Ethnic and gender differences regarding the insulin blood pressure relationship’, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, vol. 85, pp. 202-210.

RamezanPour, Moghaddam, A & Sadifar, E 2011, ‘Comparison the effects of listening to three types of music during exercise on heart rate, blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion and fatigue onset time’, Iranian Journal of Health and Physical Activity, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 15-20.

Slomen, D, Topp, R & Singer, L 2002, ‘The effect of self-selected music during colonoscopy on anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure’, Applied Nursing Research, vol.15, no. 3, pp. 126-136.

Sutoo, D & Akiyama, K 2004, ‘Music improves dopaminergic neurotransmission: demonstration based on the effect of music on blood pressure regulation’, Brain Research, vol. 1016, pp. 255– 262.

Trappe, H 2012, ‘Music and medicine:The effects of music on the human being’, Applied Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology, vol. 16, pp. 133-142,

Trape, H 2011, ‘The effects of music on the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular health’, Review, vol. 96, pp. 1868-1871.

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of primary degenerative dementia of late age, which is characterized by a gradual, subtle onset in old age, a steady progression of memory disorders and higher cortical functions up to a total breakdown of intelligence and mental activity in general, as well as a typical set of neuropathological signs. However, it is important to note that the given mental disorder can be treated with music as a means of non-pharmacological intervention. The given research paper will focus on five main musicological aspects, which are relaxing music and parasympathetic modulation, music and memory, music and cognitive measures, combination methods, and singing. The evidence suggests that one of the most prominent effects of music on patients with Alzheimer’s disease is autobiographical memory preservation alongside the stimulation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Literature Review

Relaxing Music and Parasympathetic Modulation

The paper will primarily derive valuable conclusions and information based on the existing research on the topic of music and AD. According to a study, the authors claim: “music playlists and focused on relaxation techniques tended to yield greater benefits on AD persons. We hypothesize this is due to the enhancement of autobiographical memory, autonomy, and parasympathetic modulation, which in turn has positive effects on cognition and behavior” (Leggieri et al., 2019, p. 7). In other words, the overall benefit of the musical intervention was primarily effective during the usage of relaxing music, where the rhythm and tone were not dynamic. This, in turn, stimulated the parasympathetic nervous system, which is mainly the opposite framework to a “flight and fight” response. Therefore, AD patients were able to achieve a rested phase, where their heart rate and breathing rate slowed down, which resulted in the general improvement of their autobiographical memory and autonomy. The latter is due to the fact that these individuals were able to remember at an improved rate than previously. Thus, the key elements of the research are manifested in the relationship between music and autobiographical memory enhancement.

Music and Memory

The second musicological element is rooted in the role of music and memory because memory-based deterioration among AD patients is among the central issues. A study, which assessed the role of music therapy among these individuals, suggests that: “the dopaminergic system, the autonomic nervous system, and the default network in explaining how music may enhance memory function in persons with AD” (Peck et al., 2016, p. 949). In other words, there is a clear correlation between memory preservation enhancement and the dopaminergic system, which is a part of a sympathetic nervous system. To achieve such an effect, most dynamic and fast-paced music is necessary because the given nervous system is primarily focused on the “flight and fight” response. Therefore, a person becomes more active and aware of the surrounding elements and better able to associate memory units with each other, which, in turn, leads to memory improvement.

Music and Cognitive Measures

The third musicological aspect addresses the required quantity of musical therapy for AD patients, where improvements were recorded in a wide range of cognitive measurements. It is stated that cognitive metrics, such as anxiety, depression, orientation, and memory alongside hallucinations, language disorders, irritability, and agitation, showed significant positive enhancements after only four sessions of music therapy (Gómez Gallego & Gómez García, 2017). It is evident that some of these cognitive measure elements are tightly interlinked, but one might argue that music was able to better the overall mental state of AD patients. In other words, music type is not as substantial as the quantity or dosage of the music sessions, where a consistent series of four such therapies led to improvements in all major areas of mental health.

Combination Methods

The fourth musicological element is based on the notion of combination approaches, where music therapy is not prescribed as a sole measure, but rather a core prerequisite, which needs to be delivered in conjunction with another activity. The research claims that introduction of a combination method of music alongside physical exercise, video games, art, and dance can be highly useful in achieving the desired outcomes (Fang et al., 2017). However, it is critical to utilize these combinatory techniques on an individualized basis, where a person’s physical capabilities and limitations are taken into a consideration. In other words, the combination-based approach cannot be used in a standardized fashion, which means that a personalized measure is a necessity o yield the betterments of the mental state among people with AD.

Singing

The last musicological element revolves around the topic of active participation within a music therapy session, which is singing. It is stated that: “singing is proven to release oxytocin, which leads to reduced anxiety and stress” (Watson, 2019, para. 7). The given activity is among the most suitable ones due to the well-known fact that music and songs stem from a similar tendency of humans to enjoy sounds. In other words, it can be beneficial due to a mere notion of the listening process being a passive activity, whereas singing is active. In addition, it is plausible because the specified activity does not require a person to be physically fit or healthy. For example, dancing is a risky activity for older individuals, who can suffer from fall damage, and video games might require good eye-hand coordination as well as decent eyesight. Therefore, singing can be categorized as the most effective and safest combinatory measure, and it is also ideal for music therapy sessions.

Discussion

The analysis of the existing recent literature reveals that music therapy in conjunction or on its own can lead to a wide range of positive outcomes. Although each research lists a number of different mental health elements, which were affected by the corresponding music session, one of the most reoccurring ones is memory. Almost all sources indicate that memory, or more specifically, autobiographical memory, was the most significant and common improvement after the exposure of AD patients to music therapy. It is responsible for the memories related to one’s own personal life, where he or she is capable of recalling his or her name and personal history (Gulgoz & Sahin-Acar, 2020). It is also the most important type of cognitive element since the lack of it leads to severe disorientation and loss, which can result in risky behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the given research analyzed and assessed the effects of music on patients with Alzheimer’s diseases. Five musicological aspects were identified, which are relaxing music and parasympathetic modulation, music and memory, music and cognitive measures, combination methods, and singing. Although music sessions can yield a wide range of benefits on the basis of a type of music used or combination with another activity, the most significant one is the preservation of autobiographical memory. Therefore, music therapy should be used among AD patients both as the sole approach and combinatory technique.

References

Fang, R., Ye, S., Huangfu, J., & Calimag, D. P. (2017). Music therapy is a potential intervention for cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease: A mini-review.Translational Neurodegeneration, 6(2), 1-8. Web.

Gómez Gallego, M., & Gómez García, J. (2017). Music therapy and Alzheimer’s disease: Cognitive, psychological, and behavioural effects.Neurología (English Edition), 32(5), 300-308. Web.

Gulgoz, S., & Sahin-Acar, B. (2020). Autobiographical memory development: Theoretical and methodological approaches. Routledge.

Leggieri, M., Thaut, M. H., Fornazzari, L., Schweizer, T. A., Barfett, J., Munoz, D. G., & Fischer, C. E. (2019). Music intervention approaches for Alzheimer’s disease: A review of the literature.Frontiers in Neuroscience, 13, 1-8. Web.

Peck, K. J., Girard, T. A., Russo, F. A., & Fiocco, A. J. (2016). Music and memory in Alzheimer’s disease and the potential underlying mechanisms. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 51(4), 949-959.

Watson, M. (2019). How music awakens those with Alzheimer’s?Caring Senior Service. Web.

The research problem discussed in this document concerns agitation in people with relentless cognitive harm as a considerable problem affecting care and general quality of life. On an earlier study, Goddaer and Abraham (1994) sought to find a solution to this problem. They took a quasi-experimental study proposing that relaxing music (played at meal time) would wield a calming effect and reduce roused behaviors among nursing home populace with dementia. Regardless of the mounting support in the literature, the efficacy of music as an intervention measure to lessen agitation is still questioned. To reinforce the evidence in support of this modality, and supplementing work carried out by Goddaer and Abraham, the present study scrutinizes the relationship between agitation and soothing music in an assembly of aged residents in a nursing home in Canada with considerable dementia (Hicks-Moore, 2005).

Literature Review

Journals and other reports have been employed by the author in carrying out the study. For example, the author has employed a journal article by Cohen-Mansfield, Marx, & Rosenthal, (1989). A description of agitation in a nursing home, Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 44(3), 77-84 to give an insight on agitation faced by the elderly in the nursing home. This assists the reader of the article because it elucidates further and offers the author the report reliability as it presents the high quality of study conducted.

The author has employed many other journals and reports from plausible sources, to support his arguments that relaxing music (played at meal time) would wield a calming effect and reduce roused behaviors among nursing home populace with dementia. The use of reliable sources in referencing and citation implies that the writer of the article is basing his case on facts rather than rumors, heresy, and speculation. His work is therefore thoroughly researched, carries some depth and must not be ignored.

Research Questions and Hypothesis

Does relaxing music played during the evening meal reduce the cumulative incidence of agitated behaviors displayed during evening meal time in a group of nursing home residents with significant dementia?

Research Design

The study employed a quasi-experimental design. A number of inhabitants living on the Specialized Care Unit (SCU) were monitored and the collective frequency of their disquieted behaviors was computed without and with soothing music during the evening mealtime. There was no music played in the first and third week. In both the second and fourth weeks music was played (Hicks-Moore, 2005).

Sampling

The study observed an expediency sample of 33 contributors. These participants lived in the Specialized Care Unit and had been diagnosed with stern cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or irreversible dementia. Each participant was required to avail a written and signed consent.

Variables

The author focuses on the variables of relaxing music and agitation. He focuses on the music made to uphold relaxation by being calm and harmonious without abrupt changes in rhythm, yet with adequate discrepancy to shun boredom.

In agitation he looks into the inappropriate vocal, motor, or verbal activities that cannot be linked directly to patent needs or confusion

Data Collection

The author has used secondary as well as primary data collection methods. He has consulted several journal articles as well as reports. The author cites an earlier study by Goddaer and Abraham (1994) that sought to find a solution to this problem. Data were gathered for this study as Pre-Intervention and Intervention methods

Validity and Reliability of Data Collection Instruments

The study appears to have used valid as well as reliable instruments in data collection. The many journal article consulted as well as the reports used symbolize reliable resources in carrying out research. Both the pre-intervention and intervention are good data collection methods that can be relied upon.

Validity and Validity Threats

The sample size may hold given features that may intermingle with the (independent) variable thereby restraining generalisability. For example, the outcomes of this study implying that soothing music played at some point in the evening mealtime may lessen the general level of anxiety among the aged (nursing home) residents who suffers cognitive impairment may not be effective for a different sample. The situational details (e.g. timing, location, body conditions etc) of this study may greatly limit generalizability. Test carried out in the future may as well limit the generalization of the findings (Hicks-Moore, 2005).

Data Analysis

In the case of pre-intervention method, measurements for the noise levels were taken at the time of the evening meal on three random instances through the use of a decibel meter. This was directed at establishing the standard noise level. 63.1dB (A) was found to be the standard noise level at the dining room. Music played at a 65 to 69 dB (A), volume level with adjustments being made at the intervention method. Additionally, all through the 4-week period of observation (unstructured) notes were made to record the general observations of the researchers. This ensured that proper analysis took place.

Legal Issues and Research Ethics

The study appears to have taken legal issues into consideration. Research ethics was also observed, for example, in the case where staff personnel at the institution were given assurance that their work would not be assessed and the need to continue offering mealtime care as usual was emphasized.

Limitations and External Validity

Suppositions on cause-effect associations based on a scientific study like the one at hand are known to hold external validity particularly if they are generalized from idiosyncratic and exceptional settings, practices and participants to other populace and the prevailing conditions. The inferences made in this study may carry high external validity degree. The sample size employed in this study may not necessarily represent the interest of people in other geographic territories devoid of these features.

Findings/ Conclusions

Music has a well-documented ability to appease and substitute anxiety and agitation with quietness and repose in present-day society. The outcomes of this study imply that soothing music played at some point in the evening mealtime may lessen the general level of anxiety among the aged (nursing home) residents who suffers cognitive impairment. The outcomes of the existing research are in support of other results in recent studies concerning the nursing home occupants with dementia. Well articulated in the text, the principal challenges conflicting nursing personnel caring for people with dementia is connected to physically insistent demeanors. Habitually, physically belligerent behaviors are linked to the direct and fundamental care provided by workers, such as bathing and feeding. In the study, aggressive demeanors (physically) taking place in the eating place were observed to be very disrupting to employees and other residents.

Implications

The author addresses the implications of the outcomes comprehensively.

Recommendations

Music, as supported by the findings of this study, is one non-invasive intervention that should be implemented as a means of minimizing dysfunctional behaviors among individuals with dementia. As evident in the findings of this study, music should most definitely be incorporated into mealtimes, and may also prove to be an effective therapeutic intervention throughout the day. Incorporating music into resident care plans may indeed be a valuable strategy in reducing the overall incidence of agitated behavior and decreasing the need for restraints. The report is well researched with wide-ranging and exhaustive insights.

Reference

Hicks-Moore, S.L. Relaxing Music at Mealtime in Nursing Homes: Effects on Agitated Patients with Dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing December 2005 – Volume 31 · Issue 12: 26-32

COVID-19 has largely impacted various sectors in the world, including the entertainment industry. Many people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, leading to the introduction of different measures to limit its spread. For instance, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has persistently advocated that crowding should be avoided (Yen, 2020). This recommendation is meant for people who organize large events such as concerts, sports, and weddings. The CDC guidelines are meant to complement the existing regulations imposed by governments and health institutions (Yen, 2020). Thus, COVID-19 is a major issue, and all people should ensure that they practice measures that limit its transmission.

The event organizers are encouraged to execute policies that promote measures that minimize the transmission of COVID-19 amongst the participants and the staff. The event planners are encouraged to sanitize their team and the individuals planning to attend a live concert to stay home, especially those diagnosed positive for the virus. Individuals experiencing replica symptoms to those of COVID-19 are encouraged to remain indoors and minimize movements (Yen, 2020). The event planners are also advised to develop efficient refund means to cater to the attendees who book live concert events but fail to show up because they have tested positive for COVID-19.

One of the guidelines implemented involves a temperature test, which should be conducted before the live concert begins. The attendees are expected to be six feet apart, while the organizers are expected to regulate the event size based on the six-foot apart rule. Being an audience of a live concert, I noticed that the participant’s number has reduced due to social distance, fear of contracting COVID-19, and quarantine. Additionally, the events are expected to be less crowded as the attendees are discouraged from physical contacts such as handshaking and hugging.

The CDC’s set guidelines require the show organizers,’ staff, and the event participants to wear masks correctly covering the mouth and the nose. Show planners have enforced rules such that individuals without masks are barred from live concerts. Furthermore, live concert managers have also implemented a regulation that babies younger than two years and persons with breathing complications should avoid such events. Another guideline that has been set to help keep the transmission at bay is regular hand hygiene (Yen, 2020). As such, the planners are encouraged to demand their staff and attendees to regularly wash their hands for at least twenty seconds before and after taking tickets. Moreover, hand washing has been used as one of the easiest methods of limiting transmission of the virus.

Having attended a live concert, I noted the adequate supply of health hygiene products. These goods included soap, water points, hand sanitizers, tissues, masks, wipes, and trashcans positioned at appropriate points. Correspondingly, the event had ushers to regulate the social distance and the persons using these materials at a go. The auditorium room had several posters at the entry and exit points in the restrooms. The messages displayed by the signs included proper wear of masks, social distancing, and regular hand washing.

Equally, the event had regular cessation intervals to ensure that the audience had time to relax. Mainly the breaks allowed one artist to exit the stage before another took over. These breaks also served as a time to sanitize sound systems such as microphones and pass the announcements on behavior rules to prevent transmissions. The event organizers also went to the extent of availing the statements in different languages to ensure all people received the message.

The show planners have developed a detailed cleaning schedule. The surfaces that were often touched were cleaned and disinfected regularly. The auditorium room for the live event was also clean and well organized. The number of individuals allowed to the restrooms at a go was minimized to allow social distancing. The event workers also guaranteed that the faucets, light switches, and doorknobs were well cleaned and disinfected before the next person was allowed in.

Before the entry, all the attendees standing in the line were requested to be six feet apart by the ushers. Moreover, the markers were used to inform the attendees of the spots to stand on and avoid. The guideline resulted in lengthy queues and set a slow tone for the event in general. To accommodate a sizable number of attendees, the event planners had several open-air tents outside with seats placed six feet apart. The auditorium room where the live concert took place was well ventilated, with windows and doors open throughout the event.

There is no direct proof that eating increases the transmission of COVID-19. However, the event planners for the day abolished food and drink services. The attendees were encouraged to avoid carrying foodstuff to promote unmasked interactions. Furthermore, the tickets’ payments were made through mobile banking and online banking services to avoid cash exchange. The event planners had organized emergency and first aid treatment procedures with the local health caregiver hospital to take care of the attendees and the staff if anyone got sick. Additionally, visible ambulances and paramedics were stationed outside the auditorium room.

In general, the live concert’s intensity and energy were minimal compared to the other live shows I have attended before. Some attendees termed the concert boring and had left before the event was over, which I had never experienced before. Although the event was not up to my expectations because of the set-out protocols heavily observed, I think the youth and the concert fans can support music concerts by attending such events and many shows held online. Ways to ensure that musicians can earn from the online shows can also be introduced to support their careers.

The measures affected the music since many people did not attend the concert due to the government’s restrictions. However, the performance worked well since the protocols were observed, and most of the audience enjoyed the music. Furthermore, the performers encouraged people to be careful and follow the various measures that healthcare professionals have provided. Although many individuals attended the concert, some claimed that they would be comfortable returning to live audience shows when the virus is eliminated. People should also support music in the COVID-19 era by exercising various practices. For instance, I can encourage my peers to educate people about the importance of adhering to the guidelines introduced when attending live concerts. Moreover, we can motivate musicians to use social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to perform live online shows. Technology has also advanced in many countries, and people can access the internet easily. Therefore, musicians can use social media platforms to reach many viewers, limiting the spread of the virus. Thus, people can learn various ways of enjoying music while still observing the COVID-19 measures.

Reference

Yen, M. Y., Schwartz, J., Chen, S. Y., King, C. C., Yang, G. Y., & Hsueh, P. R. (2020). Interrupting COVID-19 transmission by implementing enhanced traffic control bundling: Implications for global prevention and control efforts. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection, 53(3), 377-380. Web.

The idea of incorporating music into a nurse’s therapeutic toolkit has been a subject of healthcare-related debates for quite some time. The article asserts that music can, indeed, be used as a therapeutic tool for multiple purposes, particularly, for addressing specific health concerns. Namely, Scott points to the research outcomes that prove the ability of the human heart to synchronize its beating with a particular musical rhythm. Therefore, the article suggests that music can be used for relaxation, as well as managing the health issues that may arise due to the lack of relaxation.

The article by Elizabeth Scott serves as quite an inspiration for further research and the improvement of the current healthcare practice. Specifically, given the opportunities for managing heart rate and breathing patterns in patients, music can be used not only in the context of CVD and associated heart issues. Furthermore, due to the opportunity to build the framework for controlled breathing, music therapy could be used for health conditions such as asthma. Thus, the paper indicates the possibility of managing both temporary and chronic physical health problems.

In addition to physical health issues, music could ostensibly be integrated into the framework for managing mental health concerns, such as anxiety. Scott explains that the described goal can be achieved by introducing opportunities for patients to control their breathing, heart rate, and, by extension, their blood pressure. Thus, by asserting greater control over the physical manifestations of their mental health problems, patients will be able to focus on managing the causes of their distress more closely and effectively.

Overall, the article by Scott can be used to improve the current approaches to health management in several domains, including heart disease, respiratory issues, and mental health problems. Therefore, the article needs to be considered closer as an essential piece of evidence. Being a tool for a major potential improvement in healthcare, music should be regarded as a critical factor in health management.

The study of sleep problems in adults is quite an essential topic for improving the quality of public health. Insomnia consists of deprivation of the duration and quality of sleep, which affects the psychological and physical condition of people. As a way to solve this issue, more and more research suggests using music therapy, specifically lullabies. It is believed that playing music before going to bed will help improve its quality and the general well-being of patients. Therefore, the future study aims to prove the positive impact and effectiveness of the use of lullabies for patients with insomnia by conducting research on experimental and control groups. To obtain the most useful information for scientific work, a study of the literature will be conducted, which is based on evidence-based data. In addition, the main limitation may be the unreliability of the information provided by the participants of the experiment.

Effects of Lullaby Music on Quality of Sleep in Adults with Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most severe problems, especially in adulthood. This is due to the fact that this deviation affects not only the quality of sleep of individuals but also their physical and psychological state. At the same time, there is a substantial number of studies that consider the effect of lullabies on improving the condition of patients with sleep deprivation problems. Thus, this work aims to examine the effect of lullaby music on improving the quality of sleep in adult patients with insomnia. In particular, attention will be paid to the consideration of a particular music machine that is used for children, which plays instrumental lullaby music.

First, a literary study of scientific articles supported the hypothesis. Thus, it is emphasized that insomnia is a sleep disorder than can reduce the quality of life for those affected by this medical condition (Jespersen et al., 2015). The article by Fan Feng et al. describes the results of a study done with 314 participants in 6 studies, testing to see if music intervention helped improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia in those receiving the intervention. Participants in 5 studies listened to music for 25-60 minutes at bedtime for 3-35 days (Feng et al., 2018). The results suggested that music may improve sleep quality in those with insomnia. One study focused on the effects of music on other aspects of sleep, such as sleep latency and the number of times the participant(s) woke up during the night; this study was only three days long and was inconclusive. The study suggests that music intervention is safe and easy to administer.

Another valuable study by Chen et al. used systematic review and meta-analyses of the effect of listening to different types of music on sleep quality in older adults. Sedative music was much better at relaxing the participants than rhythmic music, which has a much faster tempo and was played at a louder volume. Chen et al. (2021) tested music therapy using randomized trials with a total sample size of 288 participants, all aged 60 or older. The listening duration ranged from 30 minutes-1 hour, played over 2 days to 3 months (Chen et al., 2021). Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Therefore, researchers concluded that music therapy can significantly improve sleep quality in older adults (Trahan et al., 2018). The hypothesis of this scientific work is to predict that playing lullaby music at bedtime will help adults improve their quality of sleep.

Method

The choice of research participants directly depends on the topic of scientific work. Hence, this work is going to use as possible participants patients of the clinic who have experienced problems with sleep quality over the past five years. Sixteen people will be selected to conduct the experimental work, which will be divided into two groups, control and experimental. Participants will be recruited depending on their age category, that is, between the ages of 55 and 60, as this is the most common age in patients with insomnia (“Insomnia,” n.d.). Demographic characteristics, in this case, do not have a significant value. The formal recruitment procedure will necessarily include the signing of a participation agreement and a non-disclosure agreement on personal information.

Materials

The dependent variable of this research work is the quality of patients’ sleep. The independent (grouping) variable will be lullaby music, and the levels of it will be measured by playing 30-60 minutes of lullaby at bedtime for the experimental group and playing no music for the control group. In addition, an essential step for the research is the definition of design, which affects not only the results of the work but also the entire process of its implementation. The experiment, quasi-experiment, and correlation will be taken as a basis since they are most suitable for studying the proposed topic (Wang et al., 2017). The measurement will be carried out by comparing the information obtained using correlation, which implies data analysis, without the ability of researchers to manipulate them. Quasi-experimental will provide an opportunity to compare the relationship between the proposed implementation and the results of its application.

Procedure

As already mentioned, the experimental and control groups will be studied in the work. The first one will have the opportunity to listen to a lullaby before going to bed for thirty minutes. The control group will follow their usual routines for the same time and not listen to any music before going to bed. Both groups will keep a diary of records and undergo a unique survey to determine whether there were improvements in the condition of the experimental compared with the control group.

At the beginning of the study, several special agreements will be concluded between the participants and the researchers. First of all, they will concern with informed consent and ensuring the safety of personal data. This is a critically important step since compliance with ethical standards in conducting scientific work ensures the achievement of positive results and satisfaction of all parties involved in this process. The security of personal information will be ensured by limiting the number of researchers who will only have authorized access to the data.

Results and Discussion

Therefore, this work suggests getting positive results and confirming the hypothesis that playing lullaby music at bedtime will help adults improve their quality of sleep. Thus, a literary review showed that “music therapy was extremely successful in improving the sleep quality of older adults” (Chen et al., 2021). Moreover, the proposed intervention can improve the physical and psychological state; that is, it increases the overall level of health of patients (Jespersen et al., 2015; Trahan et al., 2018). One of the main limitations of this study is the threat of unreliability of the information that the participants will provide. There is a possibility that the information about the success or failure of the intervention may be unreliable. Future research should be aimed at a deeper and more detailed study of music on sleep problems not only in older adults but also in a younger population.

References

Chen, C. T., Tung, H. H., Fang, C. J., Wang, J. L., Ko, N. Y., Chang, Y. J., & Chen, Y. C. (2021). Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(7), 1925-1932. doi:10.1111/jgs.1714

Feng, F., Zhang, Y., Hou, J., Cai, J., Jiang, Q., Li, X., Zhao, Q., & Li, B. A. (2018). Can music improve sleep quality in adults with primary insomnia? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 77, 189-196. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.10.011

Insomnia. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic.

Jespersen, K.V., Koenig, J., Jennum, P., & Vuust, P. (2015). Music for insomnia in adults. Cochrane Database Systematic Review, 2015(8), 1-57. doi: 10.1002/14651858

Trahan, T., Durrant, S. J., Müllensiefen, D., & Williamson, V. J. (2018). The music that helps people sleep and the reasons they believe it works: A mixed methods analysis of online survey reports. PloS One, 13(11), 1-19. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206531

Wang, Q., Alfalou, A., & Brosseau, C. (2017). New perspectives in face correlation research: a tutorial. Advances in Optics and Photonics, 9(1), 1-78. doi: 10.1364/AOP.9.000001