Effects of music listening on preoperative state anxiety and physiological parameters in patients undergoing general surgery: a randomized quasi-experimental trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of music on preoperative state anxiety and physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate and mean systolic, and diastolic blood pressure in 60 patients undergoing general surgery. Methods: The study was designed as a randomized quasi-experimental trial. A total of 60 patients were allocated to two equal groups. Subjects in the trial group listened to non-vocal classical music through headphones for 20 minutes before entering the operating theater. State anxiety was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the physiological parameters by pulse CO-oximeter (Masimo RAD-57C, Finland). The results obtained were finally analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using chi-square and t-tests. Results: There was an insignificant difference in demographic data between the two groups (p > 0.05), but before and after listening to music, a significant difference was observed in state anxiety (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Significant differences in both state anxiety and physiological parameters confirmed that music as a non-pharmacological intervention can be used as a complementary tool in nursing care.

Musical intervention on anxiety and vital parameters of chronic renal patients: a randomized clinical trial

“…These findings are positive, since they point to the possibility of having a low cost intervention that allows greater well-being and quality of life for these patients. These results also agree with other studies performed with patients during invasive procedures that demonstrate that listening to music significantly relieves the perceived levels of anxiety 12 , 22 . Review and meta-analysis studies also complement by pointing out the effectiveness of musical intervention to reduce physiological and psychological stressors experienced by patients submitted to procedures in outpatient clinics 16 , hemodialysis 19 , perioperative period 15 and burned patients 28 .…”

“…The music chosen for the study belongs to a musical genre that is not among the musical preferences of the majority of the Brazilian population, perhaps because of the difficult access to classical productions. This fact does not undermine the choice though, because the objective of this research was to prove the therapeutic effect of music in the reduction of anxiety as based on international studies 12 , 24 ) which have confirmed the effective results with this musical genre. Moreover, one study corroborates that the use of music of the patient’s preference did not present a statistically significant effect on anxiety when compared to classical music (p = 0.769) 29 .…”

“…Associated knowledge and practical use of musical interventions in the health area give rise to physiological effects and metabolic changes, adrenaline release, regulation of vital parameters, reduction of fatigue, increase of threshold sensory stimuli, besides improvement of cognition. Thus, this intervention can be used as a complementary therapeutic resource in nursing practice 11 - 12 , 22 .…”

“…In order to avoid external stimuli, the companion of the patients and health professionals were asked who not interact with the patients while they were listening to music, as well as to turn off cell phone devices during the experience of listening to music. Concerning the intervention proposed by the NIC to select music that were particularly representative of the preferences of the individuals, reference was made to previous research 12 , 24 , which affirms that soft classical songs present low amplitudes, simple and direct rhythms, and frequencies (time) of approximately 60 to 70 beats per minute, which are characteristics that promote relaxation, the intended goal of the present study. Thus, the classical song Spring from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was chosen, as this song meets these prerequisites.…”

“…Music has been identified as a complementary therapeutic resource in the nursing practice, for management and control of signs and symptoms, as well as in the patient-nurse communication and relationship, making care more humanized 11 - 13 . Research claims that the physiological effects of music involve sensorial, hormonal and physiological-motor reactions, such as metabolic changes, adrenaline release, respiratory rate regulation, blood pressure changes, reduction of fatigue and muscle tone, increase of threshold sensory stimuli, and improvement of attention and concentration 12 - 14 . It is also an excellent therapeutic tool, easy to use, accessible, without side effects and applicable in several contexts and for several diseases 12 , 15 - 18 .…”