Music as a Therapy to Alleviate Anxiety During Inpatient Rehabilitation for Stroke

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine if listening to music may reduce anxiety experienced by stroke patients during acute rehabilitation. Design A prospective, nonblinded, randomized study in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Methods Fifty participants were randomized into two groups: (1) 1 hour of music (intervention) or (2) no music (control). All participants completed pretest anxiety and depression screening and 44 completed the posttest anxiety screening. Differences between groups were determined using chi-square and t tests. Findings After listening to music for 1 hour, participants who completed the posttest (n = 44) reported significantly less anxiety (p < .0001) compared to before the intervention. The control group showed no difference in their pre- and posttest anxiety scores (p = .84). No differences were determined among age, gender, or diagnostic groups. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that music intervention may help lessen anxiety in rehabilitation patients poststroke. Clinical Relevance Offering musical intervention to stroke patients in rehabilitation may lessen symptoms of anxiety.

Music Therapy in Post-Stroke Patient Anxiety Problems: Scoping Review

“…The results showed a significant difference in STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State) scores before and after listening to music in the intervention group, namely P <0.001. 10 The second study, namely by Esra, et al in 2017 in Turkey, which provided music therapy to post-stroke patients from 0-24 months, in their study 2 music genres were used, namely western music (western music group) and eastern music (eastern music group). , where the respondent determines himself wants to be in the desired musical genre group.…”

“…Although the BAI score did not change statistically, there was a significant change in the BDI score in the intervention group, namely p value = 0.048. 10 This can occur because continued anxiety will be a predictor of depression at 6 months post stroke and problems with quality of life. 25 Meanwhile, Esra's research (2017) which used the western music group and the eastern music group resulted in a significant difference in the STAI-S score before and after listening to music in the intervention group, namely P = 0.004.…”

“…The results showed that the change in the BAI score was not statistically significant, but there was a significant difference in the BDI score, namely P value = 0.048. 15 Research by Maureen (2017) also states that the length of time for giving music therapy is 1 hour, 10 the same as that done by Esra (2017) also listening to music for 1 hour, namely for 1 rehabilitation session. Music is listened to during training without interfering with the speed of the exercise movement.…”

“…13 The weakness in post-stroke care is that it focuses more on biological (physical) healing, so there is a need for nursing interventions that are also aimed at addressing the patient's psychological problems. 14 Previous studies have stated that music therapy can reduce anxiety levels 10 and even depression in post-stroke patients. 15 Music therapy is non-invasive holistic so it is hoped that it can be applied as part of the nursing field in dealing with anxiety problems.…”

“…However, medication therapy has side effects that may hinder the patient's ability to participate in rehabilitation. 10 Untreated post-stroke anxiety will have a negative impact on quality of life, as well as increase the burden on the family or the closest people who care for the patient, barriers in motor, cognitive and social functions. 11,12 Prolonged anxiety makes stroke patients longer hospitalized hospital, lack of ability to return to work and has a negative impact on rehabilitation by adding to health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and problems with poor concentration.…”