Related Concept Videos
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
You might also read
Related Articles
Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.
"This is my voice; this is my story": a thematic analysis of needs and challenges expressed in songs by adult cancer survivors.
A Collaborative Approach in Mechanistic Music-Based Intervention and Pain Research: NCCIH Research Networks.
Music-based interventions for chronic pain management.
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
Music interventions for mechanically ventilated patients.
Joke Bradt1, Cheryl Dileo, Denise Grocke
1The Arts and Quality of Life Research Center, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, 2001 N 13 Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19122.
Music interventions may reduce anxiety and lower heart rate and respiratory rate in mechanically ventilated patients. However, evidence quality is limited, and more research is needed, especially with music therapists.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Psychology
- Music Therapy
Background:
- Mechanical ventilation is associated with significant patient distress and anxiety.
- Music interventions are recognized for their potential to alleviate anxiety and improve physiological function in various medical contexts.
- The specific impact of music interventions on mechanically ventilated patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of music interventions, in addition to standard care, on anxiety and physiological responses in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
- To compare outcomes of music interventions plus standard care against standard care alone.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
- Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO, LILACS, Science Citation Index) and clinical trial registries up to January 2010.
- Included eight trials with 213 participants, primarily focusing on music listening without trained music therapists.
Main Results:
- Music listening demonstrated potential benefits in reducing anxiety among mechanically ventilated patients.
- Consistent reductions in heart rate and respiratory rate were observed, indicating a relaxation response.
- No significant evidence was found for reductions in blood pressure or improvements in oxygen saturation levels. Limited data exists on other outcomes like quality of life or mortality.
Conclusions:
- Music listening may offer benefits for anxiety, heart rate, and respiratory rate in mechanically ventilated patients.
- The current evidence base is limited by small sample sizes and the predominant use of pre-recorded music without trained music therapists.
- Further high-quality research is recommended, particularly exploring the role of music provided by qualified music therapists.

