Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
07:17
Assessing the Effects of Music Listening on Psychobiological Stress in Daily Life
Published on: February 2, 2017
Does music influence stress in mechanically ventilated patients?
Linda L Chlan1, William C Engeland, Kay Savik
1School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 5-160 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States. chlan001@umn.edu
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
|December 12, 2012
Summary
Music did not significantly reduce stress biomarkers in mechanically ventilated patients. While some trends suggested potential benefits, further research is needed to confirm if patient-directed music listening impacts stress levels during ventilatory support.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Mechanically ventilated patients experience significant physiological and psychological stress.
- Effective, non-pharmacological interventions are needed to mitigate stress in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting.
- Music listening is a potential low-risk intervention for stress reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of patient-directed music on stress levels in mechanically ventilated patients.
- To compare music intervention with noise-canceling headphones and usual care.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted across 12 Midwestern US ICUs.
- Patients receiving ventilatory support were assigned to patient-directed music, headphones only, or usual care.
- Twenty-four hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels were measured as a primary biomarker of stress.
Main Results:
- Analysis controlling for illness severity, gender, and baseline UFC showed no significant differences in UFC levels among the three groups.
- No statistically significant reduction in urinary free cortisol was observed with patient-directed music intervention.
Conclusions:
- Patient-directed music did not significantly reduce urinary free cortisol levels in mechanically ventilated patients.
- Although not statistically significant, a trend towards less profound UFC spikes was noted in the music group.
- Further investigation is required to determine the potential, albeit unproven, stress-mitigating effects of music in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
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...
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...
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
01:27Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
A comprehensive nursing assessment is essential for patients with valvular heart disease, which involves any dysfunction of the heart valves that could impact blood flow and overall heart function.Subjective Data Collection:Chief Complaint and Present Illness: Start with the patient's primary concerns, focusing on the onset, duration, and progression of cardiac symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations.Past Medical History: Collect detailed information on any previous...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:14Ventilatory Modes
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
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...
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...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...