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Music therapy, emotions and the heart: a pilot study
Alfredo Raglio1, Osmano Oasi, Marta Gianotti
1Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy. raglioa@tin.it
Giornale Italiano Di Medicina Del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia
|March 13, 2013
Summary
Music therapy positively impacts cardiac function by influencing heart rate and variability. This study explored the relationship between music therapy sessions and physiological responses in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Music Therapy Research
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system regulates cardiac function.
- Sound and music may influence autonomic control of the heart, inducing emotions and activating brain regions like the limbic area.
- Music may offer potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a methodology for assessing the relationship between cardiac physiological parameters and psychological responses to music therapy.
- To evaluate changes in heart rate, QT interval, and their variability in response to music therapy.
Main Methods:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter recordings were taken before, during, and after music therapy sessions in 8 healthy participants.
- Cardiac physiological parameters and psychological responses were assessed.
- Music therapist and participant behaviors were analyzed using the Music Therapy Checklist.
Main Results:
- Mean heart rate decreased significantly (p = 0.05) post-session.
- High-frequency heart rate variability tended to increase, while QTc variability tended to decrease.
- Affective attunement was observed in most participants, with emotional activation linked to sound-music interaction dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide a foundation for larger studies on music therapy's effects in various clinical settings.
- Music therapy demonstrates a measurable impact on cardiac autonomic regulation and emotional responses.
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