Effect of Music Listening on Neurocognition, Stress, and Performance in Neurosurgeons During Microsurgery

Stress in surgeons is well-known for its negative impact on neurocognition and surgical performance. Surgeons commonly use music for stress reduction, but its specific effects on neurosurgeons remain unclear. This study aims to investigate how listening to music during microsurgery affects neurocognitive (NC) functions, subjective anxiety, and stress levels in neurosurgeons.

Conducted in 2 phases, the pilot phase involved 23 neurosurgeons completing a survey and rating compositions based on ragas of North Indian/Hindustani classical music for suitability during surgery. Five excerpts were selected for the main phase, which involved 3 neurosurgeons performing 16 surgeries, 8 with and 8 without music. Data collection included presurgery assessments of sleep, caffeine intake, subjective stress levels, perceived complexity of the surgery that was to be performed, and NC tasks. Postsurgery subjective stress levels, actual complexity, and surgeon experiences with music were recorded.

While there was a trend toward reduced stress and perceived complexity with music, statistical significance was not reached. NC tasks showed nonsignificant improvement with music, with a significant (at P < 0.001) speed-accuracy trade-off noted in response inhibition.

Music appears to reduce subjective stress and task complexity, influencing neurocognition, particularly through speed-accuracy trade-offs. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and appropriate contexts for use before widespread recommendation.