Harnessing music therapy and music medicine in chronic respiratory disease management

Treatment options for those living with chronic respiratory disease include non-pharmacological therapies to maximize outcomes. However, some individuals are limited by their symptoms, which inhibit their ability to benefit to an equivalent or expected level. Both music therapy and music medicine are therapeutic approaches which could address these limitations.

This perspective reviews the clinical effects of music therapy and music medicine in chronic respiratory diseases. This considers active music therapy methods of re-creating (group singing), improvisation (instrument playing), receptive music listening and music medicine, with a specific focus at rest and during exercise.

The precise role of music therapy or music medicine as an adjunct to exercise testing or structured exercise programs for people with chronic respiratory disease is unclear. Choice of music (for background or individual use for this purpose) requires input from participants and would benefit from music therapists to guide selection. While preliminary findings of group singing and instrument playing highlight some efficacy, their role in comparison to pulmonary rehabilitation requires further clarification. At present, these music therapy and music medicine approaches can be considered as adjunct therapies which may assist in managing symptoms and improving wellbeing alongside existing management strategies.