Synchronization of Cardiac and Musical Signals Improves Interoceptive, Cardiac, and Emotional Functioning

The ability to seamlessly integrate sensory information from the environment (exteroception) and physiological states (interoception) is a key aspect of our awareness and well-being. Alterations in these processes often result in uncertainty about bodily states and dysregulation of physiological and emotional processes, as observed in clinical conditions. In this study, we employed an interactive music system as a novel method to improve interoceptive, cardiac, and emotional functioning, combining cardiac biofeedback, mindfulness, and music listening approaches. A sample of 24 healthy participants was divided into three groups, each performing a single-session attention task: heartbeat mindful attention (interoceptive), non-interactive music listening (exteroceptive), and interactive music listening (intero-exteroceptive). Significant differences in interoceptive accuracy after the session were found only in the interactive music listening task. Additionally, all groups exhibited decreased heart rate (HR), enhanced heart rate variability (HRV), and reduced negative affect after the session. Moderation analysis also revealed the role of self-reported interoception, cardiac dynamics, and anxiety and depression symptomatology on the observed effects. Together, our results demonstrated the effectiveness of interactive music systems, suggesting that this approach may facilitate intero-exteroceptive synchronization and one's certainty about bodily states, while also promoting mindful attention and calm emotional and physiological states.