New music combination promotes neuroimmune homeostasis and stress relief

Music has been widely used for disease intervention, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. This study explored whether our novel music combination, which is composed of four pieces of music, can promote neuroimmune homeostasis and then relieve stress.

Fifty-five participants were enrolled in the study, and they underwent three separate music therapy sessions or periods of rest. Saliva and blood samples were collected, cognitive task testing was conducted, and electrocardiographic (ECG) data were recorded.

The results showed that our new music combination increased the heart rate variability (HRV) index [RMSSD, PNN20, PNN50, and high-frequency (HF)/NU] while decreasing LF/NU, which suggested restoration of balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and relieved stress. In addition, participants in the music group had lower Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) test results and higher Multiple Object Tracking (MOT) task test results, suggesting increased attention and stress relief. Music therapy also increased the IgA while decreasing cortisol concentrations.

This study reveals that our novel music combination may relieve stress by promoting neuroimmune homeostasis, which sheds new light on the mechanisms of music therapy and suggests new approaches for intervention.