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Studies music after surgery relieves pain and anxiety
Music has a profound effect on our emotions that can also be used for medical purposes, according to a recent research by British research team headed by Catherine Meads of Brunel University in Uxbridge. In their meta-analysis, the scientists examined the effect of music in patients after surgery. They found that the music can be used to alleviate pain and reduce anxiety.
Music is an easy-to-use, non-invasive, safe and cost-effective method of treatment that can be used in a variety of medical settings, the British scientists explain their research approach. As part of the current meta-study, they examined the effect of music on patients after a surgical procedure. The results were published in the journal "The Lancet".
Music can significantly reduce the pain and anxiety after surgery. (Image: Tyler Olson / fotolia.com) Postoperative musical treatment
Based on 73 previous studies with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 458 participants examining the effect of the music after a surgical procedure, the British researchers reviewed the health effects of postoperative musical treatment. In the studies considered, the experimental groups were auditioned via headphones or loudspeakers for different - usually quiet - music, while the control group heard a so-called white noise, explain Catherine Meads and colleagues. Otherwise the treatment of the experimental and control groups did not differ.
Reduced pain and anxiety, improved well-being
The data analysis of the researchers found that the music can reduce the pain and anxiety after surgery. In addition, the use of painkillers in the music patients had been lower and patient satisfaction had increased. Which music was chosen here had no significant effect. Also, the effect could be detected even in patients who were still under anesthesia during the sound. "Music could provide a way to relieve patients' pain and anxiety during the postoperative period," the researchers explain.
Duration of treatment not shortened by music
While the patients profited greatly from the music in terms of pain and anxiety, the duration of their stay in the hospital did not have a positive effect on their musical treatment, the researchers report. A faster recovery can not be achieved with the help of music obviously. However, the use of the music could contribute to a significantly improved well-being of patients during the recovery phase. An employment in hospitals would therefore be quite advantageous. (Fp)