Showing papers in "Music and Medicine in 2019"
TL;DR: A review of the latest evidence concerning the impact of music, soundscapes, and noise, on medical outcomes and healthcare provision highlights the importance of the auditory environment, not only for health and well-being, but also in terms of improving patient satisfaction and managing costs.
Abstract: A large and growing body of empirical research now demonstrates the positive impact that music and other auditory stimuli (such as nature soundscapes) can have across the entire spectrum of the healthcare ecosystem. From the point of entry and onward to the operating room/theatre, in the peri-operational environment, patient wards, and medical waiting rooms, music affects all of those who hear it: Patients, their families, surgeons, caregivers, and hospital staff alike. In the age of the “experience economy,” where patients are considered both guests and consumers, private healthcare is increasingly starting to focus on customer satisfaction, and its impact on both financial performance and (not unrelated) health outcomes. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence concerning the impact of music, soundscapes, and noise, on medical outcomes and healthcare provision. We highlight the importance of the auditory (and, ultimately, the multisensory) environment, not only for health and well-being, but also in terms of improving patient satisfaction and managing costs.KEYWORDS: MUSIC; MEDICINE; ATMOSPHERICS; SOUNDSCAPES
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a humanist approach to end-of-life care in which alleviation of suffering and consideration of the specific need of the patient including spiritual care and therapy with music would be desirable to help patients during the dying process.
Abstract: Dying from a terminal illness involves a period of transition throughout which the person deals with multiple losses, including the loss of one’s own life. The awareness of death makes the individual confront spiritual questions that touch the very nature of existence, and music can help intensify that spiritual experience bringing new meaning to the end of life. The reasons why spirituality, religion and music can facilitate the existential quest for meaning and provide an overall improvement of the quality of life at the end of life will be explored, aiming to suggest that a humanist approach to end-of-life care in which alleviation of suffering and consideration of the specific needsof the patient including spiritual care and therapy with music would be desirable to help patients during the dying process.
15 citations
TL;DR: There is potential for music therapy to be offered as a non-pharmacological intervention to assist people in developing music-based resources and strategies for managing chronic pain.
Abstract: This study uses mixed methodology research to examine the use of music in the chronic pain experience. One hundred and seven adult patients attending an outpatient pain clinic at a general hospital completed a patient survey. 91% rated music as somewhat important to them, 69% benefit from music listening and 43% changed their use of music due to chronic pain. 56% of respondents had an interest in availing of music therapy as part of their treatment. Three themes found in the qualitative results (music for relaxation, positive response to music and music for coping) corresponded with the highly rated reasons for listening to music in the quantitative survey (enjoyment, relaxation and tension relief). Music listening was more common than active participation in music. Seven staff members completed surveys on their use of music and thoughts on music therapy in this setting. Staff rated music as very beneficial for people with chronic pain and 100% saw a role for music therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic pain. This study is one of few to map how people with chronic pain use music to self-care and to explore the role of music therapy in a hospital out-patient pain department. It offers potential for music therapy to be offered as a non-pharmacological intervention to assist people in developing music-based resources and strategies for managing chronic pain. Further investigation is recommended.
8 citations
TL;DR: A content analysis of the articles published over the last decade in Music and Medicine is proposed in this article, where new categories for classification are proposed, as well as a keyword cluster analysis performed to glean some understanding of the contents of the 323 articles published in this journal.
Abstract: A content analysis of the articles published over the last decade in Music and Medicine is proposed. This article follows a model, constructed prior by Cheryl Dileo conceived originally 1991, and updated in 2013 [1]. New categories for classification are proposed, as well as a keyword cluster analysis performed to glean some understanding of the contents of the 323 articles published in this journal since its inception in 2009. Keywords: music and medicine, journal, analysis, keyword clusters, categories, classification. multilingual abstract | mmd.iammonline.com
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the role of music in the reduction of negative affect and emotion in individuals who experience trauma, mental illness, or self-destructive behavior, and find that music is a successful tool for modulating overwhelming negative emotion, fostering hope and resilience, and circumventing selfdestructive impulses.
Abstract: This study explores music in the reduction of negative affect and emotion. Focusing on musical behavior in emotion regulation as it relates to trauma, this study investigates three questions: How do conscientious music listening practices impact the regulation of affect and self-harming impulses in individuals who experience trauma, mental illness, or self-destructive behavior? What aspects of musical intensity help alleviate anger, pain, sadness, despair, hopelessness, or suicidal ideation? How do participants use varied listening strategies to regulate and modulate negative affect and emotions? Three case studies of two American females and one male aged 18-26 with history of a diagnosis of general anxiety disorder, borderline personality disorder, prior self-harm or suicidality, complex trauma, and PTSD are presented using a combined ethnographic approach, including survey administration, interviews, and phenomenological exploration. Through the review and thematic analysis of behavior in response to musical interaction both during and following traumatic life events, this study shows music is a successful tool for modulating overwhelming negative emotion, fostering hope and resilience, and circumventing self-destructive impulses. These results reveal potential for future research investigating the role of musical affect-regulation in both trauma recovery and reducing self-destructive behavior.
6 citations
TL;DR: Whether music therapy research differs from music medicine research and, if so, the differences are described and implications for research and practice are discussed.
Abstract: Music medicine studies and music therapy studies in oncology are compared in this research article. The intent is to see whether music therapy research differs from music medicine research and, if so, articulate the differences. The studies referred to in this paper might be most useful in highlighting the strong points of each type of practice. Nine music therapy and eight music medicine quantitative or mixed methods studies were selected as exemplary studies in both areas, using a Delphi process. Studies were then examined and compared regarding number of participants; independent and dependent variables; measures used; findings; number, duration, and frequency of sessions; number of participants; presentation of music; number and length of sessions; whether intervention content and an intervention theory were provided; whether music therapists were included as authors; the types of journals in which articles were published; areas of intervention; and whether CONSORT guidelines were followed. Similarities and differences are discussed, as are implications for research and practice.
6 citations
TL;DR: The current state of knowledge on music therapy for both physical and psychological health, music for the management of pain, and musical interventions for dementia patients are reviewed.
Abstract: Most of what we hear about the connection between music and health is largely anecdotal. The past decade has seen a renewed interest in the connections from researchers conducting rigorous experimental studies. In this broad overview, I will review the current state of knowledge, touching on music therapy for both physical and psychological health, music for the management of pain, and musical interventions for dementia patients.
5 citations
TL;DR: The use of music in design applications is experienced as a positive influence that can facilitate wellbeing for community members, persons with disabilities, medical patients, and healthcare professionals in the workplace.
Abstract: In this paper, we discuss some uncommon settings and roles for music, demonstrating how music can aid in the design and implementation of socially responsible healthcare products that are encouraging, inclusive, and sensitive to critical contexts. We review three music-inspired design cases (CareTunes: Musical Alarms for Critical Care, Music and Senior Exercise, and We Are All Musicians and the Adaptive Use Musical Instrument) in which the authors took part. The literature review and the analysis of the case studies provide us with the following insights: music enhances sensory experiences, facilitates physical engagement with the world, music can guide medical professionals in critical contexts, and music creates social cohesion. All of these projects demonstrate the importance of involving participants (users or performers) in the process to address their life experiences. Thus, the use of music in design applications is experienced as a positive influence that can facilitate wellbeing for community members, persons with disabilities, medical patients, and healthcare professionals in the workplace.
4 citations
TL;DR: A position paper substantiating the recommendation for an integrative approach to evaluate, treat and manage the predictable and/or unpredictable experience of pain in medical procedures so frequently required for infants, children and adult patients.
Abstract: The following is a position paper substantiating the recommendation for an integrative approach to evaluate, treat and manage the predictable and/or unpredictable experience of pain in medical procedures so frequently required for infants, children and adult patients. Although decades of articles in journals and texts support distraction as a recommendation for protecting and diffusing a patient’s experience of procedural pain, the rationale for thorough evaluation followed by suggestions for the provision of integration as a treatment option is described and considered as a best practice intervention.
4 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into challenges faced by 8 music therapy programs across the U.S., and the strategies employed by the respective directors/supervisors, in order to inform other programs facing similar challenges.
Abstract: The business of healthcare has grown exponentially in the past several decades to meet growing expectations of a consumer population subscribing to institutional healthcare. Simultaneously, there has been a growing trend toward holistic lifestyle, and healthier life choices. These culminating factors create greater demand on hospitals to provide services that are inclusive of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment. The provision of integrative treatment options such as music therapy to meet this demand has become a competitive feature of corporate healthcare, yet full integration of music therapy is challenged in a myriad of ways.The purpose of this study was to gain insight into challenges faced by 8 music therapy programs across the U.S., and the strategies employed by the respective directors/supervisors, in order to inform other programs facing similar challenges. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 directors/supervisors of 8 merited programs that either closed or had sustained substantial reduction in programming. Each interview spanned 3 thematic areas of query: Beginnings, Winds of Change, and Retrospective Introspection. Interview content, analyzed using the Listening Guide: A Voice-Centered Relational Method, divulged broad themes of innovation, internal and external burden, and resilience.
3 citations
TL;DR: This report discusses multidisciplinary perspectives on music perception and cognition for CI users, as well as how they can be employed to improve the cochlear implant experience and divides these strategies into two categories—a top-down approach and a bottom-up approach.
Abstract: For over 30 years, cochlear implants (CIs) have been successfully providing sound and speech perception to individuals who suffer from severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Despite many recent advances in CI technology, significant challenges remain for users, including speech perception in noisy environments, identifying vocal emotion, and perhaps most notably, music perception and appreciation. Moreover, pediatric cochlear implant users often demonstrate a slower and more variable language development trajectory compared to their normal hearing peers, which is in part due to the imperfect hearing restoration by these devices. In this brief report, we discuss multidisciplinary perspectives on music perception and cognition for CI users, as well as how they can be employed to improve the cochlear implant experience. We divide these strategies into two categories—a top-down approach (e.g., employing therapeutic measures to help train the CI user’s brain to fully reap the benefits of cochlear implantation) and a bottom-up approach (e.g., improving the auditory input through developing new technology, creating individualized programming strategies, and developing music specifically tailored for CI users). These individualized, yet multidirectional approaches will help create a functionally-integrated system that supports robust processing of complex sounds, which is essential for many everyday tasks.
TL;DR: The characteristics of music to improve sleep quality were slow tempo, small change of rhythm, and moderate pitch variation of melody.
Abstract: Background: Several studies on the effects of music on sleep disorders have demonstrated that music listening can improve sleep quality in patients with sleep disorders. To our knowledge, nevertheless, none of them have elucidated the characteristics of such music itself.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the characteristics of the types of music that improve sleep quality.Methods: In twenty five tracks used in the previous study, we calculated four analysis indicators: scaling exponent of the spectrum of melody's zero-crossings, redundancy of note values, density of notes and tempo.Results: The characteristics of music to improve sleep quality were slow tempo, small change of rhythm, and moderate pitch variation of melody. Based on the results derived from cluster analysis, the music pieces studied were largely categorized into 3 groups. A comparison of these 3 groups showed no significant differences with respect to the scaling exponent of the melody and the density of notes, whereas it showed significant differences with respect to the redundancy of note values and tempo.Conclusions: Our study revealed several characteristics of the types of music that improve sleep quality. The identification of these characteristics contributes to providing personalized music therapy to patients.
TL;DR: The author goes over his many years of experience as an anesthesiologist using music in his practice, and his association with various professionals in music medicine and music therapy.
Abstract: The author goes over his many years of experience as an anesthesiologist using music in his practice, and his association with various professionals in music medicine and music therapy.
TL;DR: The authors incorporated the humanities, including literature, music, and art into the training of postgraduate doctors to remedy tired perspectives and busy working lives, as well as providing new and dynamic ways to learn about and connect with patients on a more profound level.
Abstract: The humanities have recently enjoyed a position in medical school curriculums, but once a graduated doctor, its importance and value appears to diminish in the eyes of the profession. Psychiatry, as the study of the human condition where one must identify the inner worlds of patients, lends itself to creative pursuits encompassing observation and communication. As a specialty, psychiatry continues to suffer stigmatised opinions within the medical profession and poor recruitment across many countries. Incorporating the humanities, including literature, music and art into the training of postgraduate doctors could remedy tired perspectives and busy working lives, as well as providing new and dynamic ways to learn about and connect with patients on a more profound level.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a map of all brain regions involved in the perception, processing and execution of music, and place thalamic multisensory integration at the core of this atlas.
Abstract: Music activates a wide array of brain areas involved in different functions such as perception, processing and execution of music. Understanding musical processes in the brain has multiple implications in the neuro- and health sciences. Challenging the brain with a multisensory stimulus such as music activates responses beyond the auditory cortex of the temporal lobe. Other areas that are involved include the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, areas of the limbic system such as the amygdala, hippocampus and thalamus, the cerebellum and the brainstem. Nonetheless, there has been no attempt to summarize all involved brain areas in music into one overall encompassing map. This may well be, as there has been no thorough theory introduced, which would allow an initial point of departure in creating such a map Therefore, a thorough systematic review has been conducted to identify all mentioned neural connections involved in the perception, processing and execution of music. Communication between the thalamic nuclei is the initial step in multisensory integration, which lies at the base of the neural networks as proposed in this paper. Against this background, this manuscript introduces the to our knowledge first map of all brain regions involved in the perception, processing and execution of music. Consequently, placing thalamic multisensory integration at the core of this atlas allowed us to create a preliminary theory to explain the complexity of music induced brain activation.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored what factors may predict a positive or negative outcome for cognitive enhancement and improved social behaviour after music-supported intervention for patients with cognitive and behavioural deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
Abstract: This article explores what factors may predict a positive or negative outcome for cognitive enhancement and improved social behaviour after music-supported intervention for patients with cognitive and behavioural deficits following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). 7 patients with executive dysfunction following mTBI participated in a music-based intervention. They were in a chronic phase and were either sicklisted or worked part-time. 6 out of 7 participants returned to work post-intervention. Results from neurophysiological tests and fMRI consolidated with enhanced cognitive performance and functional neuroplasticity in orbitofrontal cortex. However, these result were based on quantitative analysis with mean effect and did not give specific information about similarities and divergencies between the participants which may have an impact on the final outcome. The present article applies a case-study methodology and explores behavioural data obtained from the study, not earlier published. This methodology allows an in depth analyse of clinical data, observational data during intervention and data from semi-structured interviews pre-post intervention. Aim of the present article is to develop a systematic treatment strategie of music training to improve cognitive and behavioral domains of functioning in patients with cognitive deficits following mTBI.
TL;DR: The SOAR tool is suggested to be an additional auditory cue delivery tool that PTs could use in the treatment of individuals with PD when auditory cues are deemed appropriate and a MT is not an available member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
Abstract: Parkinson disease (PD) leads to neurological impairments yet the auditory system remains intact. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) and Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE) have been shown to impact gait in PD. Music therapists (MT) can individualize auditory protocols but for a physical therapist (PT) to incorporate PSE into treatment, a new tool is needed. The Synchronized Optimization Auditory Rehabilitation (SOAR) tool is a new software created to simulate PSE techniques and allow for customization depending on the individual’s reaction to the cue. The purposes were to evaluate the validity of the SOAR tool with RAS and the interrater reliability between disciplines’ application of the SOAR tool. Day one - MT measured gait parameters during no cue, RAS, and SOAR tool. Day two - PT measured gait parameters while using the SOAR tool. A moderate to high correlation between RAS and the SOAR tool on gait was found. The interrater reliability between the MT and PT was high. These finding suggest the SOAR tool is an additional auditory cue delivery tool that PTs could use in the treatment of individuals with PD when auditory cues are deemed appropriate and a MT is not an available member of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
TL;DR: The role of motivation, evidence of music-induced affective responding, therapeutic effects of music interventions on mood, physiological and neural correlates, social interaction, music therapy implications for individuals recovering from acquired brain injury, and future directions are explored.
Abstract: Stroke is a prevalent disease, and the leading cause of disability from neurological disorder worldwide. The emotional impact a stroke may have on a person and occurrence of depression can affect their readiness to engage in rehabilitation, their functional outcomes, and their ability to reintegrate socially. Depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Music and music therapy have the potential to access and effect change concurrently in multiple domains, making it a valued method for facilitating non-pharmacological, therapeutic change while supporting a person’s emotional needs. Music therapy interventions may provide motivation for participation in rehabilitation, as well as facilitate goal acquisition in physical, psychosocial, emotional, communicative and cognitive domains. This paper explores the role of motivation, evidence of music-induced affective responding, therapeutic effects of music interventions on mood, physiological and neural correlates, social interaction, music therapy implications for individuals recovering from acquired brain injury, and future directions.
TL;DR: A review of the research on the effectiveness of TLP demonstrates that significant improvements can be found in children's listening, auditory processing, and educational abilities as discussed by the authors, as noted by greater focusing and listening in the classroom, improvements in educational performance on standardized measures, and greater participation in educational activities.
Abstract: Background : Some children cannot tolerate sounds so their systems “shut down” and stop taking in what they hear, or they fight not to listen or run away from listening situations. Research has demonstrated that the underlying problem is not with the children’s auditory systems, but with the connections between the auditory system (listening) and the emotional system leading the children to have over sensitivities to sound and respond with negative emotional reactions when listening 1,2 . One treatment found effective in helping children with hypersensitive hearing is the use of specially recorded and acoustically modified music and sound, such as found in The Listening Program® (TLP) 3 . Following a regiment of daily listening to this music, research has demonstrated significant improvements in listening (called auditory processing) and educational performance as noted by greater focusing and listening in the classroom, improvements in educational performance on standardized measures, and greater participation in educational activities 4,5 . Objective : The purpose of this paper is to discuss TLP describing some of the acoustic methods used to enhance the sound to make it therapeutic for listening. Methods : What specific music was chosen and why that music is used is discussed. An overview of the material and equipment used in TLP training is presented. To demonstrate the effectiveness of TLP training, research completed on children who went through such training is presented as well. Results : Review of the research on the effectiveness of TLP demonstrates that the use of the specially recorded music, significant improvements can be found in children’s listening, auditory processing, and educational abilities.
TL;DR: In this article, a literary metanalysis that defines interoperability and how it applies to music in medicine is presented, and the authors expand the understanding of interoperability to one that includes the integration of music such as music therapy with clinical medicine.
Abstract: This article is a literary metanalysis that defines interoperability and how it applies to music in medicine. Interoperability is of growing importance in the increasingly high-tech medical world whose machines, monitors, and devices more often than not utilize acoustic alarms. Additionally, this article expands the understanding of interoperability to one that includes the integration of music such as music therapy with clinical medicine. Despite barriers pertaining to cost and infrastructure, the future of medicine is even brighter with the continued application of interoperability regarding music.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the ways in which CoMT and El Sistema programs may address the empowerment needs of individuals and communities facing socioeconomic marginalization and suggest how these two approaches may be able to work synergistically to achieve their shared goals.
Abstract: Music is an accessible tool for positive change within people and societies, even in places facing socioeconomic marginalization due to poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. Social capital has to do with the resources and networks available within society, which may help confront issues faced by individuals and communities. Community Music Therapy (CoMT) and the music education movement known as El Sistema both utilize music—understood as social capital—to address social justice. The purpose of this study was to comparatively examine the ways in which CoMT and El Sistema programs may address the empowerment needs of individuals and communities facing socioeconomic marginalization and suggest how these two approaches may be able to work synergistically to achieve their shared goals . Its findings reveal many parallels and divergence between El Sistema and CoMT in terms of the role of the music, program structure, social justice goals, outcomes, music education practice, areas of intersection, existing scholarly research, and criticisms each has received.
TL;DR: This is a critical examination of the diagnosis of syphilis in Schubert's case, a diagnosis for which there has never any medical evidence, and an attempt to challenge it from the epistemological point of view.
Abstract: This is a critical examination of the diagnosis of syphilis in Schubert's case, a diagnosis for which there has never ben any medical evidence. It was a cnjecture made by an art historian at the begining of the twentieth century that has since been uncritically repeated by subsequent biographers and commentators. This is an attempt to challenge it from the epistemological point of view. At the time of Schubert's death, not only were there no tests for this condition, but even its pathogen, Treponema Pallidum, had not yet been isolated. The composer's nonsepcific, multi-system signs and symptoms are compatible with many conditions not yet identified in his time.
TL;DR: The Delphi process that was followed to determine the classification of studies that met inclusion criteria and why this process can be useful to music therapy and music medicine is explained and its applicability to the current topic is discussed.
Abstract: This is the second of two articles comparing music medicine and music therapy studies. The intent was to explore whether music therapy research differs from music medicine research, and if so, to delineate the differences. Studies in oncology were examined. This article describes the Delphi process that was followed to determine the classification of studies that met inclusion criteria. This article also explains why this process can be useful to music therapy and music medicine and discusses its applicability to the current topic. Reasons for and justification for modifications that were made in the Delphi technique are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, a first-year medical student without clinical or therapeutic credentials discusses how collaborative, improvisatory, and informal artworks he created as a music volunteer may assist in recognition and affirmation of one's humanity.
Abstract: In this essay, I engage with issues of shame and social marginalization through “assisted” musical artworks, which combine an individual’s words with my musical accompaniment. Despite being a first-year medical student without clinical or therapeutic credentials, I generate interpretations of how collaborative, improvisatory, and informal artworks I have created as a music volunteer may assist in recognition and affirmation of one’s humanity. I present and discuss one experience in hospice care and its accompanying artwork which reflected the beauty and humanity of an individual I became close to. Additionally, I discuss more broadly how artistic creation may grant agency for people in marginalized social positions to express adverse affective and social states in their own voice. I believe that musical artworks such as these can serve to retain elements of an individual’s life and psychosocial profile that may not be directly medical in nature, but matter greatly transforming how one appraises, expresses, and resists fixed positions of shame and social stigma.