Physiological evidence in support of music intervention in a clinical environment

Abstract

Integrative medicine is the synergistic ability of alternative therapy to complement evidence-based medicine. Therapeutic music can induce changes in mood state and physiology and be useful in stressful clinical environments and in the recovery of patients. In an extensive literature review, experiments recounting the various physiological effects of music were analyzed to support the use of music interventions. Results demonstrated a significant influence on IgA, IL-6, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, growth hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, oxytocin, and prolactin concentrations. By altering autonomic activity and subsequent changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, music influences hemodynamics, alleviates perception of pain and anxiety and reduces the body’s stress response to severe injury. Data retrieved by summarized studies lend support to prescribed music interventions to patients.