Effects of music on relieving pain associated with a compulsory posture

Abstract

To assess the role of music on pain management, we examined effects of music to relieve a pain associated with a compulsory posture. Classical musics, which are recognized to make persons feel well, were chosen in this study. Five healthy adult females kept a supine position for 2 hours without music. Complains, and variations of heart beat and respiration were observed in each individual during the 2 hour experiment. After 5 days or more, these subjects had the same experience with music. Frequency and intensity of complains were significantly diminished by music. Heart rate was not changed by music. Respiration rate was increased in 3 subjects with music. Frequency of irregular respiration was significantly decreased by music. There was a positive correlation between frequency of irregular respiration and number of complaints in subjects kept without music. The present study demonstrated that music is effective to relieve a pain associated with a compulsory posture. Our results suggest that music plays a significant role on pain management in palliative therapy.