Full title: The effects of therapeutic instrumental music performance on endurance level, self-perceived fatigue level, and self-perceived exertion of inpatients in physical rehabilitation.

The present study investigated the effects of a Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) sensory-motor rehabilitation technique, Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) as compared to Traditional Occupational Therapy (TOT), on endurance, self-perceived fatigue, and self-perceived exertion of 35 hospitalized patients in physical rehabilitation. The present study attempted to examine whether an active musical experience such as TIMP with musical cueing (i.e., rhythmic auditory cueing) during physical exercises influences one's perception of pain, fatigue, and exertion. All participants were diagnosed with a neurologic disorder or had recently undergone orthopedic surgery. Investigators measured the effects of TOT and TIMP during upper extremity exercise of the less affected or stronger upper extremity. Results showed no significant difference on endurance measures between the 2 treatment conditions (TIMP and TOT). Statistically significant differences were found between TIMP and TOT when measuring their effects on perceived exertion and perceived fatigue. TIMP resulted in significantly less perception of fatigue and exertion levels than TOT. TIMP can be used foran effective sensory-motor rehabilitation technique to decrease perceived exertion and fatigue level of inpatients in physical rehabilitation.

J Music Ther. 2011 Summer;48(2):124-48. Lim HA, Miller K, Fabian C. Sam Houston State University and Huntsville Memorial Hospital, TX, USA.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the history of music therapy research and treatment of children with autism. Understanding such history is important in order to improve clinical efficacy and inform future research. This paper includes a history of autism diagnosis, reviews strengths and limitations of music therapy practice with children with autism from 1940-2009, and suggests direction for future music therapy research and clinical practice with this population. Literature was limited to the English language and obtained with the following search terms: autism, autistic, (early) infantile autism, child, therapeutic music, musical therapy, and music therapy. Table of contents from music therapy journals were searched, and reference lists from obtained articles were perused for additional articles. This historical review focused primarily on journal articles, however, books and book chapters that appeared to hold particular historical significance were also included.

J Music Ther. 2011 Summer;48(2):169-207. Reschke-Hernández AE. University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO, USA.

This study seeks to discover stereotypes people may have about different music genres and if these stereotypes are projected onto an individual. Also, the study investigates if music therapy students are more or less biased than non-music majors in this regard. Subjects (N=388) were comprised of student members of the American Music Therapy Association (N=182) and students from a college in the southeastern United States who were not music majors (N=206). Subjects were asked to listen to a recording and complete a short survey. Subjects assigned to the control condition heard only a person reading a script. Subjects assigned to one of the four experimental conditions heard the same recording mixed with background music and ambient crowd noise, intended to simulate a live performance. Subjects were asked to rate the person in the recording on personality descriptors and predict demographic information in the survey. Many of the survey responses were significantly affected by the genre of music. For example, it was shown that when in the presence of rap or country music, all subjects rated the personality of the person in the recording significantly more negative than when in the presence of classical, jazz, or no music. There were no significant differences between the groups for any variable or condition when comparing survey responses between college students and AMTA student members.

J Music Ther. 2011 Summer;48(2):208-25. Lastinger DL 5th. The Florida State University, FL, USA.

Patients awaiting surgical procedures often experience anxiety in anticipation of events that are uncomfortable, uncertain, and may include a health risk. High levels of anxiety result in negative physiological manifestations. Sedatives are regularly administered before surgery to reduce patient anxiety. However, sedatives often have negative side effects such as drowsiness and respiratory depression, and may interact with anesthetic agents, prolonging patient recovery and discharge. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to a variety of nonpharmacological interventions for the reduction of preoperative anxiety. Music has been used in different medical fields to meet physiological, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients. It is a relatively inexpensive modality to implement, with low risk of side effects and possible significant benefits. This review was conducted with the intent to educate perianesthesia health care providers regarding the value of music therapy and provide guidelines for implementation, based on a comprehensive review of the literature.

J Perianesth Nurs. 2011 Oct;26(5):323-30. Beccaloni AM.

This paper reviews the use of music as an adjuvant to the control of pain, especially in medical procedures. Surgery causes stress and anxiety that exacerbates the experience of pain. Self-report of and physiological measures on post-surgical patients indicate that music therapy or music stimulation reduces the perception of pain, both alone and when part of a multimodal pain management program, and can reduce the need for pharmaceutical interventions. However, multimodal pain therapy, including non-pharmacological interventions after surgery, is still rare in medical practice. We summarize how music can enhance medical therapies and can be used as an adjuvant with other pain-management programs to increase the effectiveness of those therapies. As summarized, we currently know that musical pieces chosen by the patient are commonly, but not always, more effective than pieces chosen by another person. Further research should focus both on finding the specific indications and contra-indications of music therapy and on the biological and neurological pathways responsible for those findings (related evidence has implicated brain opioid and oxytocin mechanisms in affective changes evoked by music). In turn, these findings will allow medical investigators and practitioners to design guidelines and reliable, standardized applications for this promising method of pain management in modern medicine.

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2011 Oct;35(9):1989-99. Bernatzky G, Presch M, Anderson M, Panksepp J. Department of Organismic Biology, Neurosignaling Unit, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.

We present the case of a 74-year-old man with a pulsatile somatosound causing insomnia and day-time irritation. Given the lack of salvation after medical therapy the patient went in search for a solution and found it in a tennis ball and radio. In this case, the somatosound was due to an extracranial arteriovenous malformation, but the differential diagnosis of pulsatile somatosounds is quit extended, ranging form vascular disorders to tumoral processes. This makes these cases challenging for all caretakers.

Acta Chir Belg. 2011 Jul-Aug;111(4):253-5. Deylgat B, Van Lysebeth L, Brugman E, Ceuppens H. Department of Vascular and Thoracic surgery, AZ Groeninge Kortrijk, Belgium. bert.deylgat@hotmail.com

Full Title: Effects of music therapy on anxiety of patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

ABSTRACT: Aim. This paper is a report of a clinical trial of the effects of music therapy on anxiety of female breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy. Background. There is insufficient evidence on the effects of music therapy on state anxiety of breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy. Methods. A Hall's Core, Care, and Cure Model-based clinical trial was conducted in 120 female breast cancer patients from March to November 2009. A randomized controlled design was utilized. The patients were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n = 60) received music therapy in addition to routine nursing care, and the control group (n = 60) only received routine nursing care. A standardized questionnaire and the State Anxiety Inventory were applied. The primary endpoint was the state anxiety score measured at pretest (on the day before radical mastectomy) and at three post-tests (on the day before patients were discharged from hospital, the second and third time of admission to hospital for chemotherapy respectively). Results. The pretest score revealed that the majority of the patients had a moderate level (77•5%) and 15% had severe level of state anxiety. The repeated-measure ancova model analysis indicated that the mean state anxiety score was significantly lower in the experimental group than those in the control group at each of the three post-test measurements. The mean difference between the experimental and control group together with 95% confidence intervals were -4•57 (-6•33, -2•82), -8•91 (-10•75, -7•08) and -9•69 (-11•52, -7•85) at the 1st post-test, 2nd post-test and 3rd post-test respectively. Conclusion. Music therapy is found to have positive effects on decreasing state anxiety score.

J Adv Nurs. 2011 Oct 6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05824.x. Li XM, Zhou KN, Yan H, Wang DL, Zhang YP. Xiao-Mei Li PhD RN Associate Professor, Dean Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China Kai-Na Zhou MSc RN Assistant Researcher Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China Hong Yan PhD Professor Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China Duo-Lao Wang PhD Professor Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK Yin-Ping Zhang PhD RN Associate Professor Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.

Music performance anxiety (MPA) affects many individuals independent of age, gender, experience, and hours of practice. In order to prevent MPA from happening or to alleviate it when it occurs, a review of the literature about its prevention and treatment was done. Forty-four articles, meeting evidence-based medicine (EBM) criteria, were identified and analyzed. Performance repertoire should be chosen based on the musician's skill level, and it should be practiced to the point of automaticity. Because of this, the role of music teachers is essential in preventing MPA. Prevention is the most effective method against MPA. Several treatments (psychological as well as pharmacological) have been studied on subjects in order to determine the best treatment for MPA. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) seems to be the most effective, but further investigation is desired. Some musicians, in addition to CBT, also take beta-blockers; however, these drugs should only be prescribed occasionally after analyzing the situation and considering the contraindications and possible side effects. Despite these conclusions, more randomized studies with larger, homogeneous groups of subjects would be desirable (according to the EBM criteria), as well as support for the necessity of both MPA prevention and optimized methods of treatment when it does occur.

Med Probl Perform Art. 2011 Sep;26(3):164-71. Brugués AO. Prat de la Riba, 84 7°-4, 25004 Lleida, Spain. Tel +34 626203052. youns84@hotmail.com.

Individuals who experience stroke undergo a critical rehabilitation process with the aid of professionals including physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as primary care from nursing staff. However, the extent of the role that music can play in facilitating the rehabilitation process is unknown. Board-certified music therapists are employed in several capacities within the rehabilitation environment. There is a need for nursing professionals in this area to better understand the role a music therapist may play and how they can assist clients in using music in a therapeutically beneficial way. The purpose of this article is to educate nurses about music therapy and provide evidence for the therapeutic use of music in the rehabilitation setting for victims of stroke.

Rehabil Nurs. 2011 Sep-Oct;36(5):200-4, 215. Knight AJ, Wiese N. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA. Andrew.knight@und.edu

Full Title: Effects of music therapy on depression and duration of hospital stay of breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains the most important cancer among women worldwide. The disease itself and treatment may have a profound impact on the patients' psychological well being and quality of life. Depression is common in breast cancer patients and affects the therapeutic effects as well as prolongs the duration of hospital stay. However, few studies reported the effectiveness of music therapy on depression and duration of hospital stay of female patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty subjects were recruited to this clinical trial and randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental group (n = 60) received music therapy on the basis of routine nursing care, whereas the control group (n = 60) only received the routine nursing care. The whole intervention time was from the first day after radical mastectomy to the third time of admission to hospital for chemotherapy. Data of demographic characteristics and depression were collected by using the General Questionnaire and Chinese version of Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) respectively. One pre-test (the day before radical mastectomy) and three post-tests (the day before discharge from hospital, the second and third admission to hospital for chemotherapy) were utilized. Duration of hospital stay was calculated from the first day after radical mastectomy to the day of discharged from hospital. RESULTS: The mean depression score of all subjects was 37.19 ± 6.30. Thirty-six cases (30%) suffered from depression symptoms, with 26 (72.2%) mild depression cases, 9 (25.0%) moderate depression cases, and 1 (2.8%) severe depression case. After music therapy, depression scores of the experimental group were lower than that of the control group in the three post-tests, with significant differences (F = 39.13, P < 0.001; F = 82.09, P < 0.001). Duration of hospital stay after radical mastectomy of the experimental group ((13.62 ± 2.04) days) was shorter than that of the control group ((15.53 ± 2.75) days) with significant difference (t = -4.34, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy has positive effects on improving depression of female patients with breast cancer, and duration of hospital stay after radical mastectomy can be reduced. It is worthy of applying music therapy as an alternative way of nursing intervention in clinical nursing process of caring female patients with breast cancer.

Chin Med J (Engl). 2011 Aug;124(15):2321-7. Zhou KN, Li XM, Yan H, Dang SN, Wang DL. School of Nursing, Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of music therapy on anxiety, postoperative pain and physiological reactions to emotional and physical distress in patients undergoing spinal surgery. BACKGROUND: Surgery-related anxiety and pain are the greatest concern of surgical patients, especially for those undergoing major procedures. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study design was conducted in a medical centre in Taiwan from April-July 2006. METHODS: Sixty patients were recruited. The study group listened to selected music from the evening before surgery to the second day after surgery. The control group did not listen to music. Patients' levels of anxiety and pain were measured with visual analogue scales (VAS). Physiological measures, including heart rate, blood pressure and 24-hour urinalysis, were performed. Results: The average age of the 60 patients was 62·18 (SD 18·76) years. The mean VAS score for degree of anxiety in the study group was 0·8-2·0, compared with 2·1-5·1 in the control group. The mean VAS score for degree of pain in the study group was 1·7-3·0, compared with 4·4-6·0 in the control group. The differences between the two groups in VAS scores for both anxiety (p = 0·018-0·001) and pain (p = 0·001) were statistically significant. One hour after surgery, the mean blood pressure was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p = 0·014), but no significant differences were found between the two groups in urine cortisol (p = 0·145-0·495), norepinephrine (p = 0·228-0·626) or epinephrine values (p = 0·074-0·619). CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy has some positive effects on levels of anxiety and pain in patients undergoing spinal surgery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Complementary music therapy can alleviate pain and anxiety in patients before and after spinal surgery.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Apr;20(7-8):960-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03452.x. Epub 2011 Feb 15. Lin PC, Lin ML, Huang LC, Hsu HC, Lin CC. School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. pclin02@gmail.com

Full title: The effect of music therapy on physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate if relaxing music is an effective method of reducing the physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. BACKGROUND: Few studies have focused on the effect of music on physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. DESIGN: A study-case-control, experimental repeated measures design was used. METHOD: Sixty patients aged 18-70 years, receiving mechanical ventilatory support and hospitalised in the intensive care unit, were taken as a convenience sample. Participants were randomised to a control group or intervention group, who received 60 minutes of music therapy. Classical music was played to patients using media player (MP3) and headphones. Subjects had physiological signs taken immediately before the intervention and at the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention. Physiological signs of anxiety assessed in this study were mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in blood measured by pulse oxymetry. Data were collected over eight months in 2006-2007. RESULTS: The music group had significantly lower respiratory rates, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, than the control group. This decrease improved progressively in the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention, indicating a cumulative dose effect. CONCLUSION: Music can provide an effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological responses arising from anxiety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: As indicated by the results of this study, music therapy can be supplied to allay anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Nurses may include music therapy in the routine care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Apr;20(7-8):1026-34. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03434.x. Epub 2011 Feb 16. Korhan EA, Khorshid L, Uyar M. Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, School of Nursing, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. akinesra80@hotmail.com

Full title: A randomised controlled trial of the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on chemotherapy-induced anxiety.

AIMS: To determine the effect of music therapy and verbal relaxation on state anxiety and anxiety-induced physiological manifestations among patients with cancer before and after chemotherapy. BACKGROUND: Cancer and its treatment provoke a series of changes in the emotional sphere of the patient's anxiety. Music therapy and verbal relaxation had reported the anxiety reduction effect on patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Few studies have been undertaken comparing music therapy and verbal relaxation in differentiating high-normal state anxiety subsample. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial and permuted block design were used. Outpatient chemotherapy clinic operated by a University medical centre in southern Taiwan. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients were randomised into three groups: the music therapy group received one-hour single music session; the verbal relaxation group received 30 minutes of guided relaxation; the control group received usual care. Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Instrument, Emotional Visual Analog Scale, three biobehavioural indicators: skin temperature, heart rate and consciousness level were measured during and after chemotherapy. RESULT: Music therapy had a greater positive effect on postchemotherapy anxiety than verbal relaxation and control groups and a significantly increase in skin temperature. Patients with high state anxiety receiving music therapy had a greater drop in postchemotherapy anxiety than did the normal state anxiety subsample. CONCLUSIONS: Both music and verbal relaxation therapy are effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced anxiety. Thirty minutes of intervention initiates anxiety reduction. Patients with high state anxiety receiving chemotherapy obtain the most benefit from music or verbal relaxation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Prior to chemotherapy, patients with high state anxiety must be sorted from all patients as they are more responsive to interventions. Oncology nurses can offer music and verbal relaxation as adjuvant interventions to reduce chemotherapy-induced anxiety and enhance the quality of care.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Apr;20(7-8):988-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03525.x. Lin MF, Hsieh YJ, Hsu YY, Fetzer S, Hsu MC. Department of Nursing, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.

Aim: Infantile colic is a prevalent and distressing condition for which there is no proven standard therapy. The aim of this paper is to review medical and conventional treatments for infantile colic. Methods: A systematic literature review was undertaken of studies on medical and conventional interventions for infantile colic from 1980 to March 2009. The results and methodological rigour of included studies were analysed using the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) 2001 statement checklist and Centre for Evidence Based Medicine critical appraisal tools. Results: Nineteen studies and two literature reviews were included for review. Pharmacological studies on Simethicone gave conflicting results and with Dicyclomine hydrochloride and Cimetropium bromide results were favourable but side effects were noted along with issues in study methodology. Some nutritional studies reported favourable results for the use of hydrolysed formulas in bottle-fed infants or low-allergen maternal diets in breastfed infants but not for the use of additional fibre or lactase. There were several issues in regards to methodological rigour. Behavioural studies on the use of increased stimulation gave unfavourable results, whereas results from the use of decreased stimulation and contingent music were favourable. These studies demonstrated poor methodological rigour. Conclusion: There is some scientific evidence to support the use of a casein hydrolysate formula in formula-fed infants or a low-allergen maternal diet in breastfed infants with infantile colic. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of Simethicone, Dicyclomine hydrochloride, Cimetropium bromide, lactase, additional fibre or behavioural interventions. Further research of good methodological quality on low-allergenic formulas and maternal diets is indicated.

J Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Apr 7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2011.02061.x. Hall B, Chesters J, Robinson A. Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Moe, Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Music therapy has previously been found to be effective in the treatment of depression but the studies have been methodologically insufficient and lacking in clarity about the clinical model employed. AIMS: To determine the efficacy of music therapy added to standard care compared with standard care only in the treatment of depression among working-age people. METHOD: Participants (n = 79) with an ICD-10 diagnosis of depression were randomised to receive individual music therapy plus standard care (20 bi-weekly sessions) or standard care only, and followed up at baseline, at 3 months (after intervention) and at 6 months. Clinical measures included depression, anxiety, general functioning, quality of life and alexithymia. Trial registration: ISRCTN84185937. RESULTS: Participants receiving music therapy plus standard care showed greater improvement than those receiving standard care only in depression symptoms (mean difference 4.65, 95% CI 0.59 to 8.70), anxiety symptoms (1.82, 95% CI 0.09 to 3.55) and general functioning (-4.58, 95% CI -8.93 to -0.24) at 3-month follow-up. The response rate was significantly higher for the music therapy plus standard care group than for the standard care only group (odds ratio 2.96, 95% CI 1.01 to 9.02). CONCLUSIONS: Individual music therapy combined with standard care is effective for depression among working-age people with depression. The results of this study along with the previous research indicate that music therapy with its specific qualities is a valuable enhancement to established treatment practices.

Br J Psychiatry. 2011 Apr 7. Erkkilä J, Punkanen M, Fachner J, Ala-Ruona E, Pöntiö I, Tervaniemi M, Vanhala M, Gold C. University of Jyväskylä, Finland.

Full title: Effects of music therapy on pain among female breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy: results from a randomized controlled trial.

Music therapy has been used in multiple health care settings to reduce patient pain, anxiety, and stress. However, few available studies have investigated its effect on pain among breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of music therapy on pain reduction in patients with breast cancer after radical mastectomy. This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Surgical Department of Oncology Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from March to November 2009. A total of 120 breast cancer patients who received Personal Controlled Analgesia (PCA) following surgery (mastectomy) were randomly allocated to two groups, an intervention group and a control group (60 patients in each group). The intervention group accepted music therapy from the first day after radical mastectomy to the third admission to hospital for chemotherapy in addition to the routine nursing care, while the control group received only routine nursing care. Pain scores were measured at baseline and three post-tests using the General Questionnaire and Chinese version of Short-Form of McGill Pain Questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the change in the Pain Rating Index (PRI-total) score from baseline. Music therapy was found to reduce the PRI-total score in the intervention group significantly compared with the control group with a mean difference (95% CI) of -2.38 (-2.80, -1.95), -2.41 (-2.85, -1.96), and -1.87 (-2.33, -1.42) for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd post-tests, respectively. Similar results were found for Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Present Pain Intensity (PPI) scores. The findings of the study provide some evidence that music therapy has both short- and long-term positive effects on alleviating pain in breast cancer patients following radical mastectomy.

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011 May 3. Li XM, Yan H, Zhou KN, Dang SN, Wang DL, Zhang YP. Department of Nursing, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.

Full title: Music therapy may increase breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of music therapy on breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns. METHOD: In this open randomized controlled trial, mothers of premature neonates weighting = 1,750 g were submitted to music therapy sessions three times a week for 60 minutes. The endpoints were breastfeeding rates at the moment of infant hospital discharge and at follow-up visits (7-15 days, 30 and 60 days after discharge). RESULTS: A total of 94 mothers (48 in the music therapy group and 46 in the comparison group) were studied. Breastfeeding was significantly more frequent in the music therapy group at the first follow-up visit [relative risk (RR) = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.01-1.57; p = 0.03; number needed to treat (NNT) = 5.6]. Moreover, this group showed higher breastfeeding rates at the moment of infant discharge (RR = 1.22; 95%CI = 0.99-1.51; p = 0.06; NNT = 6.3) and at days 30 and 60 after discharge (RR = 1.21; 95%CI = 0.73-5.6; p = 0.13 and RR = 1.28; 95%CI = 0.95-1.71; p = 0.09, respectively), but those results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that music therapy had a significant effect in increasing breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns at the first follow-up visit, and also a positive influence (although not significant) that lasted up to 60 days after infant discharge. Music therapy may be useful for increasing breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns.

J Pediatr (Rio J). 2011 May-Jun 8;87(3):206-12. Epub 2011 Apr 1. Vianna MN, Barbosa AP, Carvalhaes AS, Cunha AJ. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Full title: The Effect of Music Therapy on Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients' Anxiety, Finger Temperature and Electroencephalography: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients.Methodology. The authors used a randomized clinical trial design and randomly allocated the 24 enrolled participants to the experimental or the control group. Patients in the experimental group received music therapy in a therapy room at a set time for 30 min each morning for 11 days. The authors administered the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and measured skin temperature and brain waves to determine anxiety level before, during, and after music therapy.Results. Experimental group participants had lower scores on the BAI than control participants, after the music therapy (z = -2.0, p < .05) and at 1-week follow-up (z = -2.2, p < .05), indicating that they were experiencing significantly less anxiety. The mean BAI anxiety score fell in the experimental group from 23.9 (SD = 9.9) at baseline to 13.9 (SD = 8.8), after music therapy, and 12.7. (SD = 10.5) at follow-up. The experimental group demonstrated a significant elevation in the average alpha electroencephalographic (EEG) percentage (from 38.1% to 46.7%) and a reduction in the average beta EEG percentage (from 61.9% to 53.4%) after the music therapy. After adjusting for change in patient finger temperature on the first day, mean change in finger temperature did not differ significantly between the experimental and control groups.Conclusions. Music therapy can relieve anxiety in hospitalized psychiatric patients and help them achieve a state of relaxation.

Biol Res Nurs. 2011 May 17. Yang CY, Chen CH, Chu H, Chen WC, Lee TY, Chen SG, Chou KR.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to perform acoustic analysis of environmental sounds used in sound therapy for tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and to evaluate the efficacy of TRT performed by using a portable music player (PMP) with recorded environmental sounds as the sound generator. METHODS: Acoustic analysis of environmental sounds was performed using a sound analyzer. The subjects were 23 patients with chronic tinnitus. Patients who had bilateral hearing loss and required hearing assistance were fitted with hearing aids (HAs). Patients with normal hearing or unilateral hearing loss were fitted with a tinnitus control instrument (TCI) or a PMP. The patients were divided into the PMP group, TCI group, and HA group. All subjects underwent audiometric evaluations prior to TRT and completed the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI). The THI scores were evaluated before treatment and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: The sound spectrogram of the murmur of a stream showed a wide-frequency band with a constant strength, whereas that of a wave sound showed a wide-frequency band with variable strength. The THI score clearly decreased after 1 month, and this decrease tended to continue over 12 months. The TRT efficacy ratios in the PMP group, TCI group, and HA group at 12 months after treatment were 71%, 67%, and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TRT using a PMP had efficacy similar to those of TCI and HA. The murmur of a stream was one of the most effective sounds in TRT. TRT using a PMP as the sound generator can provide the most cost-effective treatment option for tinnitus patients.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2011 May 19. Fukuda S, Miyashita T, Inamoto R, Mori N. Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.

This paper is designed to provide an introduction to music therapy in the continuum of cancer care. The value and use of music therapy during diagnosis and treatment, palliation, hospice, actively dying, and bereavement have been well documented. The music therapy process will be identified, research will be shared, and the importance and role of music therapy in palliative medicine and supportive cancer care discussed. Music therapy is invaluable throughout the entire cancer treatment process.

Semin Oncol. 2011 Jun;38(3):403-6. Gallagher LM. The Cleveland Clinic Arts and Medicine Institute, Cleveland, OH; Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine (a World Health Organization Demonstration Project), Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH.

Full title: Exploring nursing staff's attitudes and use of music for older people with dementia in long-term care facilities.

Aims. This study aimed to explore nursing staff's attitudes and use of music for older people with dementia in long-term care facilities. Background. Music has shown positive outcomes in managing behavioural symptoms of older people with dementia. Older people living in long-term care facilities often do not have access to trained music therapists. Nursing staff provide the majority of direct care for institutionalised older people with dementia, therefore, will be the most appropriate personnel to learn and implement music therapy for those with dementia. To date, no studies have explored nursing staff's attitudes and use of music for those with dementia. Design. A cross-sectional research design was used. Methods. A convenience sample of 285 nursing staff caring for those with dementia in long-term care facilities in Taiwan were recruited. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire consisted of items exploring nursing staff's attitude and use of music for those with dementia. A total of 214 participants completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 75·1%. Results. Most nursing staff held positive attitudes towards use of music for older people with dementia (mean = 84·89, range 23-115), but only 30·6% (n = 66) had used music for those with dementia in practice. The majority perceived that they had limited knowledge and skills about use of music (72·9%). Over half of the participants reported that they lacked resources and time to implement music therapy in practice. Conclusions. Nursing staff need more formal training to use music for those with dementia. Nursing staff can be the suitable personnel to learn easily and implement music therapy as a part of routine activity programmes for those with dementia. Relevance to clinical practice. Appropriately trained nursing staff in long-term care facilities who use music therapy may help improve the mental health of older people with dementia.

J Clin Nurs. 2011 Jun;20(11-12):1776-1783. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03633.x. Epub 2011 May 5. Sung HC, Lee WL, Chang SM, Smith GD. Authors: Huei-Chuan Sung, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology & Tzu Chi University and Supervisor, Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi Medical Centre; Wen-Li Lee, MSc, Senior Lecturer, Department of Radiological Technology, Tzu Chi College of Technology; Shu-Min Chang, MSN, RN, Senior Lecturer, Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi College of Technology, Hualien, Taiwan; Graeme D Smith, BA, PhD, RGN, Senior Lecturer, Nursing Studies, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Full title: Nonpharmacological interventions to manage common symptoms in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation can experience symptoms such as pain, anxiety, agitation, and lack of sleep while in the intensive care unit, all of which can affect healing. Nonpharmacological complementary therapies can be used as adjuncts to sedatives and analgesics. By incorporating appropriate use of complementary therapies in conjunction with mainstream medical therapies, nurses can decrease patients' anxiety, promote sleep, and promote a healing environment to improve outcomes. Minimizing noise and providing access to natural light help promote a healing environment. Methods to promote sleep include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and massage and communication with patients' and their families to determine the patients' normal sleep patterns. Complementary therapies to relieve anxiety and agitation include music intervention, imagery, presence, and animal-assisted therapy.

Crit Care Nurse. 2011 Jun;31(3):19-28. Tracy MF, Chlan L.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the effectiveness of group music intervention against agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia. METHODS: This was an experimental study using repeated measurements. Subjects were elderly persons who suffered from dementia and resided in nursing facilities. In total, 104 participants were recruited by permuted block randomization and of the 100 subjects who completed this study, 49 were in the experimental group and 51 were in the control group. The experimental group received a total of twelve 30-min group music intervention sessions, conducted twice a week for six consecutive weeks, while the control group participated in normal daily activities. In order to measure the effectiveness of the therapeutic sessions, assessments were conducted before the intervention, at the 6th and 12th group sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention. Longitudinal effects were analyzed by means of generalized estimating equations (GEEs). RESULTS: After the group music therapy intervention, the experimental group showed better performance at the 6th and 12th sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention based on reductions in agitated behavior in general, physically non-aggressive behavior, verbally non-aggressive behavior, and physically aggressive behavior, while a reduction in verbally aggressive behavior was shown only at the 6th session. CONCLUSIONS: Group music intervention alleviated agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia. We suggest that nursing facilities for demented elderly persons incorporate group music intervention in routine activities in order to enhance emotional relaxation, create inter-personal interactions, and reduce future agitated behaviors.

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Jul;26(7):670-8. doi: 10.1002/gps.2580. Epub 2010 Jul 29. Lin Y, Chu H, Yang CY, Chen CH, Chen SG, Chang HJ, Hsieh CJ, Chou KR. Graduate Institute of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Centrifuge training is an important method of improving the hypergravity tolerance of pilots, cosmonauts, and Chinese astronauts. However, the concomitants of tension or anxiety often impede training. Guided imagery (GI), a mind-body relaxation technique, provides a behavioral and cognitive means whereby individuals are able to exert control over the focus of attention. This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of GI for reducing stress in centrifuge training.

METHODS: There were 12 healthy young men who were randomly assigned to a GI group or music group. We measured changes in heart rate during centrifuge training, in heart rate variability before and after centrifuge training, and also evaluated relaxation and anxiety in three phases: before intervention, after intervention, and following centrifuge training.

RESULTS: The change in the pattern of anxiety was different in the two groups over the three phases. Anxiety (measured by State Anxiety Inventory) in the GI group changed from 31.7 +/- 5.9 to 26.8 +/- 2.6 and 27.8 +/- 4.1, whereas for the music group this changed from 32.2 +/- 7.6 to 31.2 +/- 8.3 and 26.8 +/- 6.8. During centrifuge training, the maximal HR for the GI group (101.2 +/- 8.8) was lower than that of the music group (123.0 +/- 19.1). In addition GI showed a decrease in low frequency (LF, 0.04-0.15 Hz) components and an increase in high frequency (HF, 0.15-0.4 Hz) components before and after centrifuge training.

CONCLUSION: GI was capable of decreasing tension, anxiety, and sympathetic nervous system activity pre- or post-centrifugation.

Aviat Space Environ Med. 2011 Feb;82(2):92-6. Jing X, Wu P, Liu F, Wu B, Miao D. State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China.

FULL TITLE: Home-based music therapy--a systematic overview of settings and conditions for an innovative service in healthcare.

BACKGROUND: Almost every Western healthcare system is changing to make their services more centered around out-patient care. In particular, long-term or geriatric patients who have been discharged from the hospital often require home-based care and therapy. Therefore, several programs have been developed to continue the therapeutic process and manage the special needs of patients after discharge from hospital. Music therapy has also moved into this field of healthcare service by providing home-based music therapy (HBMT) programs. This article reviews and summarizes the settings and conditions of HBMT for the first time. METHODS: The following databases were used to find articles on home-based music therapy: AMED, CAIRSS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PSYNDEX. The search terms were "home-based music therapy" and "mobile music therapy". Included articles were analyzed with respect to participants as well as conditions and settings of HBMT. Furthermore, the date of publication, main outcomes, and the design and quality of the studies were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 20 international publications, 11 clinical studies and nine reports from practice, mainly from the United States (n = 8), were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. Six studies had a randomized controlled design and included a total of 507 patients. The vast majority of clients of HBMT are elderly patients living at home and people who need hospice and palliative care. Although settings were heterogeneous, music listening programs played a predominant role with the aim to reduce symptoms like depression and pain, or to improve quality of life and the relationship between patients and caregivers as primary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to show that HBMT is an innovative service for future healthcare delivery. It fits with the changing healthcare system and its conditions but also meets the therapeutic needs of the increasing number of elderly and severely impaired people. Apart from music therapists, patients and their families HBMT is also interesting as a blueprint for home based care for other groups of caregivers.

BMC Health Serv Res. 2010 Oct 14;10:291. Schmid W, Ostermann T. The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases DZNE, Witten, Germany.

There has been much written to support music therapy as an adjunct in managing pain and anxiety in palliative care patients in Western societies, but little written on its use in developing countries. In light of increasing numbers of terminally ill patients in Tanzania owing to HIV/AIDS and cancer, limited access to opioids, and a growing interest in palliative care support, this study looks at the application of music in this context. The study reviews the history and principles of therapeutic music and outlines its role in palliative care. A qualitative study was conducted by questionnaire of 17 professionals involved in home-based palliative care in Tanzania. Findings include beliefs about the power of music, how music is being used to bring comfort to the dying patient, and the most important aspects of helpful music to many Tanzanian palliative care patients. Music can powerfully affect body, mind and spirit. It is vocal music, which is an accepted therapeutic music tool used to bring comfort to the palliative care patient and their family members. Finally, music is an active and participatory activity in Tanzanian culture, even for the dying.

Int J Palliat Nurs. 2010 Oct;16(10):499-504. Hartwig R. hartwig@gmail.com

FULL TITLE: The effectiveness of music in pediatric healthcare: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of music on pediatric health-related outcomes. Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled/crossover trial designs published between 1984 and 2009. Eligible studies used music as a therapy or intervention, included participants 1 to 18 years, and focused on at least one health-related outcome (with the exclusion of procedural pain). Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative synthesis was hampered by an inability to aggregate data arising from heterogeneity of interventions, outcomes and measurement tools. Qualitative synthesis revealed significant improvements in one or more health outcomes within four of seven trials involving children with learning and developmental disorders; two of three trials involving children experiencing stressful life events; and four of five trials involving children with acute and/or chronic physical illness. No significant effects were found for two trials involving children with mood disorders and related psychopathology. These findings offer limited qualitative evidence to support the effectiveness of music on health-related outcomes for children and adolescents with clinical diagnoses. Recommendations for establishing a consensus on research priorities and addressing methodological limitations are put forth to support the continued advancement of this popular intervention.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:464759. Treurnicht Naylor K, Kingsnorth S, Lamont A, McKeever P, Macarthur C. Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada M4G 1R8.

FULL TITLE: Effects of music therapy on subjective sensations and heart rate variability in treated cancer survivors: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Data on the effects of music therapy on subjective sensations and the physiological parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) in treated cancer survivors are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not music therapy affects the sensations of fatigue, comfort, and relaxation in cancer survivors, and affects the activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as indicated by HRV parameters. METHODS: Twenty-three patients aged 30-67 years and with cancer that had been treated at least 6 months previously received music therapy for about 2h, which included singing, listening to music, learning the recorder, and performing music. Subjective sensations and electrocardiogram were recorded before and after the music therapy. The low-frequency and high-frequency components of HRV were assessed by the frequency analysis of sequential R wave to R wave intervals of electrocardiogram obtained from 5-min recordings. Subjective sensations were quantitatively assessed using a visual analog mood scale. RESULTS: Two hours of music therapy significantly increased relaxation sensations and significantly decreased fatigue sensation in treated cancer survivors. Moreover, the HRV parameters showed that parasympathetic nervous system activity increased and sympathetic nervous system activity decreased. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that music therapy may be clinically useful for promoting relaxation sensation and increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity in treated cancer survivors.

Complement Ther Med. 2010 Oct;18(5):224-6. Chuang CY, Han WR, Li PC, Young ST. Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. g39304001@ym.edu.tw

FULL TITLE: Efficacy of music therapy treatment based on cycles of sessions: a randomised controlled trial.

We undertook a randomised controlled trial to assess whether a music therapy (MT) scheme of administration, including three working cycles of one month spaced out by one month of no treatment, is effective to reduce behavioural disturbances in severely demented patients. Sixty persons with severe dementia (30 in the experimental and 30 in the control group) were enrolled. Baseline multidimensional assessment included demographics, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index and Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI) for all patients. All the patients of the experimental and control groups received standard care (educational and entertainment activities). In addition, the experimental group received three cycles of 12 active MT sessions each, three times a week. Each 30-min session included a group of three patients. Every cycle of treatment was followed by one month of wash-out. At the end of this study, MT treatment resulted to be more effective than standard care to reduce behavioural disorders. We observed a significant reduction over time in the NPI global scores in both groups (F(7,357) = 9.06, p < 0.001) and a significant difference between groups (F(1,51) = 4.84, p < 0.05) due to a higher reduction of behavioural disturbances in the experimental group at the end of the treatment (Cohen's d = 0.63). The analysis of single NPI items shows that delusions, agitation and apathy significantly improved in the experimental, but not in the control group. This study suggests the effectiveness of MT approach with working cycles in reducing behavioural disorders of severely demented patients.

Aging Ment Health. 2010 Nov;14(8):900-4. Raglio A, Bellelli G, Traficante D, Gianotti M, Ubezio MC, Gentile S, Villani D, Trabucchi M. Sospiro Foundation, Cremona, Italy. raglioa@tin.it Comment in: Aging Ment Health. 2010 Nov;14(8):891-9.

It has been reported for more than 100 years that patients with severe nonfluent aphasia are better at singing lyrics than they are at speaking the same words. This observation led to the development of melodic intonation therapy (MIT). However, the efficacy of this therapy has yet to be substantiated in a randomized controlled trial. Furthermore, its underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. The two unique components of MIT are the intonation of words and simple phrases using a melodic contour that follows the prosody of speech and the rhythmic tapping of the left hand that accompanies the production of each syllable and serves as a catalyst for fluency. Research has shown that both components are capable of engaging fronto-temporal regions in the right hemisphere, thereby making MIT particularly well suited for patients with large left hemisphere lesions who also suffer from nonfluent aphasia. Recovery from aphasia can happen in two ways: either through the recruitment of perilesional brain regions in the affected hemisphere, with variable recruitment of right-hemispheric regions if the lesion is small, or through the recruitment of homologous language and speech-motor regions in the unaffected hemisphere if the lesion of the affected hemisphere is extensive. Treatment-associated neural changes in patients undergoing MIT indicate that the unique engagement of right-hemispheric structures (e.g., the superior temporal lobe, primary sensorimotor, premotor and inferior frontal gyrus regions) and changes in the connections across these brain regions may be responsible for its therapeutic effect.

Future Neurol. 2010 Sep;5(5):657-665. Schlaug G, Norton A, Marchina S, Zipse L, Wan CY. Department of Neurology, Music, Neuroimaging & Stroke Recovery Laboratories, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

FULL TITLE: Effect of "developmental speech and language training through music" on speech production in children with autism spectrum disorders.

The study compared the effect of music training, speech training and no-training on the verbal production of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Participants were 50 children with ASD, age range 3 to 5 years, who had previously been evaluated on standard tests of language and level of functioning. They were randomly assigned to one of three 3-day conditions. Participants in music training (n = 18) watched a music video containing 6 songs and pictures of the 36 target words; those in speech training (n = 18) watched a speech video containing 6 stories and pictures, and those in the control condition (n = 14) received no treatment. Participants' verbal production including semantics, phonology, pragmatics, and prosody was measured by an experimenter designed verbal production evaluation scale. Results showed that participants in both music and speech training significantly increased their pre to posttest verbal production. Results also indicated that both high and low functioning participants improved their speech production after receiving either music or speech training; however, low functioning participants showed a greater improvement after the music training than the speech training. Children with ASD perceive important linguistic information embedded in music stimuli organized by principles of pattern perception, and produce the functional speech.

J Music Ther. 2010 Spring;47(1):2-26. Lim HA. Sam Houston State University, USA.

Most medical treatments of Parkinson's disease (PD) are aimed at the reduction of motor symptoms. However, even when motor improvements are evident, patients often report a deterioration of their daily lives. Thus, to achieve a global improvement in personal well-being, not only drugs, but also complementary therapies, such as physical exercise, occupational and speech therapy, and active music therapy, have been used. We hypothesized that theater could reduce clinical disability and improve the quality of life of PD patients (primary end points) more efficiently than other complementary therapies because (1) in order to impersonate a character, patients are forced to regain the control of their bodies; and (2) while being part of a group, patients have a high degree of social interaction. The need to regain the control of their bodies and their social functioning is very likely to deeply motivate patients. To assess this hypothesis, we ran a randomized, controlled, and single-blinded study that lasted 3 years, on 20 subjects affected by a moderate form of idiopathic PD, in stable treatment with L-dopa and L-dopa agonists, and without severe sensory deficits. Ten patients were randomly assigned to an active theater program (in which patients were required to participate), while the others underwent physiotherapy (control group), the most common nonpharmacological treatment for PD rehabilitation. Patients of both groups were evaluated at the beginning of each year, using five clinical rating scales (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS], Schwab and England Scale, Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life [PDQ39] Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). The theater patients showed progressive improvements and, at the end of the third year, they showed significant improvements in all clinical scales. Conversely, the control patients did not exhibit significant ameliorations with time. Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence that active theater, coupled with conventional medical treatments, represents a valid complementary therapeutic intervention for PD treatment.

ScientificWorldJournal. 2010 Nov 16;10:2301-13. Modugno N, Iaconelli S, Fiorlli M, Lena F, Kusch I, Mirabella G. IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.

FULL TITLE: Effect of group music activity as an adjunctive therapy on psychotic symptoms in patients with acute schizophrenia.

The effect of group music activity as an adjunctive therapy on psychotic symptoms was evaluated in 67 patients with schizophrenia from an acute psychiatric ward of a regional hospital in south Taiwan. A pretest-posttest, two-group repeated measures design was used. The experimental group received 50-minute sessions of group musical activity five times a week for 2 weeks in addition to standard care. The severity of psychotic symptoms was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Group music activity significantly reduced the scores in total and subscales of the BPRS in patients with acute schizophrenia.

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2010 Dec;24(6):429-34. Peng SM, Koo M, Kuo JC. Department of Psychiatry, Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Dalin, Chiayi, Taiwan.

Perioperative patient anxiety is a pervasive problem that can have far-reaching effects. Among these effects are increased postoperative pain, increased risk for infection, and longer healing times. Many factors affect perioperative patient anxiety, including the need for surgery, perceived loss of control, fear of postoperative pain, and alteration of body image. This systematic review of current literature was undertaken to identify evidence-based interventions for decreasing patient anxiety in perioperative practice. According to the current research literature, perioperative education and music therapy can be used to successfully reduce surgical patients' anxiety.

AORN J. 2010 Oct;92(4):445-57; quiz 458-60. Bailey L. Inova Fairfax Hospital Ambulatory Surgery Center, Fairfax, VA, USA.

FULL TITLE: Music therapy protocol development to enhance swallowing training for stroke patients with dysphagia.

Considering the devastating condition of dysphagia, it is necessary to provide intensive therapeutic regimen based on interdisciplinary approach. In this aspect, music-enhanced swallowing protocol was developed through a pilot study. Then, the modified protocol from a pilot study was examined with 8 stroke patients in a local hospital. The protocol was designed to improve oral motor control, laryngeal elevation, breathing, and swallowing functions. The dependent variables measured included reflex, respiration, and laryngeal functions using the Frenchay Dysarthria assessment. Results from the initial to the midevaluation showed that pitch in the laryngeal category were statistically significant after 6th sessions. After the 12th session, when the final evaluation was compared with the initial assessment, additional categories revealed statistically significant changes. It is recommended that this study should be replicated with a control group and a larger sample using either FEES or video fluoroscopy for scientific data to further substantiate music therapy outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.

J Music Ther. 2010 Summer;47(2):102-19. Kim SJ. Myongji University, Seoul, Korea.

FULL TITLE: The effect of preferred music on mood and performance in a high-cognitive demand occupation.

Mild positive affect has been shown in the psychological literature to improve cognitive skills of creative problem-solving and systematic thinking. Individual preferred music listening offers opportunity for improved positive affect. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of preferred music listening on state-mood and cognitive performance in a high-cognitive demand occupation. Twenty-four professional computer information systems developers (CISD) from a North American IT company participated in a 3-week study with a music/no music/music weekly design. During the music weeks, participants listened to their preferred music "when they wanted, as they wanted." Self-reports of State Positive Affect, State Negative Affect, and Cognitive Performance were measured throughout the 3 weeks. Results indicate a statistically significant improvement in both state-mood and cognitive performance scores. "High-cognitive demand" is a relative term given that challenges presented to individuals may occur on a cognitive continuum from need for focus and selective attention to systematic analysis and creative problem-solving. The findings and recommendations have important implications for music therapists in their knowledge of the effect of music on emotion and cognition, and, as well, have important implications for music therapy consultation to organizations.

J Music Ther. 2010 Summer;47(2):137-54. Lesiuk T. University of Miami, USA.

What does music have to do with hypnotherapy and change work? The answer has to do with how powerful music can be – whether guiding a listener in a certain direction or enhancing his or her emotions.

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BACKGROUND: Music therapy is a promising approach widening the potential applications of psychotherapy. Music influences both, psychologic and physiologic parameters, and children are especially responsive to this form of therapy. Many aspects of its action mechanisms remain to be elucidated, underscoring the need for evidence-based medicine (EBM) for clinical use of music therapy. AIMS: This review seeks to highlight some of the issues of music therapy research and to initiate a discussion about the need for international multicenter cooperation to bring scientifically sound evidence of the benefits of music therapy in pediatric patients. METHODS: Scientific bibliographic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials on use of music therapy for children. Identified articles were evaluated according to criteria for scientific quality. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were identified. Most of the trials were biased by the number of participants, and some trials showed the need to improve design of control groups. Indeed, the novelty of this area of study has produced a large number of different studies (with variability in diagnoses, interventions, control groups, duration, and/or outcome parameters), and there is a need for a more homogeneous and systematic approach. Available studies highlight the need to address reproducibility issues. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis identifies the need for a subsequent series of clinical studies on the efficacy of music in the pediatric population, with more focus on eligibility criteria with respect to EBM and reproducibility.

J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Oct;16(10):1089-95. Mrázová M, Celec P. Department of Child Psychiatry, Charles University, 2nd Medical School, Prague, Czech Republic.

The purpose of this study was to examine possible relationships between personality, burnout level, longevity, and demographic variables among professional music therapists. The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) were used to test personality and burnout. Subjects were 137 professional music therapists from all seven American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) regions with an overall average longevity of 17.85 years. The 16PF showed the personality traits that most describe music therapists are emotional sensitivity, reasoning, apprehension, warmth, openness to change, self-reliance, extraversion, anxiety, abstractedness, rule-consciousness, and self-control. Logistic regressions showed that the personality factor of anxiety (p < .007) significantly predicts the MBI-HSS subscale of emotional exhaustion and the personality factor of dominance (p < .01) significantly predicts the MBI-HSS subscale of personal accomplishment. While no personality factor significantly predicts the MBI-HSS subscales of depersonalization, social boldness (p < 0.07) and vigilance (p < .09) strongly contributed to this relationship. Logistic regressions also showed that highest degree earned is significantly (p < .000) predictive of longevity. Since the overall burnout level was in the average range, in essence this study described the profile of music therapists who are staying and thriving in the profession.

J Music Ther. 2010 Summer;47(2):155-79. Vega VP. Loyola University, New Orleans, USA.

FULL TITLE: The efficiency and duration of the analgesic effects of musical therapy on postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was first to find out the effect of music therapy on postoperative analgesia and second to determine the duration of its effect. METHODS: Seventy patients who were undergoing elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups as follows: In Group 1, patients listened to music through a headphone for one hour after surgery, while in Group 2, patients did not listen to any music during the same period. In the postanesthesia care unit, patients were connected to a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) device. The PCA device (tramadol 3 mg/ml) was set to deliver a bolus of 20 mg, with a lockout interval of 15 min and 4-hour maximal dose of 150 mg. Postoperative pain was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and consumption of tramadol was recorded at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in Group 1 with respect to PCA delivery frequency at the 4th hour postoperatively (p<0.05). Concerning the postoperative tramadol consumption, values measured at the 4th hour were significantly lower in Group 1 (p<0.05). The total amount of tramadol consumption and additional analgesic use in the postoperative 24 hours were again lower in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (p<0.05). All VAS values were lower in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggest that music therapy given after surgery decreases postoperative pain in the first 24 hours and the analgesic consumption during the first four hours.

Agri. 2010 Oct;22(4):145-50. Sen H, Yanarate? O, S?zlan A, K?l?ç E, Ozkan S, Da?l? G. Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Haydarpa?a Training Hospital, ?stanbul, Turkey. drhuseyinsen@hotmail.com