Effects of choral singing on salivary cortisol levels and self-reported stress in university students

Although mental disorders are common among university students, the majority of students with mental health issues do not seek out treatment during their academic life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a novel group approach- choir singing, and its potential impact on stress, via salivary cortisol levels and self-reported stress levels in university students during 4 sessions of choir singing. It was based on a quasi-experimental research conducted with 25 Brazilian university students. Each choir singing session lasted 60 minutes. A question was asked before and after the intervention: what is the level of your stress? Salivary cortisol was collected before and after the intervention. After the choir singing intervention, there was a statistically significant reduction in self-reported stress (p<0.0001) and salivary cortisol levels (p<0.0001). This research suggests that choir singing can reduce the self-reported stress of university students after 4 weeks of follow-up with ∆= 45.83% and salivary cortisol levels in the first week with ∆= 3.57%.

Development of the Caregiver Confidence using Music Scale

Music serves as an important tool to improve the health and wellness of individuals in healthcare settings. In times of high caregiver burnout, therapeutic outlets such as music for care receivers and providers are becoming increasingly important. This paper presents the first iteration of the Caregiver Confidence using Music Scale (CCuMS), an assessment tool designed to evaluate caregivers’ readiness to adopt music care. Music care is defined as the informed and intentional use of music by anyone to improve the quality of care. The CCuMS was derived from a hierarchical cluster analysis of the Music Care Training program’s Level 1 post-evaluation survey (Post-MCTL1). Thematic interpretation of the statistical outputs from the cluster analysis was completed, resulting in the first iteration of the CCuMS. Initial validation methods that were feasible with current data were conducted. Specifically, face validity, content validity and convergent validity were calculated using Pearson correlations. The CCuMS shows promise as a measurement tool for use in healthcare settings due to the moderate correlation between the Post-MCTL1 and the CCuMS scale (r=0.524), and the strong correlation between the music care training thematic questionnaire and the CCuMS (r=0.970).

The impact of music therapy in late-moderate premature infants, on their parents and their environment, in a Spanish neonatal intermediate care unit.

The aim of this study is to determine whether a live music therapy session during parent holding had an effect on physiological and comfort outcomes of late-moderate preterm infants, on their parents, and on the ward environment. This is a quasi-experimental study of a cohort of 44 preterm / adult pairs exposed to a music therapy session in the first two weeks after birth. There were 3 moments of observation (before, during, and after the intervention), at which heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2-sat), the infant’s behavioral-emotional activation level, and the environmental response were measured. A statistically significant increase was observed in O2-sat (p<.001) after the intervention, as well as a decrease in HR (p<.001). Personal and environmental stress was observed to decrease (p<.001). A music therapy session in the Neonatal Unit at the time of interaction between parents and premature infants was found to be useful in reducing stress and promoted a positive interaction between parents and infants.

Hearing the Music in COVID-19’s Medically-Induced Coma: An Interview with Dr. William C. Banfield

In this interview of Dr. William Banfield by music therapist, Dr. Suzanne Hanser, Banfield describes his diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. While in a medically-induced coma, Banfield heard the music that his wife brought to the hospital, and the music became a vital part of the dreams and nightmares he experienced during his 17 days in a coma (April 4-20, 2020). Dr. Banfield describes how this affected his life and shares lessons about music and meaning.

A web app based-music intervention (MUSIC-CARE) reduces sedative requirement and anxiety during coronary angioplasty

Coronary angiography is a procedure in which patients tend to present with a moderately high level of stress and anxiety. The present investigation sought to examine the impact of a patient controlled music listening intervention by mobile application (Music-Care) on sedative consumption as primary endpoint, and on pain, anxiety and satisfaction levels. This is a prospective non-randomized controlled clinical study. Patients scheduled to undergo coronary angioplasty under local anesthesia and sedation were recruited. A 76 patients were included, 54 were assigned under the music arm and 22 under the control arm. Medication intake during the procedure has been reported as well as anxiety as measured by numeric rating score and APAIS, pain and satisfaction scores. Music group was administered "U" sequence during the procedure. Patients under music took significantly less midazolam medication (median 1 vs 3 mg in control, p<0.01). Additionally, there was a significant difference (p<0.01) on anxiety (Mmusic = 2.9, Mcontrol = 4.2, p <0.01) but not in pain score. Almost all of the patients from the music group (98%) were satisfied (score ≥ 4) vs 91% in control group. Music-Care program application provides a 2/3 reduction in midazolam sedation during coronary angiography under local anesthesia and sedation. Furthermore, cardiologists appreciated this technique and suggested it to assist with their procedure in ambulatory practice.

The effectiveness of music as an intervention for dementia patients in acute settings

In 2019 there were an estimated 50 million people living with dementia globally [1]. There is a strong need for therapies and interventions that ameliorate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals living with dementia. Whilst there is evidence for the effectiveness of music interventions in long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, less research has been conducted into their effectiveness in acute settings. It is important to build up an evidence base of effective interventions in acute settings specifically, which often see the most challenging cases of symptoms associated with dementia. This systematic review represents a novel examination of the literature on music as an intervention for dementia patients in acute settings. A database search identified 204 papers, of which 10 studies satisfied criteria and were reviewed. A quality assessment framework was applied, with the majority of studies scoring highly (above 80%). The review identified 4 areas where music interventions have been utilized to improve outcomes for dementia patients in acute settings: mood and wellbeing, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and use of inpatient resources. The most reliable evidence is currently within mood and behavior domains reflecting positive change following music intervention for inpatients. Limitations, clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

Telehealth music therapy for persons with dementia and/or caregivers

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many restrictions on social interaction. Although these restrictions are challenging for everyone, they are particularly difficult for older adults who are often isolated. While telehealth has been around for a number of years, it had not been practiced to any great extent by music therapists until COVID-19. Telehealth will continue to prove valuable even when the pandemic ends, and as a result, it is timely to assess the benefits and recommendations for best practices. This paper provides a starting point of reflection for telehealth for persons with dementia, offering practical recommendations and implications for planning and training.

Reflections on the challenges of the new (online) music therapy setting for people with dementia

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic globally enforced safety precautions were implemented resulting in increased social distancing and isolation especially among people with dementia and their caregivers. This critical situation intensified the need to reach and support this already vulnerable population. Music therapists have answered the challenge by providing telehealth music therapy. However, the new online setting raises questions and dilemmas. As music therapists who have worked for many years with people with dementia and their caregivers, we pause to reflect on the new path we took and consider what we can learn and embrace from this new modality of practice.

Music and Creativity in Healthcare Settings. Does Music Matter? Hilary Moss, PhD, MBA

Book Review

Special issue on music therapy in the context of dementia

The demographic global changes in societies, coupled with the increase of life expectancy, have resulted in common disease processes at older ages...