Music Found to Aid Post-Surgery Recovery, Study Reports
New research suggests that listening to music could help patients recover faster from surgery. Findings presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024 indicate that music has measurable benefits, including reduced pain, anxiety, and opioid use.
The study, conducted by California Northstate University College of Medicine, reviewed 35 research papers from a pool of over 3,700 studies. The analysis focused on patient outcomes such as pain levels, heart rate, anxiety, and medication use, revealing significant advantages for those who listened to music after surgery.
Key Findings
The research showed that listening to music significantly reduced pain levels in patients the day after surgery. Pain scores dropped by 19% on the Numeric Rating Scale and by 7% on the Visual Analog Scale, both widely recognized tools for pain assessment. Anxiety levels were also notably lower, decreasing by 3% based on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which measures emotional stress.
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Patients who listened to music used considerably less medication to manage their pain. On average, they required less than half the amount of morphine compared to those who did not listen to music—0.758 mg versus 1.654 mg. Additionally, music helped stabilize heart rates, with an average reduction of 4.5 beats per minute. A steady heart rate supports recovery by improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of complications like abnormal rhythms.
How Music Helps
Music appears to influence recovery by reducing cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can hinder healing. Unlike active therapies such as meditation or physical exercise, listening to music is a passive activity that requires little effort from patients. This makes it easy to implement, even in the immediate post-surgery period.
Photo Credit: MedicalXpress
Next Steps in Research
The authors noted that future studies will focus on controlled pilot programs to evaluate the use of music in surgical and intensive care settings. Variables such as the duration and type of music will also be explored to refine its application in medical care.
Practical Implications
Patients recovering from surgery are encouraged to listen to music they enjoy. While no specific genre has been identified as more effective, familiarity and comfort seem to be key factors in its impact.
The research highlights music as an accessible, low-cost tool that could complement traditional medical treatments, potentially shaping the future of recovery protocols.
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