Music for Anxiety

This trial examines whether listening to music can reduce anxiety in patients about to undergo hip or knee replacement surgery. By comparing patients who listen to music with those who do not, researchers aim to determine if music can calm patients before surgery and potentially reduce pain and medication use afterward. This simple, non-drug method, known as music intervention, could benefit patients undergoing these common surgeries. The trial targets adults with osteoarthritis scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery who agree to be randomly assigned to either group. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore a non-drug approach that could enhance the surgical experience.

Research has shown that music can safely and effectively reduce anxiety before surgery. Many studies have found that listening to music calms patients without harmful side effects. A recent analysis found that music can work as well as anti-anxiety medicine for some surgery patients, helping about 1 in 4 people feel less anxious. Since music doesn't involve new chemicals or drugs, it poses very low risk. Participants usually listen to their favorite music, making the experience personal and enjoyable. Overall, music is a well-tolerated way to ease anxiety.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the music intervention for anxiety because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing anxiety levels. Unlike standard treatments like medication or therapy, this method uses patient-selected music played through noise-canceling headphones, which could provide a calming effect without side effects. Additionally, this approach is unique because it can be easily integrated into pre-surgical routines, potentially reducing anxiety without the need for additional medications.

Research has shown that music can help reduce anxiety. In this trial, participants in the music intervention arm will listen to patient-selected music through noise-canceling headphones for at least 20 minutes. Anxiety levels will be measured before administration, before surgery, and after surgery. A recent review of 20 studies found that music is about as effective as anti-anxiety medication in calming patients before surgery, with about 1 in 4 patients experiencing a noticeable benefit. Another study found that music therapy, which uses music as a treatment, significantly lowered anxiety and stress. Patients reported their anxiety levels dropped by an average of 2.80 units. Music has demonstrated a moderate effect on reducing anxiety in different situations. These findings suggest that listening to music might be a simple and effective way to help patients feel less anxious before surgery.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰