Cited by 766Music Therapy and HealthNeuroscience and Music PerceptionMusic Education and Analysis

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The Anxiety‐ and Pain‐Reducing Effects of Music Interventions: A Systematic Review

Nilsson, Ulrica·2008·AORN Journal

DOI 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.09.013

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Abstract

Musical interventions have been used in health care settings to reduce patient pain, anxiety, and stress, although the exact mechanism of these therapies is not well understood. This article provides a systematic review of 42 randomized controlled trials of the effects of music interventions in perioperative settings. Music intervention had positive effects on reducing patients' anxiety and pain in approximately half of the reviewed studies. Further research into music therapy is warranted in light of the low cost of implementation and the potential ability of music to reduce perioperative patient distress.

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Music for pain relief
Cepeda, M. S., Carr, D. B., Lau, J., & Álvarez, H. (2006) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd004843.pub2 · Cited by 432
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10.1080/J354v19n03_05 · DOI

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“69 Moreover, participants might be upset of being refrained from music when allocated in the control group.”
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Background
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Influential
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“However, few studies have focused on younger populations, and the specific acoustic features and neural mechanisms underlying these effects remain insufficiently explored 16,17 .”
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“66 Moreover, dispositional traits related to flow, such as absorption and openness to experience, predict stronger analgesic responses to music.”
A primary auditory cortex-anterior cingulate cortex circuit underlying cross-modal visceral pain modulation
Yu, Y., Kuang, W.-Q., He, Y.-H., Chen, Q., Li, Y. H., Zhang, F., Ni, H., & Xu, G. (2026) · Nature Communications · doi:10.1038/s41467-026-69135-3 · Cited by 3
“In addition, the anxiolytic effect of music has been well-documented in both clinical settings 57,58 and rodent studies 59,60 , which typically requires multiple sessions of intervention.”
Characteristics of Pain Based on Numerical Rating Scale in Maxillofacial Trauma Patients Treated with Open Reduction Internal Fixation
Purnomo, Y. Y., Sjamsudin, E., & Oli'i, E. M. (2021) · Nusantara Medical Science Journal · doi:10.20956/nmsj.v6i1.13855 · Cited by 3
Comparison of music medicine intervention and visual imagery techniques and conventional treatment alone on preoperative anxiety among children undergoing surgery – A Randomized Control Trial
Mohanasundari, S. K., Thanigainathan, S., & Padmaja, A. (2023) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101799 · Cited by 3
Generalized music therapy to reduce neuroactive drug needs in critically ill patients. Study protocol for a randomized trial
Mistraletti, G., Solinas, A., Negro, S. D., Moreschi, C., Terzoni, S., Ferrara, P., Negri, K., Calabretta, D., Formenti, P., Formenti, A., et al. (2024) · Trials · doi:10.1186/s13063-024-08220-8 · Cited by 3
“Among non-pharmacological treatments, sleep-inducing relaxation techniques, communication with the patient, music therapy (MT), and physical support have proved effective [10–12].”
Background
Implementing Music Medicine to Improve Pain Outcomes After Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery: A Quality Improvement Project
Foraker, A. B., & Love, P. J. (2024) · Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2024.06.113 · Cited by 4
Effects of Music and Aromatherapy on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Among Endodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Mousavi, S. A., Nasiri, F., Kashani, M. S. A., Ghazalgoo, A., Iranmanesh, P., & Shahbazi, S. (2025) · Clinical and Experimental Dental Research · doi:10.1002/cre2.70156 · Cited by 6
“According to Nilsson, music interventions are most effective when the music is instrumental, selected by the patient, played at a volume of approximately 60 dB, and has a tempo ranging between 60 and 90 beats per minute — all of which were applied in the current study design (Nilsson 2008).”
What's driving mobile content on the Irish telecoms value chain?
Hopkins, J., & Fynes, B. (2010) · International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management · doi:10.1504/ijeim.2010.034420 · Cited by 3
The Skin Conductance Algesimeter Validated with the Numerical Rating Scale Postoperatively in Patients Treated with Classical Music
Miccoli, R. R. P. (2015) · Journal of Nursing & Care · doi:10.4172/2167-1168.1000252 · Cited by 3
“Indeed, previous studies indicate that music intervention can have multiple, desirable clinical effects, primarily including reduction of pain, anxiety, and stress (reviewed in [25]).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
NATURE SOUNDS MUSIC TO DECREASED ANXIETY ON CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS
Wijayanti, K. E. (2016) · Nurscope Jurnal Penelitian dan Pemikiran Ilmiah Keperawatan · doi:10.30659/nurscope.2.2.20-29 · Cited by 3
“Evaluasi kecemasan dengan menggunakan state trait anxiety inventory, visual analog scale, numeric rating scale pada 24 studi menunjukkan 12 studi/50% secara signifikan musik dapat menurunkan skor kecemasan (Nilsson, 2008).”
Method
Nonpharmacologic Approaches to Pain Management with IUD Insertion
Passmore, R. C., & Gold, M. A. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-17816-1_10 · Cited by 3
The efficacy of music as a non-pharmacological intervention in the endoscopy setting: a literature review
Ware, D., & Habron, J. (2020) · Gastrointestinal Nursing · doi:10.12968/gasn.2020.18.sup1.s16 · Cited by 3
La musicoterapia como intervención no farmacológica efectiva
López, M. C. O., Mantecón, M. B., Álvarez, M. M. G., López, A. O., Otero, C. G., Morín, M. C. S. R., Martín, S. P., Martín, S. P., & Centeno, J. G. (2019) · International Journal of Developmental and Educational Psychology Revista INFAD de psicología · doi:10.17060/ijodaep.2019.n2.v2.1902 · Cited by 3
Effectiveness of Music Therapy Against Decreased Pain Levels Post-Heart Surgery: Scoping Review
Taupikurrahman, M., & Sagiran, S. (2021) · Jurnal Aisyah Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan · doi:10.30604/jika.v6i3.584 · Cited by 3
Toward applying a device to reduce motion artifact during imaging: a randomized controlled trial
Zahraei-Moghadam, S. M., Haghighatafshar, M., Shekoohi-Shooli, F., Miladi, S., & Farhoudi, F. (2022) · Expert Review of Medical Devices · doi:10.1080/17434440.2022.2035215 · Cited by 3
Short-term Effects of Listening to Music on Breathing and Emotional Affect in People Suffering From Chronic Lung Diseases
Frischen, U., Bullack, A., Roden, I., & Kreutz, G. (2022) · Music & Science · doi:10.1177/20592043221074665 · Cited by 5
“The functional use of music listening has been advanced in many clinical settings with some emphasis on emotion regulation and pain management (Nilsson, 2008; Spintge, 2007) including patient groups who suffer from chronic illness (e.g., Bradt et al., 2013).”
Background
Music Therapy and Its Role in Pain Control
Thakare, A. E., Jallapally, A., Agrawal, A., & Salkar, P. S. (2022) · IntechOpen eBooks · doi:10.5772/intechopen.102617 · Cited by 3
Der Einsatz von Musik zur Reduktion prä- und perioperativer Ängste
Ding, C., & Metzner, S. (2023) · Musiktherapeutische Umschau · doi:10.13109/muum.2023.44.3.197 · Cited by 3
Use of person-centred music to manage wound dressing-related pain: a mixed method case study
Paulander, A., Lindholm, C., Torgrip, R. J. O., Kumlin, M., & Eulau, L. (2024) · Journal of Wound Care · doi:10.12968/jowc.2024.33.sup4a.cxxx · Cited by 3
PACU Go! Augmented and Virtual Realities in Perianesthesia Care
Byrne, M. D. (2017) · Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing · doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2017.04.004 · Cited by 3
Effect of an education program and traditional music on anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction
Suarningsih, N. K. A., Kongsuwan, W., & Kritpracha, C. (2020) · Enfermería Clínica · doi:10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.09.003 · Cited by 3
Music as an Intervention in Hospitals
Evans, D. J. (2009) · Management in Health · doi:10.5233/mih.v11i1.49 · Cited by 3
Musiklyttepuder, lyd-bøjler og spillelister i behandlingen af psykiatriske patienter
Hannibal, N., Lund, H. N., & Bonde, L. O. (2013) · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · doi:10.5278/ojs.mipo.v8i2.553 · Cited by 3
“Nilsson (2008) gennemgår 42 kontrollerede undersøgelser af effekten af musikinterventioner (musikmedicinske interventioner) i somatiske kontekster og konkluderer, at interventionerne i ca halvdelen af undersøgelserne havde positiv effekt ved at reducere patienternes angst og smerteoplevelse.”
Influential
FTMOntology: An Ontology to Fill the Semantic Gap between Music, Mood, Personality, and Human Physiology
Marques, C. M., Zuben, J. V., & Guilherme, I. R. (2011) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-642-25126-9_6 · Cited by 3
“Nilsson [2] reviews works that consider the use and effects of music in a perioperative context.”
BackgroundInfluential
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF MUSIC ON PAIN PERCEPTION, ANXIETY AND BLOOD PRESSURE OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Hamid, R., Barekatain, B., & Sara, M. S. (2012) · Cited by 3
LIVeMotion: A Multi-Sensory System to Encourage the Awareness of Mindfulness
Briant, I., Gaisie, J., Morris, T., Robson, F., Moore, D., & Ng, K. (2015) · Electronic workshops in computing · doi:10.14236/ewic/eva2015.2 · Cited by 3
The Effects of Music Listening and Education on Reducing Pain from Total Joint Arthroplasty
Ko, Y., Chang, S.-Y., Lee, Y.-T., & Lin, P. (2016) · International Journal of Studies in Nursing · doi:10.20849/ijsn.v1i1.98 · Cited by 3
“For example, Nilsson (2008) reviewed 42 randomized controlled trials of the effects of music intervention in perioperative settings.”
Background
Study of gender differences in VR response following cardiac surgery.
Mosso-Vázquez, J. L., Wiederhold, B. K., Paglia, F. L., Guarino, D., Barbera, D. L., Mosso-Vázquez, J. L., Miller, I. T., & Wiederhold, M. D. (2017) · Journal of Psychology and Cognition · doi:10.35841/psychology-cognition.2.1.67-71 · Cited by 3
“Since drug treatments alone have frequently proven to be inadequate in reducig stress and anxiety in surgical contexts, there has been an increased interest in non-invasive supplementary medical therapies, including music [1,2] relaxation, guided imagery, hypnosis, etc.”
Background
TAMAMLAYICI BAKIM VE ALTERNATİF TEDAVİ YÖNTEMİ OLAN MÜZİK TERAPİYE İLİŞKİN SAĞLIK PROFESYONELLERİNİN GÖRÜŞLERİ
Ci̇gerci, Y., Hatice, K. U. R. T., & ÇELEBİ, Ş. (2016) · Akademik Müzik Araştırmaları Dergisi · doi:10.5578/amrj.27800 · Cited by 3
Classic and Traditional Music Role in Cognitive Function and Critically Ill Patients
Laksmidewi, A. A. A. P., & Dewi, V. T. (2021) · IntechOpen eBooks · doi:10.5772/intechopen.98698 · Cited by 3
The difference between inpatient and outpatient programs regarding trait -anxiety, social support and state-anxiety in during the covid-19 pandemic in Israel
Michael, A., & Roska, P. (2021) · Therapeutic Communities The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities · doi:10.1108/tc-03-2021-0008 · Cited by 3
Complementary and alternative therapies for post-caesarean pain
Zimpel, S. A., Torloni, M. R., Porfírio, G. J. M., & da Silva, E. M. (2014) · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · doi:10.1002/14651858.cd011216 · Cited by 3
Effect of Instrumental Music Therapy on Pain Scale of Patient Post Major Surgery
Tan, J. Y., & Koerniawan, D. (2021) · Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in social science, education and humanities research · doi:10.2991/assehr.k.210415.040 · Cited by 3
“This emotional response will increase the production of endorphins from the amygdala and hypothalamic stimuli with a form of relaxation response such as an increase in soxytocin and a decrease in s-cortiso [29].”
Background
Effects of interactive musical activities on the well-being of children with urogenital anomalies during hospitalization for surgery
Lima, V. D. O. (2015) · LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · Cited by 3
Humor and music to reduce the stress and pain related to invasive diagnostic and therapeutical procedures in patients with hematological malignancies
da Silva, R. L. (2011) · Annals of Hematology · doi:10.1007/s00277-011-1221-4 · Cited by 3
“The alternative approach is music therapy [6].”
Rapid realist review: Anxiolytic effects of music therapy on mechanically ventilated patientsPreprint
Watson, H. I., & Marshall, P. (2021) · medRxiv · doi:10.1101/2021.09.11.21263390 · Cited by 3
Mitigating Pain in People Undergoing Hemodialysis
Davison, S. N. (2022) · Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · doi:10.2215/cjn.08690722 · Cited by 3

Authors: Nilsson, U.
Affiliations: Örebro University Hospital (SE)
Corresponding author: Nilsson, Ulrica
ORCID: Nilsson, Ulrica
Venue: AORN Journal
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2008-04
Volume: 87
Issue: 4
Pages: 780-807
ISSN: 0001-2092 (ISSN-L)
1878-0369
DOI: 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.09.013
OpenAlex: W1979494212
Cited by: 766
References: 77
Citations by year: 2026: 45 · 2025: 60 · 2024: 43 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 75 · 2020: 52 · 2019: 63 · 2018: 39 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 43 · 2015: 40 · 2014: 39 · 2013: 33 · 2012: 27
FWCI: 3.24
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor, 2 d)
Locations: AORN Journal (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Music Therapy and Health
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Music Perception
Social Sciences › Education › Music Education and Analysis
Keywords: music intervention, music therapy, perioperative anxiety, postoperative pain, patient distress, surgical patients, stress reduction
MeSH terms: Adult, Aged, Anxiety, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Music Therapy, Operating Room Nursing, Pain, Preoperative Care, Research Design, Severity of Illness Index, Time Factors, Nursing Evaluation Research, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome, Evidence-Based Medicine, Perioperative Care

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The Anxiety‐ and Pain‐Reducing Effects of Music Interventions: A Systematic Review

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