This article aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of five-element music therapy on anxiety, quality of life, sleep, and depression in cancer patients. The study involved 22 studies with 2053 cancer patients. The meta-analysis revealed significant differences in relieving pain, improving sleep quality, and reducing depression. However, no significant difference was observed in alleviating anxiety. The authors concluded that five-element music therapy positively impacted the quality of life, sleep, pain, and depression in cancer patients.
Evidence Synthesis
Pain is a pervasive symptom in cancer patients, significantly affecting their physical, physiological, and psychological well-being. Music therapy has been advocated as an effective intervention to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate suffering among cancer patients. Music has a measurable impact on physiological parameters such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, reducing the stress hormone cortisol and promoting relaxation. It serves as an adjunct intervention to enhance the quality of life and pain management for cancer patients, as evidenced by various scholarly sources.
Safety of Music Therapy
Music therapy is a safe form of intervention with several advantages over conventional pain management methods. Unlike pharmacological interventions that may involve injections, music therapy requires no invasive procedures, reducing the risk of infection and interference with circulatory and muscular systems. Additionally, music therapy eliminates the dangers associated with overdosing, erratic medication, underdosing, and drug abuse. It is a safe and appropriate intervention that complements other pain management approaches, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients.
In conclusion, the quality of life for cancer patients is profoundly impacted by the intense pain associated with the disease. Music therapy emerges as a significant, safe, and effective intervention that can be readily administered and surpasses some conventional pain-relieving methods. It not only reduces pain but also addresses associated symptoms such as depression, stress, and anxiety. Future research should focus on integrating music therapy into oncology practices to fully harness its potential positive impact.
References
Köhler, F., Martin, Z. S., Hertrampf, R. S., Gäbel, C., Kessler, J., Ditzen, B., & Warth, M. (2020). Music therapy in the psychosocial treatment of adult cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 651.
Liu, H., Gao, X., & Hou, Y. (2019). Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with music therapy on pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients with osteosarcoma. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 41(6), 540-545. https://doi.org/10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0346
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