Short-Term Effect of Spiritual Music on Heart Rate Variability in Medical Students: A Single-Group Experimental Study

Background: There are ancient texts and modern studies alluding to the therapeutic benefits obtained from listening to music. Studies have shown that chanting "OM" has a relaxing effect by causing parasympathetic dominance, limbic deactivation, and decreasing the brain's dopamine levels. This research aims to study the effect of listening to OM chanting on the cardiovascular system and heart rate variability and its possible use as a stress buster among medical students. Materials and Methods: Fifty medical undergraduates were selected for the study. After a 20-minute relaxation, a lead 2 electrocardiogram (EKG) was recorded for 10 minutes. Their blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were measured. The subjects were then made to listen to OM chanting for 20 minutes, immediately after which their BP and heart rate were measured. This was followed by another 10-minute lead 2 EKG. The EKGs recorded were then used to calculate the standard deviation in N-N interval (SDNN), total power, high-frequency power, and low-frequency power. Results: The study reported a significant decrease in blood pressure and heart rate and a significant increase in SDNN and total power. There was also an insignificant increase in low frequency and an insignificant decrease in high frequency. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the importance of spiritual music therapy in the maintenance of mental as well as cardiovascular health among medical students.