Effect of single session receptive music therapy on anxiety and vital parameters in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are vulnerable to different degrees of stress disorders as well as depression, anxiety and fear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of introducing Music therapy on site with Covid-19 patients and investigating the immediate effects a single session has on anxiety, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2Sat) and satisfaction compared to standard care. A randomized controlled trial of 40 patients was conducted. Participants were assigned to control group (CG) or the treatment group (MG). MG received an individual single session of music therapy in presence. CG received standard care. MG and CG were subjected to identical measurements (pre-during-post) of the parameters STAI-Y, HR and O2Sat. Participants in MG were asked to fill in an optional open-ended question concerning their experience with music therapy. Significant difference in anxiety levels between scores in MG and CG (34.50 (23.25–40.00) vs 45.00(38, 25–54.00); p = 0.000) was observed. MG compared to CG had statistically significantly higher values of O2Sat (97.50 (96.25–99.00) versus 96.00 (96.00–98.00); p = 0.026). Results show the feasibility of introducing music therapy as a supporting complementary/non-pharmacological intervention on site in Covid-19 patients. A single session of music therapy improves O2Sat and can significantly reduce anxiety. Trial registration: 14/10/2021 No. NCT05077306. https://www.clinicaltrials.cov.