TITLE:
Effect of music on blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals: A randomized controlled trial
AUTHORS:
Samitha Siritunga, Kumudu Wijewardena, Ruwan Ekanayaka, Premadasa Mudunkotuwa
KEYWORDS:
Music; Indian Classical; Asymptomatic Individual; Blood Pressure; Pulse Rate; Respiratory Rate
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.4A,
April
19,
2013
ABSTRACT: A slight reduction of
blood pressure and heart rate can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Maintenance of the respiratory rate within the normal range has also being identified
as crucial for a healthy heart. Use of Indian and western music have been considered
among many preventive programmes for long time in order to risk reduction associated
with cardio vascular diseases. Therefore the aim of this study is to describe the
effect of Indian classical music on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse
rate and respiratory rate in asymptomatic individuals aged 45 to 65 years. Methodology:
A community based randomized intervention study was conducted in 252 asymptomatic
individuals. The study group (n = 127) listened to a music based on Indian classical
system (entire track of 22 minutes). The control group (n = 125) was kept silent
for a similar time period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and
respiratory rate of each study participant were
monitored before and after the intervention. Results: Statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (8.53 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (5.8 mmHg), pulse rate (5.16 breaths per minute)
and respiratory rate (2.55 per minute) were observed in the study group after listening
to the music (p 0.05). The reduction was independent
of gender, age, education level, practicing a mind relaxation technique and preferred
type of music of the participant. Conclusions: Listening to Indian classical music for about 22 minutes significantly
reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of
asymptomatic individuals. Hence, music may have a potential benefit in cardio vascular disease preventive programmes.