Listening to music during electromyography does not influence the examinee's anxiety and pain levels

Abstract

Introduction: Listening to music is a low-cost intervention that has demonstrated ability to reduce pain and anxiety levels in various medical procedures.

Methods: Subjects undergoing electrophysiological examinations were randomized into a music-listening group and a control group. Visual analog scales were used to measure anxiety and pain levels during the procedure.

Results: Thirty subjects were randomized to each group. No statistically significant difference was found in anxiety or pain levels during the procedure between groups. However, most subjects in the music-listening group reported anxiety and pain reduction and would prefer to hear music in a future examination.

Conclusions: Although listening to music during electrophysiological examinations did not reduce anxiety or pain significantly, most subjects felt a positive effect and would prefer to hear music; therefore, we suggest that music may be offered optionally in the electromyography laboratory setting.

Keywords: anxiety; electrodiagnosis; electromyography; integrative medicine; music; pain.