Effects of live saxophone music on physiological parameters, pain, mood and itching levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Few studies have focused on the effect of music in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Objectives: To determine the effects of live saxophone music on various physiological parameters and pain, mood and itching levels.

Design: A randomised controlled study with 114 patients undergoing haemodialysis with a control group (n = 57) and an experimental group (n = 57) who received 30 minutes of live saxophone music therapy.

Measurements: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, glycaemia, oxygen saturation, pain, mood and itching levels were measured before and after the live music performance, resulting in baseline and post-test values for the patients in the experimental group.

Results: The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain level, and an improvement in mood and itching levels and in the oxygen saturation.

Conclusion: Live saxophone music could be introduced to improve clinical and quality-of-life measures in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Keywords: Haemodialysis; Music therapy; Physiological outcomes.