Effect of Listening to Music on Postoperative Cognitive Function in Older Adults After Hip or Knee Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of listening to music on postoperative cognitive function in older adults after hip or knee surgery.

Design: This work was a randomized controlled study that involved an intervention group and control group.

Methods: Study data were recollected by using a patient information form, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and NEECHAM Confusion Scale. Music was played three times a day to the participants in the intervention group for 3 days postoperatively.

Findings: The mean MMSE and NEECHAM scores of the intervention and control groups were compared. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean MMSE (P > .05) between the two groups. A statistically significant difference in the mean NEECHAM Confusion Scale score was observed between the groups (P < .001).

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that listening to music was important in preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty.

Keywords: cognitive function; listening to music; older adults.