Effect of music therapy on the biophysical profile and oxygen consumption in preterm babies in a rural hospital

Abstract

Background: Music therapy in preterm babies helps in early weight gain and stabilization of the heart and respiratory rates, and also affects their biophysiological profile. Moreover, it has a beneficial effect on oxygen consumption and hospital stay.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of music therapy on the biophysical profile and oxygen requirement of preterm babies.

Methods: The present comparative, observational study was performed in the Department of Neonatology at a rural tertiary care hospital, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, for one year. All relevant data were collected and analyzed using the prevalidated performa.

Results: The male-to-female ratio in the music and nonmusic groups was 1.5:1, and the ratio of normal delivery to cesarean section was 1.2:1. The mean gestational age in the two groups was 31.0 ± 4.0 weeks and 32.0 ± 5.0 weeks. The common etiology in the two groups was respiratory distress syndrome requiring continuous positive airway pressure. The mean birth weight of both groups was 1,240.0 ± 112.0 g and 1,285.0 ± 124.0 g, respectively. The heart rate in the music therapy group was 140.0 ± 14.0 beats/min vs. 122.0 ± 8.0 beats/min before and after intervention, respectively. The number of days that they required oxygen was lower in the music therapy group (8 vs. 12 days). We did not find any significant variations in desaturation episodes, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and temperature between the two groups.

Conclusion: Music therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) benefits babies in the form of weight gain, stability, oxygen requirement, and physiological profile compared to no music therapy.