Effectiveness of Music Therapy on Physiological Parameters Among Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Mechanical ventilation is employed in the ICU to aid patients in the case of compromised respiration. Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation frequently exhibit physiological variations and psychological disturbances. Music therapy serves as a non-pharmacological intervention for a variety problem and has many potential benefits for mechanically ventilated patients. Aim: This review is aimed to assess the impact of listening to music as a non-pharmacological intervention on the physiological parameters among mechanically ventilated patients admitted in an intensive care unit. Methods: This review was registered on PROSPERO 2025 CRD420250651354. A systematic search was conducted on the literature published between 2000 January to 2024 December in Pub Med, Science Direct, Shodhganga, Science.gov, Google Scholar, Pro Quest, Clinical Key, ELICIT, Semantic Scholar, ERIC, CINHAL, Research Gate, which included original research papers published in English meeting the PICOS criteria. 19 studies with a sample size of 1254 were included in the final quantitative synthesis. Results: The analysis showed that music significantly affects vital parameters: decreases the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing; reduces pain intensity. Also, music affects anxiety and agitation levels, reduces sleep disturbances and delirium occurrence, and decreases length of MV duration. The effectiveness of the intervention is influenced by the choice of music. Conclusions:  The study concludes that music therapy is highly effective in reducing anxiety, need for sedation, pain and stabilizing physiological parameters in mechanically ventilated patients. Music also decreases agitation in confused patients, improves mood, and decreases length of mechanical ventilation time. Music therapy is an intervention that is easy to administer, inexpensive, and has no adverse side effects for patients in critical care areas.