Definition of Music Therapy
Music has been used as a tool of healing since ancient times, appearing in the writings of the Greek philosophers Pythagoras, Aristotle, and Plato. Native Americans and other indigenous groups have used music to enhance traditional healing practices for centuries….
Explore Music Therapy research in the following databases:
PubMed Trip Cochrane*
*The Cochrane database requires users to enter the search term manually. Enter “music therapy”
Research Spotlight
The databases often return hundreds of medical studies for a single wellness approach. This section summarizes a sampling of five studies – providing just a taste of the available research.
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“Groove Music” Significantly Increases Cognitive Abilities and Executive Function
A new study from Japanese researchers published in Scientific Reports found that listening to music with a groove (music that causes the sensation of wanting to move to the rhythm/beat) can significantly increase measures of executive function. This first study of its kind used both brain imaging and measured individual psychological responses to “groove music” and found that music with a groovy beat impacted cognitive ability. It also found that it significantly increased brain activity in regions associated with it, such as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC).
Access this research on Music Therapy - Music Therapy as Powerful as a Sedative in Reducing Anxiety before Surgery
A 2019 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that music therapy was as effective as a common sedative (midazolam) in reducing anxiety in patients before surgery.
Access this research on Music Therapy - Music Therapy Helps Improve Family Coping Skills
A randomized Indiana and Purdue Universities study (2014, 113 young cancer patients) found that those that participated in a Therapeutic Music Video intervention (where they expressed their thoughts by writing songs/producing videos) exhibited significantly better courageous coping skills- and social integration and family environment 100 days later.
Access this research on Music Therapy - Finland Study Indicates Music Therapy Can Help with Depression
A University of Jyväskylä (Finland) randomized controlled trial revealed music therapy, coupled with standard care, is an effective treatment for people suffering from depression.
Access this research on Music Therapy - Music Therapy May Enhance Social Behaviors in Autistic Children
A Cochrane meta-review (2014, 10 studies with 165 participants) found that music therapy may prove a useful tool in helping children with autism spectrum disorder improve social interaction and communication skills, and the quality of parent-child relationships. More research was called for.
Access this research on Music Therapy
Studies-in-Progress/Clinical Trials Underway
A clinical trial is any research study that assigns people to health-related interventions to evaluate the outcomes. “Interventions” include drugs, surgical procedures, devices, behavioral treatments, preventive care, etc.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: explore trials underway in the U.S.
- World Health Organization: explore trials happening across the globe. When you reach WHO’s search page, please type in “music therapy.”
Access all studies currently available for Music Therapy in these databases:
*The Cochrane database requires users to enter the search term manually. Enter “music therapy”
