Effect of Stimulative and Sedative Music on Systolic Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Respiratory Rate in Premature Infants

Abstract

This investigation compared the effects of two different types of music—sedative and stimulative—on premature infants in isolettes in an intensive care nursery (ICN). Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate were observed and measured for increase or decrease from the resting values. Ten premature infants (age 33 to 35 weeks post-conception) who were receiving oral feeding were selected as subjects from a Level III ICN regional referral center. Infants with intensive medical conditions were excluded from the study. Infants were tested in the same isolette and at the same time of day. Infants were pretested for functional hearing, and music levels were presented at 78 ± 2 dB (sound pressure level). A 10-minute resting range was measured prior to a 10-minute music intervention. Music sessions were presented on two consecutive days to prevent overstimulation; the stimulative selection was “Sabre Dance,” while the sedative selection was “Moonlight Sonata.” Results, analyzed via ANOVA, indicated significant results for “Sabre Dance” vs. baseline, for “Moonlight Sonata” vs. baseline, and for “Moonlight Sonata” vs. “Sabre Dance.” Similar results were observed for heart rate and for respiratory rate. Results showed that music had an effect on physiological responses of premature infants.