Effect of Preferential Relaxing Music on Exercise-Induced Changes in Autonomic Function of the Heart

Abstract

Context: Music has been used for healing purposes since ancient times. Music therapy is a growing branch which can facilitate and promote a healthy mind and body. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) may serve as one path by which music exerts its therapeutic effects. Interaction between the ANS and cardiovascular system during exercise can be of prognostic importance in many cardiovascular diseases. The measurement of the effects of musical auditory stimulation, using non-invasive test of heart rate variability (HRV), on cardiac auditory response while under stressful condition, like exercise, would help understand the usability of musical interventions in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To gauge the effects of preferential relaxing music on exercise-induced changes in frequency domain parameters (LF, low frequency; HF, high frequency; LF: HF ratio) of HRV. Setting and Design: Experimental study design. Methods and Materials: Sample size—52 healthy young adult volunteers (18–25 years). HRV was measured from the ECG obtained at rest, while listening to preferential relaxing music, after doing moderate exercise and after doing moderate exercise while listening to preferential relaxing music. Statistical Analysis Used: Comparison of frequency domain HRV variables was done using paired t-test. Results: Non-significant increase in HF component (P value = 0.3) and non-significant decrease in LF: HF ratio (P value = 0.06) after doing moderate exercise with music when compared with after doing moderate exercise without music was observed. Conclusion: Preferential relaxing music attenuated exercise-induced decrease in parasympathetic activity post-exercise.

Keywords

• autonomic nervous system
• exercise
• heart rate variability
• music therapy