The effects of music therapy on motivation, psychological well-being, physical comfort, and exercise endurance of bone marrow transplant patients

This study assessed the effects ai music with bone marrow transplant patients on exercise endurance, motivation, psychological well-being, and physical comfort Exercise, although difficult dire io treatment effects, is necessary io reduce or prevent muscle atrophy. The subjects were 3 females and 3 males ranging in age from 14 to 53 years, Two subjects received 10 sessions, while 4 others were seen between two io three sessions each. A music/nonmusic reversal design ABABAB (etc.) was used. Independent variables included live and recorded music for participation, relaxation and imagery, progressive relaxation exercises, range of motion exercises, and aerobic exercise. The dependent variables included an observational behavior scale, subject self-report of relaxation, comfort, pain and nausea levels, exercise endurance, and an end-of-study effectiveness questionnaire. Long term results (10 sessions) indicated that music sessions were most effective in increasing subjects' self-report relaxation and comfort levels. Endurance fat both subjects increased during sessions with music. More cooperative behavior and higher participation levels were also observed during music sessions. Short term results (two to three sessions) indicated that music sessions were more effective in increasing relaxation and comfort levels. No short term subjects showed an increase in endurance duping music versus nonmusic sessions.