Music therapy in pediatric asthma improves pulmonary function while reducing hospitalizations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate music therapy (MT), in conjunction with standard care, as a complementary option for asthma management in pediatric patients.

Methods: 173 children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Music: a single individualized MT session along with a recorder and journal with instructions for home use; 2) Music Plus: weekly group MT sessions along with a recorder and journal for home use; or 3) Control: standard of care. Primary endpoints included pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, PEF), hospitalizations, ER visits, missed school days, and quality of life (Juniper).

Results: Significant intergroup differences relative to Controls were observed for FEV1/FVC (Music and Music Plus, p < 0.05) and FEF25-75 (Music Plus; p < 0.01). Music Plus participants experienced fewer hospitalizations compared to Controls (p < 0.001), corresponding to 1.16 fewer hospitalizations per patient-year. Caregivers’ perception of their children's QOL significantly increased in the Music (p = 0.011) and Music Plus (p < 0.001) groups compared to Controls.

Conclusion: These results reflect MT’s potential to favorably impact pediatric asthma management as a child-friendly, low-risk intervention. Further research is needed to substantiate the possible benefits of incorporating MT into standard treatment regimens.

Keywords:

• Asthma
• music therapy
• complementary medicine
• pediatrics
• hospitalizations
• pulmonary function
• quality of life
• deep breathing relaxation

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Stephen Parry, from the Cornell University Statistical Consulting Unit, for his guidance on data analysis and for his assistance in creating figures that illustrate the data in a clear and concise fashion. The authors would also like to thank the music therapists who conducted MT sessions and additionally supervised the many interns and fieldwork students who participated in the MT sessions: Kristen Stewart, Mechelle Chestnut, Amy Pace Troyano, Erica Rondina Somerville, Brian Harris, Melanie Acosta, Wen Chang-Lit, John Mondanaro. This research is dedicated to the memory of Peter Homel PhD who devoted significant time and energy to the set up of our initial Asthma Initiative Program (AIP) research.

Declaration of interests

No potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Grammy Foundation and The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.