The Effects of Music Therapy on Preterm Infants in the NICU: A Systematic Review
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Authors
Mirkin, Annie
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Objective: To review relevant literature regarding the effects of music therapy on physiological measures and stress levels of neonatal infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Methods: Literature was gathered through PubMed and assessed for the effects of music therapy. Interventions included live music, recorded music, lullabies, and classical music administered for a set amount of time in a controlled environment.
Results: The reviewed literature supported that music therapy should be implemented given the positive outcomes on physiological measures and stress levels of infants in the NICU. Music therapy proved beneficial in major outcomes including decreased heart rate, increased oxygen saturation, improvements in the overall behavior of the infant, and improvements in infant's brain development.
Conclusions: Although there is further research to be done on the long-term effects of music therapy, based on this systematic review, I do recommend that music therapy be implemented in the NICU.