Study shows music may have its place in medicine

Published on Monday 22 June 2009 22:52

MUSIC directly affects the heart, arteries and lungs in ways that may be therapeutically useful, a study has shown.

Researchers in Italy who played random classical tracks to 24 volunteers found that the music affected the participants' bodies.

Swelling crescendos increased blood pressure and heart and respiration rates, while relaxing passages did the opposite.

Study leader Professor Luciano Bernardi, from the University of Pavia, said: "Music induces a continuous, dynamic and, to some extent, predictable change in the cardiovascular system.

"The profile of music (crescendo or decrescendo) is continuously tracked by the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This is particularly evident when music is rich in emphasis, like in operatic music. These findings increase our understanding of how music could be used in rehabilitative medicine."

Previous studies have shown that music reduces stress, boosts athletic performance and enhances the motor skills of people with neurological impairments.