Effects of music therapy on the fetal outcomes of non-stress test and maternal anxiety

Abstract

Importance

The non-stress test (NST) is an effective method for evaluating fetal movement and heart rate; however, it is associated with a large number of false-positive results. Music therapy induces maternal relaxation and reduces anxiety.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NST with music therapy on fetal parameters and maternal trait and state anxiety.

Method

This randomized clinical trial included 80 women, who were in gestational age of 32–42 weeks, referred to Asali Hospital. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups; the intervention group received 20 minutes of music therapy along with NST whereas the control group did not. Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to access trait and state anxiety in the two groups. The data were recorded using a questionnaire and statistically analyzed using SPSS.

Results

The mean age of the participants and gestational age were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.73 and P = 0.95, respectively). The outcomes of the NST test showed that fetal heart rate was not statistically different between the two groups, P = 0.09. Acceleration (P = 0.01), short-term heart rate variability (P < 0.01), long-term heart rate variability (P < 0.01), fetal movement (P < 0.01), and minimal reactive time (P < 0.01) were significantly different between the two groups. Trait and state anxiety were also significantly lower in the intervention group (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively).

Interpretation

Music therapy is significantly associated with the increase in fetal movement and heart rate and reduced reactive time in NST. State and trait anxiety levels decreased following this intervention.