Effects of music listening on heart rate and blood pressure for patients in the intensive care unit: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Music can influence physiological parameters and mitigate psychological distress. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of music listening on HR and BP in patients in the Intensive Care Unit. A literature search of CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and PubMed was conducted. Search limits: human subjects, peer-reviewed, English. Selection criteria: (18+ years) admitted to the ICU, intervention included music, and outcomes included HR and/or BP. 182 articles were screened. 18 RCTs met the criteria. PEDro scores ranged 5–8/10. Primary outcomes included HR and/or BP. Significant decreases were found in 9 studies in favour of music intervention. Subgroup meta-analysis of intervention groups showed decreases in overall mean differences (MD) from pre- to post-intervention for HR (n = 11, MD = −3.85 BPM, 95% CI [−6.61, −1.09]), SBP (n = 10, MD = −2.88 mm Hg, 95% CI [−5.09, −0.66]), and DBP (n = 9, MD = −0.99 mm Hg, 95% CI [−2.85, 0.87]). There is mixed evidence in support of music listening to improve HR and BP in patients in the ICU. Limitations included clinical diversity across samples, variations in music type and protocol, and the lack of long-term follow-up. Clinical implications favour the use of music listening to lower HR and BP, as small reductions in HR/BP are important for ICU outcomes. Further research is needed to determine optimal parameters to promote the benefits of music on vitals in the ICU.