Jacek Polechoński, Jolanta Rojczyk-Chmarek, Krzysztof Gieremek, Miroslawa Tyliba

J. Polechoński, J. Rojczyk-Chmarek, K. Gieremek, M. Tyliba – The effect of music on selected hemodynamic parameters in patients suffering from unresponsive wakefulness syndrome. FP 2017; 17(1); 96-103

Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different music genres of different intensity levels on heart rate and arterial blood pressure in patients suffering from unresponsive wakefulness syndrome.
Material and methods. The study group comprised 16 patients in stable vegetative state; selected hemodynamic parameters were evaluated during and after exposure to different music genres of different intensity levels.
Results. The results revealed a significant stimulating effect of music played at 80 dB on several hemodynamic parameters of patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome. Disco music caused an increase in heart rate as well as elevation of systolic and diastolic pressures. Rock music only resulted in significant systolic blood pressure elevation.
No statistically significant alterations in hemodynamic parameters was noted when music was played at 60 dB.
Conclusions. Exposure to music may cause significant alterations of heart rate and arterial blood pressure of patients in a vegetative state – depending on music genre and intensity level. Changes in hemodynamic parameters might be indicative of an impact of music on the emotional state, which is closely associated with cardiovascular responses.

Key words:
apallic patients, patients in a vegetative state, music, hemodynamic parameters, music therapy