New researcher tell us that music can influence the cardiovascular system in a positive way that can help with stroke rehabilitation and heart disease. Results of a small new study suggest that music should be more widely used as a therapeutic tool for stroke rehabilitation. The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that slow music could lower blood pressure and heart rate and induce relaxation. The findings build on previous studies regarding the therapeutic effects of music.
For the study, scientists found that crescendo then de crescendo music has a positive effect by first constricting, then dilating the blood vessels, then slowing heart rate below baseline. Playing slower music lowered blood pressure even more. The authors note that the body synchronizes with music, making it a potentially valuable tool for cardiovascular and stroke rehabilitation.
Luciano Bernardi, M.D., lead researcher of the study and professor of Internal Medicine at Pavia University in Pavia, Italy says, “It is not only the emotion that creates the cardiovascular changes, but this study suggests that also the opposite might be possible, that cardiovascular changes may be the substrate for emotions, likely in a bi-directional way.” He says that in some ways the cardiovascular system responds to music in predictable ways. The result would allow therapists to deliver exactly the right music to assist in rehabilitation efforts after stroke and to lower blood pressure for heart patients.
The study involved twenty-four young men and women, age 24 to twenty six. Nine women were singers, and seven women had no musical training. The group was monitored to see what effect music had on blood flow and heart rate response. The participants were attached to EKG machines. Monitors were used to measure blood flow to the head, and narrowing of blood vessels in the skin. The results showed that classical music raised and lowered blood pressure and heart rate, based on volume and tempo of the music. Music phrases lasting approximately ten seconds synchronized the basic rhythm of the heart. The predictable effect of music on the cardiovascular system found in the study could help heart and stroke patients through rehabilitation by modulating heart rate and blood pressure.
The findings are not surprising for anyone who enjoys music during exercise, or for relaxation. The new research suggests music should be employed as a rehabilitation tool for stroke, while expanding on previous studies about the health benefits of music. According to Dr. Bernardi, “What we are learning from the present and previous study is that alternating between fast and slow music (crescendo and decrescendo within the same music track) may be potentially more effective.” Music could potentially help stroke victims regain motor skills.
The study was small. The authors note that some individuals may respond differently to classical music, based on age group and musical preference. At least for some patients, music may have a new future for aiding in stroke rehabilitation.“The profile of music (crescendo or decrescendo) is continuously tracked by the cardiovascular and respiratory systems,” Bernardi said. “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.” The physiologic effect of music could make it useful for stroke rehabilitation and other disease treatment, in addition to lowering stress, boosting athletic performance, and controlling pain response, shown by past studies.
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