EFFECT OF STIMULATIVE AND SEDATIVE MUSIC ON SYSTOLIC BLOOD-PRESSURE, HEART-RATE, AND RESPIRATORY RATE IN PREMATURE-INFANTS

This investigation compared the effects of two different types of musi c-sedative and stimulative-on premature infants in isolettes in an int ensive care nursery (ICN). Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and re spiratory rate were observed and measured for increase or decrease fro m the resting values. Ten premature infants (age 33 to 35 weeks post-c onception) who were receiving oral feeding were selected as subjects f rom a Level III ICN regional referral center. Infants with intensive m edical conditions were excluded from the study. Infants were tested in the same isolette and at the same time of day. Infants were pretested for functional hearing, and music levels were presented at 78 +/- 2 d B (sound pressure level). A 10-minute resting range was measured prior to a 10-minute music intervention. Music sessions were presented on t wo consecutive days to prevent overstimulation; the stimulative select ion was ''Sabre Dance, '' while the sedative selection was ''Moonlight Sonata. '' Results, analyzed via A NO VA, indica ted significant resu lts for ''Sabre Dance '' vs. baseline, for ''Moonlight Sonata'' vs. ba seline, and for ''Moonlight Sonata '' vs. ''Sabre Dance. '' Similar re sults were observed for heart rate and for respiratory rate. Results s howed that music had an effect on physiological responses of premature infants.