Differential effects of self-administered and receptive sound intervention on cardiovascular parameters in cancer patients: A randomized cross-over trial

Abstract Aim This study aimed to assess differential effects on cardiovascular parameters and subjective perceptions of a self-administered (active) or receptive sound intervention in cancer patients. Methods Using a randomized cross-over design, patients with cancer were recruited to undergo both, a 15-minute self-administered or receptive sound intervention using (sound of) a body monochord, respectively. During self-administered intervention patients were asked to play a body monochord, while receiving prerecorded instructions via headphones. During receptive sound intervention both a prerecorded audio file with explanations, as well as monochord sounds were applied via headphones. Before (pre) and after (post) intervention, cardiovascular parameters (measured by VascAssist2.0) and subjective feelings and emotions (measured by visual analogue scales) were assessed. Results 50 patients (18 male, 32 female) with a median age of 60 years (range 29 – 79) were included. Both interventions led to a significant reduction in heart rate (p < 0.001), with a more pronounced effect in the receptive group (median reduction -2.0 bpm (active) vs median reduction -4.0 bpm (receptive), p = 0.01). Vascular resistance index was reduced by both interventions, though failing to reach statistical significance in the active group (receptive: median reduction ‑2.2, p < 0.001; active: median reduction -0.5, p = 0.053; active vs receptive: p = 0.77). This was also reflected in a greater, but not statistically different reduction in pulse wave velocity (PWV) for receptive intervention (active: median reduction -0.4 m/s, p = 0.002; receptive: median reduction -0.5 m/s, p < 0.001; active vs receptive: p = 0.21). Both interventions led to an increase in emotional well-being, while anger, anxiety, sadness, emotional stress and fatigue were significantly reduced. Pain, on the other hand, was only reduced by receptive intervention (median reduction -1.0, p = 0.04), but not significantly different compared to active intervention (p = 0.99). Conclusion Both self-administered and receptive sound interventions are able to improve cardiovascular parameters and subjective feelings and emotions in cancer patients. Receptive intervention by trend appeared to have more pronounced effects on vascular function (reduced resistance and PWV) and on pain management.