Mozart Music Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Support in Neonates with Asphyxia: An Electroencephalography-based Evaluation

A bstract Objective: This study investigates the effects of Mozart music therapy on brain function in neonates with asphyxia, using resting-state electroencephalography (RS-EEG) as a primary measure. Methods: A total of 126 neonates were divided into five groups according to asphyxia severity and music therapy exposure: mild asphyxia with music therapy (MM), severe asphyxia with music therapy (SM), mild asphyxia control (MC), severe asphyxia control (SC), and a normal control group (NC). The MM and SM groups received Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos (K. 448) daily for 10 days, beginning from the third day after birth. RS-EEG was used to assess power spectral density (PSD) within the delta and theta bands. In addition, Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessments (NBNAs) and autonomic indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, and percutaneous oxygen saturation) were evaluated. Results: Post-therapy, both the MM and SM groups exhibited significant PSD increases in delta and theta bands, with the MM group showing the most pronounced effects. The NBNA scores in the MM group were comparable with those in the NC group, indicating near-normal neurodevelopment. Heart and respiratory rates significantly decreased in the MM and SM groups following music therapy, whereas SpO 2 remained stable following music therapy. Conclusion: Mozart music therapy appears to enhance brain function and stabilize autonomic markers in neonates with mild asphyxia, offering a promising, noninvasive intervention for neurodevelopmental support in neonatal care. Furthermore, research is necessary to confirm these findings and assess long-term impacts.