Effect of Indian classical music and pop music on heart rate variability: A comparative study

Background: Indian Classical Music (ICM) has a structured and combinational classification basis. It has a time tasted philosophy of different notes for different time and mood called, ‘Raaga’. Each ‘Raaga’ has unique combinational rules of notes, and it is associated with different essence, feeling, and emotions. Aim & Objective: The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of one popular ICM Raaga ‘Bhairavi’ on heart rate variability (HRV) as compared to the results with pop music of their choice. Settings & Design: HRV analysis was carried out in three cases; in silent environment, with classical music and with pop music for each subject on same time but different days. Methods & Material: Fifty three young adults participated in the non-invasive and benign study. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in silent environment and with classical and pop music and HRV parameters were extracted. Statistical analysis used: Student paired t test was used to compare the difference between HRV parameters during silent and music states. Results: The parasympathetic activity was increased whereas sympathetic activity decreased with classical music. Conclusions: Raaga ‘Bhairavi’ has been long considered as soft and soothing composition and thereby reducing stress, better compared to other popular music, like pop. The same study can be extended with other ‘Raagas’ using HRV parameters.