Background The use of music therapy for modulating physiological parameters has gained interest in geriatric care, yet its specific effects in healthy elderly populations remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the immediate impact of instrumental Indian classical music on blood pressure (BP), surface body temperature (ST), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) in older adults. Objectives To evaluate the immediate effects of instrumental Indian classical music on blood pressure, surface body temperature and SpO2 in older adults. Methods This exploratory physiological study recruited 96 elderly participants aged 60 years and above. Participants underwent a 15-minute exposure to instrumental Indian classical music. Physiological parameters, including systolic and diastolic BP, ST, and SpO2, were recorded at four time points: pre-intervention, during intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 5 minutes post-intervention. Participants rested in a standardised, quiet, temperature-controlled environment before measurements to minimise acute environmental influences. Potential short-term confounders such as recent caffeine intake, exertion, and ambient noise were controlled, while demographic variables were documented and analysed descriptively. Statistical analysis involved Repeated Measures ANOVA and the Wilcoxon Rank test. Results A significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP was observed immediately after the intervention, indicating a calming effect of music on cardiovascular parameters. However, surface body temperature showed only a minimal decrease, while SpO2 remained relatively unchanged throughout the measurements. Conclusion The study demonstrates that exposure to instrumental Indian classical music can effectively reduce blood pressure in healthy older adults, suggesting its potential role as a non-pharmacological intervention for cardiovascular health and stress reduction. Minimal changes in surface body temperature and SpO2 indicate that these parameters may be less responsive to short-term music interventions. Future research should investigate the long-term benefits and broader applicability of music therapy in elderly populations with varied health conditions.
Shilpi et al. (2026) studied this question.