Assessment and standardisation of a new music therapy technique in the managemen

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1624568710001289
Traitement, Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2010, Pages 213–218
Assessment and standardisation of a new music therapy technique in the management of pain: The “U-based” system by Stéphane Guétina, b, , c, Patrick Ginièsd, Marie-Christine Picote, Luc Brunf, Gérald Chanquesg, Samir Jaberg, Christian Hérissonh, Jacques Touchona

Summary
Introduction
Many studies have underlined the usefulness of music therapy in the treatment of pain. The “U-based” system is a music therapy technique whose development has taken account of recommendations in the literature. A software program has been developed at the Montpellier University Hospital Centre with the company Music Care©, and enables its standardised use by healthcare professionals.
Objectives
The main objective of this study was to report on research efforts that have enabled the standardisation and assessment of a new music therapy technique used in the context of pain management.
Methods
Following a full review of the literature on the subject, a series of controlled and randomised studies were performed in the rheumatology, functional rehabilitation, intensive care and neurology departments and in the Pain Treatment Centre at the Montpellier University Hospital Centre.
Results
The effects of music therapy were assessed in different types of acute or chronic pain of various origins: mechanical, inflammatory, fibromyalgia and neurological. It was thus possible to demonstrate a physiological action (on haemodynamic and respiratory parameters, etc.) as well as a psychological action, in that this therapy encouraged “listening” relationships between carers and patients. This action gave rise to a decrease in pain, anxiety and depression, which in turn enabled a significant decrease in the consumption of anxiolytic and antidepressant agents.
Conclusion
A review of the international literature, and the first controlled and randomised studies performed in France, testified to the usefulness of music therapy in the management of pain.