Combination of music with lifestyle modification versus lifestyle modification alone on blood pressure reduction – A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the change in blood pressure (BP) after 3 months of music intervention combined with lifestyle modifications, in comparison with conventional lifestyle modifications.MethodsA Prospective randomized control trial was conducted on hundred prehypertensives or stage I hypertensives who were randomly divided into two groups (n = 50 each). Both the groups were given lifestyle modifications while one had added music intervention (raga bhimpalas) for 3 months. Main outcome measures were 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring, stress levels, and biomarkers of hypertension.ResultsMean (SD) of diastolic BP (DBP) pre and post intervention were overall = 85.1(6.8) and 83(8.7){P = 0.004}, awake = 87.7(7.6) and 85.9(9.2){P = 0.021}. Regression analysis showed association between diastolic BP change and post-intervention stress score in the music intervention group. Significant change in BP was seen among those who were prehypertensives prior to intervention.ConclusionMusic decreased DBP and when used as an adjunct benefitted subjects with initial BP in prehypertension range.