Effects of Lanna Music for Relaxation on Reducing Stress in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Music is an evidence-based, complementary therapy used as a holistic approach for enhancing the quality of life. The music focuses on all levels of consciousness and promotes healing through sound and physical response which can reduce anxiety, resulting in relaxation. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Lanna music for relaxation and reducing stress. A randomized controlled trial enrolled 52 persons with mild to moderate stress and/or depression. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, who listened to Lanna music for 60 minutes, or the control group, who were instructed to lie down in a comfortable position without the Lanna music. In addition, demographic data, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, alpha brain wave frequency and the responses to the relaxation visual analog rating scale were collected. Descriptive statistics, a repeated measures ANOVA, a paired t-test and an independent t-test were used to test the effects of Lanna music in reducing stress. The analysis showed a significant reduction (P< .05) in the mean score of heart rate, respiration rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P< .05) after listening to the traditional Lanna music. Additionally, there was no significant increase in the mean score of the alpha brain wave after 30 minutes. The study results showed that Lanna music for relaxation had an overall significant effect on stress reduction. Listening to Lanna music can reduce heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, especially increasing the alpha brain waves which has the clinical impact of stress reduction and relaxation responses. These findings indicated the positive effect of traditional Lanna music for relaxation and reducing stress.