TY - JOUR AU - Koelsch, Stefan AU - Fuermetz, Julian AU - Sack, Ulrich AU - Bauer, Katrin AU - Hohenadel, Maximilian AU - Wiegel, Martin AU - Kaisers, Udo AU - Heinke, Wolfgang PY - 2011 M3 - Original Research TI - Effects of Music Listening on Cortisol Levels and Propofol Consumption during Spinal Anesthesia JO - Frontiers in Psychology UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00058 VL - 2 SN - 1664-1078 N2 - Background: This study explores effects of instrumental music on the hormonal system (as indicated by serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone), the immune system (as indicated by immunoglobulin A) and sedative drug requirements during surgery (elective total hip joint replacement under spinal anesthesia with light sedation). This is the first study investigating this issue with a double-blind design using instrumental music. Methodology/Principal Findings: Patients (nā€‰=ā€‰40) were randomly assigned either to a music group (listening to instrumental music), or to a control group (listening to a non-musical placebo stimulus). Both groups listened to the auditory stimulus about 2ā€‰h before, and during the entire intra-operative period (during the intra-operative light sedation, subjects were able to respond lethargically to verbal commands). Results indicate that, during surgery, patients of the music group had a lower propofol consumption, and lower cortisol levels, compared to the control group. Conclusion/Significance: Our data show that listening to music during surgery under regional anesthesia has effects on cortisol levels (reflecting stress-reducing effects) and reduces sedative requirements to reach light sedation. ER -