[Sound meditation in oncological rehabilitation--a pilot study of a receptive music therapy group using the monochord]

BACKGROUND: Music therapy can play an important role in psycho-oncology and promote relaxation or coping processes. This pilot study presents an evaluation of receptive music therapy performed in a group at an oncological rehabilitation hospital,with a focus on the experiences made by the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Single-group pre-post study on patients receiving at least 4 sessions of music therapy during a 3-week rehabilitation. A bipolar mood questionnaire was to be filled in by each participant before and after every session of music therapy. In addition, patients answered a questionnaire on quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) at the beginning and the end of the whole treatment. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. After the last session, the patients were to answer some open questions in writing. These texts were then analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The data of 105 patients could be analyzed. The mood questionnaire revealed significant changes over the course of the intervention towards feeling more balanced, less nervous and less exhausted. 75.6%of the patients reported positive body sensations such as feelings of heaviness or warmth of limbs during the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of the pilot study suggest that sound meditation represents an effective relaxation therapy from the beginning of the treatment. In contrast to some other relaxation methods, sound meditation does not require regular exercise or practice to achieve positive effects. Further studies in terms of randomized controlled trials should investigate interactions of different elements of sound meditation with regard to its outcome. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.