The primary cause of death in the US is
heart disease. Now, experts at the University
of Missouri in Kansas City want
to know the extent to which music
therapy can help in the prevention of
this pervasive set of disorders that affect
all population groups alike.
Research already supports the use of music
to modulate heart rate and blood pressure, to
enhance exercise programs, and to relieve stress
symptoms, but University of Missouri researchers
are seeking a more comprehensive collaboration with
colleagues in the social sciences to measure the success
rate of music therapy in heart disease intervention.
In one recent study patients rehabilitating in a large city
hospital completed a survey on which they rated their use of
music for exercise, relaxation, and enjoyment. The patients,
mostly men older than 60, used music to relieve stress but
not as a part of an exercise regimen. Nevertheless, the study’s
overall results suggest that cardiac programs should continue
to develop music therapy as part of their whole body approach
to rehabilitation.
This article appeared in Making Music Magazine (March/April 2005).
