Feasibility of Therapist-Guided Personalized Music Listening for Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study of Self-Directed Home-Based Intervention.

Background/

Objectives

Music-based interventions have been used to alleviate chronic pain and psychological distress; however, their effectiveness varies across individuals, particularly in real-world settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for feasible, therapist-guided but self-directed interventions that can be implemented in daily life. This exploratory pilot study primarily evaluated the feasibility of therapist-guided, self-directed personalized music listening in daily life. Exploratory quantitative and qualitative outcomes were also assessed to inform the design of future controlled studies.

Methods

Seven patients with fibromyalgia participated in a 4-week music-listening period and a 4-week non-intervention period. The intervention was conducted in participants' daily living environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. A music therapist guided music selection and listening strategies, while participants implemented the intervention independently. Pain scores were recorded daily, and psychological measures (GHQ-12, JFIQ) and salivary β-endorphin levels were assessed at predefined times.

Results

The therapist-guided, self-directed intervention was feasible in participants' daily lives. Individual responses varied. Some participants reported psychological experiences, including autobiographical memory recall, increased motivation, and greater engagement in daily activities. No consistent effects on pain intensity or salivary β-endorphin levels were observed.

Conclusions

This feasibility pilot study suggests that therapist-guided, self-directed personalized music listening is feasible in daily life. Although consistent quantitative improvements were not observed, some participants reported positive psychological experiences, including autobiographical memory recall, increased motivation, and greater engagement in daily activities. These preliminary findings support the feasibility of this approach and warrant larger, adequately controlled studies incorporating objective adherence monitoring and an appropriate washout period.