Effects of classical music on physiological parameters and anxiety in adolescents during transthoracic echocardiography: a randomized controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Classical music is increasingly used as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce procedural anxiety. Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a noninvasive imaging modality, it may cause mild anticipatory stress in adolescents, particularly during first-time examinations. A total of 168 adolescents (10-19 years) undergoing TTE between December 2024 and March 2025 were randomized to a music group (slow-tempo classical music before and during TTE) or a control group. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured before, during, and after the procedure, and anxiety was assessed post-procedure using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). State and trait anxiety scores were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Heart rate decreased significantly during TTE in the music group (p < 0.05) but not in controls. Both groups showed reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the procedure (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Listening to classical music during TTE was not associated with a reduction in self-reported anxiety but was linked to a significant decrease in heart rate. These findings suggest a potential modulatory effect on physiological stress responses. Music may serve as a simple, safe adjunct to improve patient comfort during pediatric cardiac imaging.

WHAT IS KNOWN: • Music interventions may reduce anxiety and physiological stress during medical procedures in pediatric patients.

WHAT IS NEW: • In adolescents undergoing transthoracic echocardiography, classical music was associated with a significant reduction in heart rate but not anxiety scores in this randomized controlled trial.