209: Binaural Music Therapy on Anxiety in Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Topic: Clinical Science
Subtopic: Non-specific to any diagnosis, Developing methodology/technology, Non-pharmacological treatments

Background and Aims: Procedural anxiety during peripheral nerve blocks can amplify pain perception, sympathetic activation, and patient distress. Non-pharmacological neuro modulatory strategies may improve peri-procedural experience without sedative-related risks. Binaural music therapy, which entrains cortical oscillations through frequency differentials, has shown anxiolytic effects in surgical settings(1,2). This study evaluates its impact during ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks for upper limb surgery.

Methods: In this ongoing randomized study, adult patients (ASA I–II, 18–65 years) were allocated to either Group A (Case; Binaural Music via headphones) or Group B (Control; headphones without music). Intervention was applied 10 minutes before, during, and 10 minutes after block placement. Anxiety was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Haemodynamic parameters, including Heart Rate (HR), Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) and Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) were recorded pre-, intra-, and post-procedure. This interim analysis evaluates 20 participants (Group A n=11; Group B n=9).

Results: The binaural music group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in VAS anxiety scores (3.73 ± 1.42 vs 1.11 ± 0.93; p=0.0001). HAM-A reduction was also significantly greater (11.64 ± 1.80 vs 4.00 ± 1.41), with a mean difference of 7.64 points (95% CI 6.12–9.15; p<0.001). Significant reductions were observed in HR (p=0.0012) and MAP (p=0.0033) in the intervention group compared with controls.

Conclusions: Binaural music therapy significantly reduces procedural anxiety and attenuates sympathetic responses during peripheral nerve blocks. This inexpensive, safe neuro modulatory approach may enhance peri-procedural anxiety management, pain care and patient experience in regional anaesthesia settings. Full recruitment is ongoing.

References: 1. Opartpunyasarn P, Vichitvejpaisal P, Oer-Areemitr N. The effect of binaural beat audio on anxiety in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022;101(24):e29392. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000029392.
2. Ligree N, Nanda S, Morwal S, Garg K. Effect of binaural beat music and noise cancelling headphones on intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia: a randomised controlled study. Indian J Anaesth. 2023;67(7):590-4.

Presenting Author: Dr MOHAMMED C K
Submitting Author: MOHAMMED C K

Senior Author: Dr SONALI BANWAIT, MD

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: No

• Dr SONALI BANWAIT: MD - VARDHMAN MAHAVIR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL, NEW DELHI
• Dr KAVITA RANI SHARMA: MD - VARDHMAN MAHAVIR MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL, NEW DELHI