Effect of Auditory Stimulation by Upbeat Music on Radial Pulse

Introduction: Music of varying tempo or beats have physiological as well as adverse effects on the body. This study throws light on the influence of upbeat music on properties of radial pulse, in healthy young adults. Methods: One hundred and seventy-five students between the age of nineteen and twenty-four years were included in this study. The experiment was conducted in a room, devoid of any external disturbances. Subjects were made to listen the chosen upbeat music for 4 minutes using a headphone. The radial pulse was measured before and immediately after the experiment. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software version 16.0.Results: In this study we observed that normal mean pulse rate was 76 per minute in males and 72 per minute in female young adults. Following the auditory stimulation with upbeat music, rise in pulse rate was observed in more than 70% of subjects. Whilst, 24% showed a decrease pulse rate and 5% showed no change in pulse rate. Increased pulse rate was associated with decrease in amplitude of pulse wave but no change in rhythm and character of the pulse when compared to resting state. Conclusion: This study indicates that the music can increase the pulse rate in the majority of the subjects but also decreases the pulse rate in few individuals. This study provides the preliminary evidence to promote the music therapy in many preventive programs for patients with depression, patients with depressed cardiac functioning and useful in improving daily performances.