Discussion
Only few studies have assessed the effects of group music
therapy, especially using EEG in patients with schizophrenia. In the
present study, we found that the relative power of a waves from
prefrontal, frontal, temporal, and parietal sites in the experimental
group were significantly higher than those of the control group.
Yang et al. (2012) also reported that EEG a waves in patients with
schizophrenia and depression was significantly activated through
listening to music. Fachner et al. (2013) also observed that after
listening to music, a wave of patients with depression significantly
increased from the areas of the frontal and temporal lobes, which
was consistent with the findings of the present study. These additional
studies partially coincided with our results where a waves
from all areas increased after the group music therapy. Alphawaves
are in the frequency range of 8e12 Hz, arising through brain activity
associated with being in a comfortable and relaxed or concentrated
state (Ray & Cole, 1985). The group music therapy used in this study
combined various music activities, such as singing, playing,
listening, and other physical activities. Thus, we believe that such
musical stimulation, and the physical and emotional relief brought
about as indicated by the awave increase in the cerebral cortex,was
beneficial to our participants. Based on our results, group music
therapy can be regarded as an effective intervention for improving
emotional relaxation, attention, memory, and other cognitive abilities
in patients with chronic schizophrenia.