Sixty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either a music intervention group or a control group. Members of the music intervention group listened to music once a day for 4 consecutive weeks using two types of CDs.
The researchers applied a relaxation technique based on guided imagery and music therapy to patients, in a series of sessions conducted by a researcher. Patients were given a CD to listen at home. Then, researchers measured a number of variables associated with the main symptoms of fibromyalgia – pain intensity, quality of life, impact of the condition on patient's daily life, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, self-efficiency, and well-being. Then, patients were given the chance to participate in their own treatment.
Participants were tested at the beginning of the study, after four weeks, and again after eight weeks. The treatment group reported a significant reduction in pain and depression at week four compared with the control group. Members of the control group reported no differences in pain.
According to University of Granada researchers, the art of relaxation with guided imagery and receptive music therapy could be considered effective in the alternative symptomatic treatment of this condition. The low cost, easy implementation and the fact that patients can get involved in their treatment at home are some of the advantages of this technique.
Researchers state that "further empirical research studies are needed to address other physiological variables associated with the well-being generated by these two techniques and analyze patients' self-efficiency and personal power to get involved in their own treatment.”
- See more at: http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/139085/fibromyalgia/#sthash.gONJ1KC0.dpuf