Influence of preoperative Music-guided Resonance Breathing on Anxiety and Stress before Loop Conisation of the Cervix Uteri

Abstract

By means of a randomized controlled pilot study the influence of preoperative 15-minute Music-guided resonance breathing (MGRB) on subjective psychophysical strain before and during the surgical procedure of conisation for cervical dysplasia is systematically investigated. Primary research questions were directed at the effects of MGRB on anxiety (measured by STAI and VAS), stress (measured by salivary cortisol) and pain (measured by short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire) before and after surgery compared to treatment as usual(TAU). Secondary research questions addressed whether MGRB increases patient satisfaction with the procedure, any differences in medical outcomes, and MGRB's suitability for day-to-day clinical practice. A total of 22 participants were included in the study and distributed to two groups by means of block-wise pseudorandomization. In line with systematic reviews, significant reduction in the current anxiety level, measured with STAI-S at the beginning of surgery, and a lower cortisol level at the end of the surgery in the intervention group. The other measurements showed no significant outcomes.

Results are limited by the small sample size. However, they give reason to recommend a follow-up study with measurement of the respiratory rate as a possible active factor. Additionally, the effectiveness of MGRB should be compared to simply listening to slow tempo music.