| Sumario: | Introduction: Chronic stress significantly impacts physical and mental health, encouraging the exploration of stress regulation methods, including music therapy. Live monochord sounds, known for their calming properties, are a promising tool, yet studies comparing live and pre-recorded music are limited. This study aims to examine the effects of live vs. pre-recorded monochord sounds on the autonomic nervous system response, such as heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA), and explore possible associations between physiological data, social connectedness, and musical attributes in a dyadic setting. Method: In a crossover randomized controlled trial, healthy adults aged 20–29 (n = 66) will be assigned to a session with either live or pre-recorded monochord sounds. After a washout period they will receive one or the other intervention. Pre-, peri-, and post-intervention measurements will be taken using consistent instruments for both conditions. Physiological parameters (heart rate variability, respiration rate, skin resistance) and psychological parameters (validated questionnaires, subjective experience surveys) will be collected from the participants and music therapists, and musical parameters (audio and video recordings of monochord playing) will be captured. Discussion: Findings may inform therapy and patient self-use, advancing understanding of music's role in stress regulation. Investigating why and how monochord sounds affect stress could enhance training and interventions in music therapy. This initial focus on healthy adults could be followed by a clinical phase involving individuals with stress-related diseases.
|