Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Music has been widely used for disease intervention, while the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. This study explored whether our novel music combination, which is composed of four pieces of music, can promote neuroimmune homeostasis and then relieve stress. Methods: Fifty-five participants were enrolled in the study, and they underwent three separate music therapy sessions or periods of rest. Saliva and blood samples were collected, cognitive task testing was conducted, and electrocardiographic (ECG) data were recorded. Results: The results showed that our new music combination increased the heart rate variability (HRV) index [RMSSD, PNN20, PNN50, and high-frequency (HF)/NU] while decreasing LF/NU, which suggested restoration of balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and relieved stress. In addition, participants in the music group had lower Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) test results and higher Multiple Object Tracking (MOT) task test results, suggesting increased attention and stress relief. Music therapy also increased the IgA while decreasing cortisol concentrations. Discussion: This study reveals that our novel music combination may relieve stress by promoting neuroimmune homeostasis, which sheds new light on the mechanisms of music therapy and suggests new approaches for intervention.
Source: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Authors: Yinji Liu, Zhenyu Han, Li Huang, Ying Chen, Ziqi Men, Wenhao Xu, Youpeng Sun, Feixiang Li, Pinhong Chen, Zhiding Wang, Lubin Wang, Gencheng Han
Language: English
Topic: Music Therapy and Health
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7129248597