Music as medicine: 30 minutes may ease heart surgery stress

NCT ID NCT04551469

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a 30-minute music session can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain in adults recovering from heart surgery. Researchers will measure stress hormones, vital signs, and patient-reported feelings in 120 participants. The goal is to see if music offers a simple, side-effect-free way to improve recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: music intervention
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help heart surgery patients feel less anxious and recover more comfortably.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (120 people) measuring short-term effects only. The benefits may be modest or not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CARDIAC SURGERY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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