Effects of music-based therapy on distress following knee arthroplasty.

Anxiety and depression are frequent after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Musical intervention can benefit many, including severe patients (agitated older people with dementia and terminal-ill patients) and surgical cases. This pilot study was aimed at verifying whether music therapy is beneficial after TKA. Reducing anxiety and depression is has a positive effect for the wellbeing of patients and is likely to have positive effects on outcome. In their pilot study, the authors found that a positive and specific effect of singing on depression was seen and that music therapy may be recommended after TKA instead of a pharmacological intervention.