A randomized pilot study of music therapy in the form of patient-preferred live music on fatigue, energy and pain in hospitalized adult oncology patients on a blood and marrow transplant unit

Introduction There is a lack of randomized research measuring how music therapy might influence fatigue in oncology patients. Objective The purpose of this randomized pilot study was to evaluate the effects of music therapy in the form of patient-preferred live music (PPLM) on fatigue, energy and pain in adults hospitalized on a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) unit. Method Participants (n = 35) were randomly assigned to an experimental or wait-list control group and completed the Lee Fatigue Scale and a 10-point Likert-type pain scale at pre- and posttest. Results Between-group posttest results were statistically significant for fatigue and pain, with the experimental group having less fatigue and pain than the control group. Conclusions PPLM can be a preferred and effective intervention to immediately lessen fatigue and pain without pharmacological intervention. Implications for clinical practice, limitations and suggestions for future research are provided.