Music May Reduce Tiredness and Pain During Haemodialysis
Music-based activities during haemodialysis may reduce tiredness and pain for up to four weeks, according to evidence updated to May 2025.
Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Music interventions may lower short-term tiredness and pain in patients undergoing blood-cleansing procedures.
- Low mood scores show potential improvement over short and medium timeframes up to six months.
- Uncertainty remains regarding medium-term fatigue and blood pressure effects, with no data extending past six months.
Music Interventions May Ease Kidney Failure Symptoms
Kidney failure occurs when the organs no longer filter waste and excess fluids from the body well enough to sustain life.
To evaluate non-pharmacological methods for easing this burden, researchers examined whether music-based activities alter patient-reported symptoms. These interventions range from listening to recorded tracks through headphones to live music sessions and structured therapy led by trained professionals.
Global Study Findings Across 27 Trials
According to findings, investigators analyzed 27 studies encompassing 1,584 participants receiving haemodialysis across 13 countries and territories in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The review compared music activities against usual care or alternative interventions such as wearing headphones without audio.
Data indicate that music sessions may ease tiredness within a four-week window. However, confidence remains very uncertain regarding fatigue levels between four weeks and six months. No studies evaluated tiredness beyond the six-month mark.
Pain scores followed a similar short-term trajectory, showing potential reduction up to four weeks. Researchers found no medium- or long-term data regarding pain outcomes.
Low mood measurements suggested reductions during both short and medium timeframes, lasting up to six months. By contrast, evidence concerning blood pressure changes across short and medium intervals remained highly uncertain.
Low Evidence Certainty Necessitates Larger Clinical Trials
Authors of the review graded the overall certainty of the evidence as low or very low. Methodological flaws in study designs, small participant numbers, and inconsistent results across trials limited the confidence of the conclusions.
The analysis highlighted a complete lack of long-term data past six months for tiredness, blood pressure, low mood, and pain. Wider clinical trials involving larger cohorts over extended periods are required to establish definitive guidelines for integrating music into routine dialysis care.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.