Music Therapy During Weaning From Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in the ICU: A Randomized Controlled Trial
In brief
Music therapy group had 14% tracheostomy rate, but weaning was not faster
In this 100-patient randomized trial, daily individualized music therapy did not shorten weaning from invasive ventilation. Patients receiving therapy had less agitation and sedation, fewer needed propofol, and tracheostomy was less common, with a 14% rate in the music group. The findings support a possible role as an adjunct, but larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
- Journal
- Critical care medicine (Q1)
- Published
- 21 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Sheila Pereiro, Esther Corral, Patxi Del Campo, Ana Vallejo, Julene Argaluza, Esperanza Torres, et al.
- PMID
- 42904879
- DOI
- 10.1097/CCM.0000000000007372
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Randomized ICU trial of adjunctive therapy during ventilator weaning
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The study examined the effect of daily music therapy on weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in the ICU, with a primary focus on weaning duration. Secondary agitation, sedation, and analgesia doses, pain, delirium, and perceived stress after 90 days were assessed. Additionally, total IMV and ICU stay durations and tracheostomy rates were studied. Physiologic parameters were assessed in the music therapy group (MG). The study also aimed to promote the humanization of critical care through a biopsychosocial and creative music therapy approach. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups: control group receiving standard care during weaning and MG receiving music therapy additionally. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Adult critically ill patients (n = 100) admitted to a general ICU who received IMV for at least 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS: MG received daily, individualized music therapy sessions averaging 25 minutes, based on patient needs and musical preferences, which included music relaxation, music listening, and clinical improvisation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: No significant difference in weaning duration was observed between groups (p = 0.97). Patients in the MG group showed significant improvements in agitation and sedation levels (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale) on days 1 and 3 (p = 0.048, 0.005, and 0.024) and a lower percentage required propofol (p = 0.028). No significant difference in perceived pain (Visual Analog Pain Scale). The MG obtained lower Perceived Stress Scale-14 scores (p = 0.24). Additionally, MG significantly reduced tracheostomy rates (14%; p = 0.025). Median total IMV and ICU stay duration were shorter in the MG group, but not significantly (p = 0.206 and 0.203). Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygenation showed no significant difference before and after music therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy may serve as a nonpharmacological complementary adjunct during weaning by reducing agitation, sedation, and tracheostomy rate. It may potentially decrease perceived stress and IMV and ICU stay durations. Further research is warranted.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.