Date of Award

2019

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

Department Chair

Laura Levy, DHSc, PA-C

Abstract

The objective of this selective evidence based medicine (EBM) review is to determine whether or not music therapy is effective at treating pain in fibromyalgia patients.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review of three primary studies that were peer-reviewed published between the years of 2013-2016.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one cross-control study evaluating if music therapy is affective at treating pain in fibromyalgia patients. Data sources obtained for this review were found using PubMed Database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcome measured was the effectiveness of music therapy at reducing pain in fibromyalgia patients. Outcomes were measured via the verbal rating scale and visual analog scale.

RESULTS: The studies by Alparslan et al and Onieva-Zafra et al found that music therapy was effective at reducing pain in fibromyalgia patients when compared to a control group that underwent no intervention.7,8 In the study by Garza-Villarreal et al patients experienced a reduction in pain following music therapy as opposed to the control group listening to white noise who did not experience a reduction in pain.1 Statistical significance (p<0.05) was found in the reduction of pain in the intervention group for all three studies.1,7,8

CONCLUSIONS: All studies evaluated in this EBM review showed that music therapy can be effective at treating pain in fibromyalgia studies.

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