Effects of live-performed sansula music versus storytelling on physiological and behavioral parameters in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

Evidence supporting the benefits of music therapy for preterm infants during neonatal care is growing. This study aimed to compare the effects of live-performed sansula music (SM) to storytelling (ST) as an alternative caregiving intervention on physiological and behavioral responses. The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), enrolling preterm infants born from 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. Infants were block-randomized to either receive SM or ST. Both interventions were performed live and provided three to four times per week on average. Vital signs and behavioral state (assessed using the COMFORTneo scale) were documented before, during, and after each intervention. Sixty preterm infants were enrolled in the study: 30 received SM and 30 received ST. We observed positive effects on vital signs and behavioral state in both groups, although the effects were importantly less pronounced in the ST group compared to the SM group. Heart rate decreased during both SM and ST interventions (mean difference (MD) (baseline–after): SM -9.90 bpm (95% CI -11.14 to -8.66); ST -2.85 bpm (-3.79 to -1.92)). Respiratory rate also decreased for both groups (MD: SM -8.60 breaths/min (-9.60 to -7.60); ST -2.49 breaths/min (-3.30 to -1.68)). Oxygen saturation increased (MD: SM +1.01% (0.82 to 1.20); ST +0.25% (0.11 to 0.39)). The COMFORTneo score decreased (MD: SM -5.40 (-5.95 to -4.86); ST -2.26 (-2.74 to -1.77)). Both, live-performed sansula music as a therapeutic intervention and storytelling, positively impacted the immediate well-being of preterm infants. However, the benefits of live-performed sansula music on physiological and behavioral parameters compared to storytelling as a caregiving alternative were significantly higher.