Effects of music embedded with binaural and superimposed beats controlling hypertension in older adults: A quasi experimental study

Abstract

Hypertension is a leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide. Controlling blood pressure to within normal limit is the most desirable goal but difficult to achieve. This quasi-experiment study aimed to test the effects of music embedded with binaural and superimposed beats on control of hypertension. Fifty-two older Thai adults with hypertension were allocated into either the experimental (n = 26) or control (n = 26) group. The experimental group received music embedded with binaural and superimposed beats at home during the day for 30 minutes per day, for at least 3 days a week over 4 consecutive weeks, while the control group did not. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were measured 4 times; before the intervention and 30 minutes after, at the third week of the intervention, and one week after complete the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mixed model ANOVA, independent t-test, and one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results indicated that after one week of completion the program, participants in the experiment group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than those in the control group, and participants in the experimental group had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than before receiving the intervention program. These results indicate that music embedded with binaural and superimposed beats is an efficient complementary treatment to improve blood pressure control among older adults with hypertension. Nurses and other health care personnel can use this intervention program along with medications to help older adults with hypertension to better control their blood pressure but research with a wider sample in different parts of Thailand is recommended.