Researchers in Brazil evaluated the effects of music therapy on the breastfeeding rates of mothers with clinically stable premature infants in a Rio de Janeiro Maternity Hospital. A randomized, controlled trial of 94 mothers included an intervention group of 48 who were offered 60 minutes of music therapy 3 times per week, as well as 46 mothers in a comparison group who received usual care. Breastfeeding rates were evaluated at 7-15 days, 30 days, and 60 days following discharge. The median number of music sessions - each session had 4 parts and included opportunities for verbal expression by the mother - was 7 per subject (range: 3-25). The music therapy group reported significantly more breastfeeding infants at the first follow-up point and, while the rates were not considered significant at 30 and 60 days following discharge, the rates continued to be higher when compared to the control group. The researchers encouraged further studies with larger sample sizes in varied settings, but stated that their trial results suggest that this simple, low-cost approach "could be useful to increase breastfeeding rates among mothers of premature newborns."

To address the question of whether music and singing can contribute to the health and well-being of older adults, researchers in England systematically reviewed existing literature. Sixteen studies of varying types met inclusion criteria and were categorized into 3 areas: 1) people with dementia; 2) specific disorders (osteoarthritis, joint surgery, COPD); and 3) everyday quality of life. While all studies reported benefits from music-listening or singing in the elderly populations, the authors report some limitations in the size and strength of the studies. Further, they noted that, while additional research is needed, there is an increasing base of evidence to support the benefits of music-listening and singing.

The authors, from two Texas universities, reviewed 31 articles on the selection of music to improve outcomes of pain, anxiety, relaxation, and stress. They focused on the choice of music as a means to an end: namely, relaxation or analgesia. Studies that evaluated different types of music in varied settings are reviewed and editorials by music therapists are discussed. This review reports that some studies show benefits when the patient selects the music and others indicate that expert-selected music was equally effective. The key factor appears to be the intended goal of the music . . . the awareness of whether the patient will benefit from sedating or stimulating music. The authors suggest using existing research to design music experiences that will satisfy patient needs.