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Randomised trial, 2022

Does listening to music reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms and improve quality of life?

Yes. Music significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved quality of life scores in physical, psychological, and environmental areas. However, because the study only measured right after the music stopped, we are uncertain how long improvements last.

Moderate study design 97 college students (women over age 20) with premenstrual syndrome

What they did

Single-blind randomized controlled trial with 97 college students (over age 20) with PMS. Participants were assigned to either a music group or a control group. PMS symptoms and quality of life were measured before and immediately after the intervention.

What they found

The music group had significantly lower PMS symptom scores compared to controls on two measurement scales. The music group also had significantly higher quality of life scores across physical, psychological, and environmental domains compared to the control group.

What it means for you

Music may reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life. Main limitations: only college students were studied, so may not apply to older women; the study does not describe what type of music or how much was used; there was no long-term follow-up to see if benefits lasted; and because participants knew which group they were in, this may have created bias in the results.

97

Number of women

About the study

Original title
Effects of music medicine on premenstrual symptoms levels and quality of life: A randomized controlled trial
Authors
Solt Kırca A, Kızılkaya T
Journal
Complementary therapies in clinical practice
Year
2022
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
97
What was tested
Music listening versus standard care

Topics