Study on Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants

Introduction to the Research

Researchers from Switzerland are embarking on a groundbreaking study aimed at evaluating the potential of creative music therapy to enhance brain function in preterm infants. This inquiry touches upon a long-debated topic, often summarized by the “Mozart effect”—the notion that classical music may boost intelligence in babies. Although this idea gained popularity through research from the University of California in the early 1990s, it was largely discredited by the scientific community. Nevertheless, businesses worldwide have capitalized on this notion, offering Mozart and Beethoven CDs to expectant and new parents.

The Focus on Preterm Infants

While existing research has not validated the benefits of classical music for the general infant population, recent studies have indicated that preterm infants—those born before 37 weeks of gestation—might derive specific advantages from musical exposure. Preterm infants are increasingly concerning for pediatric healthcare professionals due to their heightened risk of brain injury and reduced white and gray matter volumes. These abnormalities can lead to long-term neurodevelopmental challenges, including conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor dysfunction, attention deficits, and compromised memory and reasoning abilities.

The Potential of Music in Brain Development

Both human and animal studies suggest that early auditory experiences, such as music, may positively influence brain development. This is particularly relevant for preterm infants, whose brains exhibit significant neural plasticity during early development. Preliminary research involving premature baby mice has shown that music can stimulate neuronal growth. To determine if similar effects occur in premature human infants, the Swiss research team will conduct the first randomized controlled study focused on creative music therapy.

Study Protocol and Methodology

The Research Design

Published in the journal *Pilot and Feasibility Studies*, the research team has developed a novel protocol to examine the impact of music therapy on preterm infants. They have initiated a small test trial involving 60 preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. The participants are divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group, each consisting of 30 infants. The treatment group receives 20 minutes of music therapy three times a week until hospital discharge.

Details of the Music Therapy

During the therapy sessions, a trained music therapist engages the infants with lullabies, adjusting the speed and rhythm to synchronize with the infants’ breathing patterns. To assess the outcomes, the infants will return for MRI scans at ages two and five to evaluate changes in brain morphology. Additionally, neurological assessments will be performed to measure language acquisition, motor skills, and memory capabilities.

Future Directions

Depending on the results of this initial trial, the researchers may expand their study into a multi-center trial involving hundreds of infants across Switzerland. Should the findings demonstrate efficacy, music therapy could emerge as a low-cost and low-risk intervention to support brain development in preterm infants. Thus, the question remains: is the “Mozart effect” a reality or merely a myth? Only time will reveal the answer.

Reference

Haslbeck, F.B., Bucher, Hans-Ulrich., Bassler, D., and Hagmann, C. (2017). Creative music therapy to promote brain structure, function, and neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants: a randomized controlled pilot trial protocol. *Pilot and Feasibility Studies*, 3:36.