Abstract
This study explores the potential of music as a therapy element in digital therapy programs to improve mental health and well-being. Music induces an emotional component in the individual that translates into changes in their brain activity, which can be monitored through electroencephalography. A scoping review was conducted to identify the most recent relevant publications related to the effect of music on brain activity and emotional state in digital therapy programs. From 585 identified publications, six relevant publications were selected that meet all the requirements defined in the study.
1. Introduction
The influence of music on brain activity and emotional state is a topic that has gained relevance due to its potential application in therapeutic programs with clear benefits for patients. The sound, rhythm, time, intensity, and frequency of the music can induce different types of positive or negative emotions. Music can generate positive and negative emotions, and its effect may vary from person to person [1].
The emotional impact provided by music can be gauged by performing measurements of brain signals through the EEG, allowing us to relate the emotions felt to the music that triggered them [2].
A scoping review was carried out to identify the most recent relevant publications related to the effect of music on brain activity and emotional state in digital therapies programs, selecting a set of studies from the last 5 years.
2. Materials and Methods
The present scoping review was conducted in conformity with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA method guidelines to identify the most recent relevant publications related to the effect of music on brain activity and emotional state in digital therapies programs. To ensure a comprehensive number of documents with significant evidence for the intended analysis, the research equation was elaborated: music AND (electroencephalography OR electroencephalogram OR EEG) AND emotion* AND (“digital therapies” OR “digital therapy” OR “digital treatment”). The research was carried out in scientific databases B-On, Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar, during May of 2021.
3. Results
The study flow diagram is presented in Figure 1. Initially, a sample of 585 documents were collected, and after removing the duplicates, 570 documents were obtained. After analyzing each document based on the theme and summary, the sample was reduced to 180 selected articles. Subsequently, and after applying the inclusion criteria, a sample of six articles were obtained to be mapped.
Figure 1.
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram for the scoping review process. Adapted from Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(7): e1000097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097.
From Table 1, it is possible to analyze the selected documents that correspond to all the requirements defined in the research process.
Table 1.
Mapping of scientific articles based on requirements defined in the study.
4. Discussion and Conclusions
In this scoping review, the authors identified six recent and relevant publications related to the effect of music on brain activity and emotional state in digital therapy programs. To cover the concepts that involve the subject of the study, four research terms were defined: “Music”, “Electroencephalography”, “Emotion” and “Digital Therapies”.
This study identified relevant publications that describe very revealing studies on the importance of music as a therapeutic element in mental health and well-being areas.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, J.C., P.V.G.; methodology, J.C., P.V.G.; validation, P.V.G.; investigation, J.C.; writing—original draft preparation, J.C.; writing—review and editing, J.C., P.V.G.; visualization, J.C., P.V.G.; supervision, A.M., J.P.; project administration, J.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments
This research was carried out and used the equipment of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Laboratory (LabRp) of the Research Center in Rehabilitation of the School of Allied Health Technologies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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