Music’s Influence on Cardiovascular Parameters During Cognitive Testing

BackgroundMozart’s music has been found to decrease stress and anxiety by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate in diverse populations. However, the influence on Mozart during cognitive tests remains unclear. Due to its proven anti-stress effects, Mozart’s music may be an effective tool for decreasing cardiovascular parameters during cognitive testing. MethodsThe cognitive test chosen was an untimed pattern-recognition Mensa test. The chosen song was Mozart’s Sonata K448. We included 10 adult participants who met the inclusion criteria. A matched pair study design was incorporated. All participants completed a diagnostic test that assessed relative cardiovascular sensitivities to the acute stress produced by the Mensa test. Participants were matched based on cardiovascular sensitivities, rating of momentary stress, and sex. Pairs were then randomly allocated to take the test again; one took the test while listening to Mozart’s Sonata K448, the other took it in silence. Post-test evaluations were then completed. ResultsIn both groups, the intervention did not induce significant changes in BP or HR, except for a significant decrease in SBP in the no music group (p=0.043). When comparing the difference in relative blood pressure and heart rate changes between the two groups, none were significantly different. There were significant decreases in perceived stress and increases in perceived relaxation in the music group (p=0.024 and p=0.039, respectively). ConclusionOur findings suggest that Mozart’s music does not decrease cardiovascular responses during cognitive testing. Additionally, perceived stress is independent of cardiovascular indicators of stress which has unknown implications.