The Effects of Decibel-Based Music Therapy and Neurofeedback Therapy on Treatment Outcomes: A Systematic Review

AbstractMusic therapy and neurofeedback therapy are non-invasive interventions widely used in mentalhealth and neurological rehabilitation. While both show therapeutic efficacy, direct comparisonsremain limited. This systematic review examines literature from 2015 to 2025 across PubMed,Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on their comparative effects on treatment outcomes suchas emotional regulation, cognitive function, and symptom reduction in disorders includinganxiety, depression, ADHD, and chronic pain.Decibel-based music therapy exerts effects via rhythmic entrainment, auditory-induced neuralmodulation, and emotional arousal pathways. Neurofeedback therapy, however, facilitates self-regulation through EEG-based real-time feedback, promoting targeted neural reorganization.Studies suggest that decibel-based music therapy can lead to short-term improvements in mood,autonomic balance, and motivation, while neurofeedback therapy demonstrates longer-lastingneuroplastic changes in attention, anxiety reduction, and executive functioning.Neuroimaging data indicate increased prefrontal activation and alpha wave enhancement in bothgroups, though neurofeedback therapy tends to show more sustained cortical shifts. Limitationsinclude inconsistent protocols, variable decibel intensity, and insufficient head-to-head trials.This review supports an integrative model, combining the emotional accessibility of decibel-based music therapy with the precision of neurofeedback therapy to enhance long-termtherapeutic outcomes.