NCT07139574

Music Therapy for Labor Pain and Anxiety

Impact of Music Therapy on Labor Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Tunisian Women

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 70 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Tunis El Manar · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing pain and anxiety during the latent and active phases of labor in Tunisian women. Participants are randomized to receive either music therapy or standard care. Primary outcomes are pain (VAS) and anxiety (STAI-Y). Secondary outcomes include labor duration, maternal and fetal vital signs, neonatal outcomes, and maternal satisfaction.

Detailed description

This study investigates the impact of music therapy on pain and anxiety management during labor in Tunisian parturients. Given the limited access to pharmacological analgesia in many public maternity units, the trial explores music as a non-pharmacological, low-cost, and patient-centered intervention. Eligible women in labor are randomly assigned to either a music therapy group or a control group receiving standard care. Music is administered during the latent and active phases following established clinical guidelines (slow tempo, non-lyrical, patient-guided selection). The study evaluates changes in pain intensity, anxiety levels, labor progression, maternal-fetal physiological parameters, neonatal outcomes, and maternal satisfaction. Findings aim to inform labor care practices and promote integrative approaches in resource-limited settings.

Conditions

• Labor Pain
• Anxiety

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Music Therapy During Labor	This intervention involves the use of patient-selected, slow-tempo (60-80 bpm), non-lyrical instrumental music administered via headphones or speakers during the latent and active phases of labor. The music selection is guided to ensure therapeutic suitability (e.g., calming rhythm, absence of lyrics) and is delivered for a minimum of 30 minutes. The intervention is non-pharmacological, individualized, and adheres to WHO and clinical music therapy recommendations. It is distinguished by its personalized music choice, delivery timing, and structured application within labor progression monitoring.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2025-11-01
• Completion: 2025-11-01
• First posted: 2025-08-24
• Last updated: 2025-08-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Tunisia