The Effect of Music and Musical Mobile Interventions on Pain and Physiological Parameters

Chest tube removal is a common but painful procedure in infants undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease and may trigger significant physiological stress responses. Although pharmacological interventions are commonly used, concerns about potential side effects highlight the importance of non-pharmacological approaches.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of music and musical mobile interventions on procedural pain and physiological parameters. The study is conducted in the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit of Başkent University Ankara Hospital. The sample consists of 54 infants aged 2-12 months who meet the eligibility criteria.

Participants are randomly allocated to three groups (music, musical mobile, and control) using block randomization. In the music group, auditory stimulation consisting of ocean and nature sounds is initiated 10 minutes before chest tube removal, continued during the procedure, and maintained for 5 minutes after the procedure. In the musical mobile group, a multisensory intervention combining auditory and visual stimuli is applied during the same time interval. The control group receives standard care routinely provided in the unit.

Pain is assessed using the FLACC Scale. Physiological parameters, including heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂), are monitored using bedside monitors. Outcomes are recorded at predefined time points: periprocedural (10 minutes before chest tube removal, immediately after removal, and 5 minutes post-removal). Crying duration is recorded continuously during the chest tube removal procedure.

Statistical analyses are performed using SPSS software. Depending on data distribution, appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests are applied. This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of multisensory distraction interventions in reducing procedural pain and improving physiological stability in infants undergoing chest tube removal.

Inclusion criteria

• Infants aged 2 to 12 months
• Undergoing surgery due to congenital heart disease
• Having a single chest tube
• Not receiving mechanical ventilation support
• Parent(s) voluntarily agree to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Receiving mechanical ventilation support
• Administration of analgesics within 2 hours prior to chest tube removal
• Presence of a neurodevelopmental disorder
• Parent(s) do not consent to participate in the study