The Effect of Various Music Therapies and Robotic Parrot Therapy on Anxiety and Fatigue Levels

Although the life-saving effects of hemodialysis treatment are indisputable, this treatment process can also bring serious problems. In particular, the frequency and length of hemodialysis sessions, inherent in their nature, cause physical exhaustion in patients and also create a significant psychological burden. Clinical studies and observational research have demonstrated that high levels of anxiety and persistent fatigue are frequently observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The prevalence of these symptoms is a consistent finding that negatively affects both patients' overall quality of life and their adherence to the treatment regimen. In this context, in addition to standard medical treatment approaches, the need for holistic and non-pharmacological support methods focused on supporting patients' psychological well-being has become critically important.

In line with this need, complementary practices such as music therapy and pet therapy are gaining increasing attention in the field of chronic disease management. Music therapy has emerged as an effective tool in alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and pain in hemodialysis patients, as demonstrated by evidence-based studies. The positive effects of listening to instrumental music or music selected by the patient on psychological symptoms are also supported by meta-analyses. However, while the vast majority of studies in music therapy focus on passive listening, the effects of different instrumental types of live music, which may have a higher therapeutic effect, have not been sufficiently investigated. In particular, there are very few studies examining the specific and comparative interactions on the symptom of fatigue, which is common and difficult to treat in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of different live music approaches is a primary research requirement.

On the other hand, pet therapy has been clearly proven to reduce anxiety and loneliness levels in studies conducted on the general population and psychiatric patients. Parrots, in particular, have been used in therapeutic work due to their social interaction and vocal mimicry abilities. In the reviewed literature, only one unpublished doctoral thesis has been found internationally that uses live parrot therapy in mental health. In Turkey, no studies using parrot therapy have been found. However, the introduction of live animals into environments with high infection risks, such as dialysis units, is not recommended due to practical and ethical barriers, including strict hygiene standards and allergy potential. These limiting factors create a need for robotic alternatives that can mimic the social interaction and distraction benefits of pet therapy.

In this context, robotic parrots are an innovative tool that can deliver the benefits of pet therapy without hygiene and safety concerns. Previous research has shown that parrot-inspired robots are successful in capturing the attention and increasing the social participation of individuals who experience difficulties in social interaction. Therefore, it is thought that the use of such interactive robotic parrots with sound and music repetition features during hemodialysis sessions could create a new source of emotional and cognitive support for patients and have a positive effect on symptoms such as anxiety and fatigue.

Considering all this information, this study aims to compare the effects of robotic parrot therapy and different instrumental live music therapy approaches on anxiety and fatigue in hemodialysis patients for the first time using a double-blind randomized controlled design. The scientific data obtained will guide the development of evidence-based and innovative intervention protocols that support traditional medical care .

Inclusion criteria

• Being 18 years of age or older,
• Receiving hemodialysis treatment 3 times per week,
• Having received regular hemodialysis treatment for at least 6 months,
• Being conscious and able to communicate, with no impairment in mental and cognitive functions,
• Not having previously received music therapy or pet therapy.

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal to participate in the study,
• Being 18 years of age or younger,
• Having severe hearing loss,
• Hemodynamic status not being stable.