How Can Music Engagement Address Loneliness? A Qualitative Study and Thematic Framework in the Context of Australia's COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns.

Social isolation and loneliness are serious public health concerns. Music engagement can strengthen social connections and reduce loneliness in some contexts, although how this occurs is not well understood; research suggests that music's capacity to manipulate perceptions of time and space is relevant. This study adopted a qualitative perspective to examine how music engagement shaped the experiences of residents of Victoria, Australia, during conditions of restricted social contact during the lockdowns of 2020. Semi-structured interviews explored participants' lived musical experiences while giving focus to perceptions of time and space (e.g., how music helped restructure home and workspaces in response to lockdown regulations, or punctuate time where older routines were no longer viable). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the interview transcripts identified five themes representing the key findings: (1) a super-ordinate theme of perceived control, which comprises four themes: (2) dynamic connection; (3) identity; (4) mobility; (5) presence. Each theme describes one generalised aspect of the way music engagement shaped participants' perceptions of time and space during lockdown and supported their processes of adaptation to and coping with increased social isolation. The authors argue that these findings may inform the way music can be used to address loneliness in everyday life.

Musical and psychomotor interventions for cognitive, sensorimotor, and cerebral decline in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (COPE): a study protocol for a multicentric randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Regular cognitive training can boost or maintain cognitive and brain functions known to decline with age. Most studies administered such cognitive training on a computer and in a lab setting. However, everyday life activities, like musical practice or physical exercise that are complex and variable, might be more successful at inducing transfer effects to different cognitive domains and maintaining motivation. "Body-mind exercises", like Tai Chi or psychomotor exercise, may also positively affect cognitive functioning in the elderly. We will compare the influence of active music practice and psychomotor training over 6 months in Mild Cognitive Impairment patients from university hospital memory clinics on cognitive and sensorimotor performance and brain plasticity. The acronym of the study is COPE (Countervail cOgnitive imPairmEnt), illustrating the aim of the study: learning to better "cope" with cognitive decline. METHODS: We aim to conduct a randomized controlled multicenter intervention study on 32 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients (60-80 years), divided over 2 experimental groups: 1) Music practice; 2) Psychomotor treatment. Controls will consist of a passive test-retest group of 16 age, gender and education level matched healthy volunteers. The training regimens take place twice a week for 45 min over 6 months in small groups, provided by professionals, and patients should exercise daily at home. Data collection takes place at baseline (before the interventions), 3, and 6 months after training onset, on cognitive and sensorimotor capacities, subjective well-being, daily living activities, and via functional and structural neuroimaging. Considering the current constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, recruitment and data collection takes place in 3 waves. DISCUSSION: We will investigate whether musical practice contrasted to psychomotor exercise in small groups can improve cognitive, sensorimotor and brain functioning in MCI patients, and therefore provoke specific benefits for their daily life functioning and well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The full protocol was approved by the Commission cantonale d'éthique de la recherche sur l'être humain de Genève (CCER, no. 2020-00510) on 04.05.2020, and an amendment by the CCER and the Commission cantonale d'éthique de la recherche sur l'être humain de Vaud (CER-VD) on 03.08.2021. The protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (20.09.2020, no. NCT04546451).

Perceptions of Stress and Mood Associated With Listening to Music in Daily Life During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Importance: Music listening is a universal human experience. People of all ages and cultures often use music to reduce stress and improve mood, particularly in times of crisis. However, ecologically valid research examining the real-time association of music listening with stress and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic is scarce. Objective: To explore the associations between listening to music and the perceptions of stress and mood using ecological momentary assessment during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study conducted between April 1 and May 8, 2020, adults from the general population residing in Austria and Italy were prompted by an app on their smartphone to report data 5 times per day across 7 consecutive days. Participants provided data on their real-time and real-life experiences in their natural environment while strict lockdown measures were in place. Data analysis was performed from March 2021 to February 2022. Exposures: Data on self-reported music listening were recorded by means of mobile-based assessments. Perceived chronic stress was assessed once at the end of the study. Main Outcomes and Measures: Perceptions of momentary stress and mood were measured using visual analog scales (score range, 0-100, where 0 indicates not at all and 100 indicates very much) by means of mobile app-based assessments. Results: The final sample comprised 711 participants (497 women [69.9%]; median age, 27.0 years [IQR, 24.0-36.0 years]). Participants provided a total of 19 641 data points, including 4677 music listening reports. Music listening was prospectively associated with lower momentary stress levels (ß, -0.92; 95% CI, -1.80 to -0.04; P = .04) and improvements in mood valence (ß, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.17-2.63; P < .001), especially if the music was perceived as happy. Individuals with higher levels of chronic stress reported improved mood valence after music listening (ß, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.22; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: The present findings suggest that music listening may be a means to modulate stress and mood during psychologically demanding periods. Individuals experiencing heightened momentary and/or chronic stress because of the challenges brought about by COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions might consider music as an easily accessible tool for the management of stress and mood in daily life.

A qualitative study on stress, coping strategies and feasibility of music intervention among women with cancer receiving chemotherapy during COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.

Breast and gynaecological cancer (BGC) patients receiving chemotherapy may experience high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Music interventions may be effective in lowering their stress levels. This study explored stressors, coping strategies, and the feasibility of music interventions among BGC patients in Vietnam. An exploratory qualitative study with individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews was conducted. A convenience sample of BGC patients receiving chemotherapy was recruited from the oncology centre of a public hospital in Vietnam. Twenty patients were interviewed with open-ended questions developed based on the transactional model of stress and coping to explore stress-causing factors and coping strategies and based on guidelines for music therapy practice to explore their music preferences and perceptions. Field notes and interview transcripts were analysed following the qualitative content analysis approach. Two stressor themes were identified: undesirable experiences during treatment and patients' inability to fulfil their own roles and responsibilities. Our findings revealed a new coping strategy-self-realisation of responsibilities towards the family-that is not listed in the transactional model of stress and coping. Future psychological interventions for stress management among BGC patients should focus on raising the patients' awareness of their values and responsibilities towards their families. Three categories of preferred music genres for stress reduction were identified: religious, softly melodic, and revolutionary music. The patients were aware of the positive effects of music and had different musical preferences. This study also explored the acceptance of music interventions and facilitators and barriers to implementing them among BGC patients in Vietnam. The findings suggest that before implementing music interventions, the musical preferences, religions, and beliefs of each individual should be considered to achieve desirable results. Music interventions for BGC patients receiving chemotherapy in Vietnam are feasible. Further intervention studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness.

Relationship of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Musical Practice Intensity among Musicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Questionnaire Study.

INTRODUCTION: As soon as COVID-19 spread around the world, prevention and control measures were taken, such as masking and physical distancing, which changed people's routines, including musical practice among professional and amateur musicians. OBJECTIVE: This descriptive questionnaire study was designed to: 1) investigate how the pandemic affected musical practice among musicians; 2) determine how musicians remained motivated in their new routine; 3) identify the presence of pre-COVID musculoskeletal symptoms; and 4) analyze whether musculoskeletal symptoms decreased, maintained, or increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 89 musicians from Brazil participated in an online survey, from August 2020 to January 2021. The survey form included questions about motivation, musical practice frequency, and the presence and characterization of musculoskeletal symptoms (adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, NMQ). Musicians were asked to consider the periods before and during the pandemic to answer the questions. RESULTS: During the pandemic, the frequency of musical practice decreased (p<0.01), and it could be associated with the individual's perceptions of motivation. Musculoskeletal symptoms in the previous 12 months were reported by 58%. When comparing the period before the pandemic to the present, 35.3% of musicians reported their musculoskeletal symptoms had not changed, while 33.3% reported that they had increased. Wrists and hands, lower and upper back, shoulders, and neck were the body sites with most frequent complaints. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the frequency of musical practice of the musicians assessed in this study, with a significant decrease in practice time. Musculoskeletal symptoms were present in this population prior to the pandemic, and these symptoms were mostly maintained or worsened.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Transmission Associated With an Indoor Music Event That Required Proof of Full Vaccination Against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prior to Entry-Seattle, July 2021.

In July 2021, Public Health-Seattle & King County investigated a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak at an indoor event intended for fully vaccinated individuals, revealing unvaccinated staff, limited masking, poor ventilation, and overcrowding. Supporting businesses to develop and implement comprehensive COVID-19 prevention plans is essential for reducing spread in these settings.

"The social neuroscience of music: Understanding the social brain through human song": Correction to Greenberg et al. (2021).

Reports an error in "The social neuroscience of music: Understanding the social brain through human song" by David M. Greenberg, Jean Decety and Ilanit Gordon (American Psychologist, 2021[Oct], Vol 76[7], 1172-1185). In the article, the authors highlight the role of oxytocin in music listening and production. Although there are decades of social neuroscience research supporting the social implications of oxytocin secretion in nonmusical settings, the implications of oxytocin in musical settings remain emergent. for example, although there is indeed evidence that group music making increases oxytocin (e.g., Good & Russo, 2021), there are exceptions that show that oxytocin can decrease (e.g., Fancourt et al., 2016). In the second paragraph of the Neurobiological Candidates section and the third paragraph of the Proposed Model section, the authors note these exceptions and add additional citations in support of the modulation of both oxytocin and cortisol. They also correct their citation of Schladt et al. (2017), whom they had incorrectly cited as showing an increase in oxytocin when their results showed a decrease. The online version of this article has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2021-55326-001.) During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen that people can adapt quickly to ensure that their social needs are met after being forced to isolate and socially distance. Many individuals turned immediately to music, as evidenced by people singing from balconies, watching live concerts on social media, and group singing online. In this article, we show how these musical adaptations can be understood through the latest advances in the social neuroscience of music-an area that, to date, has been largely overlooked. By streamlining and synthesizing prior theory and research, we introduce a model of the brain that sheds light on the social functions and brain mechanisms that underlie the musical adaptations used for human connection. We highlight the role of oxytocin and the neurocircuitry associated with reward, stress, and the immune system. We show that the social brain networks implicated in music production (in contrast to music listening) overlap with the networks in the brain implicated in the social processes of human cognition-mentalization, empathy, and synchrony-all of which are components of herding; moreover, these components have evolved for social affiliation and connectedness. We conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic could be a starting point for an improved understanding of the relationship between music and the social brain, and we outline goals for future research in the social neuroscience of music. In a time when people across the globe have been unable to meet in person, they have found a way to meet in the music. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A model for the social neuroscience of music production begins on a dubious note: Commentary on Greenberg et al. (2021).

Group singing and music-making behaviors that were rapidly adapted to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic context suggest to Greenberg et al. (2021) not only a musical solution to pandemic-related social isolation but also the importance of the social neuroscientific side of music. They propose a model of the social neuroscience of music production premised on the view that group singing leads to increased levels of oxytocin (a neuropeptide associated with empathy and social bonding), citing data of Schladt et al. (2017) and Keeler et al. (2015) as support. The present commentary points out that Schladt et al. reported a decrease rather than an increase in oxytocin level following group singing. Further, reference to the work by Keeler et al. (2015) is only partially accurate, and evidence contrary to the oxytocin premise is ignored. Similar inaccuracy is associated with claims for cortisol, another primary component of their model. While the authors are applauded for directing attention to both the social neuroscience of music and the value of group singing, tempering the stated premises associated with the oxytocin and cortisol channels of the model is recommended. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Aerosol emission from playing wind instruments and related COVID-19 infection risk during music performance.

The pandemic of COVID-19 led to restrictions in all kinds of music activities. Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 requires risk assessment of wind instrument playing in various situations. Previous studies focused on short-range transmission, whereas long-range transmission risk has not been assessed. The latter requires knowledge of aerosol emission rates from wind instrument playing. We measured aerosol concentrations in a hermetically closed chamber of 20 m3 in an operating theatre as resulting from 20 min standardized wind instrument playing (19 flute, 11 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 trumpet players). We calculated aerosol emission rates showing uniform distribution for both instrument groups. Aerosol emission from wind instrument playing ranged from 11 ± 288 particles/second (P/s) up to 2535 ± 195 P/s, expectation value ± uncertainty standard deviation. The analysis of aerosol particle size distributions shows that 70-80% of emitted particles had a size of 0.25-0.8 µm and thus are alveolar. Masking the bell with a surgical mask did not reduce aerosol emission. Aerosol emission rates were higher from wind instrument playing than from speaking or breathing. Differences between instrumental groups could not be found but high interindividual variance, as expressed by uniform distribution of aerosol emission rates. Our findings indicate that aerosol emission depends on physiological factors and playing techniques rather than on the type of instrument, in contrast to some previous studies. Based on our results, we present transmission risk calculations for long-range transmission of COVID-19 for three typical woodwind playing situations.

The Listening to music tuned to 440 Hz versus 432 Hz to reduce anxiety and stress in emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Healthcare providers in the emergency first response units have been exposed to a considerable stress during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study was designed to identify the effects of listening to music during the work break compared to the routine break (in the absence of listening to music) on the level of state anxiety and on the vital parameters of the nurses on duty at the operations center. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, three-arm, double-blind, single-center clinical study. Healthcare providers were divided into three groups according to study intervention (Group 1: listening to 440Hz music; Group 2: listening to 432Hz music; Group 3: liberal activity). The study was conducted during the working hours of dayshifts in an emergency first response unit station located in Tuscany, Italy. Outcomes were measured against measures of stress (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAIX1), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), pain and productivity (Likert Scale) measured at baseline (T0) and at the end of exposure (T1). RESULTS: Overall, 54 healthcare providers were enrolled; 32 females (59.3%); mean age of 39.64 years (SD±9.94); the total measurements performed were 83. The median values of STAI X1 decreased in all the 3 groups from T0 to T1 (Group 1: 34.5 vs. 32, p=0.0001; Group 2: 34 vs. 29, p=0.001; Group 3: 33 vs. 31, p=0.028). In Group 2 a reduction of mean values of respiratory rate and systolic blood pressure was recorded at T1 (-2.714 b/min, p=0.000 and -3.821 mmHg, p=0.031, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Listening to music at 432 Hz is a low cost and short intervention that can be a useful resource to manage anxiety and stress. Further studies are needed to assess medium and long-term effects of listening to music.

The impact of COVID-19 on music consumption and music spending.

COVID-19 induced restrictions ordered by governments around the world have been an exogenous shock to the music industry, which we divide into two affected groups: 1) live music events and 2) recorded music. While the impact on live music events is rather obvious, it is unclear how the current pandemic is affecting the recorded music market. Hence, we study consumers' pre- and post-pandemic shifts in consumer spending (in euros) and music consumption (in hours) across live music events, as well as the digital and physical submarkets of recorded music, in the world's fourth largest music market, Germany. Relying on an online bi-annual panel capturing five waves between winter 2018/19 and winter 2020/21, we find that the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the continuous trend towards digitalization of the music landscape with premium streaming being the biggest beneficiary. However, total monthly consumer spending on music decreased by more than 45% compared to pre-pandemic, with live music events and physical sales being the most severely affected. Surprisingly, music consumption in hours also decreased during the lockdown even though consumers spent more time at home.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Of Music and Mechanics of Its Spikes! A Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been inflicted upon humanity by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the latest insidious incarnation of the coronaviruses group. While in its wake intense scientific research has produced breakthrough vaccines and cures, there still exists an immediate need to further understand the origin, mechanobiology and biochemistry, and destiny of this virus so that future pandemics arising from similar coronaviruses may be contained more effectively. In this Perspective, we discuss the various evidential findings of virus propagation and connect them to respective underpinning cellular biomechanical states leading to corresponding manifestations of the viral activity. We further propose avenues to tackle the virus, including from a "musical" vantage point, and contain its relentless strides that are currently afflicting the global populace.

Effects of Classical Music Virtual Reality on Pediatric Healthcare Worker Compassion Fatigue.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of classical music virtual reality (VR) on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, and capacity for developing caring relationships with patients among healthcare workers (HCWs). BACKGROUND: COVID-19 accentuated the importance of promoting the well-being of frontline workers. Efforts to address the mental health needs of HCWs are likely to positively impact patient outcomes. METHODS: Healthcare workers completed 3 sessions of VR. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare premeasure versus postmeasure on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL), State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Caring Ability Inventory. Analysis of variance was performed to identify associations between the intervention and differences in scores for each ProQOL domain. Bonferroni correction adjusted for multiple comparisons. Fisher's t test was used for categorical analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-one HCWs completed the study. There was a significant reduction in burnout after the experience, compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that classical music VR may reduce burnout in HCWs.

Communicating Awareness About COVID-19 Through Songs: An Example From Ghana.

Research has shown that music can be used to educate or disseminate information about public health crises. Grounded in the edutainment approach, we explored how songs are being used to create awareness about COVID-19 in Ghana, a sub-Saharan African country. YouTube was searched, and 28 songs met the study inclusion criteria. We conducted a thematic analysis of the song lyrics. Most lyrics were in English, Ghanaian Pidgin English, Akan, Ga, or Dagbani. Reflecting the multilingual population of Ghana, half of the songs contained three languages to convey their message, and only five songs were in one language. Eight themes emerged from the analysis: public health guidelines, COVID-19 is real and not a hoax, COVID-19 is infectious, prayer as method to stop the virus, emotional reaction and disruption of "everyday" activities; verbally expelling the virus, call for unity and collective efforts, and inspiring hope. We show that songs have the potential as a method for rapidly sharing information about emerging public health crises. Even though, it is beyond the scope of this study to draw conclusions about the reception and impact of songs on awareness and knowledge, the study shows that examining song lyrics can still be useful in understanding local attitudes toward COVID-19, as well as strategies for promoting preventive behaviors. We note that additional multidimensional efforts are needed to increase awareness among the general public about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improving young children's handwashing behaviour and understanding of germs: The impact of A Germ's Journey educational resources in schools and public spaces.

CONTEXT: Effective handwashing can prevent the spread of germs, including Covid-19. However, young children can lack a fundamental understanding of germ transfer. A Germ's Journey educational resources were designed to support young children in learning about germs and handwashing. These resources include a book, website, song, online games and glo-gel activities that are informed by a behaviour change model. RESEARCH GAP: Prior research has not evaluated the impacts of these resources on behavioural outcomes. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Two intervention studies evaluated the impacts of these resources on both knowledge and behavioural outcomes. METHOD: In Study 1, children (n = 225) were recruited from four schools and randomly assigned by classrooms to participate in a multicomponent intervention (vs. control). In Study 2, children (n = 104) were recruited from a museum and randomly assigned to participate in a song intervention (vs. control). Trained observers recorded participants' engagement in six handwashing behaviours and their understanding of germs. These behavioural and knowledge outcomes were analysed using regression and related analyses. RESULTS: In Study 1, significant improvements were observed between baseline and follow up in the intervention group for both behavioural scores (Est = 0.48, SE = 0.14, t = 3.30, p = 0.001) and knowledge scores (Est = 2.14, SE = 0.52, z = 4.11, p < 0.001), whereas these improvements were not observed in the control group (ts < 1). In Study 2, the intervention group had significantly higher behavioural scores compared to the control group (Est. = -0.71, SE = 0.34, t = -2.07, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This research demonstrates that specifically designed hand hygiene educational resources can improve handwashing practice and understanding in young children, and could lead to the reduction of the transmission of disease within this group.

Do "brassy" sounding musical instruments need increased safe distancing requirements to minimize the spread of COVID-19?

Brass wind instruments with long sections of cylindrical pipe, such as trumpets and trombones, sound "brassy" when played at a fortissimo level due to the generation of a shock front in the instrument. It has been suggested that these shock fronts may increase the spread of COVID-19 by propelling respiratory particles containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus several meters due to particle entrainment in the low pressure area behind the shocks. To determine the likelihood of this occurring, fluorescent particles, ranging in size from 10-50 µm, were dropped into the shock regions produced by a trombone, a trumpet, and a shock tube. Preliminary results indicate that propagation of small airborne particles by the shock fronts radiating from brass wind instruments is unlikely.

Development and Implementation of a "Music Beeps" Program to Promote Physical Fitness in Adolescents.

This study aimed to develop a physical education fitness program for adolescents to counteract the declining physical activity levels caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to investigate the program's effect. This mixed-methods study developed and implemented a five-component "Music Beeps" (MB) program to promote adolescents' physical fitness. A total of 240 students from two high schools in South Korea-divided into experimental and control groups-participated in 32 sessions over 16 weeks. The changes in students' fitness were analyzed, and the educational effects were examined via inductive analysis of the observation logs and group and in-depth interviews. The results demonstrated that, whereas the comparison group demonstrated no statistically significant changes in power, muscular strength and endurance, or cardiopulmonary endurance, the experimental group showed changes in all these variables, along with changes in flexibility. Further, the MB program had significant educational effects. First, students reported that musical cues enhanced their fitness motivation and sense of responsibility. Second, record-keeping and active participation contributed to self-led fitness management. Third, activity in a small space with few pieces of equipment led to the positive perception that the program was efficient and enabled regular exercise regardless of climate conditions.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures: the use of music to communicate public health recommendations against the spread of COVID-19.

To promote the population's adherence to COVID-19 public health preventive measures, the Quebec (Canada) government solicited the assistance of local music artists. This commentary aims to demonstrate how music has been utilized to communicate the public health recommendations relative to the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss the relevance of using music in this context, as supported by research. More specifically, music is discussed in terms of its powerful capacity to reach out to a large population pool; to capture the population's attention quickly and massively in spite of age, language, or cultural barriers; to effectively communicate messages; and to affect individuals' behaviours. In this regard, the current COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how music can be utilized as a communication tool and offers an interesting perspective for the consideration of music in future public health research.