Can music help reduce pain during movement in intensive care?

Researchers want to understand whether music therapy can help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress during a common physical therapy activity in the intensive care unit (ICU) — specifically, when patients are helped to sit up and stand. Some patients will listen to their choice of music through noise-canceling headphones during this movement, while others will receive standard care without music. The study will measure how music affects vital signs, pain levels, and emotional distress.

Moving around in the ICU is important for preventing depression and improving thinking, but it can be uncomfortable and stressful for patients. Researchers want to find simple, low-risk ways to make this necessary activity less painful and less anxiety-provoking.