Listening to music during electromyography does not influence the examinee's anxiety and pain levels

ABSTRACT Introduction: Listening to music is a low‐cost intervention that has demonstrated ability to reduce pain and anxiety levels in various medical procedures. Methods: Subjects undergoing electrophysiological examinations were randomized into a music‐listening group and a control group. Visual analog scales were used to measure anxiety and pain levels during the procedure. Results: Thirty subjects were randomized to each group. No statistically significant difference was found in anxiety or pain levels during the procedure between groups. However, most subjects in the music‐listening group reported anxiety and pain reduction and would prefer to hear music in a future examination. Conclusions: Although listening to music during electrophysiological examinations did not reduce anxiety or pain significantly, most subjects felt a positive effect and would prefer to hear music; therefore, we suggest that music may be offered optionally in the electromyography laboratory setting. Muscle Nerve 50: 445–447, 2014