Effect of recorded male lullaby on physiologic response of neonates in NICU

Most infants in the NICU are exposed to sensory overloads and deprivations as part of their care. This study conducted to assess the effect of lullaby on physiologic response of neonates admitted to NICU. This is a randomized double-blind intervention trial which was performed on 52 neonates in Jahrom (Iran) 2013–2014. The samples were randomly assigned into lullaby group and a control group (sampling was sequential and randomization was by lottery). Neonates in lullaby group (n=26) listened to male lullaby via headphones during 3days and daily for 20min. Headphones without sound were placed for the control group (n=26) during this period. Immediately before the intervention, 10min later, 20min after the start and 20min after the completion of it, changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded by heart monitor, then data were analyzed by software SPSS:V 21, Greenhouse-Geisser test, repeated measures and t-test. The mean of Heart rate in secondday at 20th and 40th minutes in lullaby group were less than control and this differences were significant (respectively p=0.013, 0.026). Also the blood oxygen saturation levels on the first day at 20th minutes, secondday at 10th minutes–20th and 40th minutes and the third on 40min were significantly different among groups. Lullaby (male voice and without music) could significantly reduce heart rate and increase blood oxygen saturation of neonates. Future studies are required to make music as a part of evidence-based strategies to promote outcome of neonates in NICUs. •several studies have used music to reduce stress and promote growth for neonates in the NICU.•Lullaby song may be as predictable and stable source of stimulation in NICUs.•Male lullaby may reduce heart rate and increase blood oxygen saturation of neonates.