Melomics music medicine (M3) to lessen pain perception during pediatric prick test procedure

This study assesses the effect of music listening on the reduction of pain perception in a random pediatric population undergoing skin prick test (SPT) using a therapeutic system based on an innovative technology (Melomics music medicine, or M3). A randomized controlled trial was implemented by randomly assigning 72 children (mean age = 8.87) to either an experimental or a control group. During the prick test procedure, children in the experimental group listened to Melomics music, whereas children in the control group were not provided with any special auditory or other stimulation. The music was administered by a smartphone, in which M3 was running. The intensity of pain experimented by children during the procedure was assessed using a linear 0-10 cm (0: no pain, 10: severe pain) visual analogue scale (VAS). Presence of pain (VAS 3 to 10) was reported by 29% of experimental group compared to 81.1% of control group (p<0.001). VAS median value for M3 group was 2, as compared to a value of 4 for children with no music (p<0.001). Results showed a significant effect of M3 on the reduction of pain perception, diverting the attention of children from pain, and creating a pleasant environment. M3 seems to be a useful tool to easily and effectively manage the pain on a daily basis. Results suggest a potential use of Melomics music in many other clinical setting to reduce the perception of different kinds of pain in the children population.