In a first-of-its-kind study, University of South Florida researchers are finding that music therapy can calm the brain and help boost cognition in patients undergoing chemotherapy. In partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center, Jennifer Bugos, USF professor of music education, and breast surgical oncologist Dr. Melissa Mallory, are examining the effects of private and group piano lessons on cognition and everyday functioning in patients.
“We are interested in examining whether social support while learning a musical instrument can increase cognition in patients undergoing treatment for cancer when holding curriculum constant, which areas of cognition may be improved and what duration of music training is optimal for patients,” Bugos said.
A Music Therapy Protocol
The piano training protocol, “Keys to Staying Sharp,” includes more comprehensive instruction than a typical piano lesson, with more patterns and repetition. While studies have been conducted on cancer patients in remission, piano training hasn’t previously been offered to those undergoing chemotherapy.
“Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment can significantly impact mental health and overall patient wellness,” Mallory said. “Identifying new strategies to improve outcomes in these arenas – especially medication-free options – is needed to facilitate truly comprehensive patient-centric cancer care.”
Preliminary data suggests the musicians demonstrated enhanced executive functions after receiving music therapy (group piano lessons) and have self-reported that they found learning the piano to be enjoyable and relaxing.
Related: Chess: Good for Your Brain & an Added Vitamin for Seniors
A Positive Effect
“There were a lot of outside stressors contributing to my mood, but piano practice and going to lessons were always something good and positive that I would look forward to, no matter what else was happening,” said Robin Hesselink, who’s undergoing treatment for stage IV metastatic breast cancer. “Even for those 30 minutes or an hour, I could forget about the other stuff and have something enjoyable. At least temporarily, while I’m doing it, it has a very positive effect on me.”
According to the American Cancer Society, patients undergoing chemotherapy may have difficulty remembering things, focusing, finishing tasks or learning something new. Bugos believes that music education interventions can help overcome cancer-related cognitive impairment.
While the sample size is just a start – 15 individuals – Bugos said that it’s helped launch new support from the National Endowment for the Arts, which just provided a two-year funding renewal for several of her studies conducted in the Coordination and Cognition Across the Lifespan in Music (CALM) lab, including another study specific to those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Other Instruments Can Help, Too
Bugos found that playing the JSax – a smaller version of the saxophone – can not only improve the respiration of adults who’ve suffered breathing difficulties following COVID-19, but can also sharpen their minds. From her pilot study, using a spirometer, she found that all seven participants doubled their respiration and decreased their error rates on a cognition test. The research team also found that the participants experienced an increase in their inhibition and executive functions.
“It was a privilege to participate in the JSax program and I had a lot of fun being part of it,” said study participant Darlene DeMarie. “It definitely was challenging at first, but it was rewarding when I noted my progress over time. Music is like therapy, and it definitely adds to our lives.”
About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Across campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for six consecutive years and, for the second straight year, as the best value university in Florida. In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States and Canada. With an all-time high of $692 million in research funding in 2023 and a ranking as a top 15 public university for producing new U.S. patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
