Efficacy of Combined Music and Cryotherapy for Pain Relief During Mediastinal Drain Removal After Myocardial Revascularization: A Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol

Glob Adv Integr Med Health. 2026 May 6;15:27536130261419779. doi: 10.1177/27536130261419779. eCollection 2026 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a procedure that requires the use of a mediastinal drain to prevent blood accumulation around the heart. Removal of this device is recognized as a painful experience for the patient. In this context, the adoption of cost-effective, non-pharmacological pain management strategies is essential to reduce adverse effects and minimize opioid exposure. Among these strategies, music-based intervention and cryotherapy emerge as promising interventions, supported by scientific evidence indicating their efficacy in reducing pain and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the combined use of music and cryotherapy in alleviating pain during mediastinal drain removal in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery.

METHODOLOGY: This is a randomized clinical trial, developed in accordance with the SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines. The primary outcome of the study is the reduction in pain intensity, as measured by the established Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The study will be conducted in the Intensive Care Unit of the Heart Hospital of Natal, involving two groups: the experimental group, which will receive the music-based intervention and cryotherapy, and the control group, which will follow the institution's standard care. The sample will consist of 52 randomly allocated participants, and feasibility will be evaluated through a pilot test with the first five. Eligibility criteria include: age ≥18 years, postoperative hemodynamic stability, a score of 15 on the Glasgow Coma Scale, ability to understand and respond to pain assessment instruments, and the presence of a mediastinal drain scheduled for removal.

CONCLUSION: This study aims to contribute new evidence regarding integrative and complementary health practices, thereby optimizing the comprehensive care delivered to patients post-myocardial revascularization.

REGISTRATION: This study is registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) platform under the number RBR-2nzh9vr and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Opinion no. 83976124.0.0000.5537).

PMID:42130817 | PMC:PMC13161676 | DOI:10.1177/27536130261419779