Background and Objectives: To compare the effects of selected recorded music with the effects of ambient noise on the physiological and behavioural state responses and weight of preterm infants in NICU. Methods: 50 non-ventilated, preterm infants, 28-36 weeks of gestation aged 1-10 days of life were exposed to music on alternate days at morning and evening for 14 days. The effect of the music was measured before, during , and after by observing the oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate and wellbeing as measured by behavioural state, and feeding as measured by weight changes; and compared to a control group of 50 infants in whom no music (only standard NICU care with ambient noise) was provided. Results: Oxygen saturations and heart rate did not change significantly in the 10 min before, during or after the music in the intervention (p=0.95 and 0.19) or control group (p=0.23 and 0.20). Respiratory rate decreased in both the groups (p <0.0001 and <0.0002). In the music group Behavioural pattern changed from 3 to 4 of the Thomas score; from before the music therapy sleep-wake transition, to active sleep, showing increased mouthing, sucking and twitching movements of the limbs (p<0.0001) vs no change in control group. Increase in the weight from the mean of 1.5 (0.28) to 1.6 (0.30) after 14 days was seen in infants who received music therapy (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Behavioral state changed significantly from sleep-awake transition to active sleep and significant weight gain occurred after 14 days in music therapy group. There were no significant differences in the heart rate and oxygen saturation over the three measurement points over a period of 40 minute session for both the groups over 14 days. Respiratory rate significantly decreased in both the groups. There was no adverse effect of music therapy. 

Keywords: Music; Premature Infants; Physiological and Behavioral Response.