Effect of autonomic nervous system activity while listening to music

We studied the effects of 3 different types of music – classical, hard rock, avant-garde – on autonomic nervous system activity. Changes in this activity are induced by emotional stress or relaxation. Subjects were 17 healthy students 19–22 years of age who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter) before and while listening to the 3 types of music. Oxygen supply to the brain was monitored by means of infrared sensors. Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability was expressed as the low (0.04–0.15 Hz) and the high (0.15–0.40 Hz) frequency components (LF, HF) and the LF/HF ratio. LF/HF, considered to be an indication of sympathetic nervous system activity, increased significantly in the subjects while listening to hard rock; in contrast the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen supply to the brain did not.