Effect of Music Intervention on Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs in Radiotherapy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Based on the Roy Adaptation Model

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, following cardiovascular diseases. Radiotherapy (RT), a common cancer treatment modality, often induces both physical discomfort and psychological distress, including pain and anxiety. Although music interventions have shown promise in reducing such symptoms, most studies lack a theoretical foundation, limiting their generalizability and application in nursing practice. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a music intervention on pain, anxiety, and vital signs in patients undergoing RT, using the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) as the theoretical framework. A randomized controlled trial was conducted between May 2024 and April 2025 in the Radiation Oncology Department. A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group ( n = 60) or control group ( n = 60). The intervention group listened to specially composed therapeutic music via speakers for 20 to 40 min during weekly RT sessions. Pain (Visual Analog Scale), anxiety (Facial Anxiety Scale), and vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) were measured before and after RT sessions. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and Cohen’s d for effect sizes. The music intervention significantly reduced pain and anxiety scores in the intervention group compared to the control group ( p < .001). Additionally, positive changes in vital signs were observed, including decreased systolic blood pressure and heart rate. The findings support the regulatory and cognator adaptive responses described in RAM, indicating that music functions as an effective coping mechanism for physiological and psychological stressors during RT. Music intervention is a safe, non-pharmacological, and cost-effective strategy for enhancing patient adaptation during RT. This study contributes to the evidence base by integrating a theoretical model into clinical nursing practice and underscores the importance of model-based interventions in improving holistic patient care.