Comparing Binaural Beats and Music for Reducing Pain and Anxiety After Outpatient Total Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a 30-minute binaural beats audio session on pain and anxiety in adults undergoing outpatient total knee or hip replacement surgery. The trial compares this intervention with listening to participant-selected music during the early recovery period after surgery. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial led by the University of Miami to understand whether binaural beats can influence postoperative outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group listens to a 30-minute binaural beats audio session through standardized over-ear headphones shortly after arriving in the post-anesthesia care unit PACU. The audio targets a 10 Hz alpha frequency using specific sound tones and is played at a comfortable volume. The other group receives usual postoperative care and may listen to their preferred music through the same type of headphones for 30 minutes. Music listening is optional and can be stopped anytime. During the study, participants pain and anxiety levels are measured before surgery and again four hours after surgery using validated scales. Researchers also monitor opioid use, vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate every 30 minutes while in the PACU. Patient satisfaction is assessed once during the PACU stay. The study aims to capture these outcomes within the first four hours after surgery to evaluate early postoperative recovery effects. Total participation time is limited to the immediate postoperative period in the PACU.

Binaural Beats for Postoperative Pain and Anxiety Reduction