EFFECT OF GROOVE MUSIC ON PAIN PERCEPTION: EVIDENCE FROM A BEHAVIOURAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY

Music represents a promising non-pharmacological approach for pain management. Previous literature has shown that pain can modulate corticospinal excitability and analgesic intervention may restore it. Music listening both reduces pain perception and influences cortical excitability. However, the specific role of rhythmic features, such as groove, in these processes remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of groove on pain perception and its modulation of corticospinal excitability.

In a sample of 12 healthy participants, corticospinal and intracortical excitability was assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) by measuring the Cortical Silent Period (CSP) and the Input-Output Curves (IOC). Measurements were obtained at baseline, during capsaicin-induced pain, and during pain combined with two music listening conditions: high-groove and low-groove music. Subjective pain perception was assessed in all pain conditions using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results showed that capsaicin-induced pain reduced both the IOC and CSP duration (p< .001), indicating decreased corticospinal excitability and intracortical inhibitory mechanisms. Notably, when music was played during the pain condition, CSP values and IOC slope further increased and returned toward baseline levels. In parallel, music listening was associated with a trend toward reduced VAS pain ratings, although this effect did not reach statistical significance.

These findings suggest that music, regardless of its rhythmic content, may effectively modulate both the subjective perception of pain and its neurophysiological correlates, supporting its potential role as an adjunctive tool in pain management.