A randomised pilot study evaluating music therapy and virtual reality mindfulness sessions for reducing anxiety and stress in patients undergoing first-time elective cardiac surgery

= 8), showing reduced anxiety: music therapy from 31 (26-32) to 23 (20-27), virtual reality from 33 (23-41) to 24 (22-30). Results show feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary evidence of anxiety reduction, supporting further research into music therapy and virtual reality for cardiac surgery patients. The trial was registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Registry (ISRCTN51014051) (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN51014051).