Music Therapy and Its Effect on Serum Testosterone Levels among Paramilitary Soldiers under Stress

^1. Department of Life sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
^2. Department of Zoology, K.M. Govt. Girls P.G. College, Badalpur, GB Nagar, India
^3. Dy Inspector General of Police, CRPF, India
^4. Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information and Technology, Noida, India

^* Corresponding Author: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Testosterone is an androgenic hormone primarily secreted by the gonads under the control of the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It is essential for maintaining various physiological and reproductive functions and also influences behavioral traits such as aggression, competitiveness, dominance, and the ability to cope with stress. Circulating testosterone follows a diurnal rhythm, with peak levels in the early morning and a gradual decline as the day progresses. This study was conducted on paramilitary soldiers, a population with high working stress. Recent studies show the increasing incidence of Suicide and Fratricide among paramilitary personnel and soldiers, which is a issue of serious concern. It is a scientifically established fact that music is used as a coping mechanism to reduce stress and anxiety. The study was conducted to validate the scientific fact of music to control anxiety through music. In the present study serum testosterone was measured as an important hormone for activeness and physical performance, and it is known to decrease under stressful conditions, making it a useful marker of stress. In the present investigation the average serum testosterone levels were recorded at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of music therapy. The result shows that the mean level increased from 484.29 ± 26.42 ng/dL at day 0 to 515.09 ± 41.24, 528.20 ± 55.46, 549.60 ± 71.39, and 554.63 ± 102.74 ng/dL at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively. A significant increasing trend was observed over time. The study suggests that music is not only a source of entertainment but can also be used as an alternative and complementary therapy for reducing stress and improving hormonal balance in soldiers.