Evaluating the Efficacy of Music-Based Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Physical and Mental Health Challenges: A Systematic Review.

Music therapy (MT) has gained recognition as an effective intervention for addressing both psychological and physiological challenges among children and adolescents. Research consistently highlights its therapeutic potential in managing various health conditions. This systematic review consolidates evidence from 14 studies involving 2,789 participants, assessing the efficacy of music-based interventions in enhancing mental and physical health outcomes. Adhering to the PRISMA framework, the study employed strict selection criteria to maintain methodological rigor and relevance. Findings indicate that a majority of the studies reported moderate to high effect sizes, with notable improvements in emotional stability, stress management, and motor recovery. Interventions involving active engagement-such as instrumental play, singing, and structured rhythmic activities-demonstrated greater effectiveness compared to passive exposure to music. A critical gap identified in the literature is the scarcity of long-term follow-up assessments, underscoring the need for extended studies to evaluate the durability of therapeutic benefits. The discussion explores practical applications for healthcare providers and suggests avenues for further investigation.