Duration-Dependent Effects of Auditory Music Stimulation on Physiological and Behavioural Parameters in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Auditory stimulation has been reported to influence physiological arousal and behavioural performance; however, experimental evidence regarding the effects of music exposure duration remains limited. The present study evaluated the effects of different durations of instrumental auditory music exposure on selected physiological and behavioural parameters in Wistar rats.

Adult Wistar rats were allocated to four experimental groups (n = 16 per group) and exposed to instrumental music for 10, 30, or 60 minutes. Body weight and body temperature were recorded before and after exposure. Behavioural assessment included spatial learning and memory using the Morris Water Maze test and social behaviour using a helping behaviour paradigm. Pre- and post-exposure values were compared using appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests.

Music exposure did not alter body weight at any exposure duration. Body temperature increased significantly following exposure in all groups, with greater changes observed after 30- and 60-minute exposure compared with 10 minutes. Spatial learning performance improved significantly following exposure across all durations, as indicated by reduced escape latency in the Morris Water Maze, with no significant differences among exposure durations. Social behaviour showed duration-dependent effects, with significant improvement following 10-minute exposure, while longer exposure durations did not produce consistent changes.

These findings demonstrate that auditory music exposure induces measurable changes in physiological arousal and behaviour in rats, and that exposure duration is an important determinant of behavioural outcomes. The results provide experimental evidence relevant to the study of auditory modulation of physiological and behavioural responses.