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This dissertation investigated the physiological and neurological effects of music therapy in critically ill patients, focusing on its application in mechanically ventilated individuals in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The main objective was to assess whether music can modulate brain activity and autonomic responses in this population, improving clinical outcomes and contributing to cost reduction in intensive care settings.

To this end, EEG recordings from adult burn patients in the ICU, who underwent music-assisted relaxation sessions, were analysed and a comprehensive analytical pipeline was developed, including signal preprocessing, frequency band extraction, statistical testing, and interactive data visualisation in Tableau.

The results showed consistent increases in delta and theta band activity during and after music exposure, indicating parasympathetic activation and neural relaxation. These changes are aligned with the reviewed literature on this topic, supporting the hypothesis that music can influence autonomic responses even under sedation and the observed inter-individual variability highlights the importance of personalised therapeutic strategies guided by neurophysiological markers.

The study discussed the clinical potential of incorporating music therapy into ICU routines, with implications for reducing sedative use, promoting earlier extubation, and improving patient recovery. It also explores the economic implications of adopting music-based interventions, particularly regarding potential cost savings in the German healthcare system and the findings provide a relevant foundation for future research and for developing more humanised, personalised, and data-driven intensive care practices.