The Effect of Listening to the Holy Qur’an Recitation Therapy on Physiological Parameters and Neuropsychological Functions in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Narrative Review from Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Point of View

Objectives: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the use of listening to the Holy Qur’an recitation (HQR) therapy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: Articles in the last 10 years were reviewed to obtain data about the application of listening to the HQR and its effect on physiological parameters and neuropsychological functions. Results: Twenty-four articles were relevant to the topic which consisted of 9 review articles, 14 original articles, and 1 web page. Discussion: Listening to HQR therapy is a non-pharmacological therapy given to ICU patients with the aim of improving physiological and psychological parameters which were disturbed due to stressors obtained in the ICU. The form of therapeutic intervention for listening to the HQR varies based on the time of administration, the length of therapy, and the Surah read. Listening to the HQR therapy had a therapeutic effect by improving the discomfort caused by the treatment and creating a peaceful mind. The average duration of listening to the HQR therapy is about 30 minutes with the time of administration during spontaneous breathing trials or while the patient is still on mechanical ventilation. Listening to the HQR could cause changes in the physiological parameters of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Listening to HQR therapy involves elements of religious and spiritual characteristics associated with the occurrence of stress, anxiety, and depression. Spirituality is related to cognitive and emotional functions such as belief, motivation, and feeling close to God, so this therapy was used to improve cognitive and psychological functions. The effect of listening to the HQR therapy on cognitive function was a decrease in the degree of pain. The psychological function improved after receiving listening to the HQR therapy by decreasing stress levels, and the incidence of anxiety, depression, or other emotional disorders.