Music Therapy for Pancreatic Surgery

(MUSIC PUPS Trial)

Overseen By Jessica Surdam, MPH, CCRC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Visual, hearing, cognitive impairments

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: During hospital stay, up to 2 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how listening to relaxing music might alleviate pain after pancreatic surgery. It focuses on individuals undergoing specific types of surgery at a hospital and experiencing significant pain the following day. The goal is to determine if this music therapy, known as Music Assisted Relaxation Intervention (MARI), is practical, well-received, and can be reliably used alongside other treatments. Suitable participants include those who speak English, are scheduled for a certain type of pancreatic surgery, and report moderate to severe pain post-operation. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management techniques that could enhance recovery experiences.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this music-assisted relaxation intervention is safe for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery?

Research has shown that music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI) is generally well-received by patients. In a previous study, patients undergoing pancreatic surgery found the MARI method practical and acceptable. All participants completed the sessions without negative side effects. This suggests that MARI is safe and might help manage pain after surgery. While more research is always helpful, these early results are encouraging for those considering this non-drug approach to pain relief. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard surgical recovery practices for pancreatic surgery, which primarily focus on medication and physical therapy, Music Assisted Relaxation Intervention (MARI) offers a non-invasive, holistic approach. This technique uses tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery to help reduce stress and potentially enhance recovery outcomes. Researchers are excited about MARI because it could improve patient well-being and recovery experiences without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals, offering a complementary option to traditional post-surgical treatments.

What evidence suggests that this music-assisted relaxation intervention is effective for acute pain in pancreatic surgery patients?

Research has shown that music therapy can reduce pain and stress after pancreatic surgery. A review of several studies found that listening to music lowers blood pressure post-surgery, often indicating reduced stress. Another study found that music therapy helps manage pain for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. These findings suggest that relaxing with music might ease pain and aid recovery after surgery. In this trial, participants will receive a tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery intervention. While more research is needed, early results are promising for using music to support healing and comfort. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, MPH, MT-BC

Principal Investigator

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults who are scheduled for pancreatic surgery (Whipple procedure or Distal pancreatectomy) at UH Cleveland Medical Center and report post-surgery pain of 4/10 or higher. It's not suitable for those who don't meet the language and pain criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I experienced pain of at least 4 out of 10 the day after surgery.

Subject is able to speak and understand English

I am scheduled for a Whipple procedure or Distal pancreatectomy with a standard pain plan.

Exclusion Criteria

Subject has a significant hearing impairment that has not been corrected

Subject has a significant visual impairment that has not been corrected

I do not have any cognitive impairments that would stop me from participating in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive a tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery intervention (MARI) and complete patient-reported outcomes and biological sample collection

During hospital stay, up to 2 weeks

Daily visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment and complete a semi-structured interview

1-2 weeks post-discharge

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Music Assisted Relaxation Intervention (MARI)

Trial Overview The study tests a tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery intervention (MARI) to see if it helps with acute pain after pancreatic surgery. It also looks into how well patients accept biological sample collection and using mobile devices to report their outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Music assisted relaxation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

348

Recruited

394,000+

Emory University

Collaborator

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12357015/

Music Therapy in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Surgery ... Another 2023 meta-analysis found music interventions were effective in reducing post-operative blood pressure (mean difference [MD] −5.29 [−9.53 ...

2. news.uhhospitals.org news.uhhospitals.org/news-releases/articles/2025/08/pilot-study-provides-understanding-of-how-music-therapy-improves-pain-after-pancreatic-surgery

Pilot Study Provides Understanding of How Music Therapy ... “This is the first study to investigate music therapy's role among patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, a population that faces several ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/394572517_Music_Therapy_in_Patients_Undergoing_Pancreatic_Surgery_MUSIC_PUPS_A_Mixed_Methods_Pilot_Study

Music Therapy in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Surgery ... Results Of 22 patients approached, 5 (22.7%) were enrolled (60% DP) with 80% completing all procedures. All participants completed the live MARI ...

4. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/music-therapy-in-patients-undergoing-pancreatic-surgery-music-pups

Music Therapy in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Surgery ... Pilot single arm non-randomized trial to determine the feasibility and acceptability of: 1) a tailored music-assisted relaxation and imagery ...

5. bioengineer.org bioengineer.org/pilot-study-unveils-how-music-therapy-eases-pain-following-pancreatic-surgery/

Pilot Study Unveils How Music Therapy Eases Pain Following ... Patients endure considerable discomfort, marked by severe pain and heightened psychological distress, despite advancements in pharmacological management.