Emotional Stimulation for Anxiety

(NeuroArt Trial)

Overseen By Olivier Beauchet, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Centre integre universitaire de sante et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal

Disqualifiers: Concurrent study, Language barrier, Non-binary

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

120 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores ways to help people manage ecoanxiety, a type of anxiety linked to climate change. Participants will use a digital app featuring Impressionist paintings paired with music created from plant signals, aiming to promote positive emotions. The study will test whether this combination, called "Digital Artwork of Musicalized Impressionist Paintings," can boost well-being and emotional resilience. Ideal candidates are young adults or seniors without severe mental or sensory impairments who are fluent in English or French. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for enhancing emotional resilience.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What prior data suggests that this digital artwork of musicalized Impressionist paintings is safe for mental health?

A previous study showed that creating digital art reduces anxiety, especially in those who are already anxious. Research has also shown that viewing visual art can lower stress levels. Another study suggested that combining music with visual art, such as musicalized Impressionist paintings, might further reduce anxiety.

These findings indicate that this treatment is well-tolerated, with no major safety concerns reported. Using digital art and music is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't physically affect the body, which enhances its safety. Overall, this approach appears to be a promising way to manage anxiety with minimal risk. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using digital artwork of musicalized impressionist paintings to treat anxiety because it offers a novel, non-pharmacological approach. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or therapy, this method combines visual and auditory stimulation to engage the emotional centers of the brain, potentially offering a soothing and immersive experience. This innovative technique could provide an alternative for those who prefer not to use medication or need additional support alongside conventional therapies.

What evidence suggests that digital artwork of musicalized Impressionist paintings could be effective for reducing ecoanxiety?

Research has shown that Impressionist paintings and music can create positive feelings. Viewing art and listening to music together can help reduce anxiety. One study found that people who viewed artworks felt less stressed, with 61% experiencing a significant decrease. Creating digital art also helps lower anxiety, even in highly anxious individuals. In this trial, participants will experience digital artwork of musicalized Impressionist paintings. This approach is believed to further reduce anxiety and may improve well-being and provide emotional benefits, especially during climate challenges. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-35 or over 60, who identify with their biological sex and gender, without severe psychobehavioral or major neurocognitive disorders. Participants must not have serious visual or hearing impairments and must provide written consent.

Inclusion Criteria

My gender identity matches the sex I was assigned at birth.

No severe psychobehavioral or major neurocognitive disorders

Give written consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

I identify as non-binary.

Participate in another concurrent experimental clinical study, to avoid interference with our study

I cannot understand written or spoken French or English.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage with digital artwork combining Impressionist paintings and music created from plant electrophysiological signals to assess emotional responses.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for emotional responses and changes in ecoanxiety levels after the intervention.

2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Digital Artwork of Musicalized Impressionist Paintings

Trial Overview The study tests the emotional impact of a digital artwork that combines Impressionist paintings with music derived from plant signals. It explores if this can generate positive emotions, especially when both visual and auditory stimuli are combined, and how age affects this response.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Young Adults Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Adults from 18 to 35 years old

Group II: Elderly Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Adults aged 65 years ol or more

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Centre integre universitaire de sante et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

15

Recruited

24,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a randomized controlled trial of 170 patients undergoing vascular angiography, listening to self-selected music for 15 minutes significantly reduced pre-procedure anxiety compared to those who did not listen to music, with anxiety scores dropping from 38.57 to 35.2 in the music group.

The music intervention also led to a significant decrease in pulse rate, indicating that music is an effective and enjoyable noninvasive method for reducing anxiety and physiological stress in patients before medical procedures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A music intervention to reduce anxiety before vascular angiography procedures. Buffum, MD., Sasso, C., Sands, LP., et al.[2006]

Art-making with oil-pastels and gouache paint significantly improved positive mood in participants, while using pencil did not have the same effect, indicating that the choice of art material can influence emotional responses.

The study found that art-making with oil-pastels led to unique physiological responses, including changes in heart rate variability, suggesting that the tactile experience and fluidity of the materials may enhance emotional engagement during the creative process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional Response and Changes in Heart Rate Variability Following Art-Making With Three Different Art Materials. Haiblum-Itskovitch, S., Czamanski-Cohen, J., Galili, G.[2020]

In a randomized controlled trial involving 170 emergency department patients, listening to purpose-designed music or sound compositions significantly reduced self-rated anxiety levels by 10%-15% compared to control groups that received no soundtrack or simulated ambient noise.

The most effective interventions included electroacoustic musical compositions and audio field recordings, both of which led to significant decreases in anxiety, highlighting the potential of sound therapy in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Original sound compositions reduce anxiety in emergency department patients: a randomised controlled trial. Weiland, TJ., Jelinek, GA., Macarow, KE., et al.[2019]

The study successfully designed emotional visual music stimuli using a literature-based approach, validating their effectiveness as emotional stimuli through self-reported psychometric data and EEG responses from viewers.

When auditory and visual stimuli conveyed contradictory arousal information, the perceived emotion was influenced by the channel with the stronger arousal, suggesting that emotional responses can be enhanced when there is a positive congruency in valence despite conflicting arousal levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Arousal Rules: An Empirical Investigation into the Aesthetic Experience of Cross-Modal Perception with Emotional Visual Music. Lee, IE., Latchoumane, CV., Jeong, J.[2020]

Listening to operatic music alone can evoke positive emotions and physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, but knowing the sad plot while listening can shift emotions towards sadness while maintaining high arousal levels.

Watching the acting performance alongside the music further enhances emotional arousal and can transform feelings from sadness to a transcendent experience, highlighting the unique emotional impact of combining music with drama in opera.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotions induced by operatic music: psychophysiological effects of music, plot, and acting: a scientist's tribute to Maria Callas. Balteş, FR., Avram, J., Miclea, M., et al.[2015]

In a pilot study of 48 participants undergoing cerebral angiography, the use of self-selected music did not significantly reduce stress responses (heart rate and blood pressure) or medication requirements compared to standard care.

Surprisingly, participants in the control group experienced significantly lower anxiety levels after the procedure compared to those who listened to music, suggesting that music may not be beneficial in this context.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a music intervention on patients undergoing cerebral angiography: a pilot study. Vanderboom, TL., Arcari, PM., Duffy, ME., et al.[2012]

In a study with 93 participants, relaxing music was found to potentially reduce the severity of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) during a 14-minute virtual bicycle ride.

The effectiveness of music in reducing VIMS was significantly linked to how pleasant the music was perceived, with women reporting higher levels of sickness than men, suggesting that pleasant music could be a simple and cost-effective countermeasure against VIMS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pleasant music as a countermeasure against visually induced motion sickness. Keshavarz, B., Hecht, H.[2015]

The study aims to explore how combining music and visual art can more effectively reduce pain and stress compared to experiencing either one alone, using a repeated-measures design with participants bringing their own chosen artworks and music.

Pain and stress responses will be measured through subjective reports and physiological markers, such as heart rate and cortisol levels, during a controlled cold pressor test, providing insights into the mechanisms behind aesthetic experiences.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Does art reduce pain and stress? A registered report protocol of investigating autonomic and endocrine markers of music, visual art, and multimodal aesthetic experience. Fekete, A., Maidhof, RM., Specker, E., et al.[2022]

In a study of 163 healthy adults watching an emotional film, peak inter-subject correlations (ISCs) in brain activity were observed during a moment of potential relief, indicating common emotional processing across participants.

The study found that higher ISC in alpha and beta frequency bands was associated with lower anxiety symptoms, suggesting that ISC could be a useful marker for understanding anxious moods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neural dynamics during emotional video engagement relate to anxiety. Nan, J., Balasubramani, PP., Ramanathan, D., et al.[2022]

A study with 32 healthy participants found that a relaxing music environment (MusiCure) improved mood and facilitated faster recognition of happy facial expressions compared to irritating noise or silence.

Individuals with higher trait anxiety showed enhanced performance in recognizing emotions during the relaxing music condition, suggesting that sound environments can influence emotional processing, especially in anxious individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implicit processing of visual emotions is affected by sound-induced affective states and individual affective traits. Quarto, T., Blasi, G., Pallesen, KJ., et al.[2021]

Music interventions were largely effective in reducing patient anxiety across various medical and dental settings, except for colonoscopy procedures, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches to anxiety management.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) showed a high success rate of 89%, particularly excelling in dental settings, while other methods like Massage and Nature-based Interventions also demonstrated significant effectiveness, suggesting a variety of successful strategies for anxiety reduction in healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dealing with Anxious Patients: An Integrative Review of the Literature on Nonpharmaceutical Interventions to Reduce Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Medical or Dental Procedures. Weisfeld, CC., Turner, JA., Bowen, JI., et al.[2021]

Music therapy significantly reduces heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, anxiety scores, and pain levels in patients with dental anxiety disorders, based on a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Patients receiving music interventions showed increased cooperation during dental procedures, indicating that music therapy can enhance the overall dental experience for anxious patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Music Intervention for Dental Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Tan, K., Liu, H., Huang, S., et al.[2023]

In a study of 224 participants undergoing computed tomography colonography, listening to music and inhaling aroma oil did not significantly reduce perceived pain or affect vital signs compared to a control group.

Despite the lack of measurable effects on pain or discomfort, participants who experienced music and aroma reported a preference for these interventions in future procedures, indicating a positive subjective experience.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of listening to music and essential oil inhalation on patients undergoing screening CT colonography: a randomized controlled trial. Nagata, K., Iida, N., Kanazawa, H., et al.[2017]

Live chamber music performances elicited the strongest positive emotional responses, especially among adult audiences familiar with classical music, indicating that live music can enhance emotional engagement.

Different age groups responded uniquely to music, with school children experiencing a calming effect but also increased tiredness, while older listeners reported heightened joy, suggesting that emotional responses to music are influenced by age and familiarity with the genre.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotional Effects of Live and Recorded Music in Various Audiences and Listening Situations. Theorell, T., Bojner Horwitz, E.[2020]

Citations

1. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/characterization-of-emotional-response-profiles-triggered-by-a-digital-artwork-of-musicalized-impres

Characterization of Emotional Response Profiles Triggered by ... Research shows that Impressionist paintings and music can generate positive emotions. This study hypothesizes that (1) observing and listening ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12477173/

The impact of digital art-making on anxiety: a feasibility study Results suggest digital art-making can help reduce anxiety, especially in highly anxious individuals. Effects were independent of artistic ...

3. figshare.com figshare.com/articles/dataset/Data_Sheet_1_The_impact_of_digital_art-making_on_anxiety_a_feasibility_study_pdf/30124429

Data Sheet 1_The impact of digital art-making on anxiety Results suggest digital art-making can help reduce anxiety, especially in highly anxious individuals. Effects were independent of artistic ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8246362/

Evidence for the effects of viewing visual artworks on stress ... 61% of the patients that reported seeing the artworks stated that the artworks somewhat or significantly reduced their stress levels. Krauss et ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-anxiety-11-2024-59ea4

Emotional Stimulation for Anxiety (NeuroArt Trial) This suggests that combining music with visual art, like musicalized impressionist paintings, might also help reduce anxiety.