Music Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Overseen By Mikey Jose, B.Sc.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Disqualifiers: Atypical parkinsonism, Epilepsy, Cognitive impairment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how listening to music or podcasts might reduce apathy (lack of motivation and emotion) in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Apathy is a common issue in PD and currently lacks specific treatment. Participants will listen to music or podcasts they find motivating, using a personalized playlist or selection. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who experience apathy. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore new ways to manage apathy in Parkinson's Disease.

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 doctor.

What prior data suggests that music and podcast listening are safe for Parkinson's Disease patients with apathy?

A previous study showed that music therapy benefits people with Parkinson's disease, particularly in improving movement. Research indicates that techniques like Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) can enhance walking and balance for these patients. This suggests that listening to music might be safe and helpful.

In contrast, little information exists about listening to podcasts specifically for Parkinson's disease. However, podcasts are a popular and safe form of entertainment, widely used without known risks.

Overall, both music and podcasts are easy to use and do not involve medical procedures, making them a low-risk option for those considering joining a trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about music and podcast listening for Parkinson's disease with apathy because these non-traditional approaches offer unique benefits. Unlike standard treatments that often involve medication to manage symptoms, these methods aim to engage the brain's reward and motivation centers naturally. Music and podcasts are accessible, non-invasive, and can be personalized to each individual's preferences, potentially enhancing their mood and motivation without the side effects of medication. This innovative approach could provide an enjoyable and effective way to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for apathy in Parkinson's Disease?

This trial will compare music-listening with podcast-listening for individuals with Parkinson's Disease experiencing apathy. Research has shown that music therapy, particularly rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), can enhance movement in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Studies have found that RAS can improve walking skills, such as distance and speed, by 15-20%. Music therapy not only aids movement but also boosts motivation and mood. Although limited research exists on using music specifically to address apathy in PD, its positive effects on mood and motivation in older adults suggest potential benefits.

In this trial, one group will engage in music-listening, while another will participate in podcast-listening. Research on using podcasts to treat apathy in PD is also limited. However, listening to motivating or enjoyable podcasts might improve mood and motivation. ^{2 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with Parkinson's Disease who experience apathy. They must be clinically diagnosed following MDS criteria and have a MoCa score above 21, indicating no significant cognitive impairment. Those with moderate depression, other neurological issues, metal/medical implants, or recent tattoos/surgery are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had an injury or surgery on my brain, such as metal in my eye.

I have a form of Parkinsonism that is not typical Parkinson's disease.

I have a neurological condition like MS, stroke, or brain lesion.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessments including musical perception and overall cognition

0 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in an 8-week audio-based intervention with music or podcast listening

8 weeks

Weekly virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in apathy and reward sensitivity after treatment

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Music listening
• Podcast listening

Trial Overview The study investigates how music listening might reduce apathy in Parkinson's patients compared to podcast listening. It aims to understand the brain mechanisms involved when PD patients listen to music as a potential non-pharmacological treatment for apathy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Parkinson's Disease with apathy - Podcast-listening Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will receive a YouTube account app to use. Prior to the start of the intervention, a research team member will guide participants in this group in choosing a podcast that they "find rewarding or motivating".

Group II: Parkinson's Disease with apathy - Music-listening Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will receive a YouTube account app to use. Prior to the start of the intervention, a research team member will guide participants in this group in constructing a playlist of music that they "find rewarding or motivating".

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of British Columbia

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,506

Recruited

2,528,000+

Northeastern University

Collaborator

Trials

103

Recruited

72,600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review identified 15 studies demonstrating that rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) through music therapy significantly improves spatiotemporal gait parameters such as speed, stride length, cadence, and range of motion in patients with movement disorders.

The findings support the use of music-based therapy as an effective rehabilitation tool in clinical practice for neurological populations, highlighting its potential benefits in enhancing mobility and movement function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Music Based Therapy Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) Using Wearable Device in Rehabilitation of Neurological Patients: A Systematic Review. Scataglini, S., Van Dyck, Z., Declercq, V., et al.[2023]

Music-based physical therapy significantly improved balance and functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson's Disease, as assessed through various standardized tests during the treatment period.

However, these improvements were not sustained after the therapy was stopped, indicating that ongoing treatment may be necessary to maintain benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music-based physical therapy in Parkinson's disease: An approach based on international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Katlen da Silva, L., Silva Brito, TS., Pascucci Sande de Souza, LA., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 116 patients with Parkinson's disease, rhythmic auditory stimulation combined with visual stimuli significantly improved motor and balance functions over eight weeks, as evidenced by increased step size, decreased frequency, and improved scores on the Parkinson's Disease scale and Berg Balance Scale.

The treatment group showed notable enhancements in walking distance and overall motor function compared to the control group receiving standard drug treatment, highlighting the potential of this combined therapy as an effective intervention for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rhythmic auditory stimulation with visual stimuli on motor and balance function of patients with Parkinson's disease. Song, JH., Zhou, PY., Cao, ZH., et al.[2019]

Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) significantly improves motor function and balance in stroke patients, with notable enhancements in gait parameters such as step length, cadence, and walking velocity, based on a meta-analysis of 18 studies involving various outcome measures.

While RAS shows promise in enhancing balance ability, the evidence is less robust, indicating a need for further research to strengthen findings in this area, as only a limited number of studies focused on balance outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on motor function and balance ability in stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical randomized controlled studies. Wang, L., Peng, JL., Xiang, W., et al.[2023]

Music therapy, including rhythm music stimulation, therapeutic singing, and instrument performance, effectively improves gait disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The benefits of music therapy are attributed to several mechanisms, such as engaging the cerebellum, enhancing rhythm entrainment, accelerating motor learning, and increasing cortical activity, all of which contribute to better recovery in gait function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Research Progress of Music Therapy on Gait Intervention in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Wu, Z., Kong, L., Zhang, Q.[2022]

Recent studies show that rhythmic auditory stimulation can significantly improve gait parameters in Parkinson's disease, including reducing gait freezing and potentially lowering the risk of falls.

There is emerging evidence that music therapy, including group dancing and singing, may provide both motor and non-motor benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, although more rigorous research is needed to confirm these effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Therapy and Music-Based Interventions for Movement Disorders. Devlin, K., Alshaikh, JT., Pantelyat, A.[2020]

Neurologic music therapy (NMT), specifically using rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), has been shown to significantly improve gait and balance in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease and stroke, based on a review of 8 randomized controlled trials.

The studies indicate that RAS not only enhances mobility but also reduces the risk of falls in Parkinson's disease patients, highlighting its potential as an effective non-pharmacological rehabilitation technique for geriatric disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurologic Music Therapy in Geriatric Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review. Rusowicz, J., Szczepańska-Gieracha, J., Kiper, P.[2022]

A systematic review of 58 studies from 2015 to 2020 found that music therapy can positively impact various aspects of life for patients with Parkinson's disease, including motor skills, communication, and emotional well-being.

Music therapy programs, which include activities like rhythmic auditory stimulation and singing, have been shown to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's, suggesting it is a valuable complementary therapy alongside traditional pharmacological treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Therapy and Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review from 2015-2020. Machado Sotomayor, MJ., Arufe-Giráldez, V., Ruíz-Rico, G., et al.[2021]

Rhythmic auditory stimulation, which uses music or rhythmic cues, has been shown to effectively improve walking function in patients with Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders, both during therapy sessions and over time.

Melodic intonation therapy can enhance speech abilities in patients with expressive dysphasia and supports rehabilitation for conditions like Parkinson's disease and stroke, highlighting the therapeutic potential of music-based interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Can music therapy for patients with neurological disorders?]. Myskja, A.[2008]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8403394/

Randomized controlled trial of neurologic music therapy in ... Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), one of these NMT techniques, has proven evidence of efficacy for gait rehabilitation in PD [7] and in stroke patients (now ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590112525000866

Precision medicine and music therapy for Parkinson's ... Concurrently, music therapy demonstrates robust clinical benefits, with RAS producing 15–20% improvements in gait parameters and group singing programs ...

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-05952-8

Influence of wearable rhythmic auditory stimulation on ... Movement therapy using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) has been proven beneficial in Parkinson's disease (PD).

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1679881/full

Effectiveness and applications of neurologic music therapy ... With respect to motor improvement, rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has been demonstrated to effectively optimize gait parameters in individuals with PD.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9366143/

Rhythmic auditory stimulation promotes gait recovery in ... Studies have shown that gait training accompanied by music and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) can significantly increase patients' stride length and speed ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8582661/

Music Therapy and Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic ... The results of this study show that all participants modified their cadence and stride length. Thus, it is concluded that self-voiced movement ...