Communal Drumming for Mental Health During COVID-19

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By AZA Allsop, MD, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Ages 15 and younger

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 8 weeks

90 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how drum circles can help manage stress, anxiety, and feelings of connectedness, particularly for Persons of African Descent (PAD) during COVID-19. The focus is on communal drumming, or Drum Circle Therapy, as a mindfulness technique that is both culturally relevant and community-based. Participants in the experimental group will drum along with recordings and engage in breathing exercises, while the control group will gather without drumming. Individuals with anxiety or depression who feel disconnected may find this trial particularly beneficial. Ideal participants are those aged 16 and older who experience stress due to social factors like racism or poverty. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore culturally relevant stress management techniques.

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

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that communal drumming is safe for mental health?

Research shows that group drumming is generally safe for participants. Studies have found that drumming in a group can boost mental well-being without causing serious side effects. Participants often report feeling more connected and less anxious after drumming sessions. No major negative effects are linked to using group drumming as a mental health treatment. This suggests it is well-tolerated and can safely help manage stress and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about communal drumming because it offers a unique, non-pharmacological approach to improving mental health, especially during stressful times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional treatments for anxiety, such as medication and therapy, communal drumming fosters a sense of connectedness and community through shared musical experiences. This treatment method may help reduce anxiety by promoting social interaction and providing a creative outlet for expression, which are not typically addressed by standard care options. Additionally, the act of drumming along with others may enhance mindfulness and emotional regulation, offering a fresh perspective on mental health support.

What evidence suggests that communal drumming is effective for stress management in PAD community members with anxiety and depression?

Studies have shown that group drumming can reduce anxiety and foster a sense of connection. Research indicates that drumming in a group can enhance overall well-being and mental health. This trial will compare two groups: one will participate in communal drumming sessions, while the control group will engage in similar activities without drumming. This music activity is particularly beneficial for individuals who might not feel included in other mindfulness practices. For those experiencing stress from social issues like racism and poverty, drumming provides a meaningful coping mechanism. Early findings suggest that this method effectively supports mental health, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

AZA Allsop, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Persons of African Descent (PAD) who are experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression during COVID-19. It aims to be culturally relevant and community-based. Participants should identify with PAD communities and be interested in meditation or mindfulness as a stress management tool.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 16 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I am 15 years old or younger.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend weekly drum circle sessions for 8 weeks, which may include audio recordings and physiological measurements

8 weeks

8 visits (in-person)

Focus Group

Participants provide feedback on their experience with the mindfulness intervention in a focus group

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Communal Drumming

Trial Overview

The study is testing the impact of communal drumming on mental health issues like anxiety and feelings of connectedness among PADs. One group will participate in live drum circles while another may listen to recordings of communal drumming.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Drum Circle- Cohort 1 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Cohort 1 will listen together to recordings of drumming and be allowed to drum along while listening. The facilitator will lead participants in procedures such as checking in (e.g. "How are you doing today?" before and after the circle) and breathing exercise.

Group II: Drum Circle Control Group- Cohort 2 Active Control 1 Intervention

Control investigations will also be conducted to better understand the contribution communal drumming has on effects of anxiety and connectedness. All control investigations will take place in the same space and at the same frequency as the associated experimental arm but with no drumming. All participants will be asked to complete the same surveys and at the same frequency to those completed in the experimental arm.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 48 patients, 16 employees, and 15 visitors at a pediatric hospital found that group drumming significantly increased positive feelings and decreased negative feelings after participating in drum circle sessions.

Qualitative feedback indicated that the drum circle activity was safe and provided additional benefits, supporting its potential as a valuable tool for improving well-being in pediatric hospital settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a drum circle activity to improve affect in patients, families and staff of a pediatric hospital. Archambault, K., Porter-Vignola, É., Brière, FN., et al.[2021]

A randomized controlled trial with 40 hospitalized COVID-19 patients showed that a single session of music therapy significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to standard care, with anxiety scores dropping from 45.00 in the control group to 34.50 in the music therapy group.

Music therapy also improved oxygen saturation levels in patients, with the treatment group showing an average O2Sat of 97.50 compared to 96.00 in the control group, indicating its potential as a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for COVID-19 patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of single session receptive music therapy on anxiety and vital parameters in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial. Giordano, F., Losurdo, A., Quaranta, VN., et al.[2022]

A 10-week group drumming intervention significantly reduced depression and anxiety while improving social resilience and mental wellbeing among participants, with effects maintained at a 3-month follow-up.

The study also indicated a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory immune profile in participants, suggesting that group drumming may have beneficial biological effects alongside its psychological benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users. Fancourt, D., Perkins, R., Ascenso, S., et al.[2022]

A qualitative study involving 39 mental health patients and carers revealed that group djembe drumming enhances recovery by fostering non-verbal communication, connection to life through rhythm, and a grounding experience that generates energy.

The group setting of the drumming intervention promotes feelings of belonging, safety, and new social interactions, while the inclusive learning environment encourages creativity and reduces the fear of making mistakes, supporting mutual recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Making music for mental health: how group drumming mediates recovery. Perkins, R., Ascenso, S., Atkins, L., et al.[2020]

The pilot study involving 13 adult psychiatric inpatients showed significant improvements in mood and well-being after participating in an occupational therapist-led African drumming group, indicating a large clinical effect.

Participants with higher levels of anxiety and depression experienced the most benefit, and all participants reported high enjoyment from the drumming sessions, suggesting that this intervention could be effective for acute mood disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Immediate Effect of African Drumming on the Mental Well-Being of Adults With Mood Disorders: An Uncontrolled Pretest-Posttest Pilot Study. Plastow, NA., Joubert, L., Chotoo, Y., et al.[2019]

Group drumming interventions significantly enhance multidimensional well-being for both mental health service users and their carers, impacting emotional, psychological, and social aspects of their lives.

Participants reported benefits across six key themes, including positive emotions, a sense of control, achievement in musical goals, deep engagement, improved self-identity, and stronger social connections, highlighting the therapeutic potential of music in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting well-being through group drumming with mental health service users and their carers. Ascenso, S., Perkins, R., Atkins, L., et al.[2018]

A 12-week drumming intervention led by school counselors significantly improved social-emotional behavior in low-income fifth-grade students, with 101 participants showing reductions in various problems such as anxiety, attention issues, and depression compared to a control group.

The study highlights the effectiveness of using group drumming as a non-stigmatizing therapeutic tool, promoting positive youth development and enhancing interactions between students and counselors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of group drumming on social-emotional behavior in low-income children. Ho, P., Tsao, JC., Bloch, L., et al.[2021]

A music group activity led by clinical staff without formal music therapy training was implemented in an Australian acute mental health inpatient unit, showing positive effects on consumers' mood, relationships, and overall engagement.

Focus group discussions revealed that the music activity improved social connectedness, inclusion, and the ward atmosphere, indicating that even informal music interventions can be beneficial in acute mental health settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sound practice: Exploring the benefits of establishing a music group on an acute mental health inpatient unit. Hall, TL., Mullen, A., Plummer, J., et al.[2019]

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The investigators also propose a study to investigate the effects of communal drumming in reducing anxiety and increasing connectedness within drum circle ...

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This study aims to evaluate the effects of a community-based music mindfulness program on stress management in PAD community members with ...

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Communal Drumming for Mental Health During COVID-19

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a community-based music mindfulness program on stress management in PAD community members with anxiety and depression ...

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pas.org

pas.org/pas-blog/suggested-guidelines-for-community-group-drumming/

Suggested Guidelines for Community Group Drumming

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Drumming & health - a curated list of clinical studies

A curated list of clinical studies highlighting the various physical, mental, and emotional benefits of drumming as a group.