Communal Drumming for Mental Health During COVID-19

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By AZA Allsop, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Ages 17 and younger

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Mental health vulnerability due to stress is increased in People of African Descent (PADs) in America due to disproportionate effects of racism, poverty, education, and criminal justice sentencing. Various meditation and mindfulness approaches have provided evidence of measured reductions in multiple negative dimensions of stress. However, the majority of these studies do not have an adequate representation of PADs or other marginalized groups and are not designed to be culturally relevant or community based. Music has been shown to alleviate multiple symptoms of stress and has been shown to be a preferred and effective support for meditation and mindfulness. However, its role in stress management in PADs engaged in meditation or mindfulness is seldom studied. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a virtual, community-based music mindfulness program on stress management in PAD community members with anxiety and depression during COVID19. 2c.a. Drum Circle Synchrony Study: This study will investigate the role that synchrony plays in subjective feelings of connection.

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

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

What data supports the idea that Communal Drumming for Mental Health During COVID-19 is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that communal drumming can improve mental well-being. In a study with pediatric hospital patients, families, and staff, participants reported feeling better and less stressed after drumming sessions. Another study found that group drumming helped improve mood and social connections among mental health service users and their carers. These findings suggest that communal drumming can be a helpful treatment for improving mental health, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for communal drumming as a mental health treatment?

The study on drum circle activity in a pediatric hospital suggests that communal drumming is safe, as it showed significant improvements in positive affect and reductions in negative affect without reporting any adverse effects. Additionally, the use of drumming in various contexts, such as with military personnel and American Indians/Alaska Natives, indicates its potential safety and therapeutic benefits, although specific safety data is limited. ^{1 5 6 7 8}

Is communal drumming a promising treatment for mental health during COVID-19?

Yes, communal drumming is a promising treatment for mental health. Studies show it can improve mood and well-being, help with recovery, and reduce stress for both patients and caregivers. ^{1 4 5 7 9}

Research Team

AZA Allsop, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for People of African Descent (PADs) in America who are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly due to the impacts of racism, poverty, education disparities, and criminal justice issues. It's designed to be culturally relevant for PADs.

Exclusion Criteria

I am 17 years old or younger.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in a virtual, community-based music mindfulness program, including listening to drum circle recordings and completing surveys on connectedness and synchrony.

4 weeks

Virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in stress and connectedness after the intervention.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Communal drumming recordings

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual music mindfulness program using communal drumming recordings. It aims to see if this approach helps manage stress among PAD community members during COVID-19 by fostering feelings of connection.

Participant Groups

Group I: Non-musicians group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Non-musicians will listen to segments (\~30 sec duration) of recordings taken from the music made during the previous drum circle and answer a survey asking how connected they felt while listening.Segments will be categorized as highly synchronized or not synchronized..

Group II: Musicians group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Musicians will listen to segments (\~30 sec duration) of recordings taken from the music made during the previous drum circle and answer a survey asking how connected they felt while listening.Segments will be categorized as highly synchronized or not synchronized.

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+

Findings from Research

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

Music therapy is being increasingly utilized to support the health and well-being of military personnel, particularly for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, as evidenced by a review of 27 publications.

The most common music intervention reported was drumming, and while the literature generally represented music therapy accurately, there are significant gaps in the research, including low evidence levels and insufficient focus on women service members.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Therapy With Military Populations: A Scoping Review. Gooding, LF., Langston, DG.[2020]

Drum-Assisted Recovery Therapy for Native Americans (DARTNA) is being developed as a culturally appropriate substance abuse treatment, with focus group feedback indicating it could be beneficial for American Indian/Alaska Native individuals with substance use disorders.

Key themes from the focus groups highlighted the importance of drumming benefits, cultural relevance, gender roles, and traditional practices, suggesting that these factors should be integrated into the DARTNA protocol to enhance its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Utilizing drumming for American Indians/Alaska Natives with substance use disorders: a focus group study. Dickerson, D., Robichaud, F., Teruya, C., et al.[2023]

Participants in a mindfulness-based music therapy intervention reported feeling relaxed and connected, with in-person sessions fostering a stronger connection to music and family compared to virtual sessions.

While virtual delivery of the intervention was more feasible, in-person sessions were preferred, highlighting the importance of format in enhancing the therapeutic experience for young adults undergoing cancer treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Young Adults' Perspectives of Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy Intervention Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phillips, CS., Bockhoff, J., Berry, DL., et al.[2023]

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]

References

1. England 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. [2021]

2. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sound practice: Exploring the benefits of establishing a music group on an acute mental health inpatient unit. [2019]

3. England 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. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting well-being through group drumming with mental health service users and their carers. [2018]

5. United States 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. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Therapy With Military Populations: A Scoping Review. [2020]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Utilizing drumming for American Indians/Alaska Natives with substance use disorders: a focus group study. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring Young Adults' Perspectives of Participation in a Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy Intervention Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. [2023]

9. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Making music for mental health: how group drumming mediates recovery. [2020]