Ukulele Playing for Multiple Sclerosis

Overseen By Carolyn Phillips, PhD, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin

Disqualifiers: Other neurological condition, MS exacerbation, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether learning to play the ukulele can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their thinking skills and emotional well-being. Participants will either learn to play the ukulele (Music Training Intervention) or regularly listen to music, and researchers will compare the effects. The goal is to determine if musical activities can boost mental function and mood. Individuals diagnosed with MS for over six months who experience cognitive challenges, such as memory or attention issues, are a good fit for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance mental health and cognitive function.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What prior data suggests that this musical training intervention is safe for people with multiple sclerosis?

Research shows that music-based therapies are generally safe and can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In past studies, music-assisted training produced promising results. It reduced fatigue, improved walking and balance, and decreased the number of falls. It also boosted overall well-being. Another study found that music-based therapy positively affected both movement and other functions for people with MS. Playing music, such as the ukulele, is likely safe and could help with some MS symptoms, making it more than just a fun activity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Ukulele Playing for Multiple Sclerosis trial because it explores a non-traditional, holistic approach to managing MS symptoms. Unlike typical treatments, which often include medications like interferons or monoclonal antibodies aimed at altering the disease course, this trial focuses on music training as a potential therapy. The ukulele is particularly appealing because it’s easy to learn and doesn’t require extensive hand dexterity, making it accessible for people with MS. This could introduce a fun, engaging way to potentially improve motor skills and emotional well-being, offering a fresh perspective on managing the condition.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that music-based therapy can be a safe and effective method for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Music therapy helps with both movement and non-movement issues, including cognitive and emotional health. This trial will compare two music-based interventions: the Musical Training Intervention (MTI) and Music Listening. Studies suggest that music can activate brain areas involved in focus, prediction, and memory. These activities are crucial for clear thinking, and improving them could help with cognitive issues in MS. Additionally, music can influence brain areas related to emotions, potentially improving mood and reducing depression symptoms. Overall, while more research is needed, early findings are promising for using music training to enhance both cognitive and emotional well-being in MS. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Carolyn Phillips, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas at Austin

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have been diagnosed at least 6 months ago and experience cognitive issues. Participants must be able to read, write, and understand English, and have access to a computer with Zoom. Professional musicians or those with other neurological conditions causing cognitive impairment cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Access to computer and zoom

Self-reported cognitive impairment as assessed by having at least 5 problems 'sometimes' or more often on the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire

I was diagnosed over 6 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to travel to The University of Texas at Austin for fNIRS data collection

Professional musician (primary source of income)

I have had a multiple sclerosis flare-up in the last month.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 12-week intervention to learn ukulele playing or engage in music listening

12 weeks

Weekly virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive and psychosocial outcomes post-intervention

4 weeks

1-month post-intervention assessment

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Music Listening
• Music Training Intervention

Trial Overview

The study tests an online musical training intervention (MTI) against music listening (ML) to see if it can improve cognition, emotional well-being, and quality of life in MS patients over three months. It also explores whether brain activity before the intervention predicts cognitive outcomes after.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Musical Training Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm receive a 12-week intervention to teach them how to play the ukulele. The ukulele is a very manageable instrument to learn and requires less hand dexterity than other stringed instruments. Each week participants will follow the musical training intervention (MTI) protocol that provides instruction on how to tune, hold, and strum the ukulele and play basic chords. To practice the chords, they will also learn popular songs (e.g., Chain of Fools, Three Little Birds, Happy Birthday, Don't Worry Be Happy, and Stand by Me). Participants will be instructed to follow each session outlined weekly and asked to practice the instrument for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. They will be given a paper and digital version of the MTI protocol. A member of our research team will call the participants weekly to answer any questions about the MTI protocol.

Group II: Music Listening Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this arm will be asked to listen to their preferred music for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. A member of our research team will call them every week to answer any questions they have about the ML protocol. They will be asked to record their experience in a practice log.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas at Austin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

387

Recruited

86,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Mood disorders and depressive syndromes are common in patients with neurological disorders, affecting 20% to 50% of individuals with conditions like stroke and Parkinson's disease, yet they are often under-diagnosed and under-treated, impacting recovery and quality of life.

A review of 25 studies indicates that music therapy and musical interventions can significantly improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms in patients with various neurological disorders, suggesting their potential as effective therapeutic options.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music and music therapy on mood in neurological patients. Raglio, A., Attardo, L., Gontero, G., et al.[2020]

Music training significantly improves speech perception in children with cochlear implants, particularly enhancing their ability to perceive rhythm and pitch, with the largest benefits observed from singing activities.

Longer training durations lead to greater improvements in music perception, indicating that sustained engagement in music training is crucial for maximizing benefits in children with cochlear implants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Crucial Music Components Needed for Speech Perception Enhancement of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Users: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ab Shukor, NF., Han, W., Lee, J., et al.[2021]

Music-based therapy (MBT) has been shown to be a safe and effective rehabilitation approach for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), improving various motor functions such as gait, balance, and strength, as well as non-motor functions like emotional status and pain relief, based on a systematic review of 10 high-quality clinical trials involving 429 participants.

The evidence suggests that MBT outperforms conventional therapies or no intervention in enhancing physical capabilities and overall well-being in MS patients, although results regarding mental fatigability and memory were inconsistent.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music-based therapy in rehabilitation of people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review of clinical trials. Lopes, J., Keppers, II.[2022]

A systematic review of 12 studies involving Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) found that Music Therapy (MT) significantly improves gait disorders, confirming its effectiveness as a treatment method.

While most studies focused on short-term effects, this review highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term benefits of MT for gait recovery in PwMS, providing valuable insights for therapists in treatment planning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music therapy intervention on gait disorders in persons with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of clinical trials. Kong, L., Zhang, X., Meng, L., et al.[2023]

Group music therapy was offered to 225 patients with multiple sclerosis over 4-6 weeks, focusing on issues like disability, anxiety, and depression related to their condition.

The results indicate that group music therapy is beneficial for providing psychological support and enhancing individual coping strategies for patients with MS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Group music therapy in multiple sclerosis: initial report of experience]. Lengdobler, H., Kiessling, WR.[2006]

Music therapy (MT) has been investigated as a complementary treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on its effectiveness in improving physical, cognitive, and mood-behavioral disturbances in patients.

Out of 46 articles reviewed, 13 met the criteria for analysis, indicating a growing interest in music-based interventions (MBIs) as a feasible rehabilitation strategy for MS, although specific outcomes and challenges were discussed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the role of music therapy in multiple sclerosis: brief updates from research to clinical practice. Vinciguerra, C., De Stefano, N., Federico, A.[2020]

In a study involving 17 children with severe cerebral palsy, 13 sessions of neurologic music therapy (NMT) using percussion instruments led to significant improvements in participation during manual activities, including visual contact and motor participation.

The therapy also enhanced specific movements such as reaching, hitting with the hand, and grasping, indicating that therapeutic instrumental music performance (TIMP) can effectively increase engagement and motor function in children with severe CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurologic Music Therapy Improves Participation in Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy. Santonja-Medina, CS., Marrades-Caballero, E., Santonja-Medina, F., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 20 multiple sclerosis patients, music therapy showed medium effect sizes in improving self-esteem, depression, and anxiety over a year, despite no significant differences between the therapy and control groups.

Patients receiving music therapy demonstrated significant improvements in mental health indicators over time, suggesting that music therapy may provide psychological benefits for individuals with chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients: a matched control study. Schmid, W., Aldridge, D.[2019]

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