Adaptive Music Therapy for Well-being in Older Adults

(AMT Trial)

Overseen By Lixia Yang, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Toronto Metropolitan University

Disqualifiers: Mental health diagnosis, Dementia, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 17

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how music therapy can boost well-being and cognitive function in older adults. Researchers will divide participants into three groups: one will experience traditional music therapy, another will try an adaptive music program designed to enhance mood, and the last group will not receive music therapy, serving as a control. This trial suits healthy older adults who have a computer, internet access, and normal hearing, without a history of mental health issues or cognitive decline. The aim is to determine which type of music intervention most effectively improves mental and cognitive health. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance the quality of life for older adults.

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 seems to focus on music therapy and does not mention medication changes.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Studies have shown that music activities for older adults are generally safe and can positively impact health. Research on music therapy, including specially adapted music activities, indicates that older adults handle these well. No major reports of negative effects have emerged from music therapy sessions.

Music activities boost mental and social well-being and can improve thinking and memory skills. This applies to both regular and adapted music activities.

Overall, evidence suggests that both adapted music programs and regular music therapy are safe for older adults. Participants can feel confident that these activities are designed to help without causing harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the adaptive music intervention because it introduces a novel way to boost well-being in older adults by enhancing music with specific frequencies aimed at triggering positive moods. Unlike traditional music therapy, which utilizes standard music, this approach uses the Pi Electronic Venus speaker to modify the music's frequencies, potentially offering a more targeted effect on mood enhancement. This technique could provide a new, non-invasive method to improve emotional health among seniors, offering an alternative to medication or more traditional therapies.

What evidence suggests that this trial's music interventions could be effective for well-being in older adults?

Research has shown that music can positively impact the health of older adults. Some studies have found improvements in physical fitness, cognitive function, and social interactions. In this trial, researchers will assign participants to different groups to test the effectiveness of music interventions. The Adaptive Music Intervention, one study arm, uses technology to adjust the music to boost mood, enhancing the benefits of traditional music therapy. Meanwhile, the Traditional Music Intervention involves listening to music without these enhancements. Overall, music therapy has been linked to better mental, social, and cognitive skills in older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kathryn Bolton, BA. hons

Principal Investigator

Toronto Metropolitan University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy older adults with good or corrected hearing, no mental health diagnoses, and normal cognitive function (scoring 24+ on the Mini-Mental State Exam). Participants must have access to a computer and internet.

Inclusion Criteria

My hearing is mostly normal or corrected to be normal.

With access to a computer and internet

Without previous mental health diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Without largely normal or corrected to normal hearing

With dementia-related cognitive decline (score of 23 or lower on Mini-Mental State Exam)

If participant is an outlier on the cognitive tasks, scoring +/- 2.5 standard deviations on the computerized cognitive tasks

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the TM and AM groups receive music therapy sessions for 4 weeks, with 4 sessions per week, each lasting 30 minutes

4 weeks

16 sessions (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychosocial and cognitive outcomes at a 3-month follow-up

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Adaptive Music Intervention
• Traditional Music Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests if Pi Electronics' adaptive music intervention improves psychosocial and cognitive functions in older adults compared to traditional music therapy. It's a three-arm randomized controlled trial including pretests, posttests, and follow-ups over four weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Adaptive Music Intervention (AM) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention will be an adaptive music program, in which participants will listen to music provided by the research team that has been enhanced with frequencies that elicit positive moods using the Pi Electronic Venus speaker for 30 minutes, at least 4 times in a week over 4 weeks.

Group II: Traditional Music Intervention (TM) Active Control 1 Intervention

The intervention will be traditional music therapy, in which participants will listen to music provided by the research team that has not been enhanced with frequencies using the Pi Electronic Venus speaker for 30 minutes, at least 4 times in a week over 4 weeks.

Group III: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

The control intervention will be an audiobook provided by the research team that participants will listen to using the Pi Electronic Venus speaker for 30 minutes, at least 4 times in a week over 4 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Toronto Metropolitan University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

95

Recruited

19,300+

Ryerson University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

77

Recruited

7,800+

Mitacs

Industry Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

5,200+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A comprehensive review of 67 systematic reviews found that music interventions can positively impact the health of older adults, particularly in areas like psychological well-being and cognitive functioning.

While most studies showed positive effects, some results were inconclusive or indicated no effect, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand the benefits of music interventions in elderly care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music Intervention for older adults: Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews. Ma, G., Ma, X.[2023]

In a study involving 126 mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units, preferred music playlists were analyzed to understand their impact on managing anxiety through patient-directed music listening interventions.

The findings highlight the importance of music selection in therapeutic interventions, suggesting that involving a board-certified music therapist can enhance the effectiveness of music listening protocols in clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Analysis of Preferred Music of Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients Enrolled in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Heiderscheit, A., Johnson, K., Chlan, LL.[2023]

Music-based interventions can effectively address a wide range of issues across all age groups, from infants to the elderly.

To enhance the clarity and consistency of reporting these interventions, a new set of guidelines has been proposed, focusing on key components such as theory, content, and delivery, which align with established reporting standards like CONSORT and TREND.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions. Robb, SL., Burns, DS., Carpenter, JS.[2021]

This meta-analysis reviewed 10 studies involving older adults (60+) and found that playing musical instruments can improve cognitive functioning, with different types of instrument playing affecting various cognitive domains.

The research suggests that tailored music interventions can be beneficial for older adults with and without cognitive impairments, highlighting the importance of specific cognitive engagement in enhancing cognitive outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Instrument Playing as a Cognitive Intervention Task for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Kim, SJ., Yoo, GE.[2020]

A study involving 32 older adults (aged 73-98) in Australian aged-care facilities found that while many residents had an interest in music, this did not always translate into regular listening practices, highlighting a gap in engagement.

For those who did listen to music, benefits included entertainment, relaxation, and improved mood, suggesting that music can play a significant role in enhancing the psychosocial well-being of older adults in care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Qualitative Exploration of Aged-Care Residents' Everyday Music Listening Practices and How These May Support Psychosocial Well-Being. Krause, AE., Davidson, JW.[2021]

The study involved 18 older adults and 14 younger children participating in a 4-week distance-based intergenerational music program, which included virtual exchanges and a joint performance, leading to increased comfort levels and improved attitudes between the two age groups.

Both younger and older participants reported positive changes in their preconceived notions about each other, highlighting the effectiveness of combining virtual and live interactions in fostering meaningful cross-age relationships and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining Cross-Age Experiences in a Distance-Based Intergenerational Music Project: Comfort and Expectations in Collaborating With Opposite Generation Through "Virtual" Exchanges. Belgrave, MJ., Keown, DJ.[2020]

A randomized controlled study with 50 elderly residents showed that a music-complemented intervention significantly improved physical health, cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, pain, and happiness, with effect sizes reaching up to .78.

The positive effects of the music intervention were temporary, highlighting the need for ongoing implementation of music therapy to maintain benefits in the long term.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"Music Makes My Old Heart Beat": A Randomised Controlled Study on the Benefits of the Use of Music in Comprehensive Care for Institutionalised Older Adults. Castillejos, C., Godoy-Izquierdo, D.[2021]

This paper emphasizes the importance of treatment fidelity in music therapy trials, particularly for interventions aimed at individuals with dementia and depression, highlighting that reliable and valid delivery of interventions is crucial for research quality.

The authors outline specific strategies for ensuring treatment fidelity, including training music intervention providers and assessing their competence, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of the clinical trial process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment Fidelity in a Music Therapy Multi-site Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial for People Living With Dementia: The MIDDEL Project Intervention Fidelity Protocol. Baker, FA., Tamplin, J., Clark, IN., et al.[2019]

A music-facilitated psychoeducational strategy was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, distress, and anxiety in older adults, with significant improvements observed in both active intervention groups compared to a waitlist control.

The benefits of the music intervention were clinically significant and lasted for at least 9 months after the 8-week program, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and accessible treatment for older adults with limited access to mental health services.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a music therapy strategy on depressed older adults. Hanser, SB., Thompson, LW.[2019]

A comprehensive research strategy is essential for advancing evidence-based music therapy, requiring collaboration across various fields such as neuroscience, social sciences, and the arts to build a solid scientific foundation.

Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of music therapy for certain conditions, the specific mechanisms that contribute to its success remain unclear, highlighting the need for further empirical studies using an integrative model of music therapy factors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Scientific perspectives on music therapy. Hillecke, T., Nickel, A., Bolay, HV.[2006]

A study involving 60 senior residents showed that music intervention using Buddhist hymns helped maintain cognitive function over 4 months, as the comparison group experienced a decline in cognitive scores.

Both groups showed improved mood status after 4 months, indicating that music intervention can positively affect depression levels in seniors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of music intervention on the cognitive and depression status of senior apartment residents in Taiwan. Tai, SY., Wang, LC., Yang, YH.[2022]

A 4-week study involving 29 elderly residents showed that music listening programs significantly reduced behavioral symptoms in 7 out of 8 individuals with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, indicating the potential efficacy of music therapy in this population.

The observational data revealed overall improvements in various psychological and behavioral outcomes, suggesting that structured music interventions can enhance the living environment in residential facilities for the elderly.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Background Music in elderly nursing home: a feasibility explorative study. Raglio, A., Pelizza, R., Figini, C., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05447312

Adaptive Music Therapy for Psychosocial and Cognitive ... This study will contribute to the ongoing literature on the benefits of music interventions and provide insight on how emerging technology can enhance the ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10695625/

Music Intervention for older adults: Evidence Map of ... The study revealed that music interventions for older adults can have positive or potentially positive effects on health outcomes.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-stress-psychological-6-2022-62479

Adaptive Music Therapy for Well-being in Older Adults This trial is testing two types of music therapy on healthy older adults aged 65+. One is regular music therapy, and the other uses technology to adjust the ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12014829/

Harmonious ageing: a narrative review of music therapy in ... Overall, the studies demonstrated benefits in physical fitness, cognition, and social functioning among older adults.

5. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-024-05324-3

Digital music and movement intervention to improve health ... This study was designed to increase physical activity through a digital, group-based, physical activity and music intervention and to examine its effectiveness.