Music Training for Multiple Sclerosis
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) rates in the U.S. have nearly doubled over the past decade, making it a leading cause of nontraumatic functional impairment in young adults and significantly affecting cognitive function in up to 70% of people with MS. While traditional cognitive rehabilitation methods are limited in sensory engagement, music training offers a multisensory approach that enhances neuroplasticity and improves cognitive functions. This study investigates the feasibility of Music-4-MS, a 12-week music-based eHealth intervention, to support cognitive and emotional health in individuals with MS.
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 diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) or related nervous system autoimmune disorders who are interested in improving their thinking and memory skills. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were not listed, but participants should be able to take part in a music-based program.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a 12-week music-based eHealth intervention, Music-4-MS, or engage in music listening as an active comparator
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive and functional well-being post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Music Listening
- Music Training Intervention
Trial Overview
The study is testing a 12-week online music intervention called Music-4-MS, which includes both music training and listening activities. The goal is to see if this approach can help improve cognitive and emotional health in people with MS.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
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, Just the Way You Are, and Coconut). 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.
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 daily log.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas at Austin
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborator
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