Comparison of Live and Virtual Music-based Interventions in Mitigating Stress

Part of paid clinical trials in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

Sponsor
University of Pennsylvania
Study ID
NCT07581639
Status
Completed

Conditions

  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Dementia
  • Stress

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
65 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Live music therapy — BEHAVIORAL
    The live music intervention was presented in the activities room of each senior center and included a classical violin for the performer (a classically trained violinist with experience arranging and playing pop music), a second violin for participant engagement, and a computer speaker for digital sound output (Dell, Inc.). The live music intervention sessions included multiple active engagement components, such as music adjustment (e.g., lowering the tempo, changing to an upbeat piece) to match participants' apparent mood, verbal interaction, physical engagement (e.g., encouraging dancing, on-beat clapping), and singing along.
  • Virtual music therapy — BEHAVIORAL
    The virtual intervention followed identical procedures as the live intervention and involved similar active engagement components, with the music being delivered to the same cohort via video conference (Zoom Communications, Inc.). In both live and virtual sessions, the performer showed identical levels of engagement and adjustment.

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to learn if virtual music therapy with active engagement components leads to the same benefits as traditional live music therapy in mitigating stress in older adults. This study aims to compare live and virtual music interventions among older adults with cognitive impairment living in assisted living facilities.

Key Dates

Start date
Aug 1, 2025
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Sep 27, 2025
Completion
Sep 27, 2025

Study Design

Enrollment
32 participants (actual)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Live music therapy
    The live music intervention was presented in the activities room of each senior center and included a classical violin for the performer (a classically trained violinist with experience arranging and playing pop music), a second violin for participant engagement, and a computer speaker for digital sound output (Dell, Inc.). The live music intervention sessions included multiple active engagement components, such as music adjustment (e.g., lowering the tempo, changing to an upbeat piece) to match participants' apparent mood, verbal interaction, physical engagement (e.g., encouraging dancing, on-beat clapping), and singing along.
  • Experimental: Virtual music therapy
    The virtual intervention followed identical procedures as the live intervention and involved similar active engagement components, with the music being delivered to the same cohort via video conference (Zoom Communications, Inc.).

Primary Outcome Measure

Self-reported stress levels [ Time Frame: Baseline (15 minutes before the music intervention session) and follow-up (15 minutes after the music intervention session was completed) ]

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Conestoga High SchoolBerwynPennsylvania19312-

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By research site
Conestoga High School· Berwyn, PA

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