Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Movement Sonification as an add-on to Immediate Post-event Psychotherapeutic Intervention in the Management of Acute Stress Disorder: a Feasibility and Acceptability Study

This research explores a new way to help people dealing with the immediate effects of a traumatic event, like natural disasters or accidents. It focuses on Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) symptoms, which can happen shortly after such an experience and include feeling disconnected from one's body. The study combines standard talking therapies with something called "movement sonification." This involves turning a person's movements into sound using wristbands, potentially helping them connect better with their body. The main goal is to see if this combination is practical, acceptable to patients, and if it could help prevent longer-term conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Understanding how to help people early is very important for preventing serious stress-related health issues later on.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Acute Stress Disorder Symptoms

What is this study about?

When something truly shocking or upsetting happens, like an accident or being a victim of crime, some people might experience symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) very soon afterwards. This can include feeling very stressed, anxious, or even disconnected from your own body. It's a short-term reaction that typically happens within a month of the event.

Doctors and mental health professionals often recommend talking therapies, sometimes alongside medication, to help manage these symptoms. The aim is to help people process what happened and recover. This study is looking at adding a new technique to these existing therapies called "movement sonification." Imagine wearing a special wristband that turns your body's movements into sounds. The idea is that hearing these sounds might help you become more aware of your body and how you're moving, which could be helpful if you're feeling disconnected or numb.

This research is important because it's trying to find new and better ways to support people right after a traumatic event. The hope is that by intervening early and effectively, we can help prevent Acute Stress Disorder from developing into more serious and long-lasting conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can have a big impact on a person's life. The study wants to check if this new approach is something that patients are comfortable with and that can be easily put into practice.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new technique combining sound feedback with therapy.
It aims to help people with acute stress disorder after a traumatic event.
The goal is to see if this new method is practical and helpful.
It could potentially reduce the risk of long-term problems like PTSD.
Participation involves using special wristbands that turn movement into sound.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older and have recently experienced a very upsetting event. This event shouldn't be the death of a close family member or friend. You would also need to have been referred to a special medical-psychological support service (like the CUMP 93 in France, where this study is taking place) within one month of the event, and be experiencing symptoms of acute stress disorder.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have severe physical problems that would make using the movement sonification equipment difficult, or if you are deaf or have significant hearing problems. The study also cannot include adults who are under legal protection or who have certain other serious health conditions, such as severe mental health illnesses like chronic psychosis or bipolar disorder, or a history of severe brain conditions. People with a severe risk of suicide, substance misuse problems (other than tobacco), or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate. If you're already in another study looking at acute stress disorder, you also can't join this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you recently experienced a traumatic event (not related to a close bereavement)?
Have you been referred for immediate psychological support within one month of the event?
Are you currently experiencing symptoms of acute stress disorder?
Do you have good hearing and no severe physical challenges that would stop you using wristbands?
Do you have health insurance?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would receive the usual immediate support and talking therapy for acute stress disorder. In addition, you would also use the movement sonification equipment, which involves wearing special wristbands that turn your movements into sounds. These sounds are played through a speaker system during your therapy sessions. The study will assess how you feel about using this equipment and whether it is easy to incorporate into your therapy. The exact number of sessions and the total duration would be discussed with you, but the focus is on the period shortly after experiencing a traumatic event.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include receiving the standard recommended immediate support for acute stress disorder, along with access to a new, experimental technique that might help you process your experiences and reduce your symptoms more effectively. This could potentially help prevent the development of longer-term stress disorders. As with any new approach, there might be some minor risks or discomfort, such as getting used to the wristbands or the sounds. The study aims to understand these experiences. You would have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Avicenne
Verified postcode
Bobigny, France

Common questions

What is 'movement sonification'?

It's a special technology that turns your body's movements into sounds. You wear wristbands, and as you move, you hear sounds that match those movements.

Why is this study looking at sounds and movement?

The idea is that hearing your movements might help people who feel disconnected from their body after a traumatic event to reconnect and process their experience better.

What is Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a temporary condition where someone feels very stressed and anxious, or even numb, after a traumatic event. It usually happens within a month of the event.

Will I have to stop my usual treatment if I join?

No, this study adds movement sonification to the usual talking therapies for acute stress disorder, it doesn't replace them.

How long will I be in the study?

The study focuses on the period immediately after a traumatic event. The exact duration would be discussed with you by the research team.

How to find out more

Nicolas BOSC

nicolas.bosc@aphp.fr +33 1 48 95 53 74 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.