RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Music Intervention in Chronic Pain Patients

This study is exploring if a special music program can help people who experience chronic, or long-term, pain. The researchers want to find out if listening to personalised music can reduce feelings of pain and anxiety, and improve how well people feel generally. Thirty-six participants, all aged 18 or over and attending a pain clinic, will take part. Some will have in-person music sessions at a university, followed by online sessions. Another group will act as a comparison. The study will measure how people's pain, anxiety, and overall well-being change immediately after these sessions. It will also compare in-person and online music, and look at how people manage with an online program.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

Start

28 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Chronic Pain Anxiety Well-Being, Psychological

What is this study about?

This study aims to discover if a personalised music program can make a real difference for people living with ongoing pain. Chronic pain can be challenging, and researchers are keen to explore different ways to help manage it, along with related feelings like anxiety.

The main goal is to see if listening to special music sessions can immediately lower a person's pain and anxiety, and boost their overall well-being. They'll compare people who get these music sessions with those who don't initially, to understand the immediate effects. They're also interested in whether face-to-face music sessions are more helpful than online ones, and how easy it is for people to stick with an online music program.

Ultimately, this research could provide valuable insights into new ways of supporting people who experience chronic pain. While it's a small study, its findings could help guide future treatments and support strategies, potentially offering a gentle and accessible approach to managing pain and improving quality of life.

Key takeaways

This study explores music as a way to help manage chronic pain.
It aims to reduce pain and anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
You would be randomly placed into a music intervention or comparison group.
It involves answering surveys and possibly attending music sessions.
Participation lasts for four weeks.
Your contribution could help future pain management strategies.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You also need to be someone who lives with ongoing pain and is already receiving care at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval pain clinic.

It's important that you have an email address and can fill out surveys online using a computer, tablet, or phone. You also need to be able to hear well, even if you wear hearing aids, and understand French. Finally, you would need to be able to travel to Université Laval for some of the sessions.

Anyone who meets these points can be considered for the study. There are no specific reasons that would automatically prevent you from taking part, as long as you meet the requirements above.

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 older?
Do you get treatment for chronic pain at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval pain clinic?
Do you have an email and can use a computer, tablet, or phone for online surveys?
Can you hear sufficiently, even with hearing aids?
Do you understand French?
Can you travel to Université Laval for some sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be one of 36 people in the study. You would be randomly placed into one of two groups. The study will last for four weeks.

If you're in the first group, you'll have a personalised music session in person at the university once a week for the first two weeks. Before and after each session, you'll answer some questions about your pain, anxiety, and how well you feel. For the next two weeks, you'll get access to your music sessions online and will continue to answer those questions before and after each session.

If you're in the second group (the control group) for the first two weeks, you'll answer questions about your pain, anxiety, and well-being once a week, about 20 minutes apart, without any music sessions in between. For the following two weeks, you'll also listen to online music sessions once a week and answer the same questions before and after. Both groups will have an interview at the end of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as the chance to try a new way of managing your pain and anxiety, which could improve your overall well-being. You would also be contributing to important research that could help many others living with chronic pain in the future. As with any study, there's always a chance that the music intervention might not work for everyone, or that you might feel some mild discomfort when answering questions about your pain. However, there are no known serious risks. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your ongoing care.

Locations (1)

Pavillon Louis-Jacques-Casault
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of music will I be listening to?

The study mentions a 'personalised' music intervention, which means the music might be chosen specifically for you. More details would be provided by the study team.

Do I need to be musical to join?

No, the study doesn't ask for any musical ability. It's about listening to music, not playing it.

Will I still get my usual pain treatment during the study?

Yes, the study is an addition to your current care. You should continue with your regular pain clinic appointments and treatments.

What happens if I don't like the music?

As the music is personalised, there's a good chance it will suit your preferences. However, you can always discuss any concerns with the study team.

Will I know if I'm in the music group or the control group?

Yes, you will know which group you are in. The study involves different activities for each group.

How to find out more

Josiane Bissonnette, Ph.D.

josiane.bissonnette@mus.ulaval.ca 418-656-2131 Official trial record

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