Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cognitive Benefit of Intensive Rehabilitation Using Rhythmic Music Training in Children With Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder

This research is investigating how much intensive musical rhythm training can help children aged 8 to 10 years old who have complex neurodevelopmental disorders. These disorders, like ADHD, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder, often involve difficulties with rhythm and timing. The study aims to find out if focused rhythm practice can improve a child's sense of rhythm, and if this improvement then helps with other important skills such as paying attention, planning and organising tasks, and reading ability. Children will take part in djembe drumming sessions during a school holiday and have assessments before and after to see how they've progressed.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder

What is this study about?

Many children with developmental disorders, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia (DCD), often find it hard to keep time or follow rhythms. This study wants to see if special training using music and rhythm can help these difficulties. Researchers have found that problems with rhythm and timing are common across different developmental disorders, and in some cases, these problems can affect how children learn and develop other skills.

This research project focuses on children who have at least two of these developmental difficulties. The main idea is that by improving a child's sense of rhythm through intensive music training, it might also boost their ability to pay attention, plan things, and even get better at reading. Previous small studies have shown promising results, suggesting that rhythm-based activities could indeed help with these other important brain functions.

During school holidays, children in the study will take part in a special programme. They'll learn and practice rhythms using djembe drums in small groups. The researchers will carefully check their skills before the training, throughout the training, and some time after to see what changes have happened. This will help them understand if this type of musical training can make a real difference in the lives of children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key takeaways

Targets children aged 8-10 with at least two neurodevelopmental disorders.
Uses intensive rhythmic djembe drumming during a school holiday.
Aims to improve rhythm skills, attention, planning, and reading.
Requires several assessment visits to Toulouse University Hospital.
Participation involves commitment over several months, including follow-up checks.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, children need to be between 8 and 10 and a half years old and attend primary school. They must have been diagnosed with at least two different neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD along with dyslexia, or dyslexia with developmental coordination disorder, by the specialist team at Toulouse University Hospital.

It's important that children can understand instructions and take part in tests, and that their sight and hearing are corrected if needed (e.g., with glasses or hearing aids). Parental consent and the child's agreement to take part are also required. This study is for families who are part of the French Social Security system.

Children cannot take part if they currently play a musical instrument, have certain behavioural difficulties that would make group activities hard, or have conditions like autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability (IQ below 70), or epilepsy. Also, children taking certain medications like psychostimulants (e.g., for ADHD) or antidepressants, or those in other experimental research studies, cannot join. If a stable internet connection is not available for online assessments, that would also prevent participation.

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.

Is your child aged between 8 and 10 and a half years?
Has your child been diagnosed with at least two neurodevelopmental disorders?
Can your child happily take part in group activities without major behavioural difficulties?
Is your child able to understand and follow instructions for tests?
Is your family registered with the French Social Security system?
Does your child NOT currently play a musical instrument?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they will first have a full check-up at Toulouse University Hospital. Then, they will join a group of 6 children for intensive musical rhythm training. This training happens during a school holiday, over 5 days in a row, for 4 hours each day. They'll learn and play the djembe drums.

Throughout the 5 days of training, there will be daily short checks before, during, and after the sessions to see how your child is doing. All these checks will be done in person at the hospital or online using a special tool. Two months after the training finishes, your child will return to Toulouse University Hospital for another full set of tests. Finally, three months after the training, there will be a five-day check-up phase to see if the positive effects have lasted longer.

Your child won't need to stop any current regular therapies they are having, as this is not an exclusion from the study. Recording of images and sound will be part of the study, and you'll need to agree to this.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer benefits, such as potentially improving your child's rhythm skills, attention, planning abilities, and reading. Being in a group with other children and engaging in musical activities could also be a fun and engaging experience. However, there's no guarantee that every child will see these improvements. Potential risks are generally low, mainly involving the time commitment for hospital visits and the training week. There are no known physical risks associated with djembe drumming in this setting. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their regular medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Purpan
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What exactly is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder?

It means your child has been diagnosed with at least two developmental conditions, like ADHD and dyslexia, or dyslexia and difficulties with movement coordination (dyspraxia or DCD).

What type of music training will my child do?

Your child will learn and practice rhythms using djembe drums in a small group setting for 4 hours a day over 5 consecutive days during a school holiday.

Does my child need to have musical experience?

No, previous musical experience is not required. In fact, if your child currently plays an instrument in a school or leisure activity, they won't be able to participate.

How long will the study last and involve my child?

The main part involves a 5-day training camp. There will be initial tests, follow-up tests 2 months later, and a final evaluation phase 3 months after the training to check long-term effects.

Will my child need to stop their regular therapies?

No, your child can continue with any ongoing rehabilitative care they are currently receiving, as this will not prevent them from joining the study.

How to find out more

Céline CHIGNAC

chignac.c@chu-toulouse.fr 05 67 77 10 93 Official trial record

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