Music-based intervention in the NICU to support preterm brain growth and behavior
Official title: The Impact of Music Medicine on Preterm Brain Development and Behavior
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11397507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at Brigham and Women’s Hospital tests whether music-based experiences for very preterm infants in the NICU can support brain development and later behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $745,277 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113734-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Very preterm infants in the NICU during the third trimester who are eligible for NICU interventions and whose families consent to participate.
✕Less likely to help
Infants for whom music-based interventions are not appropriate or who do not complete the intervention or follow-up.
What this research studies
This project focuses on very preterm babies in the NICU and explores how music-based experiences during a critical third-trimester window could influence brain growth and later behavior. The study builds on prior work with music in hospitals and aims to use rigorous designs and long-term follow-up to understand potential mechanisms and outcomes. If successful, the findings could inform NICU care practices to reduce neurodevelopmental challenges for preterm children and support families over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could become a standard, family-friendly intervention to improve brain development and long-term outcomes for very preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous music-based studies show potential benefits but with limitations; this trial aims for more rigorous and long-term insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erdei, Carmina — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Erdei, Carmina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.