Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 7 to 15

Does drumming help self-control in children with Down syndrome?

Official title: Effects of Drumming Lessons on Brain and Behavior in Children With Down Syndrome

Run by Vanderbilt University · NCT07156318 · Data updated 2026-11-12

In this study, 7- to 15-year-olds with Down syndrome try two months of drum lessons to see if it improves self-control and timing.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages7 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorVanderbilt University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 15, 2026
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedMay 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT07156318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children aged 7–15 with Down syndrome who have not had prior drumming lessons.

Probably not a fit

Children with Down syndrome who already take or who cannot participate in drumming activities may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial assigns participants to either receive two months of drumming lessons or be in a wait-list control, with lab visits before and after the lessons. Researchers collect brain recordings, perform computer tasks, and have the child drum to music to measure inhibitory control and beat perception. Parent reports on social behavior are also collected. All children eventually receive the lessons, but the EXP group is evaluated for changes at Visit 2.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, drumming could offer a non-pharmacologic way to support self-control and timing skills in children with Down syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests music training can influence cognitive and neural measures of inhibitory control, but this specific approach in Down syndrome is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Down syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

* Already taken drumming lessons
* Uncorrected hearing loss
* Uncorrected vision loss

Where it's running

  • Vanderbilt University
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.