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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07156318 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
- Principal investigator: Amy Needham, PhD — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Amy Needham, PhD
- Email: amy.needham@vanderbilt.edu
- Phone: 16154999992
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.