Evaluating stress levels in surgeons and musicians using various assessments
Official title: Evaluating Occupational Stress in Surgeons and Musicians: A Multi-modal Pilot Study Using Wearable EEG, Biomarker Analysis and Validated Questionnaires
Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06875882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how stress affects surgeons and musicians by measuring their anxiety and hormone levels before and after they perform their jobs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06875882 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include professional musicians and neurosurgeons who are 18 years or older and have upcoming performances or surgeries within three months of enrollment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, or those who cannot provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate occupational stress in surgeons and musicians by employing a combination of psychological assessments, neurophysiological measures, and biomarker analysis. It will measure changes in salivary cortisol levels and anxiety scores before and after surgeries or performances. The study will also assess burnout and anxiety levels using validated questionnaires to compare the experiences of both groups. By integrating these diverse methodologies, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of occupational stress in these high-pressure professions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing occupational stress in surgeons and musicians, enhancing their well-being and performance.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on occupational stress exist, this multi-modal approach combining physiological and psychological assessments is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Professional musicians (i.e., those with academic or orchestral appointments) or MD Anderson Neurosurgeons * For Musicians only: You will have a musical performance within three months of study enrollment. For Neurosurgeons only: You will perform a surgical procedure within three months of study enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are unable to provide informed consent * Individuals diagnosed with severe cognitive impairments, severe psychiatric disorders, or hearing or visual impairments that could affect participation * Individuals previously enrolled in the study * Non-English-speaking musicians and/or surgeons
Where it's running
-
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mei Rui, DMA — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Mei Rui, DMA
- Email: mrui@mdanderson.org
- Phone: (713) 597-1690
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Grappling with Trauma: BJJ for First Responders
This program tests whether eight weeks of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be tied to changes in trauma-related symptoms for first responders who prefer movement-based activities over traditional mental health services.
-
Virtual Reality Program to Support Healthcare Workers
A brief immersive virtual reality program is being tested to see if it helps reduce burnout and improve well-being for healthcare workers.
-
Productivity training to lower job stress for nurses
This project will try a three-week productivity training program to see if it lowers job stress and improves nurses' attitudes about productivity.
-
Exercise snack program to boost employee health and work performance
A 12-week program tests short, daily exercise sessions tailored to individual needs to see if they improve health and work performance for staff at Kaohsiung Medical University and affiliated hospital.
-
Sisters of Heart: community health worker support to improve heart health in migrant farmworker women
This trial tests whether peer support and help accessing community resources from community health workers can reduce stress and improve heart health measures in Spanish- or English-speaking migrant farmworker women aged 18–45.
-
Virtual-reality exposure to help cabin crew return to work after mental-health sick leave
This pilot trial will test whether a guided virtual-reality session placing sick-listed flight cabin crew in a simulated workplace helps them return to work faster and feel more confident.
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.