Impact of Music on Stress and Pain in Neurosurgery Patients

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Impact of Live and Recorded Music-Based Interventions on Pre-operative Stress, Mood, Pain and Biomarkers, in Neurosurgical Patients (Music-STAR Trial)

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06536504

This study is testing whether listening to live or recorded music can help reduce stress and pain for patients having neurosurgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06536504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effects of live and recorded music interventions on pre-operative stress, mood, pain, and biomarkers in patients undergoing neurosurgery. A total of 132 participants will be enrolled, and their vital signs, serum and plasma biomarkers, and perceived stress levels will be measured before and after the music interventions. The study aims to correlate these effects with demographic variables and prior musical experiences using validated questionnaires.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for neurosurgical procedures who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are deaf, under 18, or unable to understand English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to reduce stress and pain in neurosurgical patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with music interventions in reducing stress and pain, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1\) Patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures will be eligible to enroll in this study.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Patient is unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
2. Patient is deaf or hearing-disabled.
3. Patient is less than 18 years in age.
4. Patient was previously enrolled in the study.
5. Non-English-speaking patients (patient must be fluent in English and not require translation services per MDACC institutional policy.
6. Subjects on contact isolation precautions.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions StressPain
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.