Music and Art Interventions for Brain Development in Young Children
Orchestra in Class, a Novel Booster for Executive Functions and Brain Development in Young Primary School Children
This study is testing whether musical training or art activities can help improve brain development and thinking skills in children aged 6 to 8 compared to regular school lessons.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 8 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | School of Health Sciences Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva) |
| Trial ID | NCT05912270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the cognitive and brain development benefits of musical instrumental training compared to visual arts and standard education in children aged 6-8 years. It employs a randomized controlled trial design, recruiting 150 children from public elementary schools to participate in two-year interventions. Participants will undergo annual psychometric testing and brain imaging to assess executive functions and other developmental outcomes. The study aims to utilize machine learning to analyze the data and understand the interconnected development of children's brains and executive functions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed children aged 6-8 years in the 3rd or 4th grade of elementary school who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Children with severe neurodevelopmental disorders, significant hearing or vision deficits, or prior music or art training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance educational strategies by demonstrating the cognitive benefits of music training for young children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of music training on cognitive functions, but this study aims to provide a novel, large-scale RCT comparison.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * School grade 3P/4P (3rd and 4th year of elementary school (6-8-year-old children) * Right-handedness * Sufficient Mastery of the French Language * Able to give oral informed consent (child) * Able to give written informed consent (parent) Exclusion Criteria: * Non-consent (children and or parents) * Repeated or skipped a class with respect to standard curriculum * Not corrected/severe hearing deficits * Not corrected/severe vision deficits * Severe neurodevelopmental disorders (eg. severe dyslexia, severe ADHD) * Older than 7 at the beginning of the school year if 3P * Older than 8 at the beginning of the school year if 4P * Protocolled music instrumental practice in the preceding year * Protocolled visual arts courses in the preceding year * MRI incompatibility (physical or psychological) * Psychometric battery incompatibility (psychological)
Where this trial is running
Geneva
- Haute école de santé de Genève HES-SO — Geneva, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Clara E James, PhD
- Email: clara.james@hesge.ch
- Phone: +41225585419
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.