Music breathing therapy for caregivers of children with cancer

mHealth-delivered Music Breathing Therapy to Enhance Resilience and Improve Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children Newly Diagnosed With Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT06052904

This study is testing if a new music breathing therapy can help parents of children with cancer feel less stressed and improve their ability to cope after their child's diagnosis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06052904 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health-delivered music breathing therapy in enhancing resilience and reducing psychological distress among parental caregivers of children recently diagnosed with cancer. The intervention seeks to improve coping mechanisms and overall quality of life for these caregivers, who often experience significant stress following their child's diagnosis. The study will assess feasibility and acceptability, focusing on recruitment and engagement rates, as well as the delivery of the intervention through online platforms. Participants will receive music breathing therapy alongside educational modules to support their mental health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are parental caregivers of children under 19 years old who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last 2 to 12 months and can communicate in Chinese.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those caring for multiple children with chronic illnesses, those with major comorbid conditions, or those currently receiving other psychological interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental well-being and quality of life for caregivers of children with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While music therapy has shown promise in various populations, this specific approach for caregivers of children with cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Parental caregivers (the primary caregiver; either mother or father) who

* has a child (aged under 19 years) who has been diagnosed with cancer at least 2 months but not more than 12 months prior.
* can read and communicate in Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin)
* has Internet access through any mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, tablet or laptop with camera and microphone features).
* is willing to download and use Zoom as the intervention delivery platform.

Exclusion Criteria:

* has a child who has been diagnosed with cancer and has major comorbid conditions and/or who is receiving end-of-life care.
* is caring for more than one child with a chronic or critical illness or caring for another family member with a chronic illness.
* is currently participating in any interventions or additional counselling services.
* has a diagnosed mental illness, cognitive impairment or learning problem, and/or is taking regular psychotropic medications

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 OncologyPsychological DistressMusic breathingCancerCaregiversChildrenPsychological distressResilience
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.