Music intervention for children with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Music Intervention for Brain-Heart Disease in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1)

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario · NCT06809049

This study is testing if weekly music sessions can help children with myotonic dystrophy type 1 feel better and improve their physical and mental skills.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment13 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ottawa, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06809049 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study aims to assess the feasibility and tolerability of Dalcroze music education for children aged 6 to 18 with congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Participants will engage in weekly music sessions over a period of 10 weeks, with their physical and cognitive assessments compared to baseline measurements. The study will also collect biological samples and utilize wearable devices to identify potential brain-heart biomarkers and outcome measures for future research. Qualitative feedback from participants will help evaluate the intervention's acceptability within this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 with genetically confirmed congenital or infantile-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-verbal or have insufficient English language skills may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve brain and heart symptoms in children with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar music interventions have shown promise in other populations, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants between the ages of 6 to 18 with genetically confirmed congenital or infantile-onset myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).
* Participants willing to stay on stable medication from the day of screening to end of study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Insufficient English language skills to complete required assessments and questionnaires.
* Participant is non-verbal.
* Failure to provide signed informed consent by participant or designated decision maker (i.e. parent, legal guardian or power of attorney).
* Failure to provide signed informed consent by parents/caregivers for dyad participation.
* Participant is not a resident of Canada, due to risk of attrition.
* Patients for whom - in the opinion of the investigator - it would not be safe to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Ottawa, Ontario

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 Myotonic Dystrophy, CongenitalMyotonic Dystrophy, Type 1Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1Music interventionMyotonic dystrophyDM1Rare disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.