Music therapy for people with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Harmonization of Breathing Through Music Therapy and Its Impact on Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease
Run by Klinik Arlesheim · NCT07734181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a personalized music therapy session using gentle string-playing, singing, and lyre can help reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Klinik Arlesheim Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Arlesheim, Basel-Landschaft) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07734181 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-4) who understand German and can consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with severe hearing impairment, dementia, or other major somatic/psychiatric conditions may not benefit or may be unable to participate safely.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study explores whether individualized music therapy can ease anxiety and improve autonomic function and well-being in Parkinson's disease patients. The therapy combines slow, gentle bowing of a string instrument with the therapist's singing and lyre playing, aiming to induce relaxation and improve heart rate variability. Primary outcome is anxiety, with secondary goals including quality of life and autonomic indicators. Eligible participants have Parkinson's disease at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-4, are fluent in German, and can provide informed consent. Exclusions include prior music therapy in the last year, severe hearing loss, dementia, or other conditions that could confound results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced anxiety and improved quality of life and autonomic regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests music-based interventions can affect mood and autonomic function, but this specific anthroposophical approach in PD is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parkinson's disease, Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-4 * good understanding of the German language * Signed written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous music therapy within the last 12 months * Severe hearing impairment * Manifest dementia (MoCA \< 20) * Severe physical disability * Severe somatic or psychiatric illness * Concurrent participation in another clinical trial targeting treatment of Parkinson's disease
Where it's running
-
Klinik Arlesheim AG
Arlesheim, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Siegward Elsas, Dr. med. — Klinik Arlesheim
- Study coordinator: Siegward Elsas, Dr. med.
- Email: Siegward.Elsas@klinik-arlesheim.ch
- Phone: +41 61 705 71 13
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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.