Music therapy for rehabilitation after complex neurological injuries

Pilot Study to Evaluate MUSic Therapy in Complex Specialist Neurorehabilitation

NA · University College, London · NCT05777499

This study is testing if music therapy can help people aged 16-80 recover better after serious brain injuries like strokes or traumatic brain injuries during their rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College, London (other)
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT05777499 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of music therapy on functional outcomes in patients undergoing specialist rehabilitation after complex neurological injuries, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. A total of 75 participants, aged 16-80, will be randomly assigned to receive either music therapy or control therapy alongside usual care over a 10-week period. The study will assess various functional and quality of life measures to determine the effectiveness of music therapy in enhancing recovery. Data will be collected through baseline assessments and ongoing evaluations by trained therapists and nurses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 16 years or older with a clinical diagnosis of a neurological injury requiring specialist rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable or expected to be discharged before completing the 10-week rehabilitation program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could demonstrate that music therapy significantly improves recovery outcomes for patients with complex neurological injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While music therapy has been suggested to enhance recovery in brain injury patients, this specific approach is novel and not routinely commissioned in clinical care due to a lack of supportive evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 16 years or above.
* Clinical diagnosis of a neurological injury involving the brain, spinal cord, and/or peripheral nerves, sustained during the current hospital admission.
* Participant has complex rehabilitation needs warranting admission to a specialist neurorehabilitation unit.
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent. If the participant is unable to demonstrate sufficient mental capacity to provide informed consent, the multidisciplinary team will liaise with the participant to identify a suitable consultee to determine suitability to participate in the study in their best interests.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant is medically unstable or excessively drowsy, and is unexpected to be able to tolerate an intensive rehabilitation program.
* Participant is expected to be discharged from hospital before 10 weeks.
* Concurrent and/or recent involvement in other research that is likely to interfere with the intervention within the last 3 months of study enrolment.

Where this trial is running

London

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Traumatic Brain Injury, Tumor, Brain, Autoimmune Diseases, Meningitis/Encephalitis, Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injuries

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.