Music therapy to reduce pain in people with multiple sclerosis.
Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based Heart Rate-Synchronized Motor Imagery Music Therapy on Pain, Autonomic Function and Psychosocial Parameters in People With Multiple Sclerosis
This trial will test whether heart-rate synchronized music therapy, with or without motor imagery, can reduce chronic pain in adults with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Bilgi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT06800144 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with MS and chronic pain will receive heart-rate–synchronized music therapy delivered via tablet/computer with a smartphone-connected heart-rate monitor, and one intervention arm adds motor imagery to the music protocol. Music is synchronized to each participant's heart rate to target autonomic regulation and enhance parasympathetic activation. Participants must have stable pain medications, no relapse in the past three months, and pain of at least 3/10 for at least three months. The study will measure changes in pain intensity and related outcomes such as fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with a confirmed MS diagnosis (2017 McDonald criteria), chronic pain ≥3/10 for at least three months, no relapse in the past three months, stable pain medications for two months, and the ability to use Turkish-language telehealth technology are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recent relapses, serious comorbid cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, inability to use the required smartphone/tablet or Bluetooth heart-rate monitor, unstable pain medications, or who cannot read Turkish may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low-risk, non-drug option to reduce chronic pain and improve sleep, mood, and quality of life for people with MS.
How similar studies have performed: General music therapy studies have shown benefits for pain, anxiety, and depression, but heart-rate–synchronized and motor-imagery–based protocols in MS are relatively novel with limited prior MS-specific data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between the ages of 18-65. * Having a definite MS diagnosis according to the 2017 McDonald criteria. * Having a pain level of at least 3 and above on the numerical pain scale for at least 3 months. * Not having had an attack in the last 3 months. * Having a tablet or computer with an active internet connection that is suitable for videoconferencing. * Having a smartphone to which the heart rate monitor can be connected with the Bluetooth feature so that the heart rate synchronized music therapy training can be given. * Having sufficient smartphone/tablet or computer knowledge to participate in the study or having a relative who can help in this regard. * No change in the medications used for pain in the last 2 months. * Not receiving any additional treatment other than routine treatments. * Being able to read and understand Turkish. Exclusion Criteria: * Having a serious musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic or other disease that would prevent participation in the study. * Having a condition other than MS that can cause pain, such as cancer, diabetes, significant osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, based on laboratory or imaging findings * Having a psychiatric disease (such as active psychotic disorders, severe depression, anxiety disorders) that would prevent participation in the study and having a serious cognitive disorder determined by a physician that would prevent testing * Having a serious vision or hearing problem. * Being pregnant.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Istanbul
- Istanbul Bilgi University — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hilal Karakas
- Email: hilalkrkas58@gmail.com
- Phone: 05466017860
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.