Music to improve health and coping for older adults in rural long-term care
Enhancing Health in Rural Populations: Music as Therapy
This project will try a 6-week music program with active activities like drumming to see if it reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and pain and helps adults living in two Flagstaff long-term care facilities cope better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northern Arizona University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Flagstaff, Arizona and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07538427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will deliver a 6-week, once-weekly one-hour group music-based intervention featuring active music-making such as drumming and rhythm exercises at two elder care facilities in Flagstaff, Arizona. Participants will complete brief surveys before and after the program to compare symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and use of music as a coping strategy, and some will be invited for short interviews about their experiences. The project includes older adults with varying levels of cognitive function and focuses on feasibility, personalization, and continuity of musical exposure in rural long-term care settings. Outcomes will inform whether this non-pharmacological approach is meaningful, safe, and practical for aging populations with limited access to other therapies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking residents of the two participating elder care facilities in Flagstaff who can engage in a group music class.
Not a fit: People who do not live at those facilities, cannot communicate in English, or are unable to participate in group activities are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a low-cost, non-drug way to reduce mental and physical symptoms and strengthen coping and social engagement for older adults in rural care settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous music-based interventions have shown promising improvements in mood, pain, and social connection among older adults, though evidence in rural long-term care settings is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * residency at one of the two elder care facilities * ability to communicate in English. Exclusion Criteria: * not a resident at one of the two elder care facilities * inability to communicate in English.
Where this trial is running
Flagstaff, Arizona and 1 other locations
- Haven Health Flagstaff — Flagstaff, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
- The Peaks — Flagstaff, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ariel L Roddy, PhD
- Email: ariel.roddy@nau.edu
- Phone: 248 298 6978
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.