Music to improve how you feel during inpatient cardiac rehab exercise

The MUSICare Project: Effects of Differentiated Music Exposure on Exercise-Related Affect Among Cardiac Rehabilitation Inpatients

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Geneva · NCT07305389

This study will test whether different ways of playing music during exercise can make people aged 50–75 in a 3-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program feel better during workouts.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Geneva Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva)
Trial IDNCT07305389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will expose cardiac rehabilitation inpatients to different patterns of music listening during moderate-intensity continuous training, using a design that leverages the "peak-end rule" to shape momentary and remembered pleasure. Participants enrolled in a 3-week inpatient program at Geneva University Hospitals will complete supervised exercise sessions with tailored music exposure while researchers record core affect (valence and arousal), perceived exertion, and psychophysiological responses. The study will also collect measures of remembered pleasure and forecasted pleasure for future activity to see if music changes how patients recall and expect exercise to feel. Findings will be compared across the different music exposure conditions to identify which approach best enhances exercise-related affect.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50–75 who are enrolled in a 3-week inpatient cardiac exercise rehabilitation program, can tolerate the exercise protocol, and can give written consent.

Not a fit: People with medical contraindications to physical activity, cognitive or psychological disorders, or significant hearing impairment are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could make rehab exercise feel more pleasant and increase patients' willingness to be active, potentially improving adherence and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Music has previously been shown to improve affect and exercise experience in outpatient and healthy populations, but applying differentiated music exposure with the peak-end rule in cardiac inpatients is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals enrolled in an inpatient 3-week cardiac exercise-based rehabilitation programme
* Age range 50-75 years
* Can withstand the study protocol without undue risk
* Able to provide written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to physical activity in view of the health status
* Presence of cognitive or psychological disorder
* Hearing impairment with or without hearing aids

Where this trial is running

Geneva

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.
Conditions Rehabilitation Exercisecardiac rehabilitationmusicphysical activityaffective valence
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.