POPSINGER approach for chronic pain: music therapy vs yoga
Official title: Pain Management Optimized Through Patient-centered Multi-Session Group Music Therapy Within INteGrative sharEd progRamming: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center · NCT07756541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a music-therapy program (POPSINGER) helps adults with chronic pain as well as or better than yoga.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07756541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults age 18 and older with chronic pain most days for at least 3 months, able to walk independently and participate in a remote program, with internet access and English literacy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not respond to music therapy or yoga, or who have significant sensory impairments or recent major surgery, may see little to no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This feasibility randomized trial will enroll 130 adults with chronic pain and randomize them to either the POPSINGER music therapy intervention or yoga. Participants will engage in a structured program delivered via videoconferencing, requiring internet access and devices. The study aims to compare effects on pain-related outcomes and feasibility metrics over the study period. Recruitment is limited to adults who can read English and have the ability to participate remotely. The sponsor is University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, with support from the Kulas Foundation, and sites are in Cleveland, Ohio.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the POPSINGER program could offer a music-based option that may help reduce pain and improve function for adults with chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in related therapies suggests potential for pain relief with music or mind-body approaches, but direct comparative effectiveness against yoga is less established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 18 and older 2. Reporting pain on most days per month for a duration of ≥3 months 3. Independently ambulatory (i.e., able to walk 10 feet without a cane or walker) 4. Willing to participate in the full scope of the program 5. Access to internet, active email address, \& laptop, tablet, and/or PC with videoconferencing capabilities 6. Have reliable access to a mobile device with an active data plan at home and is comfortable accessing the internet and their email with this device 7. Able to read and understand English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Significant hearing and/or visual impairment 2. Have had a major surgery (e.g., spine surgery, joint replacement) within the past 6 months 3. Have a planned surgery within the next 6 months at the time of enrollment 4. Unable to independently provide consent (i.e., no proxy consent) 5. Active suicidal ideation 6. Severe psychological comorbidity (e.g., psychosis, schizophrenia) that would prevent patient from engaging fully in intervention 7. Receiving active cancer treatment. 8. Diagnosed with medical condition likely to be terminal within 24 weeks 9. Either (a) active substance abuse of cocaine, heroin, cannabis, or alcohol or (b) unmanaged opioid use disorder diagnosis present within the EHR in the last 6 months 10. Currently receiving music therapy from a professional music therapist 11. Currently engaged in regular weekly yoga practice
Where it's running
-
University Hospitals
Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nita Hoxha, MBA
- Email: Nita.Hoxha@uhhospitals.org
- Phone: 216-286-6219
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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.