Using adaptive music therapy to improve mental health in older adults

The Effects of an Adaptive Music Program on Psychosocial and Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: a Pilot and Validation Study

Not applicable Interventional Toronto Metropolitan University · NCT05447312

This study is testing whether a new type of music therapy can help improve mental health in healthy older adults compared to traditional music therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorToronto Metropolitan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05447312 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Pi Electronics' adaptive music intervention (AM) compared to traditional music therapy (TM) in promoting psychosocial and cognitive benefits among healthy older adults aged 65 and older. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the AM group, the TM group, or a waitlist control group. The study will assess outcomes at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and three months later. The research will also validate the use of a real-time EEG headset to monitor mood regulation during the interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults aged 65 and older without a history of mental health diagnoses or significant cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with previous mental health diagnoses or those experiencing dementia-related cognitive decline may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance therapeutic approaches for improving mental health and cognitive functions in older adults through innovative music interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with music interventions for older adults, suggesting potential for success with this adaptive approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. without previous mental health diagnosis;
2. with access to a computer and internet;
3. with largely normal or corrected to normal hearing;
4. without dementia-related cognitive decline (score of 24 or higher on Mini-Mental State Exam)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. with previous mental health diagnosis;
2. without access to a computer and internet;
3. without largely normal or corrected to normal hearing;
4. with dementia-related cognitive decline (score of 23 or lower on Mini-Mental State Exam)
5. if participant is an outlier on the cognitive tasks, scoring +/- 2.5 standard deviations on the computerized cognitive tasks.
6. if half or more of the psychosocial questionnaires are incomplete.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

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 Stress, PsychologicalExecutive FunctionsLonelinessEmotion RegulationFunctional AbilitiesWell BeingOlder adultsMusic therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.