Using music therapy to improve movement in Parkinson's Disease

Neurologic Music Therapy for Enhancing Fine Motor Control in Parkinson's Disease

Not applicable Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT03049033

This study is testing whether music therapy can help people with Parkinson's Disease move better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT03049033 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the effects of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) on individuals with Parkinson's Disease, focusing on improving fine motor skills and overall movement. Participants will engage in music-based interventions designed to enhance their ability to perform daily tasks and improve their quality of life. The approach leverages rhythmic cues to facilitate movement, addressing the unique challenges posed by the disease. The study aims to assess the efficacy of NMT compared to traditional occupational therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 45 to 85 diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who exhibit fine motor impairments.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease (Hoehn and Yahr stage 4 and higher) or those with other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's Disease by improving their motor function and daily living activities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for music therapy in improving motor function in patients with neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 45 to 85
* Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease using the UK Brain Bank Criteria
* Fine motor impairments (if available, scores 2 and higher on the UPDRS motor examination part III.23 and 24)
* Medication stable for at least 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Features suggestive of other causes of parkinsonism, including cerebrovascular disease or history of major head trauma
* Inability to move fingers or hands
* Hoehn and Yahr stage 4 and higher
* Ferrous metal implants which may interfere with the MEG data acquisition and/or be an MRI safety concern
* Dementia
* Participants engaged in other research studies involving music therapies
* Participants whose insurance does not cover Occupational Therapy costs or who have no insurance.

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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 Parkinson Disease
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.