Using music therapy to improve movement in Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Neurologic Music Therapy for Enhancing Fine Motor Control in Parkinson's Disease
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT03049033 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing whether music therapy can help people with Parkinson's Disease move better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT03049033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 45 to 85 diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who exhibit fine motor impairments.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for music therapy in improving motor function in patients with neurological conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Isabelle Buard, PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Lucas Lattanzio, BA
- Email: Lucas.Lattanzio@CUAnschutz.edu
- Phone: 303.724.2205
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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.