Using music to improve language skills in young children
Music to Enhance Auditory Encoding in Young Children: A Pilot Study
This study is testing if participating in music activities can help babies learn to talk better compared to kids who do arts and crafts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 18 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT04598438 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized control trial investigates whether active participation in music can enhance the neural encoding of speech in infants and toddlers, leading to improved language development. Healthy Cantonese-learning children aged 8 to 12 months will be randomly assigned to either a music intervention group or an arts and crafts control group. The study will assess neural speech encoding and language skills before and after a 10-week intervention period, utilizing EEG testing to measure outcomes. The hypothesis is that music participation will result in better language and communication skills compared to the control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy Cantonese-learning infants aged 8 to 12 months and their caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with hearing impairments or neuro-motor disabilities affecting development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance language development in infants and toddlers through music participation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that music interventions can enhance language abilities in older children, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in younger infants.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Full-term infants, and their caregivers * From families where Cantonese is the dominant language Exclusion Criteria: * Infants reported to fail the hearing sensitivity screening * Infants with mental or neuro-motor disabilities associated with atypical development (e.g. birth asphyxia; major injuries; hypoxic-ischemic injury; significant growth restriction, and other indications of neurological abnormalities
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrick Chun Man Wong — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Ching Man Lai
- Email: evalai@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852-39435469
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.