Using music to reduce stress and pain during mobilization in ICU patients

The Effect of Music on Procedural Distress During Mobilization in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Universiteit Antwerpen · NCT06174662

This study is testing if listening to music can help ICU patients feel less pain and anxiety while they get up and move around.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversiteit Antwerpen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wilrijk, Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT06174662 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention investigates the effects of music therapy on procedural distress, pain, anxiety, and stress in patients mobilizing in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study employs a randomized controlled trial design across three hospitals, where patients will listen to their preferred music through noise-canceling headphones during the sit-to-stand mobilization process. The research aims to assess the impact of music therapy on vital parameters and overall procedural comfort, hypothesizing that it will lead to reduced pain and anxiety levels. A self-designed measurement tool will be used to evaluate the outcomes, validated by an expert panel.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include ICU patients who can communicate in Dutch and have a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale score of +1, 0, or -1.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those with hearing impairments, or those in isolation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the comfort and overall experience of ICU patients during mobilization.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of music therapy in ICU settings is not extensively studied, preliminary research suggests potential benefits, indicating this approach is promising yet relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* They are admitted to the ICU
* They have a Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score of +1, 0, or -1
* They are able to speak Dutch

Exclusion Criteria:

* They are younger than 18 years old
* They have a hearing impairment
* They are in isolation
* They have a cranial dressing or intracranial pressure monitoring

Where this trial is running

Wilrijk, Antwerp

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 PainStressAnxiety
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.