NCT07845695 · Columbia University
Preoperative Music Intervention for Anxiety in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
What this study is about
Many patients feel anxious before joint replacement surgery. This anxiety is common - affecting roughly 1 in 3 patients - and research has shown that patients who are more anxious before surgery tend to have more pain afterward and may need more pain medication during recovery. Listening to music before medical procedures has been shown to reduce anxiety in many types of surgery.
View original scientific description
Many patients feel anxious before joint replacement surgery. This anxiety is common - affecting roughly 1 in 3 patients - and research has shown that patients who are more anxious before surgery tend to have more pain afterward and may need more pain medication during recovery. Listening to music before medical procedures has been shown to reduce anxiety in many types of surgery. In fact, a recent analysis of 20 studies found that music works about as well as anti-anxiety medication for calming patients before surgery, with about 1 in 4 patients experiencing a meaningful benefit. However, almost all of this research has been done in other types of surgery. No study has specifically tested whether letting patients listen to their own preferred music before hip or knee replacement surgery reduces their anxiety. This study will randomly assign 52 patients scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery to one of two groups: one group will listen to music of their choice through noise-cancelling headphones while waiting for surgery (for at least 20 minutes), and the other group will receive the usual preoperative care without music. Patients will fill out a brief 6-question anxiety survey when they arrive in the preoperative area and again just before being taken to the operating room. The study will also ask patients about their pain, anxiety, and overall experience after surgery, and will review their medical charts to see how much sedation and pain medication was used during the procedure. If music is shown to reduce anxiety in this setting, it could be easily adopted by any hospital at very low cost, offering patients a simple, drug-free way to feel calmer before their surgery.
Interventions
OTHER
Music via Headphones
Patient-selected music will be played through their headphones
Primary outcome measures
Change in State Anxiety Score as Measured by the Six-Item Short Form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6)
Time frame: Day of surgery: from arrival in the preoperative holding area to immediately before transport to the operating room (approximately 20 minutes to 2 hours)
The STAI-6 is a validated 6-item short form of the state anxiety subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Each item is scored from 1 to 4, for a raw total of 6 to 24. The raw total is prorated to the full-scale equivalent (multiplied by 20/6), giving a score range of 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety (worse outcome). The outcome is the change in prorated score from arrival in the preoperative holding area (T1) to immediately before transport to the operating room (T2).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults 18 years or older undergoing primary THA, TKA, or UKA for osteoarthritis
- Planned spinal/regional anesthesia
- Willingness to undergo randomization
- Ability to provide informed consent in English
Exclusion criteria
- Chronic opioid use prior to surgery
- Revision TJA
- Primary diagnosis other than osteoarthritis (e.g., fracture, posttraumatic arthritis, AVN)
- Hearing impairment precluding music listening
- Active psychiatric disorder requiring current pharmacotherapy
- Inability to provide informed consent in English
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations