NCT07538427 · Northern Arizona University
Enhancing Health in Rural Populations: Music as Therapy
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a music-based intervention can improve mental and physical health and strengthen coping skills among adults living in residential care settings in northern Arizona.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a music-based intervention can improve mental and physical health and strengthen coping skills among adults living in residential care settings in northern Arizona. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does participation in the music-based intervention reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain?, and Does participation increase the use of music as a coping strategy and improve overall well-being? Researchers will compare participants' pre-intervention and post-intervention responses to determine whether the music classes are associated with improvements in health and coping outcomes. Participants will: Attend a 6-week music class held once per week for one hour; participate in active music activities such as drumming and rhythm exercises; complete a brief survey before and after the intervention. Some participants are also invited to complete a short interview about their experiences.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Music Based Intervention
Participants will engage in a 6-week culturally grounded music-based intervention consisting of one 60-minute session per week. Sessions include active music participation such as drumming, rhythm exercises, and Indigenous music practices designed to improve stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and coping outcomes among adults in residential care settings.
Primary outcome measures
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks.
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a classic stress assessment instrument. The tool, while originally developed in 1983, remains a popular choice for helping us understand how different situations affect our feelings and our perceived stress. The questions in this scale ask about feelings and thoughts during the last month. PSS can range from 0 to 40 with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress.
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2)
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks (post-intervention)
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) is an ultra-brief, 2-question screening tool used in primary care to detect generalized anxiety disorder. The total score range for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) screening tool is 0 to 6, with a score of 3 or higher identifying possible cases of generalized anxiety disorder (and other common anxiety disorders).
Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks (post-intervention).
The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) is a brief, two-question screening tool used to assess depression by measuring the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia over the past two weeks with a total score ranging from 0 to 6. It assesses the frequency of depressed mood and anhedonia over the past two weeks, with a cut-point of 3 or greater often indicating a need for further evaluation.
Chronic Pain Grade Scale (CPGS)
Time frame: From enrollment to 6 weeks (end of intervention)
The purpose of the Chronic Pain Grade Scale (CPGS) was to give doctors a standard with which to work when comparing pain and health. The CPGS classifies pain severity into five hierarchical categories-Grade 0 to Grade IV-based on pain intensity and disability over the past 3-6 months. It typically uses 0-10 Likert scales for individual items, calculating subscores for intensity and disability (0-100) to determine the grade. Higher scores indicate higher intensity and disability related to pain.
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
- residency at one of the two elder care facilities
- ability to communicate in English.
Exclusion criteria
- not a resident at one of the two elder care facilities
- inability to communicate in English.
Where
- Flagstaff, Arizona
Collaborators
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
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 Apr 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations