Efficacy of a Musical Training Programme in Promoting Neuroplasticity in Children Who Have Survived Brain Tumours: a Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 尚未招募
- 入组人数
- 236
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Nonverbal Intelligence Score as Measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4)
研究概览
简要总结
This study aims to understand whether learning music can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have recovered from brain tumours. A total of 236 children will join the study. Some of them will receive regular medical care, while others will take part in a music training program using the ukulele. The music program will last for one year and includes both in-person group classes and online individual sessions. The investigators will assess how well the children can think, remember, and focus before and after the training. The investigators will also ask about their daily life and well-being. This study hopes to show that music training can be a fun and helpful way to support recovery in childhood brain tumour survivors.
详细描述
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of musical training in promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing the quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 participants will be recruited from Hong Kong Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Foundation centres. Participants in the intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, consisting of 36 face-to-face small group sessions and 16 online individual sessions, while the control group will receive usual care. The ukulele, chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and cheerful sound, will be used as the training instrument due to its accessibility and appeal to children. Neuroplasticity will be assessed using a battery of standardized instruments, including the Test of This study aims to explore whether musical training can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 children will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of ukulele-based musical training, which includes 36 face-to-face group sessions held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and 16 online individual sessions conducted at home. The control group will receive usual care only. The ukulele was chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and child-friendly sound, making it ideal for young learners. To support families who may not be familiar with online tools, the investigators will provide user guides, video tutorials, and technical support. The study will assess participants' brain function-including nonverbal intelligence, attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning-as well as their daily functioning and quality of life using standardized tests and questionnaires. These assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention and at follow-up. The investigators hope the results will show that musical training is a fun and effective way to support the neurological and emotional recovery of children after brain tumour treatment.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Other
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 7 Years 至 16 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Completed cancer treatment at least 2 months previously,
- •Aged 7-16 years,
- •Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese
- •Have had no musical training since their cancer diagnosis
排除标准
- •Have cancer recurrence or a second malignancy
研究组 & 干预措施
The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, including face-to-face and online.
musical training
干预措施: Musical Training Program (Other)
Control
The control group will receive usual care for 52 weeks
结局指标
主要结局
Nonverbal Intelligence Score as Measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4)
时间窗: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4) is a language-free measure of nonverbal intelligence, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving.The Index score (mean = 100, SD = 15) will be reported. Higher scores indicate better nonverbal intelligence.
Digit Span Score (Forward + Backward)
时间窗: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Digit Span (Digits Forward + Digits Backward) assesses attention and working memory. The total score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better attention and working memory performance.
Memory Score as Measured by the Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2)
时间窗: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2) assesses verbal memory. The total recall / delayed recall score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better memory performance.
Processing Speed / Executive Function as Measured by the Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT)
时间窗: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT) assesses sustained attention, sequencing, and executive function. Trail 1 involves connecting numbers (1-15) in sequence, while Trail 2 adds alternating between two colours. Processing speed is estimated from Trail 1 time, while the interference index (Trail 2 minus Trail 1) reflects executive functions, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
Executive Function as Measured by the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
时间窗: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 is an assessment of executive function behaviours. A Global Executive Composite (GEC) T-score (or specific index T-scores) will be given. Higher T-scores mean more executive dysfunction.
次要结局
- Quality of life scores of the child participants(At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention)
研究者
Dr Joyce Chung
Associate Professor, School of Nursing
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University