Music-4-MS to Improve Cognition in People Living With Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study

Part of paid clinical trials in Austin, Texas.

Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin
Study ID: NCT07759115
Status: Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS
Demyelinating Diseases
Immune System Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Nervous System Diseases
Pathologic Processes

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: ALL
Age: 18 Years - 80 Years
Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Interventions

Music Training Intervention — BEHAVIORAL
The Music Training Intervention (MTI) entails 12-weeks of online instruction to learn to play the ukulele. Participants will be taught the basic information on how to hold the ukulele, musical chords, strum and play popular songs. They will be instructed to play at least 30-minutes a day, five days a week.
Music Listening — BEHAVIORAL
Participants randomized to this arm will be asked to listen to their preferred music for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. A member of our research team will call them every week to answer any questions they have about the ML protocol. They will be asked to record their experience in a daily log

Study Details

Multiple sclerosis (MS) rates in the U.S. have nearly doubled over the past decade, making it a leading cause of nontraumatic functional impairment in young adults and significantly affecting cognitive function in up to 70% of people with MS. While traditional cognitive rehabilitation methods are limited in sensory engagement, music training offers a multisensory approach that enhances neuroplasticity and improves cognitive functions. This study investigates the feasibility of Music-4-MS, a 12-week music-based eHealth intervention, to support cognitive and emotional health in individuals with MS.

Key Dates

First listed: Aug 12, 2026
Start date: Aug 31, 2026
Status verified: Aug 2026
Primary completion: Mar 31, 2028
Completion: Aug 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment: 64 participants (estimated)
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Arms

Experimental: Musical Training Intervention
Participants randomized to this arm receive a 12-week intervention to teach them how to play the ukulele. The ukulele is a very manageable instrument to learn and requires less hand dexterity than other stringed instruments. Each week participants will follow the musical training intervention (MTI) protocol that provides instruction on how to tune, hold, and strum the ukulele and play basic chords. To practice the chords, they will also learn popular songs (e.g., Chain of Fools, Three Little Birds, Happy Birthday, Just the Way You Are, and Coconut). Participants will be instructed to follow each session outlined weekly and asked to practice the instrument for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. They will be given a paper and digital version of the MTI protocol. A member of our research team will call the participants weekly to answer any questions about the MTI protocol.
Active Comparator: Music Listening
Participants randomized to this arm will be asked to listen to their preferred music for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. A member of our research team will call them every week to answer any questions they have about the ML protocol. They will be asked to record their experience in a daily log.