~26 spots leftby Apr 2026

Music Therapy for ICU Delirium

(DDM Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+4 other locations
LC
BK
Overseen byBabar Khan, MD, MS
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Indiana University
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Critically ill older adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at a higher risk to develop delirium, which predisposes them to longer lengths of ICU and hospital stay, increased in-patient mortality, and higher risk of new acquired cognitive impairment and dementia. Music listening is a non-pharmacological intervention that holds potential to decrease ICU delirium. The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a seven-day slow-tempo music intervention on the primary outcome of delirium/coma free days among mechanically ventilated, critically ill older adults.

Research Team

LC

Linda Chlan, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

BK

Babar Khan, MD, MS

Principal Investigator

Indiana University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for critically ill adults over 50 in the ICU who are expected to need a ventilator for at least 48 hours and can consent through a representative. They must speak English, have phone access, and not have hearing/vision impairments, certain neurological conditions, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, or be at risk of alcohol/drug withdrawal.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 50 years old or older.
You are expected to need a breathing machine for 48 hours or more.
English speaking
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

You are experiencing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal or there is concern that you may experience withdrawal.
Enrolled in another clinical trial which does not permit co-enrollment
Uncorrected hearing or vision impairment including legal blindness
See 6 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Attention Control (Behavioural Intervention)
  • Slow Tempo Music (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe study tests if slow-tempo music can reduce delirium/coma days in older adults on mechanical ventilation in the ICU. It's a randomized controlled trial where participants either receive attention control or listen to slow-tempo music daily for seven days.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Slow Tempo MusicExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Slow-tempo 60-80 beats per minute relaxing music. The intervention includes two one-hour music listening sessions, once in the morning and once in the evening for up to seven days, delivered through noise-canceling headphones and iPad.
Group II: Attention ControlPlacebo Group1 Intervention
One-hour sessions consisting of a silence track twice daily delivered through noise-cancelling headphones for up to 7 days.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Mayo Clinic RochesterRochester, MN
Eskenazi HospitalIndianapolis, IN
Methodist HospitalIndianapolis, IN
IU Health West HospitalAvon, IN
More Trial Locations
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Indiana University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1063
Patients Recruited
1,182,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1841
Patients Recruited
28,150,000+