What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Common treatments for stroke include thrombolytic therapy, which dissolves blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain, and mechanical thrombectomy, which physically removes clots. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, aim to improve motor skills, daily functioning, and communication abilities. Communal singing, a form of music therapy, can enhance mood, cognitive function, and social interaction. These benefits are crucial for stroke patients as they can improve emotional well-being, cognitive recovery, and social reintegration, which are essential for overall rehabilitation and quality of life.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Music therapy, including communal singing, is generally considered safe and is associated with several therapeutic benefits for stroke patients, such as improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and better social interaction. Known side effects are minimal, but some patients may experience emotional discomfort or fatigue during sessions. Overall, the benefits of music therapy in stroke rehabilitation typically outweigh the risks.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for stroke, primarily focusing on pharmacologic interventions like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke. However, non-pharmacologic treatments that align with the therapeutic benefits of music, such as mood improvement, cognitive function enhancement, and social interaction, include various forms of rehabilitation therapy. These therapies often involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which aim to improve motor skills, cognitive function, and communication abilities. While communal singing and music therapy are not specifically FDA-approved treatments for stroke, they are recognized in clinical practice for their potential benefits in enhancing mood, cognitive function, and social interaction among stroke survivors.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to communal singing for stroke patients include mindfulness-based stress reduction, which has shown improvements in mood and cognitive function, and group-based physical activities like Tai Chi, which enhance social interaction and cognitive function. Additionally, creative arts therapies, such as art and dance therapy, can also provide mood improvement and social benefits.

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Group Singing for Stroke Patients

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Joanne Loewy, DA

Research Sponsored by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 6 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial examines the effects of communal singing on stroke survivors and their caregivers. The study aims to see if singing can improve mood, reduce stress, and support recovery. Choral singing therapy (CST) is sought out by people with stroke and Parkinson's disease to help self-manage symptoms of their condition.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for stroke survivors of any severity and their personal caregivers. There are no specific exclusion criteria, meaning it's quite open to anyone who has experienced a stroke.

What is being tested?

The study is testing the effects of communal singing as a form of music therapy. Participants will be split into two groups: one will engage in group singing sessions for six months, while the other receives standard post-stroke care.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves communal singing, there aren't typical medical side effects; however, participants may experience emotional or psychological responses to music therapy.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 6 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~6 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 6 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in mood and quality of life as indicated through saliva (cortisol and melatonin sampling)

Secondary study objectives

Change in language aphasia outcome improvement

Other study objectives

Change in motivation and verbal expression

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Communal singingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants in the study group will join the choir and participate in a weekly hour rehearsal for six months and will be assessed for aphasia, mood, and quality of life outcomes

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

The control group will not participate in the choir for the first six months. At the end of the six months study period, all participants will be evaluated again for changes in aphasia, language, mood and quality of life

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Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for stroke include thrombolytic therapy, which dissolves blood clots to restore blood flow to the brain, and mechanical thrombectomy, which physically removes clots. Rehabilitation therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, aim to improve motor skills, daily functioning, and communication abilities. Communal singing, a form of music therapy, can enhance mood, cognitive function, and social interaction. These benefits are crucial for stroke patients as they can improve emotional well-being, cognitive recovery, and social reintegration, which are essential for overall rehabilitation and quality of life.