Live piano in the ICU: a soothing tune for critical care?
NCT ID NCT03948984
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a 20-minute live classical music session (piano with or without flute) could help reduce anxiety and pain and increase relaxation in critically ill ICU patients. Researchers also looked at how patients, families, and staff felt about the music. The study included 111 adult ICU patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
therapeutic live classical music session
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help ICU patients feel less anxious and more relaxed during their hospital stay.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 111 patients at one hospital, so results may not apply to all ICUs. The music may not help everyone, and some patients may find it distracting or unpleasant.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States