Music's hidden power: could a playlist soothe nerves before surgery?

NCT ID NCT06929208

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: KK Women's and Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether listening to music before a medical procedure can influence heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the heart's ability to adapt to stress, and whether it relates to anxiety and depression. About 120 adults scheduled for procedures at three hospitals in Singapore will have their heart activity recorded before, during, and after music listening, along with questionnaires about their mood. The goal is to understand if music might be a simple way to ease pre-procedure stress.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Music listening
What this could lead to: If music is shown to improve heart rate variability and reduce anxiety before procedures, it could become a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer and potentially improve outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study, so results may not apply to everyone. The link between heart rate variability and mood is complex, and music may not have a clear effect in all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY DEPRESSION HEART RATE VARIABILITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Changi General Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Singapore, Singapore
KK Women's and Children's Hospital
RECRUITING

Singapore, Singapore
Singapore General Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Singapore, Singapore

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