Could music soothe preterm babies and their parents?

NCT ID NCT06844396

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Anglia Ruskin University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested music therapy for preterm infants in the NICU. Twenty-one medically stable babies (28 weeks or older) and their caregivers received music therapy sessions, including skin-to-skin contact, singing, and support. Researchers measured heart rate, breathing, temperature, and oxygen levels, as well as caregiver wellbeing. The goal was to gather initial UK evidence for a therapy already used in other countries.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Music therapy (including skin-to-skin, developmental techniques, infant-directed singing, and caregiver support)
What this could lead to: If results are positive, this could support wider use of music therapy in UK NICUs, potentially improving infant stability and caregiver wellbeing.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (21 infants) with no control group, so results may not be generalizable. It only measures short-term clinical markers, not long-term outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PREMATURE BIRTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Whittington NHS Health Trust

London, United Kingdom

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.