Live music vs. recorded: tiny study tests if melodies boost brain recovery in comatose kids
NCT ID NCT07209657
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 03, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study will compare live music therapy to recorded music in 10 children aged 1-18 with disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury. Over 10 days, researchers will measure changes in consciousness using a simple checklist and video recordings. Parents will also share their experiences. The goal is to see if live music offers extra benefits for recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Live music therapy and recorded music
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that live music therapy boosts consciousness recovery in children with severe brain injuries, guiding better hospital care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with only 10 children, so results may not apply broadly. It measures short-term responses, not long-term recovery.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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1 year to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of a severe ABI, as indicated by at least one of the following: * Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 3-8 at admission to RCH * Mass pathology evident on neuroimaging * Expert opinion of treating consultant * Diagnosis of a DoC, as indicated by at least one of the following: * Rancho Los Amigos Scale I, II, III or IV * Expert opinion of treating consultant * Legally acceptable representative capable of understanding the informed consent document and providing consent on the participant's behalf. Interpreters will be employed as necessary. Exclusion Criteria: * ABI not compatible with life/child expected to die * ABI resulting from suspected non-accidental causes, including assault/abuse * Diagnosed premorbid or acquired severe hearing loss * Inability or unwillingness of legally acceptable representative to give written informed consent
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
RECRUITINGParkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a soft robot help damaged brains move again?
- Brain scans may reveal hidden signs of consciousness after severe injury
- Exercise as medicine: could a simple movement program help adults recover after brain injury?
- Zapping the brain with gentle electricity may reveal hidden signs of consciousness
- Can a balance-training program help brain injury survivors walk safer and live better?