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Assessing Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Music Therapy in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease Using Single-cell RNA-sequencing
Sponsor: Emory University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a 4-week music therapy (MT) intervention can reduce chronic pain and improve psychosocial outcomes in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does MT reduce pain intensity, frequency of pain episodes, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL)? * Does MT alter immune cell composition and gene expression in inflammatory pathways, as measured by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)? Researchers will compare participants randomized to music therapy versus a control condition to see if MT produces superior improvements in pain and psychosocial outcomes, and distinct molecular changes.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
8 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
25
Start Date
2026-06
Completion Date
2028-04
Last Updated
2026-05-01
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Music Therapy
The MT group will engage in 20-minute daily virtual music therapy sessions for 4 weeks, using the freely available Music Care© app (manufactured by MUSIC CARE) to independently participate in electronic music therapy following the U sequence. This app is voluntarily downloaded onto a participants personal device and participants will be instructed to complete daily MT sessions under optimal conditions (i.e., lying down, eyes closed, low lighting).
Standard of Care
Routinely available educational material on sickle cell disease management and a healthy lifestyle.
Locations (1)
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, United States