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Comparison of Live and Virtual Music-based Interventions in Mitigating Stress
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania
Summary
The purpose of this study is to learn if virtual music therapy with active engagement components leads to the same benefits as traditional live music therapy in mitigating stress in older adults. This study aims to compare live and virtual music interventions among older adults with cognitive impairment living in assisted living facilities.
Official title: Comparison of Live and Virtual Music-based Interventions in Mitigating Stress: A Pilot Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
65 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
32
Start Date
2025-08-01
Completion Date
2025-09-27
Last Updated
2026-05-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Live music therapy
The live music intervention was presented in the activities room of each senior center and included a classical violin for the performer (a classically trained violinist with experience arranging and playing pop music), a second violin for participant engagement, and a computer speaker for digital sound output (Dell, Inc.). The live music intervention sessions included multiple active engagement components, such as music adjustment (e.g., lowering the tempo, changing to an upbeat piece) to match participants' apparent mood, verbal interaction, physical engagement (e.g., encouraging dancing, on-beat clapping), and singing along.
Virtual music therapy
The virtual intervention followed identical procedures as the live intervention and involved similar active engagement components, with the music being delivered to the same cohort via video conference (Zoom Communications, Inc.). In both live and virtual sessions, the performer showed identical levels of engagement and adjustment.
Locations (1)
Conestoga High School
Berwyn, Pennsylvania, United States