Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Multisensory Interventions Reduce MRI Anxiety in Cancer Patients
Sponsor: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
Summary
MRI-related anxiety is prevalent among cancer patients and frequently undermines imaging quality by inducing motion artifacts or causing premature examination termination. Safe, non-pharmacological supportive interventions have the potential to alleviate procedural anxiety, yet the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effect of a combined multisensory intervention integrating music therapy and aromatherapy during MRI procedures, and to further explore its potential neurophysiological mechanisms via autonomic nervous system monitoring and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). This study adopted a prospective, single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial design and was conducted at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, between April 2025 and April 2026. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to four groups in equal proportions to receive routine care, music therapy alone, aromatherapy alone, or combined music and aromatherapy interventions. All study interventions were delivered consistently throughout the pre-MRI waiting period and the formal MRI scanning procedure, while participants in the control group received only standard clinical care without additional supportive intervention.
Official title: Multisensory Therapy Alleviating MRI-Related Anxiety in Cancer Patients Via Brain-Autonomic Network Modulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
152
Start Date
2025-04-10
Completion Date
2026-04-10
Last Updated
2026-07-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Guzheng music therapy
Patients listen to the traditional Chinese guzheng piece Fishing Boat Singing at Dusk via MRI-compatible noise-isolating headphones continuously during MRI scanning. The music intervention starts after 10 minutes of baseline autonomic monitoring within the 20-minute pre-examination monitoring window.
Lavender aromatherapy
Two drops of pure Lavandula angustifolia essential oil are dripped onto an absorbent pad fixed to the patient's collar near the neck before MRI. Patients breathe normally to receive sustained lavender aroma stimulation throughout the entire scan, initiated after 10 minutes of baseline autonomic monitoring.
Locations (1)
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University
Guangzhou, Guangdong, China