Music is the Key: The impact of therapeutic listening on the development of children born preterm

A Pilot RCT showing feasibility of Therapeutic Listening for Preterm Infants with Sensory Dysregulation, Attention and Cognitive Problems

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN99326699

Enrollment

Registered

2016-04-19

Start date

2015-09-25

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-02-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Development in premature infants Mental and Behavioural Disorders Development in premature infants

Interventions

Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Intervention group: Participants undergo the home Therapeutic Listening Programme. This involves listening to modified music

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged 3 to 4 years 2. Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant (<1500g) 3. Identified as being at risk for attention/learning difficulties when assessed at 2 years corrected age

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Major complications/intellectual impairment i.e. Bayley scores >2SD below the mean 2. Hearing/visual impairment 3. Cerebral palsy 4. Currently taking medication 5. Life-limiting condition/acquired brain injury/seizures 6. Undergoing therapeutic listening.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Speech and language skills are measured using the Preschool Language Scales–5 and the Renfrew Action Picture Test (RAPT) at baseline and 6 months 2. Motor skills are measured using the Development of Attention Skill Scale at baseline and 6 months 3. Sensory skills are measured using the Winnie –Dunn Sensory Profile at baseline and 6 months 4. Cognitive development ((Verbal Comprehension Index; Visual Spatial Index; Working Memory Index; Full Scale IQ) is measured uisng the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) at baseline and 6 months	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Speech and language skills are measured using the Preschool Language Scales–5 and the Renfrew Action Picture Test (RAPT) at baseline and 6 months 2. Motor skills are measured using the Development of Attention Skill Scale at baseline and 6 months 3. Sensory skills are measured using the Winnie –Dunn Sensory Profile at baseline and 6 months 4. Cognitive development ((Verbal Comprehension Index; Visual Spatial Index; Working Memory Index; Full Scale IQ) is measured uisng the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-IV) at baseline and 6 months

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Intervention group only: 1. Child's response to the programme, how consistent the programme has been, motor changes, speech and language changes, behavioural changes, social changes, self-care routine changes and learning changes are measured using the Home Listening Follow-up Form completed by parents on review dates (Wed 30th March 2016; Wed 4th May 2016; Wed 1st June 2016; Wed 6th July 2016 and during final review Wed 17th Aug 2016) 2. Emotional tone changes (i.e. more irritable/more animated, arousal level changes, motor changes, speech and language changes and behavioural changes) are measured through the listening therapist’s observations on review dates (Wed 30th March 2016; Wed 4th May 2016; Wed 1st June 2016; Wed 6th July 2016 and during final review Wed 17th Aug 2016)	—

Measure

Time frame

Intervention group only: 1. Child's response to the programme, how consistent the programme has been, motor changes, speech and language changes, behavioural changes, social changes, self-care routine changes and learning changes are measured using the Home Listening Follow-up Form completed by parents on review dates (Wed 30th March 2016; Wed 4th May 2016; Wed 1st June 2016; Wed 6th July 2016 and during final review Wed 17th Aug 2016) 2. Emotional tone changes (i.e. more irritable/more animated, arousal level changes, motor changes, speech and language changes and behavioural changes) are measured through the listening therapist’s observations on review dates (Wed 30th March 2016; Wed 4th May 2016; Wed 1st June 2016; Wed 6th July 2016 and during final review Wed 17th Aug 2016)

—

Countries

Ireland

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026