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Music therapy with a monochord in multiple sclerosis ("MUTIMS"): A randomized, controlled, rater-blinded trial

  • 0Clinic of Neurology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical +

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July 14, 2025

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July 14, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Music therapy (MT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients did not reduce anxiety but significantly decreased fatigue and pain. This non-pharmacological approach improved body perception and immediate subjective well-being in people with MS.

Area Of Science

  • Neurology
  • Therapeutic Modalities
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently presents with mood-behavioral symptoms, fatigue, and pain.
  • Music therapy (MT) offers a non-pharmacological strategy for managing symptoms in neurological disorders.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the impact of a 6-week outpatient music therapy program on anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and body perception in people with MS.
  • To assess both primary (anxiety) and secondary outcomes in individuals with MS undergoing music therapy.

Main Methods

  • A randomized controlled trial design comparing a music therapy group (MTG) with a control group (CG).
  • Participants received weekly 45-minute sessions for 6 weeks; MTG used a monochord, CG did not.
  • Standardized questionnaires (e.g., Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were used for blinded assessments at baseline and week 6.

Main Results

  • No significant difference in anxiety levels between the MTG and CG at 6 weeks.
  • Significant reductions in psychosocial fatigue and increased heat pain thresholds were observed in the MTG.
  • Immediate post-session effects, such as feeling balanced and relaxed, were significantly stronger in the MTG.

Conclusions

  • Receptive music therapy demonstrated positive effects on fatigue, pain perception, and body awareness in people with MS.
  • While not impacting anxiety scores, MT shows potential for improving other key symptoms in multiple sclerosis management.

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