A randomized controlled trial comparison of three music therapy formats on cognitive function and psychological...

Prior studies suggest a benefit of music-based activities for supporting cognitive function and psychological well-being in normal aging, but few have rigorously examined the effect of music therapy (MT) interventions in this population, or contrasted delivery format. We conducted a randomized controlled trial study investigating the effects of one-to-one, small-group, and large-group MT on cognitive functions and well-being in 62 older adults without cognitive impairment.

Participants were randomly assigned to one-to-one (Mage = 79.71), small-group (Mage = 82.00), or large-group (Mage = 79.83) conditions, and received structured MT sessions over 20 weeks, while a passive control group (Mage = 74.56) received no MT. Pre-post intervention measures assessed cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive function, verbal fluency) and well-being (general well-being, depression, sleep quality).

Mixed ANOVAs indicated improvements pre-post intervention on several cognitive measures and depressive symptoms (main effects of Time) that varied as a function of MT format (Time × Group interactions). All MT groups showed improvements in cognitive functions pre-post intervention, while many cognitive scores declined in the control group. Further, all intervention groups showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms pre-post intervention, while there was no change in the control group. Dynamic Bayesian Network analysis corroborated these trajectories and highlighted the influence of cognitive reserve and executive functions on intervention outcomes.

This study provides evidence for the beneficial effect of MT on cognitive function and well-being in normal aging, suggesting that both individualized and group formats are advantageous. This has implications for supporting healthy aging through socially prescribed standardized protocols.

NCT04851028.