Study on the Effectiveness of a 6-Month Group Musical Learning Program for Cognitive Improvement in Adults with Schizophrenia

What this Trial Is About

Schizophrenia is a persistent disorder affecting about 1% of the population. It involves positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations and negative symptoms such as blunted affect and reduced motivation, which greatly affect social functioning and quality of life. This research evaluates a cognitive remediation method using rhythmic, vocal, and corporal musical learning to improve attention and cognitive function in people with schizophrenia, building on promising preliminary results from a pilot study and addressing challenges of current programs patient commitment. The study is a national, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial comparing a 6-month collective musical training program to standard psychiatric care. Participants are randomly assigned to either attend weekly one-hour musical sessions led by trained professional music teachers or receive standard care including psychiatric follow-up and participation in non-musical therapeutic or social activities. After the 6-month intervention phase, there is a 3-month follow-up period to assess lasting effects. Participants will be involved for 9 months with evaluations at the start, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. The study measures attention capacity primarily and also examines attentional deficits and alertness over time. Assessments include regular visits and monitoring of symptom changes. The study aims to understand if musical learning can be a motivating and effective approach to improve cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Cognitive Remediation Method Using Rhythmic, Vocal and Corporal Musical Learning for Schizophrenia