Actively Recruiting
A Frequency-Modulated Music Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
Led by Ohio State University · Updated on 2026-02-03
100
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
O
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor
W
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying whether adding frequency filtered music, called the Safe and Sound Protocol, to daily cognitive processing therapy (CPT) can better reduce symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This trial aims to find out if this special music helps lower PTSD symptoms, improves stress-related body responses, and whether better stress regulation explains improvements in hyperarousal and PTSD symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to listen to either frequency filtered classical music or the same music without filtering. Participants will receive 10 daily therapy sessions of cognitive processing therapy over two weeks. Before each session, they will listen to 15 minutes of either frequency filtered classical music or unfiltered classical music, totaling 2.5 hours of music listening. The filtered music changes certain sound frequencies over time to mimic human voice patterns, while the unfiltered music remains the same. During the study, participants will complete clinical interviews and questionnaires before, during, and up to six months after therapy. Their physiological arousal will be monitored during music listening and therapy sessions. They will also wear a Fitbit device and complete smartphone surveys for four weeks. The main outcomes measured include PTSD symptom severity at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, along with assessments of hyperarousal and physiological stress responses.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Frequency-Modulated Music Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- At least 18 years of age
- Meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD or subthreshold PTSD with hyperarousal
- Ability to move between sitting to standing without assistance
- Ability to attend two weeks of daily in-person therapy sessions at specified medical centers
You will not qualify if you...
- Heart condition such as cardiac arrhythmia or pacemaker
- Allergy preventing wearing adhesive for up to 2 hours
- Insufficient English fluency for psychotherapy
- Use of hearing aids
- Current or prior tinnitus
- Severe traumatic brain injury
- Ongoing stressor or condition posing risk for injury or poor outcome
- Inability to complete informed consent due to acute medical or psychiatric condition
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive 10 daily sessions of cognitive processing therapy over 2 weeks and listen to 15 minutes of either frequency filtered or unfiltered classical music before each therapy session.
10 daily visits (in-person) for therapy and music listening
Duration - 6 months
Participants are assessed for PTSD symptom severity and hyperarousal symptoms at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment completion.
3 follow-up visits (in-person) at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210
Actively Recruiting
2
Wright Patterson Air Force Base Mental Health Center
Dayton, Ohio, United States, 45433
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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