Enhancing Health in Rural Populations: Music as Therapy
Northern Arizona University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a music-based intervention can improve mental and physical health and strengthen coping skills among adults living in residential care settings in northern Arizona. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does participation in the music-based intervention reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain?, and Does participation increase the use of music as a coping strategy and improve overall well-being? Researchers will compare participants' pre-intervention and post-intervention responses to determine whether the music classes are associated with improvements in health and coping outcomes. Participants will: Attend a 6-week music class held once per week for one hour; participate in active music activities such as drumming and rhythm exercises; complete a brief survey before and after the intervention. Some participants are also invited to complete a short interview about their experiences.
Description
Approximately one in five adults in Arizona report symptoms of mental health disorders each year. These outcomes have been particularly challenging in rural and medically underserved areas, where long-term care residents face elevated risks of chronic stress, cognitive decline, and social isolation. Older adults with memory-related impairments are especially vulnerable to the loss of meaningful interpersonal and sensory engagement. Music-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated strong potential to support both cognitive and emotional well-being. Active music-making may improve physical sy…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * residency at one of the two elder care facilities * ability to communicate in English. Exclusion Criteria: * not a resident at one of the two elder care facilities * inability to communicate in English.
Interventions
- BehavioralMusic Based Intervention
Participants will engage in a 6-week culturally grounded music-based intervention consisting of one 60-minute session per week. Sessions include active music participation such as drumming, rhythm exercises, and Indigenous music practices designed to improve stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and coping outcomes among adults in residential care settings.
Locations (2)
- Haven Health FlagstaffFlagstaff, Arizona
- The PeaksFlagstaff, Arizona