Cancer ChildhoodNCT07769099
Musical Training: Promoting Brain Function in Children Who Have Survived Brain Tumours
A study testing Musical Training Program in people with Cancer Childhood and Brain Tumor, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
This study aims to understand whether learning music can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have recovered from brain tumours. A total of 236 children will join the study. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 7 to 16 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Cancer Childhood, Brain Tumor
- What is being tested?
- Musical Training Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 236 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 30 Oct 2026to 30 Oct 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 7 to 16 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Completed cancer treatment at least 2 months previously,
- Aged 7-16 years,
- Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese
- Have had no musical training since their cancer diagnosis
Who cannot join
- Have cancer recurrence or a second malignancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site
The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Vivian Yuen, +852 35133193
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of a Musical Training Programme in Promoting Neuroplasticity in Children Who Have Survived Brain Tumours: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aims to understand whether learning music can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have recovered from brain tumours. A total of 236 children will join the study. Some of them will receive regular medical care, while others will take part in a music training program using the ukulele. The music program will last for one year and includes both in-person group classes and online individual sessions. The investigators will assess how well the children can think, remember, and focus before and after the training. The investigators will also ask about their daily life and well-being. This study hopes to show that music training can be a fun and helpful way to support recovery in childhood brain tumour survivors.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of musical training in promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing the quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 participants will be recruited from Hong Kong Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Foundation centres. Participants in the intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, consisting of 36 face-to-face small group sessions and 16 online individual sessions, while the control group will receive usual care. The ukulele, chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and cheerful sound, will be used as the training instrument due to its accessibility and appeal to children. Neuroplasticity will be assessed using a battery of standardized instruments, including the Test of This study aims to explore whether musical training can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 children will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of ukulele-based musical training, which includes 36 face-to-face group sessions held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and 16 online individual sessions conducted at home. The control group will receive usual care only. The ukulele was chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and child-friendly sound, making it ideal for young learners. To support families who may not be familiar with online tools, the investigators will provide user guides, video tutorials, and technical support. The study will assess participants' brain function-including nonverbal intelligence, attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning-as well as their daily functioning and quality of life using standardized tests and questionnaires. These assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention and at follow-up. The investigators hope the results will show that musical training is a fun and effective way to support the neurological and emotional recovery of children after brain tumour treatment.
- Conditions
- Cancer Childhood, Brain Tumor
- Being tested
- Musical Training Program
- Medical subject headings
- Neoplasms, Brain Neoplasms
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Musical Training ProgramOther
52 weeks of musical training, consisting of (1) 36 weekly group based, face-to-face sessions, and (2) 16 weeks of weekly online individual sessions. Each lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, including face-to-face and online. | Other | musical training Receives: Other: Musical Training Program |
| Control | No intervention | The control group will receive usual care for 52 weeks |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Nonverbal Intelligence Score as Measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4)
The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4) is a language-free measure of nonverbal intelligence, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving.The Index score (mean = 100, SD = 15) will be reported. Higher scores indicate better nonverbal intelligence.
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Digit Span Score (Forward + Backward)
Digit Span (Digits Forward + Digits Backward) assesses attention and working memory. The total score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better attention and working memory performance.
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Memory Score as Measured by the Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2)
The Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2) assesses verbal memory. The total recall / delayed recall score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better memory performance.
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Processing Speed / Executive Function as Measured by the Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT)
The Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT) assesses sustained attention, sequencing, and executive function. Trail 1 involves connecting numbers (1-15) in sequence, while Trail 2 adds alternating between two colours. Processing speed is estimated from Trail 1 time, while the interference index (Trail 2 minus Trail 1) reflects executive functions, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Executive Function as Measured by the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
The Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 is an assessment of executive function behaviours. A Global Executive Composite (GEC) T-score (or specific index T-scores) will be given. Higher T-scores mean more executive dysfunction.
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Quality of life scores of the child participants
Measured by The Chinese version of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
Measured: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Aug 2026
- Study start30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 May 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Oct 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cancer ChildhoodStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 236 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr Joyce Chung, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07769099
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IRB-2025-673
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of a Musical Training Programme in Promoting Neuroplasticity in Children Who Have Survived Brain Tumours: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07769099
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IRB-2025-673
- Conditions
- Cancer Childhood, Brain Tumor
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 236 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 May 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Oct 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to understand whether learning music can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have recovered from brain tumours. A total of 236 children will join the study. Some of them will receive regular medical care, while others will take part in a music training program using the ukulele. The music program will last for one year and includes both in-person group classes and online individual sessions. The investigators will assess how well the children can think, remember, and focus before and after the training. The investigators will also ask about their daily life and well-being. This study hopes to show that music training can be a fun and helpful way to support recovery in childhood brain tumour survivors.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of musical training in promoting neuroplasticity and enhancing the quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 participants will be recruited from Hong Kong Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Foundation centres. Participants in the intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, consisting of 36 face-to-face small group sessions and 16 online individual sessions, while the control group will receive usual care. The ukulele, chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and cheerful sound, will be used as the training instrument due to its accessibility and appeal to children. Neuroplasticity will be assessed using a battery of standardized instruments, including the Test of This study aims to explore whether musical training can help improve brain function and quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236 children will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of ukulele-based musical training, which includes 36 face-to-face group sessions held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and 16 online individual sessions conducted at home. The control group will receive usual care only. The ukulele was chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and child-friendly sound, making it ideal for young learners. To support families who may not be familiar with online tools, the investigators will provide user guides, video tutorials, and technical support. The study will assess participants' brain function-including nonverbal intelligence, attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning-as well as their daily functioning and quality of life using standardized tests and questionnaires. These assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention and at follow-up. The investigators hope the results will show that musical training is a fun and effective way to support the neurological and emotional recovery of children after brain tumour treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, including face-to-face and online. | Other | Other: Musical Training Programmusical training |
| Control | No intervention | –The control group will receive usual care for 52 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 7 to 16 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Completed cancer treatment at least 2 months previously,
- Aged 7-16 years,
- Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese
- Have had no musical training since their cancer diagnosis
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Have cancer recurrence or a second malignancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Training Program52 weeks of musical training, consisting of (1) 36 weekly group based, face-to-face sessions, and (2) 16 weeks of weekly online individual sessions. Each lasting 45 minutes to 1 hour. | Other | The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of musical training, including face-to-face and online. |
Primary outcome
Nonverbal Intelligence Score as Measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4) is a language-free measure of nonverbal intelligence, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving.The Index score (mean = 100, SD = 15) will be reported. Higher scores indicate better nonverbal intelligence.
Digit Span Score (Forward + Backward)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Digit Span (Digits Forward + Digits Backward) assesses attention and working memory. The total score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better attention and working memory performance.
Memory Score as Measured by the Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Hong Kong List Learning Test, Second Edition (HKLLT-2) assesses verbal memory. The total recall / delayed recall score will be reported. Higher scores indicate better memory performance.
Processing Speed / Executive Function as Measured by the Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Children's Color Trails Test (CCTT) assesses sustained attention, sequencing, and executive function. Trail 1 involves connecting numbers (1-15) in sequence, while Trail 2 adds alternating between two colours. Processing speed is estimated from Trail 1 time, while the interference index (Trail 2 minus Trail 1) reflects executive functions, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
Executive Function as Measured by the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
The Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 is an assessment of executive function behaviours. A Global Executive Composite (GEC) T-score (or specific index T-scores) will be given. Higher T-scores mean more executive dysfunction.
1 secondary outcome
Quality of life scores of the child participants
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Aug 2026.
Related trials for Cancer Childhood
Recruiting
More Than Just X-Rays - Imaging of Chemotherapy-induced Morphological and Functional Cardiovascular and Lung Changes After Childhood ALL and Other Cancers - a Monocentric Late Effects Study (MaximALL)
Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, Lymphoma
RecruitingObservational study
NCI Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) Led Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Rare Cancer Registry for Very Rare Solid Tumors
Very Rare Tumors, Very Rare Cancers
RecruitingPhase 3
An Imaging Agent (Pafolacianine) for Identifying Lesions in Pediatric Patients With Primary or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Childhood Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Childhood Malignant Thoracic Neoplasm
Active, not recruiting
The Effect of Exercise and Nicotinamide Riboside Muscle Health and Insulin Resistance in Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Cell Neoplasm, Malignant Solid Neoplasm
RecruitingObservational study
Rare Disease Patient Registry & Natural History Study - Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford
Rare Disorders, Undiagnosed Disorders
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Musical Training Program in people with Cancer Childhood and Brain Tumor, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Joyce Chung (+852 27666322, okjoyce.chung@polyu.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Nonverbal Intelligence Score as Measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition (TONI-4) (time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Aug 2026.