Ukulele Playing to Improve Cognition in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study
Multiple Sclerosis, Pathologic Processes, Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Multiple Sclerosis focused on measuring cognitive rehabilitation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progression, primary progressive) Diagnosed more than 6 months prior to starting study Self-reported cognitive impairment as assessed by having at least 5 problems "sometimes" or more often on the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire Read, write, and understand English Access to computer and zoom Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with another neurological condition that causes cognitive impairment MS exacerbation within the last 30 days Unable to travel to The University of Texas at Austin for fNIRS data collection Professional musician (primary source of income)
Sites / Locations
- University of Texas at AustinRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Musical Training Intervention
Music Listening
Participants randomized to this arm receive a 12-week intervention to teach them how to play the ukulele. The ukulele is a very manageable instrument to learn and requires less hand dexterity than other stringed instruments. Each week participants will follow the musical training intervention (MTI) protocol that provides instruction on how to tune, hold, and strum the ukulele and play basic chords. To practice the chords, they will also learn popular songs (e.g., Chain of Fools, Three Little Birds, Happy Birthday, Don't Worry Be Happy, and Stand by Me). Participants will be instructed to follow each session outlined weekly and asked to practice the instrument for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. They will be given a paper and digital version of the MTI protocol. A member of our research team will call the participants weekly to answer any questions about the MTI protocol.
Participants randomized to this arm will be asked to listen to their preferred music for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. A member of our research team will call them every week to answer any questions they have about the ML protocol. They will be asked to record their experience in a practice log.