Effects of Music Intervention on the Brain Development of Preschool Children

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

Status: Completed

Conditions: Child Development

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01275001

AIHBG-1360-MRI

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about the effects a musical intervention has on typical brain development in preschool-aged children.

Full description

This study will advance the science on brain research in young children by determining the effects of a musical intervention or training on children's brain development. The study will investigate how regular instruction in the Suzuki-like method of violin affects brain structure and function over the course of approximately five (5) months in preschool-aged children participating in an Early Childhood/Headstart preschool program when compared to a control group of their peers.

Enrollment: 34 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 3 to 5 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children who are between the ages of 3 and 4.5 years old and are involved in the intervention arm of the Avera Family Wellness Program
• Children who are between the ages of 3 and 4.5 years old and are involved in the control arm of the Avera Family Wellness Program

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to provide written consent to participate in the research project
• Unable to complete the MRI scan

Trial design

34 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention children

Description:

Children who are receiving a Suzuki-like violin instruction through their participation in an Early Childhood/Headstart preschool program

Control Group

Description:

Preschool-age children who are not receiving Suzuki-like violin instruction