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.
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
236
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.
The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
Quality of life scores of the child participants
Measured by The Chinese version of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
Time frame: At baseline, 12 months immediately after the completion of the intervention, and 6 months after the completion of the intervention
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