RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07055204

Cognitive Remediation Method Using Rhythmic, Vocal and Corporal Musical Learning for Schizophrenia

Multicenter Study Evaluating the Efficacy of a Cognitive Remediation Method Using Rhythmic, Vocal and Corporal Musical Learning for Schizophrenia Patients

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrollment

120 participants

Start Date

Sep 4, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Schizophrenia Disorders

Summary

Schizophrenia, affecting 1% of the population, is a persistent disorder characterized by varied symptoms. Antipsychotic medications effectively address positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations) and relapse but have limited impact on negative symptoms (e.g., blunted affect, anhedonia) and cognitive impairment. These dimensions significantly influence social functioning and quality of life. Combining non-pharmacological approaches like Cognitive Remediation (CR) and psychosocial rehabilitation alongside antipsychotic drugs is recommended to enhance overall functioning and quality of life. Current CR programs show moderate effectiveness due to patient commitment issues. However, completed programs demonstrate higher efficacy. Real-life applicability of these programs lacks sufficient data. We propose musical learning for cognitive remediation due to its established cognitive benefits in the general population, targeting executive functions, working memory, attention, and inhibition. These functions are specifically impaired in schizophrenia and thus are relevant for remediation. Though unexplored in schizophrenia, music learning seems promising due to its motivational and pleasurable aspects for long-term commitment and its transferability through embodied and situated dimensions. A pilot study (ARCoS-1) on CR by musical learning demonstrated feasibility and preliminary positive results on cognitive and negative symptoms. This project aims to assess this method's effectiveness on a larger scale. Our hypothesis posits that musical learning offers an efficient and well-received medium for CR in patients with schizophrenia.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Patient with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-5 TR criteria)
Clinically stable (no full-time hospitalization related to schizophrenia for 3 months)
Regular psychiatric follow-up
Enrolled in at least 1 therapeutic or social out-of-home activity
No change in the antipsychotic treatment for 3 months (medication and/or dosage)
Have given free, informed and written consent to participate in the study.
Patient affiliated or beneficiary of a social security scheme

Exclusion Criteria5

Patient with moderate to severe intellectual disability (clinical criteria)
Engaged in a Social rythmic or musical activity
Presenting an addictive comorbidity (excluding tobacco addiction and behavioural addictions)
Presenting a neurological pathology with cognitive impact
Involved in a neurocognitive remediation program

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Interventions

OTHER"Diapason & Metronome" musical learning

Participants will make music with the two instruments we all have in common: the voice and the body. The method is three-dimensional built on: rhythm, simple sound and harmony. The music sessions will take place in the same place and on the same day of the week, at a fixed time to establish a regularity that is suitable to this population. The courses will be taught in a cultural location, both to give meaning to the approach on a contextual level and to allow patients to be in the city and not in the hospital. A training of the music teachers will be planned before the beginning of the study. This training combined with regular debriefings during the music sessions, should ensure that the teachers' practices are consistent across the different groups.