The feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a musical training program in promoting neuroplasticity among survivors of pediatric brain tumors: A cohort study.

PURPOSE: Neurocognitive sequelae of cancer and its treatment are common among survivors of pediatric brain tumors. While musical training is a potential avenue for enhancing psychological outcomes and quality of life, its efficacy in promoting neuroplasticity among these survivors remains uncertain. We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of implementing a musical training program for survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted on 40 survivors of pediatric brain tumors aged 7-16 years, who received 45 min of one-on-one music training per week for 52 weeks. Primary outcomes included eligibility rate, recruitment rate, retention rate, and process evaluation outcome. Secondary outcomes were nonverbal intelligence, attention, processing speed, and executive functions at baseline and after 12 months, measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (Fourth Edition), Digit Span, and the Children's Color Trails Test.

RESULTS

The eligibility rate (82.3%), recruitment rate (78.4%), and retention rate (82.5%) were high. Process evaluation showed the intervention was feasible and acceptable. Significant improvements were observed in attention (t = -9.11; 95% CI, -2.86 to -1.81; P < .001) and processing speed and executive functions (t = 5.56; 95% CI, 2.34 to 5.05; P < .001) but not nonverbal intelligence (t = -1.96; 95% CI, -3.01 to 0.05; P = .060) between baseline and 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of implementing a musical training program among survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Our program may promote neuroplasticity, improve attention and executive function, and enhance quality of life and mental health. A fully powered randomized controlled trial is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT05202925.