Active Music Engagement and Cortisol as an Acute Stress Biomarker in Young Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients and Caregivers: Results of a Single Case Design Pilot Study

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a single case design pilot study of a music therapy intervention [the Active Music Engagement (AME)] for young children (age 3.51 to 4.53 years) undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCST) and their caregivers. The primary aims of the study were to determine feasibility/acceptability of the AME intervention protocol and data collection in the context of HCST. Secondary aims were to examine caregivers' perceptions of the benefit of AME and whether there were changes in child and caregiver cortisol levels relative to the AME intervention. Results indicated that the AME could be implemented in this context and that data could be collected, though the collection of salivary cortisol may constitute an additional burden for families. Nevertheless, data that were collected suggest that families derive benefit from the AME, which underscores the need for devising innovative methods to understand the neurophysiological impacts of the AME.

Protocol and biomarker strategy for a multi-site randomized controlled trial examining biological mechanisms and dosing of active music engagement in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma and parents

“…Methods for this trial are grounded in our previously published work including several pilot studies [33][34][35][36] and a manuscript that details of our treatment fidelity strategies [37].…”

Music Therapy for Children with Oncology & Hematological Conditions and Their Families: Advancing the Standards of Psychosocial Care

“…Music experiences (songwriting, instrumental improvisation) were used to teach and reinforce new knowledge and skills. Other programs have incorporated parent instruction, music resources, and ongoing projects to encourage uptake and independent use of music as a support strategy (Barry et al, 2010; Holochwost et al, 2020; Lindenfelser et al, 2012; Robb et al, 2014, 2017).…”

“…Stress experienced by children and AYAs with cancer and their caregivers is highly interrelated. Studies have documented parent-reported benefit from witnessing improvements in their child or AYAs mood, engagement, and overall well-being as result of music therapy services (Docherty et al, 2013; Robb et al, 2014, 2017; Yates et al, 2018), with recent trials investigating development of dyadic interventions to directly address the interrelated needs of caregivers and their children (Holochwost et al, 2020; Robb et al, 2017; Yates et al, 2018).…”

“…Music is a highly social phenomenon, reflecting culture, personal identity, and development. As such it provides a unique pathway to support children and AYAs, fostering social interaction among patients, family members, and peers (Docherty et al, 2013;Haase et al, 2020;Holochwost et al, 2020;O'Callaghan et al, 2012O'Callaghan et al, , 2013Rodgers-Melnick et al, 2019;Shoemark et al, 2018;Shoemark & Dearn, 2008). PSS10: Sibling Support as a Standard of Care.…”

Being an Informal Caregiver in Bone Marrow Transplant Unit: A Qualitative Study

“…2 Apart from this, patients also experience feelings such as fear, isolation, and depression during the treatment process. 3 It has been accepted for years that the stress that is experienced affects patients and their informal caregivers (ICs) throughout the disease process involving comprehensive care. 4 It was reported that, in proportion to the symptom load of the patient, ICs experienced even more stress than patients.…”