The Effect of Music-Repeating Robotic Parrot Therapy and Different Instrumental Live Music Therapies on Anxiety and Fatigue Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different music-based interventions on anxiety and fatigue levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis, compared to a concurrent control group receiving standard care. Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved 64 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. They were randomly assigned to four equal groups (n = 16 each): live music, live ney sound therapy (using a traditional reed flute known for its soothing, breath-like tones), a music-repeating robotic parrot therapy (an interactive robotic parrot that repeats music or sounds provided by the patient), or a control group (no intervention). The experimental groups received 30-min sessions 3 days per week for 2 months. The “Beck Anxiety Scale” and “Fatigue Severity Scale” were used to measure anxiety and fatigue, respectively. Assessments were performed before the intervention, immediately after the 2-month intervention period, and at 2 months after the end of the intervention period. Results: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in anxiety or fatigue scores across the four groups (p > 0.05). After the interventions, all three groups exposed to music therapy showed significant reductions in both anxiety and fatigue scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: All three therapies were effective in managing anxiety and fatigue symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Among them, music-repeating robotic parrot therapy demonstrated the most superior and longest-lasting effects in reducing both anxiety and fatigue levels. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07238374. © 2026 International Society for Hemodialysis.