Musical Training: promoting Brain Function in Children Who Have Survived Brain Tumours

This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of musical training inpromoting neuroplasticity and enhancing the quality of life in children who have survivedbrain tumours. A total of 236 participants will be recruited from Hong Kong Children'sHospital and Children's Cancer Foundation centres. Participants in the intervention groupwill receive 52 weeks of musical training, consisting of 36 face‐to‐face small groupsessions and 16 online individual sessions, while the control group will receive usualcare. The ukulele, chosen for its light weight, simple chords, and cheerful sound, willbe used as the training instrument due to its accessibility and appeal to children.Neuroplasticity will be assessed using a battery of standardized instruments, includingthe Test of This study aims to explore whether musical training can help improve brainfunction and quality of life in children who have survived brain tumours. A total of 236children will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or acontrol group. The intervention group will receive 52 weeks of ukulele‐based musicaltraining, which includes 36 face‐to‐face group sessions held at The Hong Kong PolytechnicUniversity and 16 online individual sessions conducted at home. The control group willreceive usual care only. The ukulele was chosen for its light weight, simple chords, andchild‐friendly sound, making it ideal for young learners. To support families who may notbe familiar with online tools, the investigators will provide user guides, videotutorials, and technical support. The study will assess participants' brainfunction‐including nonverbal intelligence, attention, memory, processing speed, andexecutive functioning‐as well as their daily functioning and quality of life usingstandardized tests and questionnaires. These assessments will be conducted before andafter the intervention and at follow‐up. The investigators hope the results will showthat musical training is a fun and effective way to support the neurological andemotional recovery of children after brain tumour treatment.