PARKinSOUND: Impact of participation in an orchestra in patients with Parkinson's disease

Music therapy has emerged as a promising complementary intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD). PARKinSOUND, a non-randomized clinical trial, evaluated the feasibility of a community orchestra intervention for individuals with PD (n = 22), compared to a control group (n = 21). After the intervention, the orchestra group showed a modest improvement in depressive symptoms compared to baseline (Beck Depression Inventory: −0.5, p = 0.049) and controls (−5.5, p = 0.011), while motor scores (MDS-UPDRS III) remained stable. Self-reported overall improvements (PGI-C) were also higher in the orchestra group (p = 0.003). Although placebo effects may partly explain the benefits, these findings suggest emotional benefits and perceived overall improvement, providing insights for future research.