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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07414641

Music Listening During NST Monitoring

This study evaluated whether listening to music during routine non-stress test (NST) monitoring affects fetal parameters and maternal psychological outcomes. NST is a common prenatal assessment, and some pregnant women may experience anxiety or negative emotions during the procedure. Music listening is a non-pharmacological approach that may improve emotional well-being and potentially influence fetal responses.

In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant women who attended an NST unit were assigned either to a music group that listened to music through headphones during NST monitoring or to a control group that received routine NST monitoring without music. Fetal parameters were assessed from NST recordings. Maternal anxiety, loneliness, and positive-negative affect were measured before and after the NST using validated questionnaires.

The results of this study aim to inform supportive prenatal care practices and evaluate whether music listening can be used as a simple intervention during NST monitoring.

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy Fetal Well-Being Maternal Anxiety

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

State University Hospital, Obstetrics Clinic, NST Unit, Istanbul

Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Pregnant women attending the NST unit during the study period
  • Aged 18 years or older
  • Volunteered to participate and provided written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to read and write Turkish
  • Hearing impairment or mental health conditions limiting participation
  • Multiple pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Music Listening During NST

Behavioral

Participants listened to music through headphones during routine NST monitoring in a left lateral position for at least 20 minutes. The volume was adjusted according to participant preference.

Primary outcomes

  1. Maternal State Anxiety

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-NST) and immediately post-NST (same visit)

    Change in maternal anxiety measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - State Form (STAI-S).

    Scores range from 20 to 80; higher scores indicate greater anxiety.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Loneliness (Social and Emotional Loneliness)

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-NST) and immediately post-NST (same visit)

    Change in loneliness measured using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults - Short Form (SELSA-S).

    Total scores range from 15 to 105; higher scores indicate greater loneliness.

  2. Positive and Negative Affect

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-NST) and immediately post-NST (same visit)

    Change in affect measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).

    Each subscale ranges from 10 to 50; higher positive scores indicate more positive affect and higher negative scores indicate greater negative affect.

  3. Fetal Heart Rate During NST

    Time frame: During NST monitoring (same visit)

    Fetal heart rate assessed from NST recordings during the monitoring session. Measured in beats per minute; normal patterns (120-140/min) indicate better fetal well-being.

  4. Fetal Movement Count During NST

    Time frame: During NST monitoring (same visit).

    Number of fetal movements recorded by the mother using the event marker during NST monitoring.

    Higher counts indicate greater fetal activity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Biruni University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Music Listening During Non-Stress Test Monitoring on Fetal Parameters, Maternal Anxiety, Loneliness, and Positive-Negative Affect: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Feb 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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