The effect of listening to music on white blood cell function

Plain English summary of protocol

Participant Information Sheet
The Effects of Sound on Immune Cell Responsiveness
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Why is this study being conducted?
Sound and music are widely used in everyday life and are known to influence how people feel, yet their immediate effects on immune cell function are not well understood. This research study is being conducted to explore whether brief exposure to sound produces measurable, short-term changes in immune cell responsiveness.
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Purpose of the Study
This is a research study. It is not a diagnostic study, and nothing in this study is intended to diagnose disease, assess health status, or replace medical tests or clinical advice. The study examines whether brief exposure to sound produces immediate, short-term changes in immune cell responsiveness, as measured from a finger-prick blood sample using Leukocyte Coping Capacity (LCC).


The procedure involves taking finger-prick blood samples before and after listening to two distinct sound samples. A total of four fingertip blood samples will be taken during the session. Any chemicals used are added only to the isolated blood sample during analysis. No chemicals come into contact with your body. Samples are analysed immediately and are not stored.


This technique has been used extensively in peer-reviewed scientific publications and is regarded as a low-risk research procedure. Some sounds may be unfamiliar, unconventional, or structurally altered, and may not resemble music in the usual sense. Your experience of the sound, whatever it may be, is an important part of the research.
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What Will Happen?
You will be asked to sit quietly and complete some questionnaires. Please do not use your mobile phone during the session. You will listen to two five-minute sound or music samples, or silence. The order of the sounds is randomised.


A fingertip blood sample will be taken at several points during the session, resulting in a total of four fingertip samples. All samples are analysed immediately and are not stored.
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What Will I Gain From Taking Part?
Participants often find it interesting and engaging to reflect on how they respond to different sounds. If you choose to receive feedback, you may learn how your immune cells responded during the session.


Your participation contributes to research exploring the relationship between sound, human experience, and immune function.
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Risks
You may experience brief discomfort during the finger-prick, similar to that used for checking blood glucose. The procedure is regarded as low risk. There is a very small possibility of infection. This risk is minimised through established procedures, including the use of alcohol wipes and single-use, sterile, disposable lancets. You may stop the study at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
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Use of Results
The results from this study may be used in a scientific publication or presentation. You will not be identified individually in any publication or report. All results will be anonymised before analysis and collated at group level only. The results will be used to describe the findings of the study.


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Voluntary Participation and Confidentiality
Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without giving a reason. All information will be kept confidential. You will not be identifiable from any published material.


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Chief Investigator
Dr Rubina Mian
Contact email: rubina@ozmian.com
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Participant Details
Full Name: _______________________________________________
Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY): _______________________________
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Employment or Study Status
(please complete one section)
If employed or self-employed
Job title / role: _________________________________
Organisation (if applicable): _____________________
Main role / type of work: _________________________
If a student
Course / subject: _________________________________
Year of study: ____________________________________
Institution: _____________________________________
If not currently employed or studying
(you may leave this section blank or add any detail you wish):
___________________________________________________
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General Health Questionnaire


1. Have you had any coughs, colds, or flu-like symptoms in the last two weeks?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


2. Do you suffer from any allergies?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


3. Do you have any long-term conditions that affect immune function


(for example autoimmune conditions, diabetes, or chronic inflammatory conditions)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


4. Are you currently taking any medication that may affect immune function
(for example steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologic therapies)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


5. Are you taking any blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication


(for example warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, or regular aspirin)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


6. Have you ever fainted or felt dizzy during blood tests or finger-prick sampling?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


7. Do you currently have broken skin, infection, or wounds on your fingertips?
☐ Yes ☐ No
8. Have you noticed any changes in your hearing or sensitivity to sound?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


9. Do you have any diagnosed hearing conditions
(for example tinnitus, hearing loss, or hyperacusis)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


10. Have you experienced discomfort, distress, or strong unease in response to certain sounds or music in the past?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please specify: _________________________________


11. Have you consumed alcohol in the last 24 hours?
☐ Yes ☐ No


12. Have you undertaken strenuous exercise in the last 24 hours
(for example running, gym training, or competitive sport)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
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Consent
I confirm that I have read and understood the information above and agree to take part in this research study.


Participant Signature: ___________________________ Date: __________
I confirm that the participant has had the opportunity to ask questions, that eligibility has been assessed, and that informed consent has been obtained prior to the start of the study.


Chief Investigator Signature: _____________________ Date: __________
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Feedback Preference
☐ I do not wish to receive feedback
☐ I would like to receive feedback on how my immune cells responded
☐ I would like to receive a summary of the pooled, anonymised study results
Email (if feedback requested): ______

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• England

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Editorial Notes

27/07/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by The Independent Ethics Committee.