Short-term music listening effect on stress, salivary cortisol, and gut health in Indonesian young adults
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN10979331 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10979331 |
| Sponsor | Universitas Trisakti |
| Funder | Investigator initiated and funded |
- Submission date
- 04/08/2026
- Registration date
- 05/08/2026
- Last edited
- 05/08/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Stress can affect both mental and physical health, including the digestive system. Previous research suggests that listening to music may help reduce stress, but the effects of music on stress-related biological markers and gut health remain poorly understood.
This study aimed to investigate whether listening to Mozart's music for 30 minutes each day over four weeks could affect stress levels, salivary cortisol levels and self-reported gut health in healthy young adults.
Who can participate?
Healthy adults aged 18 to 30 years who are either employed or studying at college or university.
What does the study involve?
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
A music group that listened to a 30-minute playlist of Mozart sonatas every day for four weeks
A control group that sat quietly in silence for 30 minutes each day for four weeks
Participants completed questionnaires and provided saliva samples at the start of the study and after four weeks.
Researchers assessed salivary cortisol levels, perceived stress levels, gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency and mood.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may have benefited from improved relaxation and reduced stress. The findings may help improve understanding of the relationship between music, stress and gut health.
The risks associated with participation were expected to be minimal. Participants were required to spend 30 minutes each day listening to music or sitting quietly and to provide saliva samples and complete questionnaires.
Where is the study run from?
Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
April 2026 to June 2026.
Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded.
Who is the main contact?
Dr Armelia Sari Widyarman, armeliasari@trisakti.ac.id
Contact information
Public, Scientific
Tzu Chi School, Jl. Pantai Indah Kapuk Boulevard Penjaringan
North Jakarta
14470
Indonesia
 ORCID ID |
0009-0002-5773-1093 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +6282129830968 |
| swiluva250@gmail.com |
Scientific, Public, Principal investigator
Department of Microbiology, Division of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University
Jl. Kyai Tapa 260, Grogol Petamburan
West Jakarta
11440
Indonesia
| ORCID ID |
0000-0003-1435-2392 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +62 811-929-379 |
| armeliasari@trisakti.ac.id |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | Randomized controlled trial |
| Masking | Blinded (masking used) |
| Control | Active |
| Assignment | Parallel |
| Purpose | Basic science, Prevention |
| Participant information sheet | 50037_PIS [Indonesian].pdf |
| Scientific title | Short-term music listening effect on stress, salivary cortisol, and gut health in Indonesian young adults: a randomized controlled trial |
| Study objectives | The objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of listening to music for 30 minutes daily over 4 weeks on salivary cortisol levels and stress level as well as self-reported gut health (gastrointestinal symptom severity and stool consistency) in young adults. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 22/04/2026, Ethics Committee for Health Research, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti (Jl. Kyai Tapa 260, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, 11440, Indonesia; +62 021-567 2731 ext. 1308, 1315; komisietikfkg@trisakti.ac.id), ref: 071/S3/KEPK/FKG/04/2026 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Quantitative stress level analysis via salivary cortisol detection in volunteer young adults undergoing a music intervention. |
| Intervention | • Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the Mozart music or silence group using computer-generated block randomization (block sizes of 4 or 6), stratified by sex and baseline perceived stress score (PSS10 median split) to enhance group balance on key prognostic variables. Allocation concealment will be maintained through sequentially numbered opaque envelopes prepared by an independent researcher. Outcome assessors (laboratory technicians processing salivary cortisol samples and the statistician conducting final analyses) will be fully blinded to group assignment. Participants and the research coordinator cannot be blinded due to the obvious difference between music listening and silence, but they will be explicitly instructed not to disclose group allocation during assessments. • Mozart Music Intervention Group (n=30): Participants will listen to a standardized 30-minute playlist featuring Mozart sonatas (e.g., Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K.448; Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K.545; and selected movements chosen for their structured, predictable tempo ranging 60–120 bpm). The playlist will be delivered via a secure mobile app or pre-loaded device with noise-isolating headphones at a comfortable volume level (50–60 dB, verified with a sound-level meter). Sessions must be completed daily at a consistent time of day (preferably during a relaxed period, e.g., evening), in a quiet environment. • Silence Control Group (n=30): Participants will sit quietly for 30 minutes daily with no auditory input (no music, podcasts, conversations, or other stimuli). They will use the same timing app for consistency but will be instructed to maintain complete silence. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Completion date | 22/06/2026 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 34 |
| Total final enrolment | 60 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Generally healthy young adults aged 18–30-years old 2. Employed or student undertaking a college degree |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Antibiotic or probiotic/prebiotic use within the past 3 months 2. History of chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., IBS, IBD) 3. Current smoking 4. Diagnosed hearing impairment 5. Professional musical training 6. Pregnancy 7. Use of corticosteroids or medications known to significantly affect cortisol levels 8. Any condition likely to confound stress or gastrointestinal symptom reporting |
| Date of first enrolment | 25/04/2026 |
| Date of final enrolment | 24/05/2026 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Indonesia
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | 04/08/2026 | No | Yes | ||
| Protocol file | 04/08/2026 | No | No | ||
| Statistical Analysis Plan | 04/08/2026 | No | No |
Additional files
- 50037_Protocol.pdf
- Protocol file
- 50037_SAP.pdf
- Statistical Analysis Plan
- 50037_PIS [Indonesian].pdf
- Participant information sheet
Editorial Notes
04/08/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the Ethics Committee for Health Research, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia.
