The Effect of Music‐Repeating Robotic Parrot Therapy and Different Instrumental Live Music Therapies on Anxiety and Fatigue Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three different music‐based interventions on anxiety and fatigue levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis, compared to a concurrent control group receiving standard care. Methods This randomized controlled trial involved 64 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. They were randomly assigned to four equal groups ( n = 16 each): live music, live ney sound therapy (using a traditional reed flute known for its soothing, breath‐like tones), a music‐repeating robotic parrot therapy (an interactive robotic parrot that repeats music or sounds provided by the patient), or a control group (no intervention). The experimental groups received 30‐min sessions 3 days per week for 2 months. The “Beck Anxiety Scale” and “Fatigue Severity Scale” were used to measure anxiety and fatigue, respectively. Assessments were performed before the intervention, immediately after the 2‐month intervention period, and at 2 months after the end of the intervention period. Results Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in anxiety or fatigue scores across the four groups ( p > 0.05). After the interventions, all three groups exposed to music therapy showed significant reductions in both anxiety and fatigue scores compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion All three therapies were effective in managing anxiety and fatigue symptoms in hemodialysis patients. Among them, music‐repeating robotic parrot therapy demonstrated the most superior and longest‐lasting effects in reducing both anxiety and fatigue levels. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07238374