Restoration of upper limb motor function and patient functional independence are crucial treatment targets in neurological rehabilitation. Growing evidence indicates that music-based intervention is a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of upper extremity functional abilities in neurologic conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease. In this context, music technology may be particularly useful to increase the availability and accessibility of music-based therapy and assist therapists in the implementation and assessment of targeted therapeutic goals. In the present study, we conducted a pre-clinical, single-arm trial to evaluate a novel music-based therapeutic device (SONATA) for upper limb extremity movement training. The device consists of a graphical user interface generated by a single-board computer displayed on a 32” touchscreen with built-in speakers controlled wirelessly by a computer tablet. The system includes two operational modes that allow users to play musical melodies on a virtual keyboard or draw figures/shapes whereby every action input results in controllable sensory feedback. Four motor tasks involving hand/finger movement were performed with 21 healthy individuals (13 males, aged 26.4 ± 3.5 years) to evaluate the device’s operational modes and main features. The results of the functional tests suggest that the device is a reliable system to present pre-defined sequences of audiovisual stimuli and shapes and to record response and movement data. This preliminary study also suggests that the device is feasible and adequate for use with healthy individuals. These findings open new avenues for future clinical research to further investigate the feasibility and usability of the SONATA as a tool for upper extremity motor function training in neurological rehabilitation. Directions for future clinical research are discussed.

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Background Restoration of upper limb motor function and patient functional independence are crucial treatment targets for neurologic recovery. Growing evidence indicates that music-based intervention is a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of upper extremity functional abilities in neurologic conditions. In this context, music technology may be particularly useful to increase the availability and accessibility of music-based therapy and assist therapists in the implementation and assessment of targeted therapeutic goals. In the present study, we describe and evaluate a novel music-based therapeutic device (SONATA) for upper limb extremity movement training. Methods The device consists of a graphical user interface generated by a single-board computer displayed on a 32” touchscreen with build-in sound speakers controlled wirelessly by a computer tablet. The system includes two operational modes that allow users to play musical melodies on a virtual keyboard or draw figures/shapes whereby every action input results in controllable sensory feedback. Four functional tests were performed with 21 healthy individuals (12 males, age 26.4 ± 3.5 years) to evaluate the device’s operational modes and main features, such as presenting sequences of audiovisual stimuli at a pre-defined order (Tasks 1–3), displaying different shapes (Task 4), and collecting response and movement data (e.g., reaction time, correct/incorrect responses, and timing data). Results The results indicate feasibility and ease of use of the device, as shown by the participants’ performance accuracy in all tasks. The findings also demonstrate the reliability of the data acquired automatically by the system as we replicated the results of previous research showing a decrease in reaction time in sequences repeatedly presented in relation to random sequences, and that sequence length, rate and complexity affect accuracy of newly learned action sequences. Conclusions This device is a feasible tool for upper limb extremity movement training and opens new avenues for the the systematic evaluation of the benefits of music technologies in clinical research.

Purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of training with augmented feedback of the pedal forces on performing the pedal movement on a bicycle ergometer. The aim was (1) to assist cyclists in optimizing their pedal technique and (2) to improve their perception of the execution of the pedal movement. 21 male sport students (28.1 ± 3.8 years), randomly divided in three groups: no feedback (nF), visual feedback (vF) and audiovisual feedback (avF), completed four tests in two training sessions. The Wattbike cycling ergometer measured pedal forces and provided them as vF or avF. Also the participants’ subjective perception was requested. All groups reduced the amplitudes of force and power output, with the avF group showing the greatest change. There were improvements in the overall shape of the pedal cycle with avF which is reflected in a rounder and more consistent shape, and balanced between each leg (strong pushing and balanced pulling phase). Individual statements underline the possibility of a quick modification of the pedal technique after two training sessions with feedback. Most of the participants in the avF group could imagine a general use of the sound in regular training for assistance.