Can Specialised Electronic Musical Instruments Aid Stroke Rehabilitation?

Abstract

Stroke patients often have limited access to rehabilitation after discharge from hospital leaving them to self-regulate their recovery [1]. Previous research has indicated that several musical approaches can be used effectively in stroke rehabilitation [2][3] [4]. Stroke patients (n = 43), between 6 months and 19 years post-stroke, took part in specially created workshops playing music, both in groups and individually, using a number of digital musical interfaces. Feedback forms were completed by all participants, which helped to develop the prototypes and gain insights into the potential benefits of music making for rehabilitation. 93% of participants stated they thought that the music workshops were potentially beneficial for their rehabilitation. The research project contributes to the field of HCI by exploring the role of computer based systems in stroke rehabilitation.

Motivating Stroke Rehabilitation Through Music

“…Our previous exploratory research [12] using a series of focus groups revealed that stroke survivors reported high levels of motivation to use music as part of their rehabilitation. The dialogue led to the rapid prototyping of a number of digital musical instruments (DMIs) that were refined over a period of months in five musical workshops.…”