GuitarPD: A Randomized Pilot Study on the Impact of Nontraditional Guitar Instruction on Functional Movement and Well-Being in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Playing musical instruments may have positive effects on motor, emotional, and cognitive deficits in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This pilot study examined the feasibility of a six-week nontraditional guitar instruction program for individuals with PD. Twenty-six participants with idiopathic PD (Age: 67.22 ± 8.07; 17 males) were randomly assigned to two groups (intervention first or 6 weeks of usual care control exposure) with stepwise exposure to the guitar intervention condition with cross-over at six weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 weeks. Twenty-four participants completed the study. Combined analysis of the groups showed significant BDI-II improvement immediately after intervention completion (3.04 points, 95% CI [−5.2, −0.9], p = 0.04 ). PDQ-39 total quality of life scores improved from baseline to immediately postintervention 5.19 points (95% CI [−9.4, −1.0]) at trend significance (corrected p = 0.07 ). For Group 1 (exposed to the intervention first), MDS-UPDRS total scores improved by a mean of 8.04 points (95% CI [−12.4, −3.7], p = 0.004 ) and remained improved at 12 weeks by 10.37 points (95% CI [−14.7, −6.0], p < 0.001 ). This group also had significant improvements in mood and depression at weeks 6 and 12, remaining significant at week 18 (BDI-II: 3.75, 95% CI [−5.8, −1.7], p = 0.004 ; NeuroQoL-depression: 10.6, 95% CI [−4.9. −1.4], p = 0.004 ), and in anxiety at week 6 and week 18 (NeuroQoL; 4.42, 95% CI [−6.8, −2.1], p = 0.004 ; 3.58, 95% CI [−5.9, −1.2], p = 0.02 , respectively). We found clinically and statistically significant improvements in mood/anxiety after 6 weeks of group guitar classes in individuals with PD. Group guitar classes can be a feasible intervention in PD and may improve mood, anxiety, and quality of life.

Virtual Group Music Therapy for Apathy in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

“…The effects of music therapy on apathy and mood in this study are consistent with prior research 16,22,23 and can be explained by understanding the two primary effects of music-based interventions. 43 Music’s impact on mood and emotion gives it the ability to improve one’s quality of life and overall well-being.…”

“…22 A pilot, feasibility study of a group guitar instruction program found improvements in depression, anxiety and quality of life. 23 As a secondary outcome, quality of life has been noted to improve with various music-based interventions. 17,21 Limited studies have evaluated the impact of music therapy on caregivers of people with PD.…”

Wirkung von Musik bei verschiedenen Krankheiten und besonderen medizinischen Situationen

“…Die motorische Dysfunktion ist eine der häufigsten Komplikationen nach einem Schlaganfall, die sich in Taubheitsgefühlen und Schwäche der Gliedmaßen bis hin zu Lähmungen oder Krämpfen äußert [29]. [31].…”

The impact thinking framework: a process for advancing research-to-practice initiatives in neuroaesthetics

“…During an 18-week period, participants with PD were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups and assessed at the outset and every 6 weeks on a variety of self-reported and performance-based measures, including mood, social participation, cognition and arm and hand function. Results showed that the group guitar lessons produced clinically and statistically significant improvement in participant mood and anxiety ( Bastepe-Gray et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In keeping with the goals of the ITF, Guitar PD sought impact via multiple methods of dissemination. For example, study results were shared via a peer-reviewed paper ( Bastepe-Gray et al, 2022 ) and invited scientific talk. The Impact Team also developed a series of ideas to share this work with PD advocacy groups and clinicians, including suggesting specific ways to include guitar lessons in treatment plans.…”