Music interventions for acquired brain injury

Abstract

Music interventions may be beneficial for gait, the timing of upper extremity function, communication outcomes, and quality of life after stroke. These results are encouraging, but more high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed on all outcomes before recommendations can be made for clinical practice.

Music‐supported therapy in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…MST targets motor deficits, but it can boost some aspects of cognition, mood, and QoL . Although the use of music‐based therapies for the neurological population seems promising, high‐quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce . Moreover, it is still unclear whether adding MST to the conventional rehabilitation program can enhance motor recovery in subacute stroke patients.…”

“…18 Although the use of music-based therapies for the neurological population seems promising, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce. 34 Moreover, it is still unclear whether adding MST to the conventional rehabilitation program can enhance motor recovery in subacute stroke patients. Furthermore, no previous study has directly compared the changes observed in emotional and QoL domains of subacute stroke patients treated with MST to standard treatment.…”

Music‐supported therapy for stroke motor recovery: theoretical and practical considerations

“…It has been evaluated in the context of facilitating gait and upper limb movements. RAS may increase gait velocity, cadence, and stride length, with evidence from systematic reviews and supporting meta‐analyse . RAS may also improve motor performance of the affected arm .…”

“…I refer the reader to several literature reviews that have evaluated and discussed the results of these studies . Thus, I will not repeat what has already been synthesized, but instead provide a discussion about the results of these studies in the context of recent systematic reviews with meta‐analyses …”

“…A potential challenge for investigators testing MST is to ensure that whoever delivers the control and experimental intervention is unbiased. If not possible, then the blinding of assessors and data analyses are important, as indicated by a Cochrane review on the topic …”