Neuroprocessing Mechanisms of Music during Fetal and Neonatal Development: A Role in Neuroplasticity and Neurodevelopment

Abstract

The primary aim of this viewpoint article is to examine recent literature on fetal and neonatal processing of music. In particular, we examine the behavioral, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging literature describing fetal and neonatal music perception and processing to the first days of term equivalent life. Secondly, in light of the recent systematic reviews published on this topic, we discuss the impact of music interventions on the potential neuroplasticity pathways through which the early exposure to music, live or recorded, may impact the fetal, preterm, and full-term infant brain. We conclude with recommendations for music stimuli selection and its role within the framework of early socioemotional development and environmental enrichment.

Predictors of Cognitive Defects and Its Prevention Capabilities in Premature Infants

“…При использовании функциональной МРТ в исследовании реакции внутриутробного ребенка на пение матери у внутриутробного ребенка на 33-й нед гестации была зарегистрирована значительная активация височной доли [96]. Таким образом, большинство исследователей полагают, что музыкальное воздействие «запускает» когнитивные и эмоциональные процессы и способствует созреванию нейрональных взаимодействий [97]. Синергизм между функционированием различных зон центральной нервной системы под влиянием интегративного воздействия музыки, по-видимому, обеспечивает адекватность нейропластических процессов у недоношенных детей и повышает их общую способность к обучению [98,99].…”

Infant Music Development and Music Experiences: A Literature Review

“…Lordier et al (2019) documented neural network connectivity in preterm infants exposed to music that paralleled neural network connectivity in full-term infants; however, music’s associations with neural functions remains contentious among researchers. Chorna et al (2019) recommended live music-making interactions as part of beneficial interventions to support parents and their preterm infants, but the researchers cautioned that the effects of music interventions were still unknown. Robertson and Detmer (2019) determined that mothers who used a contingent music intervention valued music interactions with their infants more than mothers in a nonintervention control group.…”

The Neurophysiological Processing of Music in Children: A Systematic Review With Narrative Synthesis and Considerations for Clinical Practice in Music Therapy

“…In recent years the number of publications reporting the neural mechanisms involved in music processing has grown exponentially as scientists seek to systematically map the "implicit musical ability of the human brain" (Koelsch et al, 2000, p. 539;Koelsch, 2014, p. 170;Albusac-Jorge and Giménez-Rodríguez, 2015). The impact of music on a broad range of brain processes supports the therapeutic use of music in clinical neurologic populations; including neurorehabilitation, neuropalliative rehabilitation, and neuro-psychiatry (Altenmüller and Schlaug, 2012;Thaut and Hoemberg, 2014;Chorna et al, 2019). However, current music neuroscience and clinical evidence pertains predominantly to the adult population.…”