Rhythm and Music-Based Interventions in Motor Rehabilitation: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Research in basic and clinical neuroscience of music conducted over the past decades has begun to uncover music’s high potential as a tool for rehabilitation. Advances in our understanding of how music engages parallel brain networks underpinning sensory and motor processes, arousal, reward, and affective regulation, have laid a sound neuroscientific foundation for the development of theory-driven music interventions that have been systematically tested in clinical settings. Of particular significance in the context of motor rehabilitation is the notion that musical rhythms can entrain movement patterns in patients with movement-related disorders, serving as a continuous time reference that can help regulate movement timing and pace. To date, a significant number of clinical and experimental studies have tested the application of rhythm- and music-based interventions to improve motor functions following central nervous injury and/or degeneration. The goal of this review is to appraise the current state of knowledge on the effectiveness of music and rhythm to modulate movement spatiotemporal patterns and restore motor function. By organizing and providing a critical appraisal of a large body of research, we hope to provide a revised framework for future research on the effectiveness of rhythm- and music-based interventions to restore and (re)train motor function.

Exploration of combined physical activity and music for patients with Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review

“…Nowadays, music intervention has a similar purpose when compared to physical activity in patients with AD, but music intervention may use totally different techniques to achieve these goals. Music intervention utilizes methods such as rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), therapeutic instrumental music performance, and musical neglect training to patients’ movement ( Wittwer et al, 2019 ; Braun Janzen et al, 2021 ). Studies about combined physical activity and music intervention are very limited, but it has proven important for patients with AD.…”

Dyadic nonverbal synchrony during pre and post music therapy interventions and its relationship to self-reported therapy readiness

“…In a neurorehabilitation setting, Street et al (2019) found indications that the auditory-motor pathway can be potentially fortified when the external auditory cues are internalized and patients are able to synchronize their movements independently. Other studies using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, which is also based on auditory-motor synchronization, have demonstrated its high success in gait training for various neuropathological gait disorders ( Thaut and Abiru, 2010 ; Braun Janzen et al, 2022 ). Studies have also supported the efficacy of music therapy on mood, depressive syndromes, and the quality of life of neurological patients ( Raglio, 2015 ).…”

Does Music Therapy Improve Gait after Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury? A Mini Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The use of music therapy-based auditory stimulations (MT) to achieve therapeutic goals has emerged as a promising intervention for individuals with TBI and SCI [ 10 ]. MT has been shown to influence various aspects of physical and cognitive functioning [ 11 ], including gait, in individuals with TBI and SCI [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Studies have suggested several methods by which MT can facilitate the spatial and temporal aspects of gait (i.e., speed, cadence, stride length etc.).…”