Reducing chronic visuo-spatial neglect following right hemisphere stroke through instrument playing

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Unilateral visuo-spatial neglect is a common consequence of right hemisphere stroke, affecting awareness of the contralesional side.
• Previous research suggests music-playing may increase spatial exploration on the neglected side.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a music intervention for improving chronic visuo-spatial neglect.
• To determine if active music-making can lead to clinically significant improvements in neglect symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Two patients with left neglect underwent a four-week music intervention involving playing scales and melodies on chime bars from right to left.
• Cancellation tests (Mesulam shape, BIT star), computerized TAP neglect subtest, and line bisection were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and one-week follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both patients showed significant short-term and persistent improvements on the Mesulam shape cancellation test.
• One patient achieved lasting improvements on the BIT star cancellation test, reaching normal ranges post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Active music-making using a horizontally aligned instrument offers preliminary evidence for improving neglect symptoms.
• This intervention may enhance patients' attention to their affected side, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach.