Improving hand functional use in subjects with multiple sclerosis using a musical keyboard: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Music Therapy

Background:

• Neuroplasticity is crucial for recovery after neurological events.
• Musical instrument playing demonstrates neuroplasticity, offering potential for hand rehabilitation.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts hand function, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of musical keyboard playing in enhancing hand function among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To explore the role of auditory feedback in keyboard-based hand rehabilitation for MS patients.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen hospitalized MS patients were randomized into two groups: one group played an active (audio feedback) musical keyboard, while the control group used a deactivated keyboard.
• Intervention involved 30 minutes of daily keyboard exercises for 15 days.
• Primary outcome: perceived hand functional use (ABILHAND Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes: hand dexterity (Nine-Hole Peg Test) and hand strength (Jamar and Pinch dynamometers).

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed a significant improvement in perceived hand functional use (ABILHAND Questionnaire) compared to the control group (p = 0.003).
• Both groups demonstrated significant time effects for most outcomes, except for Jamar hand strength.
• Auditory feedback from the musical keyboard positively influenced functional hand use outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Musical keyboard playing is a viable and effective method for training hand functional use in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The findings support the integration of music-based interventions into MS rehabilitation programs.
• Further research can explore optimizing keyboard training protocols for MS patients.