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Music-based interventions in neurological rehabilitation
Aleksi J Sihvonen1, Teppo Särkämö2, Vera Leo2
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Cognitive Brain Research Unit, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
The Lancet. Neurology
|July 1, 2017
Summary
Music-based interventions show promise for neurological rehabilitation, improving motor function, cognition, and emotional well-being in conditions like stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Controlled studies on music-based interventions (MBIs) have increased over the last decade.
- Evidence is most extensive for stroke and dementia, but also exists for Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
- MBIs encompass music listening, singing, and playing instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rehabilitative effects of MBIs in various neurological diseases.
- To explore the impact of MBIs on cognition, motor function, and emotional well-being.
- To understand the shared neurobiological mechanisms underlying MBI effects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled studies assessing MBIs in neurological conditions.
- Analysis of evidence for effects on motor performance, speech, cognition, and emotional well-being.
- Examination of potential neural systems involved in MBI efficacy.
Main Results:
- MBIs demonstrate potential benefits across diverse neurological conditions, including stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
- These interventions can positively influence motor skills, cognitive functions, and emotional states.
- Common neural systems related to reward, arousal, affect regulation, learning, and plasticity are implicated.
Conclusions:
- Music-based interventions are emerging as promising strategies for neurological rehabilitation.
- Further controlled studies are necessary to fully establish their efficacy.
- MBIs offer a multifaceted approach to supporting recovery and well-being in neurological patients.
