Active Music Therapy Following Acute Stroke: A Single-Arm Repeated Measures Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Music Therapy

Background:

• Stroke survivors frequently experience emotion regulation difficulties and mood disorders, notably poststroke depression (PSD).
• PSD impacts rehabilitation engagement, functional recovery, social participation, and mortality rates.
• Early mood changes poststroke are critical predictors of long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate effects of a single active music therapy (AMT) session on the mood of first-time ischemic stroke patients.
• To assess the potential of AMT as an early psychological intervention in acute stroke care.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four adult stroke survivors participated in one AMT session, characterized by active music-making.
• Mood was evaluated using the Faces Scale immediately before and after the AMT intervention.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant improvement in mood was observed after a single AMT session.
• Qualitative analysis of participant comments revealed positive experiences with music therapy.

Conclusions:

• Brief AMT interventions can positively influence mood in the acute phase of stroke recovery.
• AMT may serve as a valuable early psychological support tool for stroke survivors.
• Further research is recommended to explore music therapy's role in comprehensive stroke care.