Music Interventions in Hyperacute and Acute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Music interventions demonstrate positive effects on hemodynamic parameters, pain, and anxiety in diverse clinical settings.
• Limited research exists on music interventions specifically within the context of acute stroke care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pilot feasibility study of music interventions in acute stroke patients.
• To gather data informing the design of a larger efficacy trial for music interventions in stroke.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was employed.
• Objective endpoints were utilized to assess the impact of music interventions.

Main Results:

• Recruitment was successful, with 85.7% of eligible patients approached providing consent and 66.7% ultimately enrolled.
• Participants reported high support for music interventions (mean score of 8/10).
• While not statistically significant, trends suggested potential benefits in systolic blood pressure, pain, and anxiety reduction.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the initiation of a larger clinical trial investigating music or sound interventions for hyperacute and acute stroke.
• Music interventions show promise as complementary or alternative strategies to pharmacological treatments in stroke management.