Effect of music-driven movement therapy on behavior and hand function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Individuals with cerebral palsy exhibit poor movement coordination, reduced selective motor control, and balance dysfunction, all of which affect their overall behavior. This study aimed to examine whether music-driven movement therapy is beneficial for behavior and hand function in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

This one-group pretest-posttest pragmatic feasibility trial was conducted in special schools in Bangalore, India. Twenty-two children and adolescents with cerebral palsy aged 8-15 years, spastic and dyskinetic groups, with a Gross Motor Function Classification System level of I - IV, or a Manual Ability Classification System level of I - III were included in the study. They participated in non-directional goal-oriented movement sequences driven by playing joyful rhythmic beats on musical instruments. All of them practiced a one-hour session per day, 3 days a week, over a six-week duration. Behavioral function was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function version 2.0 teacher form (BRIEF2), and hand function was assessed using the manual ability questionnaire - ABILHAND.

Following music-driven movement practice, the Behavior Regulation Index, Emotion Regulation Index, Cognitive Regulation Index, and Global Executive Composite of the BRIEF2 and ABILHAND improved significantly (p < .001).

Music-driven movement therapy was beneficial for improving the behavior and hand function of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.