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Active music therapy approach for stroke patients in the post-acute rehabilitation

Neurological Sciences volume 38, pages 893–897 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Guidelines in stroke rehabilitation recommend the use of a multidisciplinary approach. Different approaches and techniques with music are used in the stroke rehabilitation to improve motor and cognitive functions but also psychological outcomes. In this randomized controlled pilot trial, relational active music therapy approaches were tested in the post-acute phase of disease. Thirty-eight hospitalized patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were recruited and allocated in two groups. The experimental group underwent the standard of care (physiotherapy and occupational therapy daily sessions) and relational active music therapy treatments. The control group underwent the standard of care only. Motor functions and psychological aspects were assessed before and after treatments. Music therapy process was also evaluated using a specific rating scale. All groups showed a positive trend in quality of life, functional and disability levels, and gross mobility. The experimental group showed a decrease of anxiety and, in particular, of depression (p = 0.016). In addition, the strength of non-dominant hand (grip) significantly increased in the experimental group (p = 0.041). Music therapy assessment showed a significant improvement over time of non-verbal and sonorous-music relationships. Future studies, including a greater number of patients and follow-up evaluations, are needed to confirm promising results of this study.

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Affiliations

  1. Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy

    Alfredo Raglio, Alberto Zaliani, Paola Baiardi, Daniela Bossi, Cinzia Sguazzin, Edda Capodaglio, Chiara Imbriani, Giulia Gontero & Marcello Imbriani

  2. Department of Public Health, Experimental ad Forensic Medicine, Section of Occupational Health, University of Pavia, Via Boezio 28, Pavia, 27100, Italy

    Marcello Imbriani

Authors
  1. Alfredo Raglio
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  2. Alberto Zaliani
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  3. Paola Baiardi
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  4. Daniela Bossi
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  5. Cinzia Sguazzin
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  6. Edda Capodaglio
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  7. Chiara Imbriani
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  8. Giulia Gontero
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  9. Marcello Imbriani
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alfredo Raglio.

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The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Raglio, A., Zaliani, A., Baiardi, P. et al. Active music therapy approach for stroke patients in the post-acute rehabilitation. Neurol Sci 38, 893–897 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-017-2827-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-017-2827-7

Keywords

  • Stroke
  • Music therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Psychological outcomes
  • Motor outcomes
  • Communication