Effects of Neurological Music Therapy on Behavioural and Emotional Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Cross-over Trial

Journal

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Year

2022

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes deficits in executive function (EF), as well as problems in behavioural and emotional self-regulation. Neurological music therapy may aid these aspects of recovery. We performed a cross-over randomized controlled trial where 40 persons with moderate-severe TBI received a 3-month neurological music therapy intervention (2 times/week, 60 min/session), either during the first (AB, n = 20) or second (BA, n = 20) half of a 6-month follow-up period. The evidence from this RCT previously demonstrated that music therapy enhanced general EF and set shifting. In the current study, outcome was assessed with self-report and caregiver-report questionnaires performed at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 18-month stages. The results showed that the self-reported Behavioural Regulation Index of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A) improved more in the AB than BA group from baseline to 3-month stage and the effect was maintained in the 6-month follow-up. No changes in mood or quality of life questionnaires were observed. However, a qualitative content analysis of the feedback revealed that many participants experienced the intervention as helpful in terms of emotional well-being and activity. Our results suggest that music therapy has a positive effect on everyday behavioural regulation skills after TBI.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Behavioral State; Emotional Functioning; Mood; Music Therapy; Quality of Life; Subjective Measures; Traumatic Brain Injury

Indexed Terms

Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Behavioural regulation; Cross-Over Studies; Emotions; Executive functioning; Quality of Life; Randomized controlled trial; Traumatic brain injury

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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