Making Music After Stroke: Using Musical Activities to Enhance Arm Function

Journal

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Year

2012

Abstract

A common long-term consequence of stroke is impaired arm function, which affects independence and quality of life in a considerable proportion of stroke survivors. There is a growing need for self-management strategies that enable stroke survivors to continue their recovery after rehabilitation has ceased. Interventions with high-intensity, repetitive task training and feedback are most likely to improve function. Achieving the required amount of self-practice is challenging, however. Innovative approaches are required to translate therapies into rewarding activities that can be undertaken independently. This paper describes the key principles and development of a novel intervention that integrates individuals' preferred music with game technology in upper limb rehabilitation. The "tap tempo" paradigm, which uses rhythmic auditory cueing, provides repetitive upper limb task training, which can be tailored to individual goals and progress (e.g., in terms of movement range and complexity), while providing sensitive quantitative feedback to promote skill acquisition and enhance self-management.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Functional Status; Mobility; Music in Combination with Other Techniques; Receptive Music Methods; Rehabilitation Exercises; Stroke

Indexed Terms

Stroke Rehabilitation; Video Games; Arm; Feedback, Sensory; Neurosciences; Stroke

Study Type

Editorial, Opinions, Position Papers

Document Type

Article

More Info

Share

COinS