Rhythmic Exercises as Tools for Rehabilitation Following Cerebellar Stroke: A Case Study Integrating Music Therapy and Physiotherapy Techniques

Journal

Nordic Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2022

Abstract

IntroductionThis article explores the use of music and multisensory stimuli in the construction of compensatory neural networks for motoric functioning in a patient recovering from cerebellar strokes (CS). This study aimed to address the real-world clinical concern of patients having a passive role in therapy, by arousing the client’s interest and self-motivation in rehabilitation.MethodThe article presents a case study of a CS survivor, using data derived from rehabilitation sessions combining music therapy techniques with physiotherapy techniques to improve the fluency and accuracy of his motor performance. Qualitative and quantitative data are used to identify, describe, and evaluate the key elements of tasks used in the ten therapy sessions. Therapy focused particularly on facilitating the CS survivor to produce his own exact and fluent movement and generate his own vocal cues via rhythmic reciting and chanting.ResultsThe CS survivor achieved his therapy goals, and the therapist was able to facilitate the CS survivor’s increased motivation and ability to perform movements that were goal-directed, repetitive, functional, and progressive in complexity.DiscussionResults support the need for further research on multisensory, rhythmical exercises within physiotherapy and music therapy work with stroke patients and others with neurological disorders. The use of self-generated vocal cues would be a particularly interesting focus for further research. Results are discussed in the context of current music therapy research and theory.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Functional Status; Music in Combination with Other Techniques; Music Therapy; Physical Therapy; Recreative Music Methods; Rehabilitation Exercises; Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation; Stroke

Indexed Terms

cerebellar stroke; Motivation; Physical therapy; physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; rhythm; self-generated cues; speech

Study Type

Mixed Methods

Document Type

Article

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