Music Upper Limb Therapy-integrated Provides a Feasible Enriched Environment and Reduces Post-stroke Depression: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Year

2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study's aims were to refine Music Upper Limb Therapy-Integrated (MULT-I) to create a feasible enriched environment for stroke rehabilitation and compare its biologic and behavioral effects with that of a home exercise program (HEP). DESIGN: This was a randomized mixed-methods study of 30 adults with post-stroke hemiparesis. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxytocin levels measured biologic effects, and upper limb function, disability, quality of life, and emotional well-being were assessed as behavioral outcomes. Participant experiences were explored using semistructured interviews. RESULTS: MULT-I participants showed reduced depression from preintervention to postintervention as compared with HEP participants. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels significantly increased for MULT-I participants but decreased for HEP participants, with a significant difference between groups after excluding those with post-stroke depression. MULT-I participants additionally improved quality of life and self-perceived physical strength, mobility, activity, participation, and recovery from preintervention to postintervention. HEP participants improved upper limb function. Qualitatively, MULT-I provided psychosocial support and enjoyment, whereas HEP supported self-management of rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a music-enriched environment is feasible, reduces post-stroke depression, and may enhance the neural environment for recovery via increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Self-management of rehabilitation through an HEP may further improve upper limb function.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Depression; Emotional Functioning; Engagement Level; Functional Status; Mobility; Music Medicine; Rehabilitation Exercises; Stroke; Subjective Measures; Quality of Life

Indexed Terms

Biological Products; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Depression; Exercise Therapy; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function; Upper Extremity

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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