Resting-state Language Network Neuroplasticity in Post-stroke Music Listening: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Journal

European Journal of Neuroscience

Year

2021

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that post-stroke vocal music listening can aid language recovery, but the network-level functional neuroplasticity mechanisms of this effect are unknown. Here, we sought to determine if improved language recovery observed after post-stroke listening to vocal music is driven by changes in longitudinal resting-state functional connectivity within the language network. Using data from a single-blind randomized controlled trial on stroke patients (N = 38), we compared the effects of daily listening to self-selected vocal music, instrumental music and audio books on changes of the resting-state functional connectivity within the language network and their correlation to improved language skills and verbal memory during the first 3 months post-stroke. From acute to 3-month stage, the vocal music and instrumental music groups increased functional connectivity between a cluster comprising the left inferior parietal areas and the language network more than the audio book group. However, the functional connectivity increase correlated with improved verbal memory only in the vocal music group cluster. This study shows that listening to vocal music post-stroke promotes recovery of verbal memory by inducing changes in longitudinal functional connectivity in the language network. Our results conform to the variable neurodisplacement theory underpinning aphasia recovery.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Aphasia; Cognitive Abilities; Memory; Music Listening; Receptive Music Methods; Stroke

Indexed Terms

Stroke; Aphasia; Auditory Perception; Brain Connectivity; Cerebrovascular Accidents; functional connectivity; language; Language; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Native Language; Neural Plasticity; Neuronal Plasticity; resting state; Single-Blind Method; stroke; Verbal Memory

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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