A Single-blind Randomised Controlled Trial of Mindful Music Listening to Enhance Cognitive Recovery and Mood After Stroke (MELLO): Feasibility and Acceptability

Journal

European Stroke Journal

Year

2017

Abstract

Background and Aims: Low mood and cognitive deficits are common but under-recognised consequences of stroke. Music listening is suggested to have a beneficial effect on cognition, while mindfulness has been shown to benefit the treatment of mood disorders. Combining these may enhance cognitive recovery and improve mood post-stroke. The feasibility and acceptability of a novel mindful music listening intervention were investigated. Method: Ischaemic stroke survivors were recruited from acute stroke units and randomised to an 8-week intervention of: 1) music listening, 2) mindful music listening, or 3) audiobook listening (control). Cognition and mood were assessed at baseline, 3-months and 6-months post-stroke and feedback on feasibility and acceptability obtained. Results: 80.9% (n=72) of those who consented were randomised. Overall retention to 6-month follow up was 83.3%. Treatment fidelity was high (94.4% fully consistent with study protocol) and 96.9% of all treatment sessions were rated fully feasible by the therapist. 68.1% completed >6 treatment visits. Median listening time across groups was 50 hours. Based on variance of change score obtained for a key outcome measure of cognition (Delayed Story Recall), a full-scale three-arm trial would require 312 participants to detect a clinically substantial difference in improvement (z score difference=0.66, p=0.017, two-tailed, 80% power). This would also provide 87% power to detect a modest (two point) difference in mood measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Conclusion: The results support the feasibility and acceptability of mindful music listening in a randomised trial context post-stroke. Progression to a full scale trial to investigate efficacy is warranted.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Cognitive Abilities; Depression; Mood; Music Listening; Receptive Music Methods; Stroke; Subjective Measures

Indexed Terms

brain ischemia; feasibility study; mood; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; EMBASE keywords; follow up; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; human; major clinical study; randomized controlled trial; recall; stroke unit; survivor

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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