MusicGloves therapy - returning to maximum functional capacity after stroke

Bartosz Barzak

Journal

Medycyna Pracy

Year

2025

Abstract

With the increasing number of stroke cases worldwide, there is a growing demand for more and more effective rehabilitation methods. Having suffered a stroke is associated with significant functional and motor limitations, which directly translates into a decrease in quality of life. Over the past decades, researchers have become increasingly interested in the impact of therapies using multimedia tools, such as video games, virtual reality or robots that support the movements of specific body parts, on the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the patient's return to maximum fitness. One such tool is MusicGloves, a dynamic form of post-stroke rehabilitation using movement therapy, video games, music therapy and biofeedback. In this literature review, available peer-reviewed research papers from 2011-2020 were used. The purpose of the review article was to gather existing knowledge on the benefits and risks of using MusicGloves therapy as a form of rehabilitation for patients, with upper limb disorders, after stroke. Based on selected research papers, the effectiveness of MusicGloves therapy is described in comparison with other therapies available in neurological rehabilitation departments. MusicGloves therapy, as a fairly new therapy method, is a promising rehabilitation tool, with a simple and transparent way of working, not requiring the presence of a therapist during the entire therapy process, and significantly motivating patients to undertake newer and more difficult motor tasks. The effectiveness of MusicGloves therapy is still poorly understood, current research is based on low numbers of study groups and the sheer number of available studies is negligible. Improving the recommendations, regarding MusicGloves therapy, may allow patients to recover faster and achieve a standard of living similar to that before the stroke. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3):193-197.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Stroke; Quality of Life; Music Therapy; Rehabilitation Exercises; Recovery Time

Indexed Terms

Biofeedback, Psychology; Exergaming; hand rehabilitation; MusicGloves; neurological rehabilitation; Recovery of Function; rehabilitation video game; stroke; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Upper Extremity

Study Type

Editorials; Opinions; Position Papers

PubMed ID

PMID: 40888408

Document Type

Article

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