Mechanisms of Timing, Timbre, Repertoire, and Entrainment in Neuroplasticity: Mutual Interplay in Neonatal Development

Abstract

Neonatal brain development relies on a combination of critical factors inclusive of genetic predisposition, attachment, and the conditions of the pre and postneonatal environment. The status of the infant's developing brain in its most vulnerable state and the impact that physiological elements of music, silences and sounds may make in the earliest stages of brain development can enhance vitality. However, little attention has been focused on the integral aspects of the music itself. This article will support research that has hypothesized conditions of music therapeutic applications in an effort to further validate models of neurobehavioral care that have optimized conditions for growth, inclusive of recommendations leading toward the enhancement of self-regulatory behaviors.

Clinical benefits of music‐based interventions on preterm infants' health: A systematic review of randomised trials

“…Furthermore, it is essential to highlight that personal preference and familiarity have been identified as important factors in music‐induced analgesia 57 . In the current literature about MT in the NICU, the ‘song of kin’, which denotes melodies that are original and unique to the parents' culture or preference, has been pointed out as an important resource in the PTI's health care, since this parent‐preferred intervention has been demonstrating to provide significant influence in PTI's self‐regulation, feeding, sleeping, parent‐newborn bonding and neurological outcomes 30,59,60 . However, the individualisation of procedural care and parental involvement in the therapeutic process of pain relief (eg, singing or humming) is still a challenge for the future improvement in non‐pharmacological approaches and therefore an important aspect to consider in future research.…”

“…57 In the current literature about MT in the NICU, the 'song of kin', which denotes melodies that are original and unique to the parents' culture or preference, has been pointed out as an important resource in the PTI's health care, since this parent-preferred intervention has been demonstrating to provide significant influence in PTI's self-regulation, feeding, sleeping, parent-newborn bonding and neurological outcomes. 30,59,60 However, the individualisation of procedural care and parental involvement in the therapeutic process of pain relief (eg, singing or humming) is still a challenge for the future improvement in nonpharmacological approaches and therefore an important aspect to consider in future research. Besides, it was noted that some studies evaluating pain relief did not use an analgesia in their control groups, exposing vulnerable PTIs to painful procedures and promoting potential harm.…”

Underlying Music Mechanisms Influencing the Neurology of Pain: An Integrative Model

“…The infant’s impressionable neural plasticity and the impact that silences and sounds may take on physiologically in brain development determine vitality [ 16 ]. Music therapeutic applications are making strides in validating how models of neurobehavioral care influence self-regulatory behaviors.…”

Effects of Live Music Therapy on Autonomic Stability in Preterm Infants: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Forming intimacy and meaningful interactions in the high-tech medical NICU environment may be challenging [18,19]. Support from a professional NICU music therapist during SSC may enhance these early bonding experiences and improve infants' ANS regulation by providing an informed sensitivity to infants' communication cues, parental needs, and modifying their physical sound environment [20].…”