Nuanced effects of music interventions on rehabilitation outcomes after stroke: a systematic review

Rhythm and Music-Based Interventions in Motor Rehabilitation: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

“…Impairments in motor function such as decreased postural stability, gait dysfunctions, and impaired upper-limb function are common consequences of stroke ( Langhorne et al, 2009 ). Over the years, a considerable body of literature has investigated the effectiveness of RAS for lower limb rehabilitation in stroke (reviewed in Nascimento et al, 2015 ; Magee et al, 2017 ; Ghai and Ghai, 2019 ; le Perf et al, 2019 ). Clinical research on sub-acute and chronic stroke patients have consistently shown beneficial effects of RAS training on gait spatiotemporal parameters, with significant improvements in gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and postural stability ( Nascimento et al, 2015 ; Magee et al, 2017 ; Ghai and Ghai, 2019 ).…”

“…Research has shown that cueing cyclical reaching movements of the paretic arm in chronic stroke promotes a significant reduction in trajectory variability and normalizes the velocity and acceleration profiles of arm movement ( Thaut et al, 2002 ). Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews have indicated that rhythmically cued exercises are indeed effective to improve upper extremity function in stroke (reviewed in Ghai, 2018 ; le Perf et al, 2019 ). Clinical evidence supports the use of rhythmic cueing to enhance arm function post-stroke, with significant changes in outcome measures such as the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment, Action arm reaching test, Wolf motor function test, Nine-hole peg test, Stroke impact scale, and elbow range of motion ( Ghai, 2018 ).…”