Music therapy for stroke patients : a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

There are numerous trials, showing positive results for using the music therapy for stroke patient rehabilitation. Therefore, summarizing the data from these trials is an actual topic. The objective, of this research, was to summarize the data from trials about the use of music therapy methods and techniques, especially the rhythmic auditory stimulation, for improving of the motor functions for stroke patients, by creating a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, with meta-analysis. The trials where searched in MEDLINE, Cochrane Trial Register and EBSO databases. The trial quality was evaluated by the PEDro scale. 20 randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis for 5 gait outcomes, including gait speed, steps per minute, step length, gait symmetry, Time up and go test, and 7 arm function outcomes, including Fugl-Meyer test, ARAT test, Box and blocks test, Wolf motor function test, Nine hole peg test, shoulder flexion, elbow extension, was conducted. According to the results of the meta-analysis, gait exercises, combined with rhythmic auditory stimulation, provide statistically significant improvement, compared with gait exercises alone. Concerning the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation and other music therapy interventions for arm function rehabilitation, a statistically significant improvement was not detected.