Music Upper Limb Therapy - Integrated (MULT-I) supports a positive transformation in sense of self post stroke: a thematic analysis

PURPOSE

To understand how the experience of Music Upper Limb Therapy - Integrated (MULT-I) interconnects with the experience of stroke.

METHODS

Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and video-recorded MULT-I sessions from a larger mixed-methods study. Thirty adults with post-stroke hemiparesis completed pre-intervention interviews, of whom fifteen participated in MULT-I. Thirteen of the participants in MULT-I completed post-intervention interviews.

RESULTS

The experience of stroke was characterized by five themes: (1) sudden loss of functional abilities, (2) disrupted participation, (3) desire for independence, (4) emotional distress and the need for support, and (5) difficulty negotiating changes in sense of self. The experience of MULT-I was characterized by three themes: (1) MULT-I activated movement and empowered personal choice, (2) MULT-I created a safe place to process emotional distress and take on challenges, and (3) MULT-I fostered a sense of belonging and a positive transformation in sense of self. These themes combined create a framework which illustrates the process by which MULT-I addressed each challenge described by survivors of stroke, facilitating a positive transformation in sense of self.

CONCLUSION

MULT-I promotes physical, emotional, and social wellbeing following a stroke. This integrated approach supports a positive transformation in sense of self. These findings have implications for improving psychosocial well-being post stroke.

Response to Music-Mediated Intervention in Autistic Children with Limited Spoken Language Ability

PURPOSE

Autistic children with limited spoken language ability (LSLA) often do not respond to traditional interventions, reducing their social inclusion. It is essential to identify effective interventions, and sensitive measures to track their intervention response.

METHODS

Using data from an RCT comparing music-mediated and play-based interventions, we investigated the impact of spoken language ability on outcomes, and measured response to intervention through natural language sample measures.

RESULTS

Children with lower verbal IQ, relative to higher verbal IQ, made some greater gains over the course of music-mediated intervention. Natural language samples were helpful in characterizing communication and tracking change.

CONCLUSION

Music-mediated interventions hold promise as effective interventions for autistic children with LSLA. Natural language samples are robust in characterizing this subgroup.

Music Upper Limb Therapy-Integrated Provides a Feasible Enriched Environment and Reduces Post-stroke Depression: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study's aims were to refine Music Upper Limb Therapy-Integrated (MULT-I) to create a feasible enriched environment for stroke rehabilitation and compare its biologic and behavioral effects with that of a home exercise program (HEP).

DESIGN

This was a randomized mixed-methods study of 30 adults with post-stroke hemiparesis. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxytocin levels measured biologic effects, and upper limb function, disability, quality of life, and emotional well-being were assessed as behavioral outcomes. Participant experiences were explored using semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

MULT-I participants showed reduced depression from preintervention to postintervention as compared with HEP participants. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels significantly increased for MULT-I participants but decreased for HEP participants, with a significant difference between groups after excluding those with post-stroke depression. MULT-I participants additionally improved quality of life and self-perceived physical strength, mobility, activity, participation, and recovery from preintervention to postintervention. HEP participants improved upper limb function. Qualitatively, MULT-I provided psychosocial support and enjoyment, whereas HEP supported self-management of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a music-enriched environment is feasible, reduces post-stroke depression, and may enhance the neural environment for recovery via increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Self-management of rehabilitation through an HEP may further improve upper limb function.

Working together: A review of cross-sector collaborative practices in provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities

It is widely recognised that cross-sector partnerships are key to improve outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). However, evidence-based strategies fostering these partnerships have not been systematically identified, and terms designating different forms of collaboration are used interchangeably. This study aims to contribute to systematically identify practices for cross-sector collaboration for children with SEND, critically positioning these within collaborative traditions (multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity). A scoping review of the international literature of the past 10 years was conducted, following Arksey and O'Malley's methodology and considering type of SEND studied, country of origin, approach to collaboration portrayed and study design. Only papers describing empirical applications of collaborative strategies were included in the final review (n = 8). Practices identified ranged from multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary and included: partnerships between higher education and healthcare organisations, implementation of school clinics, schools as interdisciplinary hubs, management's own partnerships and networks, assessment in person with the whole team, videoconferencing, periodic meetings with key professionals, informal on-site discussions and transdisciplinary play-based assessment. Implications for practice are considered, in particular the need to examine how these strategies are implemented in a variety of settings and the need to develop the skills that elicit transdisciplinary work.

Joint engagement and movement: Active ingredients of a music-based intervention with school-age children with autism

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of music-based interventions (MI) in autism has been attested for decades. Yet, there has been little empirical investigation of the active ingredients, or processes involved in music-based interventions that differentiate them from other approaches.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we examined whether two processes, joint engagement and movement, which have previously been studied in isolation, contribute as important active ingredients for the efficacy of music-based interventions.

METHODS

In two separate analyses, we investigated whether (1) joint engagement with the therapist, measured using a coding scheme verified for reliability, and (2) movement elicited by music-making, measured using a computer-vision technique for quantifying motion, may drive the benefits previously observed in response to MI (but not a controlled non-MI) in children with autism.

RESULTS

Compared to a non-music control intervention, children and the therapist in MI spent more time in triadic engagement (between child, therapist, and activity) and produced greater movement, with amplitude of motion closely linked to the type of musical instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings provide initial evidence of the active ingredients of music-based interventions in autism.

Music improves social communication and auditory-motor connectivity in children with autism

Music has been identified as a strength in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder; however, there is currently no neuroscientific evidence supporting its benefits. Given its universal appeal, intrinsic reward value and ability to modify brain and behaviour, music may be a potential therapeutic aid in autism. Here we evaluated the neurobehavioural outcomes of a music intervention, compared to a non-music control intervention, on social communication and brain connectivity in school-age children (ISRCTN26821793). Fifty-one children aged 6-12 years with autism were randomized to receive 8-12 weeks of music (n = 26) or non-music intervention (n = 25). The music intervention involved use of improvisational approaches through song and rhythm to target social communication. The non-music control was a structurally matched behavioural intervention implemented in a non-musical context. Groups were assessed before and after intervention on social communication and resting-state functional connectivity of fronto-temporal brain networks. Communication scores were higher in the music group post-intervention (difference score = 4.84, P = .01). Associated post-intervention resting-state brain functional connectivity was greater in music vs. non-music groups between auditory and subcortical regions (z = 3.94, P < .0001) and auditory and fronto-motor regions (z = 3.16, P < .0001). Post-intervention brain connectivity was lower between auditory and visual regions in the music compared to the non-music groups, known to be over-connected in autism (z = 4.01, P < .00001). Post-intervention brain connectivity in the music group was related to communication improvement (z = 3.57, P < .0001). This study provides the first evidence that 8-12 weeks of individual music intervention can indeed improve social communication and functional brain connectivity, lending support to further investigations of neurobiologically motivated models of music interventions in autism.

Creative Arts-Based Therapies for Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Background: Stroke is a life-threating cerebrovascular disease. Without proper and immediate treatment, it can cause long-term disabilities and even death. While current rehabilitation focuses on functional needs, it does not fully address the psychosocial issues. Creative arts-based therapies, however, may have the potential to be of assistance.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize the qualitative findings of the stroke survivors' positive and negative experiences in participating in creative arts-based therapies. A systematic literature search was conducted across diverse databases. A thematic synthesis was adopted to analyze the results from different qualitative studies and mix-method studies.

Results: Among the 367 studies extracted from various databases, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were of acceptable quality. The following five analytical themes were identified: functional restoration, psychological support, social engagement, spiritual experience, and short-comings and barriers.

Conclusion: Creative arts-based therapies have demonstrated their strengths in addressing psychosocial needs for stroke survivors. Different art modalities are perceived to be useful in achieving different therapeutic goals. Therapies based on a single art modality or combined modalities have different specialties and characteristics. Further research is needed to demonstrate the differential benefits or special advantages of using single or multiple art modalities as well as having qualified therapists in creative arts-based therapies.

Music-supported therapy in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

The effect of music-supported therapy (MST) as a tool to restore hemiparesis of the upper extremity after a stroke has not been appropriately contrasted with conventional therapy. The aim of this trial was to test the effectiveness of adding MST to a standard rehabilitation program in subacute stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which patients were randomized to MST or conventional therapy in addition to the rehabilitation program. The intensity and duration of the interventions were equated in both groups. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, motor and cognitive functions, mood, and quality of life (QoL) of participants were evaluated. A follow-up at 3 months was conducted to examine the retention of motor gains. Both groups significantly improved their motor function, and no differences between groups were found. The only difference between groups was observed in the language domain for QoL. Importantly, an association was encountered between the capacity to experience pleasure from music activities and the motor improvement in the MST group. MST as an add-on treatment showed no superiority to conventional therapies for motor recovery. Importantly, patient's intrinsic motivation to engage in musical activities was associated with better motor improvement.

Core Themes in Music Therapy Clinical Improvisation: An Arts-Informed Qualitative Research Synthesis

Background

Although clinical improvisation continues to be an important focus of music therapy research and practice, less attention has been given to integrating qualitative research in this area. As a result, this knowledge base tends to be contained within specific areas of practice rather than integrated across practices and approaches.

Objective

This qualitative research synthesis profiles, integrates, and re-presents qualitative research focused on the ways music therapists and clients engage in, and make meaning from, clinical improvisation. Further, as a conduit for broadening dialogues, opening up this landscape fully, and sharing our response to the analysis and interpretation process, we present an arts-informed re-presentation of this synthesis.

Methods

Following an eight-step methodological sequence, 13 qualitative studies were synthesized. This included reciprocal and refutational processes associated with synthesizing the primary studies, and additional steps associated with an arts-informed representation.

Findings

Three themes, professional artistry, performing self, and meaning-making, are presented. Each theme is explored and exemplified through the selected articles, and discussed within a larger theoretical framework. An artistic re-presentation of the data is also presented.

Conclusions

Music therapists use complex frameworks through which to engage clients in, and make meaning from, improvisational experiences. Artistic representation of the findings offers an added dimension to the synthesis process, challenging our understanding of representation, and thereby advancing synthesis methodology.

Music Upper Limb Therapy-Integrated: An Enriched Collaborative Approach for Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. It leads to a sudden and overwhelming disruption in one’s physical body, and alters the stroke survivors’ sense of self. Long-term recovery requires that bodily perception, social participation and sense of self are restored; this is challenging to achieve, particularly with a single intervention. However, rhythmic synchronization of movement to external stimuli facilitates sensorimotor coupling for movement recovery, enhances emotional engagement and has positive effects on interpersonal relationships. In this proof-of-concept study, we designed a group music-making intervention, Music Upper Limb Therapy-Integrated (MULT-I), to address the physical, psychological and social domains of rehabilitation simultaneously, and investigated its effects on long-term post-stroke upper limb recovery. The study used a mixed-method pre-post design with 1-year follow up. Thirteen subjects completed the 45-min intervention twice a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was reduced upper limb motor impairment on the Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS). Secondary outcomes included sensory impairment (two-point discrimination test), activity limitation (Modified Rankin Scale, MRS), well-being (WHO well-being index), and participation (Stroke Impact Scale, SIS). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences between pre- and post-intervention, and 1-year follow up scores. Significant improvement was found in upper limb motor impairment, sensory impairment, activity limitation and well-being immediately post-intervention that persisted at 1 year. Activities of daily living and social participation improved only from post-intervention to 1-year follow up. The improvement in upper limb motor impairment was more pronounced in a subset of lower functioning individuals as determined by their pre-intervention wrist range of motion. Qualitatively, subjects reported new feelings of ownership of their impaired limb, more spontaneous movement, and enhanced emotional engagement. The results suggest that the MULT-I intervention may help stroke survivors re-create their sense of self by integrating sensorimotor, emotional and interoceptive information and facilitate long-term recovery across multiple domains of disability, even in the chronic stage post-stroke. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this approach. Clinical Trial Registration: National Institutes of Health, clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01586221.