Music Therapy Shown To Aid in Stroke Patient Recovery
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Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – A review of several studies finds that music therapy provided by trained music therapists may help to improve movement in stroke patients. In addition some trials conducted on the topic suggest music can play a larger role in recovery from brain injury.
Strokes affect more than 20 million people a year and many patients suffer from brain injuries that damage their movement and language abilities resulting in significant loss of quality of life. Music therapists are specially trained in techniques that stimulate brain functions targeted to improve outcomes for sufferers of debilitating brain injuries.
One common technique is rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), which relies on the connections between rhythm and movement. Music of a particular tempo is used to stimulate movement in the patient.
Seven small studies involving 184 people were included in the new Cochrane Systematic Review.
RAS therapy was shown to improve walking speed greater than standard movement therapy, and helped patients take longer steps. In one trial, RAS also improved arm movements, as measured by elbow extension angle.
Source: AHN News Editor Ayinde O. Chase
Tags: music therapy provided by trained music therapists may help to improve movement in stroke patients., Music Therapy Shown To Aid in Stroke Patient Recovery, Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), which relies on the connections between rhythm and movement.