Effects of neurological music therapy on behavioural and emotional recovery after traumatic brain injury: A randomized controlled cross-over trial

Sini-Tuuli Siponkoski, Sanna Koskinen, Sari Laitinen, Milla Holma, Mirja Ahlfors, Päivi Jordan-Kilkki, Katja Ala-Kauhaluoma, Noelia Martinez Molina, Susanna Melkas, Matti Laine, Aarne Ylinen, Nathan Zasler, Pekka Rantanen, Jari Lipsanen, Teppo Särkämö

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes deficits in executive function (EF), as well as problems in behavioural and emotional self-regulation. Neurological music therapy may aid these aspects of recovery. We performed a cross-over randomized controlled trial where 40 persons with moderate-severe TBI received a 3-month neurological music therapy intervention (2 times/week, 60 min/session), either during the first (AB, n = 20) or second (BA, n = 20) half of a 6-month follow-up period. The evidence from this RCT previously demonstrated that music therapy enhanced general EF and set shifting. In the current study, outcome was assessed with self-report and caregiver-report questionnaires performed at baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 18-month stages. The results showed that the self-reported Behavioural Regulation Index of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A) improved more in the AB than BA group from baseline to 3-month stage and the effect was maintained in the 6-month follow-up. No changes in mood or quality of life questionnaires were observed. However, a qualitative content analysis of the feedback revealed that many participants experienced the intervention as helpful in terms of emotional well-being and activity. Our results suggest that music therapy has a positive effect on everyday behavioural regulation skills after TBI.

Original languageEnglish
JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation
Volume32
Issue number7
Number of pages33
ISSN0960-2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Fields of Science

  • Behavioural regulation
  • Executive functioning
  • Music therapy
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • 515 Psychology
  • 3112 Neurosciences

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