Efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and psychosocial functioning in chronic aphasia: A randomized controlled crossover trial

Sini-Tuuli Siponkoski, Anni Pitkäniemi, Sari Laitinen, Essi-Reetta Särkämö, Emmi Pentikäinen, Heidi Eloranta, Leena Tuomiranta, Susanna Melkas, Gottfried Schlaug, Aleksi Sihvonen, Teppo Särkämö

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

The ability to produce words through singing can be preserved in severe aphasia, but the benefits of group-based singing rehabilitation in aphasia are largely unknown. Our aim was to determine the efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and speech production, emotional-social functioning and caregiver well-being in aphasia. Fifty-four patients with acquired brain injury and chronic aphasia and their family caregivers (n = 43) were recruited. Using a crossover randomized controlled trial design, participants were randomized to two groups who received a 4-month singing intervention either during the first or second half of the study in addition to standard care. The intervention comprised weekly group-based training (including choir singing and group-level melodic intonation therapy) and tablet-assisted singing training at home. At baseline, 5- and 9-month stages, patients were assessed with tests and questionnaires on communication and speech production, mood, social functioning, and quality of life and family caregivers with questionnaires on caregiver burden. All participants who participated in the baseline measurement (n = 50) were included in linear mixed model analyses. Compared with standard care, the singing intervention improved everyday communication and responsive speech production from baseline to 5-month stage, and these changes were sustained also longitudinally (baseline to 9-month stage). Additionally, the intervention enhanced patients’ social participation and reduced caregiver burden. This study provides novel evidence that group-based multicomponent singing training can enhance communication and spoken language production in chronic aphasia as well as improve psychosocial wellbeing in patients and caregivers.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberfcac337
JournalBrain communications
Volume5
Issue number1
Number of pages13
ISSN2632-1297
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Fields of Science

  • 515 Psychology
  • 3112 Neurosciences
  • 3124 Neurology and psychiatry
  • 6163 Logopedics
  • 6131 Theatre, dance, music, other performing arts

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