Training endogenous task shifting using neurologic music therapy
Date
2013
Authors
Mueller, Colleen, author
LaGasse, A. Blythe, advisor
Davis, William B., committee member
Davalos, Deana, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
People with acquired brain injury (ABI) are highly susceptible to disturbances in executive functioning (EF) and these effects are pervasive. Research studies using music therapy for cognitive improvement in this population are limited. Scientific research regarding the proposed neural correlates of executive functions abound. Additionally, scientific music research is gaining momentum. The presence of shared neural correlates and extended pathways between certain kinds of music and executive functions is clear. Further, the capacity of music training to induce neural plasticity has significant support, but interventions on a clinical level are sparse. The current randomized control trial (n=14) sought to uncover whether using a specific neurologic music therapy approach to train endogenous task shifting would create positive results in standard measures of executive functioning (the Trail Making Test and the PASAT). In this pilot study, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a neurologic music therapy group (NMT), a placebo, singing group and a control group. Both music groups met for one hour a day for five days. One-way ANOVA of the pre- and posttest group differences revealed a statistically significant difference between the NMT group and the placebo group (p= .3189; LSM p= .0315; F=4.44; ƞ2= .446; ɷ2= .329; d= 1.79; MSE=.3189; C.I. -1.6661, -0939). However, a statistically significant difference was not found between the NMT group and the control group. Further, a statistically significant effect was also found between the control group and the placebo group, leading to inconclusive results (p= .3189; LSM p =.0230, C.I. -1.8343, -0.1667; F=4.44; ƞ2= .446; ɷ2= .329; d= 1.79; MSE=.3189). The novelty of meeting in a group to sing songs did not show a difference, providing preliminary support for the importance of therapeutically applied music. Treatment feasibility and future considerations are discussed.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
acquired brain injury
executive functioning
feasibility
fidelity measures
music therapy
rehabilitation