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

• Published in: Neuropsychological rehabilitation 2022-08, Vol.32 (7), p.1356-1388
• Main Authors: Siponkoski, Sini-Tuuli, Koskinen, Sanna, Laitinen, Sari, Holma, Milla, Ahlfors, Mirja, Jordan-Kilkki, Päivi, Ala-Kauhaluoma, Katja, Martínez-Molina, Noelia, Melkas, Susanna, Laine, Matti, Ylinen, Aarne, Zasler, Nathan, Rantanen, Pekka, Lipsanen, Jari, Särkämö, Teppo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior modification; Behavioural regulation; Caregivers; Clinical trials; Content analysis; Emotional behavior; Emotional well being; Executive function; Executive functioning; Intervention; Music therapy; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Randomized controlled trial; Recovery; Recovery (Medical); Self regulation; Self report; Traumatic brain injury; Well being
• ISSN: 0960-2011; 1464-0694
• DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2021.1890138

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.