Effects of music listening on motor performance in people living with stroke
Project Overview
This study will investigate whether listening to music can help a stroke survivor improve their ability to move. Many stroke survivors have difficulty with daily activities like eating, bathing, and getting around. They may also experience memory loss, depression, or fatigue, which can make it hard to stick to their rehabilitation plan. The use of music in rehabilitation is becoming more common. Studies have shown that incorporating music with rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial especially when people are asked to make music or when they are asked to match their movements to the rhythm or beat of the music. In contrast, we do not know if merely listening to music can also improve a person’s ability to move. This study will investigate whether listening to music can improve stroke survivors ability to execute movements, motivate them to engage more in rehabilitation practice, and alleviate the influence of fatigue during movement. We will ask people living with chronic stroke to practice reaching with their arm while listening to 1) their preferred music; 2) an audiobook; 3) music that is neutral; and 4), silence. We will measure how well people move and for how long, and how fast their muscles get tired. We hope to show that listening to music you like (but not an audio book, music you don’t prefer or silence) while exercising your arm will improve your ability to move. This could ultimately improve a person’s quality of life and independence. The study results will be shared in scientific journals, reports, and conferences.
Principal Investigator
Anthonia Aina , University of Toronto