The effects of music-based interventions on behavioural and psychological symptoms of people living with dementia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol.

OBJECTIVES: People living with dementia often experience behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which severely affect their well-being during the course of the disease. Particularly for BPSD outcomes, there is a high demand for increasing the evidence-based knowledge of non-pharmacological approaches, such as music-based interventions. Although previous reviews emphasize the potential effects of music-based interventions in people with dementia, they cover a wide range of different interventions and outcomes. METHOD: Therefore, this systematic review (SR) and network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to not only investigate the efficacy of music-based interventions on BPSD, but also to compare the impact of different types of music-based interventions on outcomes. Preferred reporting items for SR and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) and the PRISMA NMA extension were followed. Several databases will be searched from inception to the date the search will be performed, for relevant randomized or non-randomized controlled trials comparing a music-based intervention with treatment as usual, active controls, or another music-based intervention. Multivariate pairwise meta-analyses will be conducted for each outcome. NMA based on a frequentist random-effects model will be used to estimate the comparative effects of each type of music-based intervention and related components across outcomes. Heterogeneity will be investigated by meta-regression models. CONCLUSION: Based on our knowledge, this may be the first SR and NMA study to compare the efficacy of different types of music-based interventions. In addition, combined with our multivariate analysis approach, it will allow us to identify potential effect modifiers in music-based intervention for treating BPSD.

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a multitude of impairments to physical, cognitive, communicative, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Music interventions are emerging as a valuable form of intervention in the rehabilitation of children with ABI, stimulating brain functions involved in movement, cognition, speech, emotions, and sensory perceptions. To date, the literature detailing the impact of music and music therapy interventions on functional outcomes in children with ABI has not been reviewed systematically. To address this, Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage integrative review framework was employed, which includes (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and synthesis, and (e) presentation of the findings. A total of 388 articles were retrieved, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in 3 overarching themes: outcomes of using music therapy in pediatric ABI, music therapy as a motivator in pediatric ABI rehabilitation, and collaboration. The review highlights the pivotal role of music as a motivational catalyst that promotes adherence to rehabilitative intervention. Nevertheless, it underscores a significant gap in empirical research within the field, emphasizing the necessity for larger, more rigorous studies.

Approaches, Goals, and Scientific Integrity in Music Therapy Research with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: An Integrative Review.

Scientific integrity is fundamental to evidence-based practice (EBP) and essential in music therapy (MT) research and clinical practice. Researchers conducted an integrative review of approaches and interventions employed by music therapists (MTs) with individuals on the autism spectrum in the context of how studies are analyzed by the National Autism Center (NAC) and National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP). Researchers identified 880 database records meeting initial search criteria (i.e., autism spectrum disorder, autism, PDD-NOS, MT, and music interventions); 36 studies remained after screening for duplication, topic relevance, and adherence to inclusion criteria. Included studies were published between 1964 and 2021, in English language, in free open-access journals, worldwide; peer reviewed; conducted by MTs; empirical quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design; intervention-based; and presented separate data for participants on the autism spectrum. Content and quantitative analyses identified deficits in scientific integrity and the following gaps in studies reviewed: Motor Skills and Placement (NAC-defined intervention targets), Computer-based and Songwriting and Composition (MT techniques), and Wellness and Bonny Method of Guided Imagery in Music (clinical approaches); no patterns were evident among NAC Interventions with MT techniques and approaches. Analysis of 5-point Scientific Merit Ratings yielded a mean 2.78 rating. A comparison of NAC and NCAEP terminology (i.e., how MT researchers report independent variables) indicated eight titles mention specific non-music interventions, 19 mention MT, 14 include music-based technique descriptors, and two mention both non-music interventions and MT. Researchers offer guidelines regarding identity-inclusive language, scientific integrity, and clarity of EBPs within MT intervention research with individuals on the autism spectrum.

Effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on sleep quality among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the effect of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise on the sleep quality of patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Breast Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shaanxi Province Tumor Hospital, from July 2017 to June 2019. 110 female breast cancer patients who underwent a radical mastectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed music therapy combined with aerobic exercise from the first to the sixth admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, while the control group received only routine nursing care. The sleep quality of these patients was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A linear mixed model was used to adjust the PSQI of patients after controlling for other confounding factors. RESULTS: The mean sleep quality score of the breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy (baseline) was 8.86 ± 2.34. The intervention group had a significantly lower mean global PSQI score than the control group from the first test to the third test, with an adjusted mean difference of -1.05 (95%CI: -1.86, -0.24; P = 0.01), -2.89 (95%CI: -3.70, -2.08; P < 0.001) and - 4.84 (95%CI: -5.65, -4.03; P < 0.001), respectively. A change in the global PSQI score from baseline for the intervention group was from 0.55 (95%CI: -0.24, 1.34; P = 0.171) at the first test to 2.75 (95%CI: 1.96, 3.53; P < 0.001) at the last test, and for the control group was from - 0.51 (95%CI: -1.31, 0.29; P = 0.213 at the first test to -2.10 (95%CI: -2.91, -1.30; P < 0.001) at the last test. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention of music therapy combined with aerobic exercise can significantly improve the sleep quality of female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after a radical mastectomy, and this intervention continuously improves many aspects of sleep reactivity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042975, 02/02/2021).

The effect of music therapy on non-stress test results and anxiety levels in high-risk pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the effects of music therapy on non-stress test results and anxiety levels in high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in pregnant women who were hospitalized in the High-Risk Pregnancy Service of Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Konya, Turkey, between April 1 and July 31, 2021. In the intervention group (n = 58), a 20-min music therapy with ney sounds was performed, while in the control group (n = 58), routine care practices were applied. Hüseyni maqam of ney was selected, a melodic mode used by Turks for music therapy. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Non-Stress Test Evaluation Form, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: After music therapy, the intervention group experienced increased mean acceleration (p = 0.010) and foetal movement rates (p < 0.001) while no such difference was observed in the control group. The state anxiety levels of pregnant women differed significantly between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that music therapy reduced state anxiety levels in pregnant women by a factor of 4.6 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, music therapy was found to enhance acceleration and foetal heart rate in high-risk pregnant women while reducing state anxiety levels.

An Intergenerational Telehealth Music Therapy Group Intervention to Improve Grandparents' Meaning in life.

The lockdown policies in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic hampered familial grandparents-grandchildren relations. There is initial evidence that older adults' meaning in life and will-to-live decreased. Grandparents could no longer meet their grandchildren in person. In response, we utilized an intergenerational telehealth music therapy group intervention during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-four pairs of grandparents and grandchildren enrolled in a quasi-experimental study with an intervention and waitlist control group. Twenty-one pairs of grandparents-grandchildren participated in a weekly virtual group music therapy intervention (via Zoom) for 8 weeks (experimental group) and the remainder were waitlisted and received no intervention (control group). Participants in both groups completed the same questionnaires in parallel before and after the intervention. The grandparents' meaning in life, will-to-live and behavioral grandparenthood increased compared to no change observed in the control group. Further research with randomized-controlled treatment is recommended.

Effect of music therapy on anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically evaluate the intervention effect of music therapy on anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients. Randomised controlled trial (RCT) on music therapy for anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients was searched from 7 major databases, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, WOS, CNIC, Wanfang, and Wipro, spanning the period of library construction to 23 October 2023, and the literature screening of music therapy for anxiety or depression in breast cancer patients was carried out by 2 experimentalists, each of whom conducted a literature screening RCT independently of the other anxiety or depression in a RCT. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale; GRADE profiler software for quality of evidence; and RevMan 5.4 was used for effect size merging and forest plots; publication bias tests and sensitivity analyses were performed using Stata 17.0; and standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were used as the effect statistics. A total of 13 RCTs with 1326 subjects (aged 18-70 years) were included in the literature, with a mean PEDro score of 6.8, and the literature was overall of good methodological quality. Meta-analysis showed that music therapy improved anxiety in breast cancer patients (841 cases), with a combined effect size (SMD = - 0.82, 95% CI [- 1.03, - 0.61] and P < 0.001); and improved depression in breast cancer patients (387 cases) with a combined effect size (SMD = - 0.76, 95% CI [- 1.15, - 0.38], P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that music intervention with off-site music (757 cases) and music choice of non-self-selected music (537 cases) had the best effect on anxiety improvement, with corresponding combined effect sizes (SMD = - 0.88, P < 0.001; SMD = - 0.83, P < 0.001), respectively; followed by an intervention length of < 30 min (589 cases), a frequency of 2 times/day (382 cases), and intervention period of 2-3 weeks (101 cases) had the best effect on anxiety improvement, and the corresponding combined effect sizes were (SMD = - 0.80, P < 0.001; SMD = - 0.91, P < 0.001; SMD = - 1.02, P < 0.001), respectively; and the music selection was the choice of one's own favourite music among the expert recommendations (219 cases) (270 cases) had the best effect on the improvement of depressed mood, with combined effect sizes of (SMD = - 1.15, P < 0.001; SMD = - 0.71, P < 0.001) and music with an intervention duration of 30 min (287 cases), an intervention frequency of 1 time/day (348 cases), and an intervention period of 2-4 weeks (120 cases), respectively, with corresponding combined effect sizes of (SMD = - 0.75, P < 0.001; SMD = - 0.86, P < 0.001; SMD = - 1.06, P < 0.001), respectively. Music therapy can improve anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, and the level of evidence is moderate. Although the heterogeneity between studies is high, which may lead to bias in the results, we explored the source of heterogeneity through subgroup and sensitivity analyses, providing a good evidence-based basis for clinical practice. The heterogeneity of anxiety and depression was explored by subgroup analysis, with anxiety due to music duration and music cycle; and depression due to intervention cycles and music duration. Sensitivity analyses also identified music duration and music cycle as contributing to the heterogeneity. Also, this study has some limitations since the included literature did not take into account the duration of the disease, education, and family economic status and did not categorize the age stages. This study found that music therapy improves anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients and the results can be used as a basis for clinical practice and researcher enquiry. This research has been registered on the INPLASY platform ( https://inplasy.com/contact/ ) under the number: INPLASY2023100057.

A Remotely Delivered, Personalized Music Therapy Pilot Intervention for Lonely Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: This study investigated a remotely delivered, therapist-facilitated, personalized music listening intervention for community-dwelling older adults experiencing loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic. We assessed its feasibility and individuals' experiences of social connection and emotional well-being during the intervention. Methods: Ten cognitively unimpaired older adults who endorsed loneliness completed eight weekly sessions with a board-certified music therapist via Zoom. Participants were guided in developing two online personalized music playlists and were asked to listen to playlists for at least one hour daily. Feasibility metrics were attendance, accessibility, and compliance rates. Post-study interview responses were analyzed using a rapid qualitative methodology. Exploratory pre- and post-study measures of loneliness and other aspects of psychological well-being were obtained using validated questionnaires. Results: Ten participants (mean age 75.38 [65 to 85] years, 80% women) were enrolled from March to August 2021. Attendance and compliance rates were 100% and the accessibility rate was 90%. Most participants associated music with positive memories before the program and many reported that the intervention prompted them to reconnect with music or listen to music with greater intention. They cited increased connection from interacting with the music therapist and the music itself, as well as specific positive emotional impacts from integrating music into their daily lives. Median pre- to post-questionnaire measures of psychological function all changed in an improved direction. Discussion: Remotely delivered music therapy may be a promising intervention to promote regular music listening and socioemotional well-being in lonely older adults.

Music to relieve pain and anxiety in cardiac catheterization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectiveto evaluate the effectiveness of using music to relieve pain, anxiety, and change in vital signs in adult and older adult patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.Methodsthis is a systematic review with meta-analysis carried out in October 2022, using 12 data sources, without time or language restrictions. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The "Risk-of-bias tool" was used to assess the risk of bias, the "R CORE Team program: A language and environment for statistical computing" was used to perform the meta-analysis, and the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies. Results: a total of nine studies were included, totaling 1456 participants. The most used tools for measuring anxiety were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Numerical Rating Scale. This was also used to measure pain, in addition to the Visual Analogue Scale. The use of instrumental, classical and relaxing music prevailed, applied using headphones during the painful procedure, at a frequency of 60 to 100bpm and sound intensity of 60-70 dB. There was statistical significance in the use of music in reducing pain, anxiety and systolic blood pressure. Conclusion: music interventions are effective in relieving pain, reducing systolic pressure and anxiety, but indifferent in terms of heart rate, respiratory rate and diastolic pressure. They provide humanization of care, can reduce hospital costs and length of hospital stay.

Rhythm and music for promoting sensorimotor organization in autism: broader implications for outcomes.

Emerging research suggests that music and rhythm-based interventions offer promising avenues for facilitating functional outcomes for autistic individuals. Evidence suggests that many individuals with ASD have music processing and production abilities similar to those of neurotypical peers. These individual strengths in music processing and production may be used within music therapy with a competence-based treatment approach. We provide an updated perspective of how music and rhythm-based interventions promote sensory and motor regulation, and how rhythm and music may then impact motor, social, and communicative skills. We discuss how music can engage and motivate individuals, and can be used intentionally to promote skill acquisition through both structured and flexible therapeutic applications. Overall, we illustrate the potential of music and rhythm as valuable tools in addressing skill development in individuals on the autism spectrum.

Emotion brain network topology in healthy subjects following passive listening to different auditory stimuli.

A large body of research establishes the efficacy of musical intervention in many aspects of physical, cognitive, communication, social, and emotional rehabilitation. However, the underlying neural mechanisms for musical therapy remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the potential neural correlates of musical therapy, focusing on the changes in the topology of emotion brain network. To this end, a Bayesian statistical approach and a cross-over experimental design were employed together with two resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) as controls. MEG recordings of 30 healthy subjects were acquired while listening to five auditory stimuli in random order. Two resting-state MEG recordings of each subject were obtained, one prior to the first stimulus (pre) and one after the final stimulus (post). Time series at the level of brain regions were estimated using depth-weighted minimum norm estimation (wMNE) source reconstruction method and the functional connectivity between these regions were computed. The resultant connectivity matrices were used to derive two topological network measures: transitivity and global efficiency which are important in gauging the functional segregation and integration of brain network respectively. The differences in these measures between pre- and post-stimuli resting MEG were set as the equivalence regions. We found that the network measures under all auditory stimuli were equivalent to the resting state network measures in all frequency bands, indicating that the topology of the functional brain network associated with emotional regulation in healthy subjects remains unchanged following these auditory stimuli. This suggests that changes in the emotion network topology may not be the underlying neural mechanism of musical therapy. Nonetheless, further studies are required to explore the neural mechanisms of musical interventions especially in the populations with neuropsychiatric disorders.

The effect of live music therapy on white matter microstructure in very preterm infants - A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Music therapy (MT) is proposed to enrich the acoustic environment of very preterm infants (VPT) on the neonatal intensive care unit during a vulnerable period of brain development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on the white matter (WM) microstructure. It is hypothesized that MT affects WM integrity in VPT. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial enrolling infants born <32 weeks' gestation. Infants were randomized to MT or standard care. Live MT was provided twice weekly from the second postnatal week onwards by a trained music therapist. At term equivalent age, participants underwent a cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan including sequences for diffusion tensor imaging analysis. Differences in WM microstructure were assessed using tract based spatial statistics with fractional anisotropy. RESULTS: Of 80 infants enrolled, 42 were eligible for diffusion tensor imaging analysis (MT: n = 22, standard care: n = 20). While primary tract based spatial statistics analysis revealed no significant differences between groups, post hoc analysis with uncorrected p-values and a significance threshold of p < 0.01 revealed significant fractional anisotropy differences in several WM tracts including the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, the left forceps minor and left fasciculus uncinatus, the corpus callosum, the left external capsule, and the right corticospinal tract. CONCLUSION: Post hoc analysis results suggest an effect of MT on WM integrity in VPT. Larger studies including long-term outcome are necessary to confirm these effects of MT on WM microstructure and to assess its impact on clinical neurodevelopment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number DRKS00025753.

Interventions through Art Therapy and Music Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Language Disorders, and Learning Disabilities in Pediatric-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.

Traditional pharmacological treatments, although effective, often carry potential side effects, which positions art therapy and music therapy as promising non-pharmacological alternatives to alleviate symptoms and improve social, cognitive, and emotional skills without the associated risks. Through a review in the SCOPUS and WOS databases following the PRISMA protocol, a total of 80 articles were analyzed through a series of determined categories and subcategories of analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence on the efficacy and applicability of art therapy and music therapy in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hyperactivity disorder (HSDD), developmental language disorders, and language learning difficulties, identifying best practices and key areas for future research. Among the main findings is that art therapy and music therapy have a significant impact on symptomatology, behavior, and communication as well as social, cognitive, and emotional skills in the pediatric populations studied. These therapies are highly valued by the participants with a large majority recognizing their adaptability to different educational and clinical contexts. It is concluded that these therapies have a high potential as viable alternatives or complements to traditional pharmacological treatments, justifying their application and further study in broader therapeutic contexts.

Effects of Sound Interventions on the Mental Stress Response in Adults: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Sound therapy methods have seen a surge in popularity, with a predominant focus on music among all types of sound stimulation. There is substantial evidence documenting the integrative impact of music therapy on psycho-emotional and physiological outcomes, rendering it beneficial for addressing stress-related conditions such as pain syndromes, depression, and anxiety. Despite these advancements, the therapeutic aspects of sound, as well as the mechanisms underlying its efficacy, remain incompletely understood. Existing research on music as a holistic cultural phenomenon often overlooks crucial aspects of sound therapy mechanisms, particularly those related to speech acoustics or the so-called "music of speech." OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide an overview of empirical research on sound interventions to elucidate the mechanism underlying their positive effects. Specifically, we will focus on identifying therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change associated with sound interventions. Our analysis will compare the most prevalent types of sound interventions reported in clinical studies and experiments. Moreover, we will explore the therapeutic effects of sound beyond music, encompassing natural human speech and intermediate forms such as traditional poetry performances. METHODS: This review adheres to the methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute and follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist for reporting review studies, which is adapted from the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Our search strategy encompasses PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO or EBSCOhost, covering literature from 1990 to the present. Among the different study types, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, laboratory experiments, and field experiments were included. RESULTS: Data collection began in October 2022. We found a total of 2027 items. Our initial search uncovered an asymmetry in the distribution of studies, with a larger number focused on music therapy compared with those exploring prosody in spoken interventions such as guided meditation or hypnosis. We extracted and selected papers using Rayyan software (Rayyan) and identified 41 eligible papers after title and abstract screening. The completion of the scoping review is anticipated by October 2024, with key steps comprising the analysis of findings by May 2024, drafting and revising the study by July 2024, and submitting the paper for publication in October 2024. CONCLUSIONS: In the next step, we will conduct a quality evaluation of the papers and then chart and group the therapeutic factors extracted from them. This process aims to unveil conceptual gaps in existing studies. Gray literature sources, such as Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, nonindexed conferences, and reference list searches of retrieved studies, will be added to our search strategy to increase the number of relevant papers that we cover. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/54030.

Music-based therapeutic interventions for medical school students with emotional regulation and mental health: a pre-post cohort study.

Purpose: Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health challenges among college students. Music therapy has shown effectiveness in addressing depressive symptoms and enhancing psychosomatic functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-step structured music therapy program in improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among medical school students. Materials and methods: The self-controlled study involved 45 medical school students (21 men and 24 women) aged 18-24 years to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety, common mental health issues among medical school students. Participants underwent psychological assessment using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). An 8-week music therapy intervention, comprising four steps-sociality, interaction, music lessons, and creative expression-was administered. Results: Before-intervention, 55.6% and 15.6% students were identified as suffering from depression and anxiety respectively. Post-intervention, significant reductions in psychological distress, particularly in the Global Severity Index (GSI) and Positive Symptom Total (PST) on the SCL-90 scale, were observed (P < 0.05). Male students exhibited notable improvements in various psychological symptoms compared to females. Junior grade students demonstrated greater improvements, and clinical medicine students exhibited significant enhancements in specific areas post-intervention. Conclusion: The structured music therapy program showed promising results in improving mood and regulating emotions among medical school students. Music therapy holds potential as a holistic approach to address mental health challenges in this demographic.

Neurologic music therapy for non-fluent aphasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: The efficacy of neurologic music therapy (NMT) techniques for the treatment of non-fluent aphasia has been widely accepted by the rehabilitation medical community. However, consensus on which dimensions of speech function can be improved by NMT techniques and standardized intervention dosage remains elusive. This study aimed to provide evidence regarding the efficacy of NMT in improving speech function and explore the optimal intervention dose. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search for randomized clinical trials and open-label trials that evaluated speech functions after NMT. Methods: We searched all papers and reviews published from database inception to July 2023, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CNKI. Statistical analyses were mainly carried out on RevManV5.4.1 and pooled using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was the standardized mean difference (SMD) in speech functions, determined by calculating the change in speech functions score from baseline to the primary endpoint in the NMT group versus the control arm. Results: A total of 11 studies with 329 patients were included. NMT had a positive effect on repetition ability (SMD = 0.37, 95%CI [0.12, 0.62], p < 0.05), but did not lead to significant differences in naming, comprehension, spontaneous speech, or communication. When the intervention time was >20 h, NMT exhibited a significant advantage at improving repetition ability (SMD = 0.43, 95%CI [0.06, 0.79], p < 0.05). Discussion: This study provides evidence supporting the NMT enhancement of repetition ability in patients with non-fluent aphasia. Future large-sample studies are required to determine the optimal intervention dose of music therapy for different subtypes of non-fluent aphasia. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023470313.

Efficacy of tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) in the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous treatment modalities have been suggested for managing tinnitus. Tailor-Made Notched Music Training (TMNMT) is a viable strategy in music therapy for tinnitus management. Many research studies have examined the effectiveness and potential benefits of this intervention. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of TMNMT in treating chronic tinnitus. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis study used a research methodology that covered up until February 2023. The search was conducted across academic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 234 papers were evaluated, and seven relevant clinical trials were included. RESULTS: The meta-analysis, which included five studies using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), showed no statistically significant effect of TMNMT on tinnitus handicap after 3 and 6 months of intervention (dppc2: - 0.99, 95%CI - 2.94 to 0.96; I2 = 79.96%, p = 0.00), (dppc2 - 1.81, 95%CI - 5.63 to 2.01; I2 = 79.96%, p = 0.00). However, four out of five studies using the total Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or its subscale showed positive effects of TMNMT on chronic tinnitus. Unfortunately, there were not enough articles to conduct a meta-analysis on this outcome. CONCLUSION: Although the meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant effect of TMNMT on tinnitus handicap, the large effect size observed after at least 3 months of intervention suggests that this method may potentially decrease tinnitus handicap if more studies are conducted. Due to the limited number of studies, subgroup analysis could not be performed to analyze potential causes of heterogeneity. Therefore, further high-quality clinical trials are necessary to draw a definitive conclusion and evaluate the impact of different variables, techniques, and outcomes.

Philosophical Reflections on Music Therapy Musicianship.

This philosophical inquiry critically examines music therapy musicianship in order to reconceptualize the ways in which musicianship is conceived of and taught in education and training programs in the United States. Through a constructive and critical interaction with historical and extant literature, we seek to create space for the uniqueness of musicianship in our field. We challenge the relevance of the conservatory model, the primacy of the work concept, and the focus on fine art often found in educational settings. In doing so, we align music therapy musicianship with relevant musics, instrumentation, and the unique contextual and relational components of music experiences in our work. We construct multidirectional connections between musicality, musical identity, musicianship, music therapy context, musicking, and the clients'/participants' lifeworld, introducing subconcepts within and between each concept. This co-construction with the literature asserts our identity in education, training, practice, and research. We conclude by offering preliminary guidance that may further develop music therapy musicianship in education and clinical training programs, in alignment with current reports on education.

Generalized music therapy to reduce neuroactive drug needs in critically ill patients. Study protocol for a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are exposed to several physical and emotional stressors, needing analgesic and sedative drugs to tolerate invasive procedures and the harsh intensive care unit (ICU) environment. However, this pharmacological therapy presents several side effects: guidelines suggest using a light sedation target, keeping critically ill patients calm, conscious, and cooperative. Personalized music therapy (MT) can reduce stress and anxiety, decreasing the need for drugs. The aim of the current investigation is to compare different approaches for MT in the ICU: a personalized approach, with music selected by patients/families and listened through headphones, or a generalized approach, with ambient music chosen by a music therapist and transmitted through speakers. PRIMARY OUTCOME: number of days "free from neuroactive drugs" in the first 28 days after ICU admission. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: total amount of neuroactive drugs (midazolam, propofol, morphine, fentanyl, haloperidol), stress during ICU stay (sleep at night, anxiety and agitation, use of physical restraints, stressors evaluated at discharge), the feasibility of generalized MT (interruptions requested by staff members and patients/families). METHODS: Randomized, controlled trial with three groups of critically ill adults: a control group, without MT; a personalized MT group, with music for at least 2 h per day; a generalized MT group, with music for 12.5 h/day, subdivided into fifteen 50-min periods. DISCUSSION: One hundred fifty-three patients are expected to be enrolled. This publication presents the rationale and the study methods, particularly the strategies used to build the generalized MT playlist. From a preliminary analysis, generalized MT seems feasible in the ICU and is positively received by staff members, critically ill patients, and families. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03280329. September 12, 2017.

Musicotherapy mobile applications: what level of evidence and potential role in psychiatric care? A systematic review.

Context: In our times of smartphone ubiquity, mobile applications are an inescapable daily life tool, including in health care. Music therapy has already proven its worth, notably in mental health. Hence, we were interested in the mobile app format for this type of therapy, its level of evidence, how to use it in daily psychiatric care and the leads for future research and innovation. Method: This study carries out a systematic review of scientific literature of this topic on two search engines, PubMed and PubPsych, using these key-words: [(web-application) OR (web-app) OR (smartphone) OR (apps) OR (app)) AND ((music) OR (music therapy) OR (melody)]. Outcome: Out of a total of 282 studies found by keyword, 31 are included in this review. Several outcomes emerge. These studies relate to existing applications like Music Care, Calm or Unwind, on application prototypes or a potential use of music streaming applications on health care. They involve many different populations and clinical situations, including in hospital environments, for patients with chronic illnesses, different age ranges or for the general population. These musical interventions show a significant effect mainly for anxious symptoms, but also for depression, sleep disorders, pain and other psychiatric or psycho-somatic syndromes. These applications have no significant adverse effects. Conclusion: This review shows that music therapy apps have several potentials for improving mental health care. It could assist psychiatric usual care and could potentially lower medication intake. Nevertheless, the studies on the topic are limited and recent but they open prospects for future research.