Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Improving Upper Limb Motor Function of Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Music-supported therapy (MST) has emerged as an innovative approach in physical therapy, particularly in the rehabilitation of stroke patients who experience limitations in upper limb movement. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term motor impairment, underscoring the importance of effective therapeutic interventions. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) serves as a standardized assessment tool for evaluating upper limb motor performance among individuals recovering from stroke. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of MST using a tambourine in enhancing upper limb motor function among patients with chronic stroke, compared to the conventional physical therapy approach. Three participants from the City Health Office–Biñan underwent six treatment sessions each. Assessments were conducted before and after both the standard therapy and MST interventions using the WMFT. Results indicated improvements in upper limb motor function across both treatment types. However, statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed that these improvements were not significant. Despite the absence of statistically significant findings, the integration of rhythmic, music-based activities—specifically those involving the tambourine—appeared to increase patient engagement and motivation during therapy. The researchers concluded that continuous participation in MST may contribute to functional enhancement in upper limb movement among chronic stroke patients.

Keywords: Music-supported Therapy; Chronic Stroke; Wolf Motor Function Test; Physical Therapy; Tambourine

Citation

CitationHere https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20688823