Playing Piano to Improve Hand Function Early After Stroke

Launched by MCGILL UNIVERSITY · Sep 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether playing the piano can help improve hand function in people recovering from a stroke. Specifically, the study is looking at how feasible it is to include piano training in the rehabilitation process and whether participants find these sessions enjoyable and helpful. The researchers want to compare the effects of piano training to standard therapy on skills like hand movements, coordination, and even mood.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be 18 years or older and must have had their first stroke within the last 24 weeks. They should also be able to follow simple instructions and have some ability to move their arms and fingers. Those with significant cognitive issues or prior piano experience will not be included. If chosen for the study, participants in the piano group will attend two 45-minute sessions each week for six weeks, along with additional home practice. The other group will receive standard occupational therapy. This research could offer new insights into improving recovery after a stroke through creative activities like music.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have normal/corrected visual and auditory acuity
• • Present a first-ever supratentorial unilateral stroke (1-24 weeks post-stroke)
• • Present some capacity of dissociation of arm and finger movements, as reflected by scores of 3 to 6 on the arm and hand components of the Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment
• • Have the capacity to follow simple instructions
• • Have no professional piano experience (only for the piano group)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Presence of visual field defect, hemineglect as well as dementia or moderate-to-severe cognitive deficits (score less than 18 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment).