The Effects of a Rhythm and Music-based Therapy Program and Therapeutic Riding in Late Recovery Phase Following Stroke

Summary

The initiative to the study is based on the fact that various forms of enriched environments and multimodal stimulation are found to have positive influences on motivation and psychosocial well-being and have been shown to facilitate multiple processes in the brain leading to structural regeneration and functional recovery. Since there is a lack of rehabilitation programs that encompass all dimensions of a stroke survivor's life researchers agree upon the need for a rehabilitation program that addresses both the social and physical needs of the patients. The aim with the project is to investigate whether it is possible to improve the life situation among patients with a history of stroke through a rhythm and music method and therapeutic riding. To get insights in the underlying mechanisms our research also focuses on relevant physiological, neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms induced by the interventions. The hypothesis is that both treatment methods will mainly enhance participants' degree of participation.

The study is a randomized controlled trial where about 123 participants (50-75 years old) who had their stroke incident 1 - 5 years ago will be consecutively included and randomly allocated to the following three groups: a) Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm Music Method (RGRM) b) therapeutic riding c) a control group receiving RGRM after 9 months. Treatment proceeds during 12 weeks and evaluation takes place pre- and post intervention, and 12 and 24 weeks after the treatment is finalized. The evaluation consists of a thorough neuropsychological assessment, a physiotherapeutic assessment, sampling of blood and questionnaires covering mental, psychosocial, physical and psychological well-being. Interviews are also conducted in order to map the participants' experiences from the two treatment programs. Specially designed interviews are also planned to be carried through with participants having aphasia.

So far, there is only empirical support suggesting that RGRM has positive effects for individuals with a history of stroke making it significant to carry out research with the aim to contribute to strengthening the evidence of the method. A positive outcome would increase the scientific basis for this alternative treatment thus facilitating further research and implementation in everyday clinical practice.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

RGRM

RGRM is multi-sensory method. The group including 6-8 participants is headed by a certified therapist of the method using a unique note system. The Note system is the combined body of body symbols in red and blue, with the audio codes and movements and be assembled in countless combinations to stimulate different parts of the brain. The movements are exercised by the hands tapping on the knees and feet stamping on the floor without the need for tools other than the body. The RGRM is developed to stimulate mobility, reading and speech, rhythm-esteem, body image, balance, memory, coordination, motor skills, concentration, perseverance and social skills. The group will have two sessions per week during 12 weeks.

OTHER

Therapeutic riding

The horses walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The many textures, sounds, sights, movement experiences of working around a horse provide an enriched sensory environment. The participants gain from the physical benefits of being on a moving horse and are socially and emotionally stimulated by interacting with a horse and the rest of the group. The intervention is headed by educated therapists (occupational therapist and physical therapist), in conjunction with experienced horse handler and specially trained therapy horses. The treatment is held in group format (4-6 participants) twice per week in 12 weeks which runs in sessions where two participants ride at the same time.

OTHER

Receives no intervention

Receives no intervention and acts as a control group in the analyses but will receive rhythm and music therapy after one year, when the long-term follow-up is completed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Sten A Olsson foundation for Research and Culture

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Göteborg University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Christian Blomstrand, Professor · Göteborg University

• Lina Bunketorp Kall, Ph. D. · Göteborg University

• Michael Nilsson, Professor · Göteborg University

• Åsa Lundgren Nilsson, Ph. D. · Göteborg University

• Milos Pekny, Professor · Göteborg University

• Marcela Pekna, Ass prof · Göteborg University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

50 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2010-01-31

Primary Completion

2014-05-30

Completion

2014-06-02

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations