Music listening in the rehabilitation of post-ischemic stroke cognitive impairment 2 patients: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To measure the effects of music listening on post-ischemic stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and to provide reference for better rehabilitation to patients with PSCI.

Methods: 34 patients with PSCI were randomly divided into music (n=18) and control (n=16) groups. Both groups received standard routine care for stroke. Music group patients received self-administered music listening sessions. For three months, they listened to a customized playlist based on the individual’s cultural, ethnic, and social background, life experiences, as well as personal taste for music. Control group patients, on the other hand, listened to white noise as placebo. Cognitive function, neurological function, mood, and activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI). Caregiver strain was also assessed using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results: After three months of treatment, MoCA mean scores were significantly higher in the music group compared with the control group (p<0.05), particularly in the domains of delayed memory and orientation (p<0.05). NHISS, BI, and ZBI mean scores were significantly better in the music group (p<0.05 in BI; p<0.01 in NHISS and ZBI) than in the control group. As for mood outcomes, HAMA and HAMD mean differences were nonsignificant within groups.

Conclusions: Music listening can promote the recovery of cognitive and neurological functions, enhance ADLs, and reduce caregiver burden.