Singing supports stroke recovery in aphasia patients

Singing may be a potential tool to facilitate communication and psychosocial outcomes in patients with post-stroke aphasia, researchers report. brain communication.

“Aphasia is a highly debilitating condition that impairs the ability to communicate, causes social isolation, and reduces emotional well-being.” Sini-Turi Siponkoski,doctorate, Written by University of Helsinki, Finland and colleagues.

Siponkoski and colleagues sought to determine the efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and speech production, affective social functioning, and caregiver well-being in aphasic patients.

A total of 54 patients with brain injury and chronic aphasia were recruited with family caregivers for the study.

The authors randomly assigned participants to two groups. The patient received a 4-month singing intervention during the first or second half of the study in addition to standard care. The intervention consisted of weekly group-based training, including choir singing and melody intonation, and tablet-assisted singing training at home.

Patients were evaluated at baseline, 5 months, and 9 months with tests and questionnaires on communication and speech, mood, social functioning, and quality of life. Family caregivers received a burden questionnaire.

Of the 54 patients, 50 were included in the linear mixed model analysis. Compared with standard care, the singing intervention group improved daily communication and responsive speech from baseline to her 5-month stage. These changes were maintained longitudinally over 9 months.

In addition, the intervention enhanced patient social participation and reduced caregiver burden.

“Our study is the first to involve caregivers in rehabilitation and assess their psychological well-being,” Siponkoski said in a press release from the University of Helsinki. “In addition to training in speech production, group-based rehabilitation offers both patients and their families an excellent opportunity for peer-her support.”

reference:

Singing supports stroke rehabilitation. https://www.helsinki.fi/en/news/brain/singing-supports-stroke-rehabilitation. Published December 29, 2022. Accessed 29 December 2022.