Vocal music enhances memory and language recovery after stroke: pooled results from two RCTs.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Previous studies suggest that daily music listening can aid stroke recovery, but little is known about the stimulus-dependent and neural mechanisms driving this effect. Building on neuroimaging evidence that vocal music engages extensive and bilateral networks in the brain, we sought to determine if it would be more effective for enhancing cognitive and language recovery and neuroplasticity than instrumental music or speech after stroke.

Methods

Using data pooled from two single-blind randomized controlled trials in stroke patients (N = 83), we compared the effects of daily listening to self-selected vocal music, instrumental music, and audiobooks during the first 3 poststroke months. Outcome measures comprised neuropsychological tests of verbal memory (primary out

SUBMITTER: Sihvonen AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7664275 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature