Experimental feasibility pilot study: Music therapy and rehabilitation care following a stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Music therapy enhances awareness of sound perception and musical sensorial experience often highly impaired following a stroke, confirmed by music's neurosciences. The study aims to verify its reception and utility in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) service with professional team and patients.

MATERIAL/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven hospitalized patients were included after stoke (without regular instrumental practice, speech disorder, severe hearing loss nor psychiatric history). They were followed by a music therapist, twice a week, during 40 minutes' individual sessions with improvisation and music listening, from October 2015 to April 2016 with an instrumentarium. The study consisted of analysing self-administered questionnaires, both to patients (after each session) and professionals, on the feeling and the impact on the primary activity of the service.

RESULTS: Thirty-one returned questionnaires among the 47 caregivers indicate that sessions were simple to implement (81%) and carried low restrictive measures (94%). For 90%, music therapy can be easily integrated into the course of the day. For 96%, it did not obstruct the proper functioning of the service. Hundred percent believed that it can be helpful for the patient and can improve practices in PMR. Seventy-three percent noticed an improvement in patients, in particular mood, motivation and self-esteem. Hundred and ten sessions were carried out and appreciated by patients. Ninety-eight percent replied that they felt more relaxed, calm, alert, awake, a feeling of well being and rested.

DISCUSSION - CONCLUSION: Patient compliance and reaction of the team were excellent. Moreover, it was observed that, over the sessions, there had been a progressive development in listening abilities, in creativity and an improvement in rhythmic and melodic skills. Although they were not quantified, it encourages us to continue the study.