In a study from the University of Helsinki, scientists found that singing could support stroke rehabilitation.
They found that singing-based group rehabilitation can support the communication and speech production of patients and increase social activity even during the chronic phase of stroke.
The burden experienced among the family caregivers participating in the study also decreased notably.
Approximately 40% of stroke survivors experience aphasia, a difficulty with comprehending or producing spoken or written language.
In half of these cases, the language impairment still persists for one-year post-stroke. Aphasia has wide-ranging effects on the ability to function and quality of life of stroke survivors and easily leads to social isolation.
Previous research has found that the ability to sing can be retained even in severe aphasia. However, the use of singing, especially choral singing, in aphasia rehabilitation has not been widely studied.
The current study utilized a wide variety of singing elements, such as choral singing, melodic intonation therapy, and tablet-assisted singing training.
In melodic intonation therapy, speech production is practiced gradually by utilizing melody and rhythm to progress from singing to speech production.
In the study, rehabilitation sessions were led by a trained music therapist and a trained choir conductor.
In addition to speech therapy, melodic intonation therapy has been used to some extent in aphasia rehabilitation. Therapy has typically been implemented as individual therapy, requiring plenty of resources.
According to the researchers, singing-based group rehabilitation should be utilized in health care as part of aphasia rehabilitation.
If you care about stroke, please read studies that diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk, and a MIND diet could slow down cognitive decline after stroke.
For more information about stroke, please see recent studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and scientists find the key to surviving a stroke.
The study was conducted by Sini-Tuuli Siponkoski et al and published in the journal Brain Communications.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
