Why include music therapy in a neuro-rehabilitation team?

Abstract

Interdisciplinary neuro-rehabilitation programmes can be enhanced by including music therapy as music interventions can incorporate a patient’s goals across behavioural domains. Neurologically, music is intrinsically motivating, drives motor function and elicits emotional responses. Incorporating live music delivered by trained and qualified professionals ensures interventions are tailored to patients’ needs and goals, assisting with engagement and adherence to treatment. The evidence for the effects of music therapy in neuro-rehabilitation is reviewed, with reference to a recent Cochrane Review.