EFFECTS OF MUSIC THERAPY ON POST-STROKE APHASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Weijing Liao* and Tung Yi Lee

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of music therapy in post-stroke aphasia, particularly in language communication function and well-being quality of life compared with speech therapy or no therapy. Methods: We performed computerized electronic databases and websites searches in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PEDro and Google Scholar on 20 July 2022. The eligible studies, data extraction, and evaluation of the methodological quality were independently screened out by two reviewers. Outcomes were analyzed into four sections of language communication function and well-being quality of life. Results were pooled using standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We identified a total of six eligible studies involving 231 patients. There was significant mean difference in functional communication for post-stroke aphasia by 0.46 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.85; P=0.02), in naming by 0.34 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.65; P=0.04), and in repetition by 0.37 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.67; P = 0.01). But there was no significant difference in comprehension by 0.15 (95% CI: −0.17, 0.47; P = 0.35) and in well-being quality of life for post-stroke aphasia by -0.05 (95% CI: -0.36, 0.25; P = 0.73). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows a significant effect of music therapy on improving functional communication, naming and repetition but did not significantly improve comprehension and well-being quality of life. Future larger sample size is necessary in order to explore and provide definite evidence on the efficacy of music therapy on the recovery of post-stroke aphasia.

Keywords: Post-stroke, Aphasia, Music therapy, Melodic intonation therapy.