P298 Can music enhance movement intention?

Abstract

Objective Active participation of patients themselves in rehabilitation is a vital factor for the stroke recovery. Since music can create positive emotion and sometimes trigger spontaneous movements, such as dancing, combination of music and rehabilitation might be beneficial in improving patients’ mental and physical functions. To clarify the influence of music on human movement intention and to establish the significance of rehabilitation combined with music, we tested whether music may activate the cortical preparation of voluntary movement. Methods Fifteen healthy right-handed subjects were recruited. The task was to voluntarily press the button by using the right index finger at their own paces (every 5–10 s apart). Two conditions with different auditory stimulation were performed; music and non-musical sounds (reversed music). The movement-related cortical potentials (MRCP) were recorded for the central electrodes (C3, C1, Cz, C2, C4). The early and later parts (from −1000 to −500 ms and from −500 to 0 ms, respectively) of MRCP were statistically analyzed. Results As a result, the later MRCP amplitudes were significantly larger in the music condition than those in the non-music condition. In contrast, the earlier MRCP was not affected by the music. Discussion It is suggested that the combined use of music might activate the movement readiness condition, which can be achieved through the mental and motivational process of the brain. Conclusions Music may enhance the cortical preparatory process for movements, including mental effects. Significance Using music together with rehabilitation may be useful for long-term rehabilitation.