Active Music Therapy Research Articles

A review of artificial intelligence methods enabled music-evoked EEG emotion recognition and their applications.

Music is an archaic form of emotional expression and arousal that can induce strong emotional experiences in listeners, which has important research and practical value in related fields such as emotion regulation. Among the various emotion recognition methods, the music-evoked emotion recognition method utilizing EEG signals provides real-time and direct brain response data, playing a crucial role in elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying music-induced emotions. Artificial intelligence technology has greatly facilitated the research on the recognition of music-evoked EEG emotions. AI algorithms have ushered in a new era for the extraction of characteristic frequency signals and the identification of novel feature signals. The robust computational capabilities of AI have provided fresh perspectives for the development of innovative quantitative models of emotions, tailored to various emotion recognition paradigms. The discourse surrounding AI algorithms in the context of emotional classification models is gaining momentum, with their applications in music therapy, neuroscience, and social activities increasingly coming under the spotlight. Through an in-depth analysis of the complete process of emotion recognition induced by music through electroencephalography (EEG) signals, we have systematically elucidated the influence of AI on pertinent research issues. This analysis offers a trove of innovative approaches that could pave the way for future research endeavors.

Introduction to Guitar Techniques and Genres for the Utilization in Improvised Active Music Therapy

Abstract Guitar is a popular instrument for music therapy clinicians and students because it is portable and musically versatile. Guitar training is increasingly shared through music therapy literature, professional conferences, and workshops. However, there is still a lack of literature regarding the use of guitar improvization techniques for beginner and intermediate-level music therapists. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the first simplified and standardized guitar methodological system for beginner and intermediate-level music therapy students and clinicians for the use in Improvised Active Music Therapy sessions in neurological rehabilitation. Improving guitar skills is important to increase confidence among students and clinicians and to enhance clinical outcomes. The manuscript is divided into two groups of exercises. The first group consists of four exercises with chord progressions. The second group consists of six strumming exercises. The strumming exercises should be combined with the chord progressions in the first group to expand upon the first position and aesthetic qualities. The exercises incorporate extended, chromatic, and suspended chords in Rock & Roll, Blues, Hip-Hop and rap, Reggae, folk, country, Latin American, and Spanish styles in key of E major. The goal is to stimulate the skill of music therapy students and clinicians, and perhaps add some extra motivation and ideas for guitar improvization skills to enhance clinical outcomes.

How does group music therapy help in combating the anxiety and depression of dementia patients? A quasi-experimental investigation

This study looked at the effect of group music therapy on dementia patients' levels of feelings of depression and anxiety. Quasi-experiment was carried out (N = 121) in which patients were randomly divided into a control (N = 61) and an experimental group (N = 60). Following a six-weeks, twelve-sessions trial involving both passive and active music therapy, it was discovered that the music group therapy intervention decreased the anxiety and depression levels of dementia patients in the experimental group as compared to the control group, which did not receive any music therapy. It was also noted that after three months of follow-up, participants in the experimental group still maintained a low level of anxiety and depression, but the control group's level remained high, therefore, substantiating the effect of music in lowering anxiety and depression among older ones. We urge the nursing descipline, medical professionals, carers, and care homes to include music therapy in the care they provide for patients with dementia.

The Sound of Memory: Investigating Music Therapy's Cognitive Benefits in Patients with Dementia-A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Numerous previous studies have shown the effectiveness of music therapy in enhancing cognitive functions in patients with dementia. Despite this, robust evidence in this field, especially concerning the comparison of different music therapy types, is lacking. Therefore, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on music therapy and cognitive functions in dementia patients, termed by "music" AND "dementia" OR "Alzheimer's disease" AND "cognitive", were identified from primary electronic databases to conduct this network meta-analysis (NMA). The primary outcome focused on the impact on cognitive functions, and the secondary outcome was the comparison of dropout rates between the intervention groups and the usual care control groups. Standardized mean difference (SMD) values and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for effect evaluation. This study protocol has been registered in IPLASY (INPLASY202430082). A total of 14 RCTs with 1056 participants were enrolled, examining interventions including Active Music Therapy (AMT), Active Music Therapy with Singing (AMT + Sing), Rhythmic Music Therapy (RMT), Listening to Music (LtM), and Singing (Sing). The results indicated that RMT, AMT + Sing, and AMT all significantly improve cognitive functions in dementia patients, of which the SMD were 0.76 (95% CI = 0.32-1.21), 0.79 (95% CI = 0.03-1.49), and 0.57 (0.18-0.96), respectively. Compared with the control group (usual care), no music therapy type was associated with an increased dropout risk. In conclusion, music therapy can improve cognitive functions in patients with dementia without increasing the risk of dropout, particularly RMT, AMT + Sing, and AMT.

The place and role of the civil sector in the inclusive education and development of children with Williams syndrome (also) through music

Williams syndrome (WS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder. Approximately 1 in every 20 000 people has WS. Because of this, most people have never even met a child with WS. WS occupies a unique place among genetic disorders because of the fact that, in addition to a unique mix of difficulties, symptoms and abnormalities, some of their abilities and performance in certain intellectual areas are adequate or average, and in many cases above average. Relatively high level of ability includes good communication skills, outstanding verbal skills, sociability and good musical abilities with highly sensitive hearing, good musical pitch and musicality, and a very positive attitude towards music. As is typically the case for rare disorders, the most important pillar of their advocacy is the civil sphere, where NGOs and foundations support WS children and families. The great affinity and positive relationship with music justifies that a prominent part of development and inclusion are specifically music-related activities, music therapy activities. The main objective of our research is to map NGOs in Europe and beyond whose activities focus on WS patients and their families. The basis for mapping the organizations is to summarize their aims, activities and achievements and to highlight their music-related activities in line with the mission of inclusion. Our main objective is to show that the development and rehabilitation of WS patients through music and musical activities is a significant and integral part of their care within the organized framework and possibilities of the civil sector.

The impact of group music therapy in ameliorating the depression among patients with dementia in care homes: A randomized control trial

Despite the increasing use of music therapy to treat patients with dementia, studies focused on developing nations are still in their embryonic stages. In this view, this study examined the impact of group music therapy intervention in ameliorating depression levels among older people in two care homes. A randomized control trial (RCT) was carried out in which a total of 121 patients were randomly divided into control 61 and experimental group 60. After 6 weeks, 12-session experiment which involved passive and active music therapy, it was found that music group therapy intervention reduced the depression level of older persons in the experimental group, compared to those who were not exposed to the music therapy; control group. The music therapy session also influenced the salivary cortisol of the patients as it was shown to reduce their salivary cortisol levels. It was also observed that after three months of follow-up, participants in the experimental group still maintained a low level of depression and salivary cortisol level, but the control group's level was still high, thus, substantiating the effect of music in reducing depression among older people. We encouraged clinicians, nursing practitioners and care homes in Nigeria to incorporate music therapy as part of the treatment offered to patients with dementia.

Multifaceted Music Therapy for Depression in Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various music therapy interventions in ameliorating depressive symptoms in dementia patients, utilizing a network meta-analysis approach. We rigorously selected randomized controlled trials focused on music therapy for dementia with depressive symptoms from major electronic databases. The primary outcome measured was the impact on depressive symptoms, with the secondary outcome evaluating dropout rates across different intervention groups and standard care control groups. The research protocol has been duly registered with PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023393059). Our network meta-analysis incorporated 14 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1080 participants and examined a range of interventions, including active music therapy, listening to music, rhythmic music therapy, singing, and tailored music interventions. The analysis revealed that active music therapy combined with singing emerged as the most effective intervention, demonstrating a significant improvement in depressive symptoms in dementia patients (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = -0.89, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -1.48 to -0.30). In contrast, listening to music alone showed a smaller effect (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.71 to 0.20). This study was particularly noteworthy for not showing higher dropout rates compared to standard care, indicating its feasibility and acceptability in clinical settings. The findings of our study indicate that active music therapy combined with singing is an effective approach to reducing depressive symptoms in dementia patients, potentially due to enhanced social interaction. These results offer new perspectives for dementia care, suggesting a promising direction for further research and clinical application.

The Effectiveness of Active Music Therapy on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Adolescents Aged 11-14 with Stargardt Disease

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of active music therapy on anxiety and sleep quality in adolescents aged 11-14 with Stargardt disease. Methods and Materials: The current research is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and a control group. In this study, 20 patients with Stargardt disease were selected through convenience sampling and divided into two groups: experimental and control (10 individuals each). They responded to the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory and the Petersburg Sleep Quality Index. Subsequently, training sessions were conducted, followed by post-tests and a one-month follow-up. The research data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and the covariance analysis method. Findings: The findings indicated that active music therapy was effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in adolescents with Stargardt disease (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Music therapy is an affordable, effective, and side-effect-free method that can be introduced for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Health-related centers can utilize it to create better living conditions for such individuals

Music as a Language

The number of children in western countries diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS), a disease caused by chromosomal abnormalities, is still increasing. The resulting delayed cognitive development also leads to deficits in social functioning in children under 12. Active music therapy (MT), as a natural intervention to achieve therapeutic functions through improvisation, performance, and singing, has been proven to promote the socialization development of children with DS. To get a better idea of the extent of the promotion and exactly what aspects it has improved, I conducted literature reviews and interviews with a music therapist. The results suggest that active MT can stimulate the socialization development of children under 12 with DS in three aspects: language skills, social-emotional development, and prosocial behavior. Although the improvement effect of active MT is better than that of passive MT, it requires the client to have a basis of music theory, that is, it requires higher requirements on the client, so the treatment method should be selected according to the severity of the client's DS or a combination of the two. Hence, future research could be aimed at finding the simplest interventions with sufficient client engagement and verifying the continuation of the effect of active MT.

Research on the Effectiveness and Efficacy of the Music Therapy Methods in the Treatment of Depression

Due to the side effects or unsuitability of traditional therapies for some patient groups, there is a need for a new form of depression treatment. Therefore, society has turned its attention to music therapy, which has been shown to have significant effects in the treatment of mental illness and depression. This paper categorizes music therapy methods into active and passive music therapy methods for separate exploration and comparison. Active music therapy methods are further divided into improvisation, creative (composition), and re-creative. The effectiveness of passive music therapy methods in the treatment of depression mainly lies in improving patients sleep and promoting beneficial emotions. The effectiveness of active music therapy methods mainly includes the relief of physical pain, the increase of positive emotions, the relief of anxiety, and the increase of social interaction ability. The receptive therapy group reaches the peak of treatment effect faster, but the active therapy group has a higher peak effect.

College music education on students’ psychological anxiety in aesthetic education psychology

BackgroundMusic education, as a special form of art education, has a unique function of aesthetic education and psychological guidance. However, its specific impact on reducing students’ psychological anxiety has not received sufficient attention and research.Subjects and MethodsA randomized controlled experimental design was adopted in this study. 200 college students were selected as research objects and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group, 100 in each group. The intervention group received a semester of music education, including learning music theory knowledge, participating in choir, receiving music therapy and other activities, while the control group maintained regular learning. Both groups of students were asked to complete the anxiety self-rating scale before and after the experiment to evaluate the change of their psychological anxiety level. The statistical software is SPSS23.0.ResultsAfter the experiment, the self-rating anxiety scale score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that before the experiment, and significantly lower than that of the control group. Further data analysis shows that music education has a significant effect on reducing students’ psychological anxiety.ConclusionsFrom the perspective of aesthetic education psychology, music education can effectively reduce the psychological anxiety of college students. This may be related to the fact that music education can provide a good emotional outlet, enhance students’ self-cognition and self-efficacy, and thus improve their psychological state.

Enhancing emotional well-being through active music listening: A study on the effects of music rhythm games on mood improvement in Hong Kong University Students

Anxiety and depression are growing problems worldwide, and the massive disruption of mental health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more accessible and convenient digital tools for mental health care. Music therapy has been recognized as an effective non-invasive treatment for mental illnesses, but little research has been done on the therapeutic effects of active music therapy in digital formats. This paper investigates the effectiveness of active music therapy in a music rhythm game format for improving mood and examines the impact of five different song sequencing methods (random, all-relaxed, all-upbeat, upbeat-to-relaxed, and relaxed-to-upbeat) on therapeutic outcomes. Listening tests were conducted with 89 subjects (all university students in Hong Kong) to analyze changes in valence and arousal. The results indicate that all proposed song sequencing methods positively increased arousal levels, while all methods, except all-upbeat, significantly increased valence levels. All-relaxed and all-upbeat gave the best increase in arousal. Upbeat-to-relaxed and relaxed-to-upbeat gave the best increase in valence. All-relaxed and upbeat-to-relaxed were most effective in increasing both arousal and valence. The study also found that tailored recommendations based on subjects' initial arousal and valence levels and levels of anxiety and depression can further improve therapeutic outcomes.

Music as a Language: Assessing the Extent to Which Active Music Therapy Promotes Socialization Development for Children Under 12 with Down Syndrome

Music as a Language: <b>Assessing the Extent to Which Active Music Therapy Promotes Socialization Development for Children Under 12 with Down Syndrome</b>

Effectiveness of music-based interventions to address well-being in people with a vision impairment: a scoping review

ObjectivesThe objectives of this review were to identify the types of music-based interventions and associated accessibility challenges for people who have visual impairment (VI) and their reported effects on psychological,...

Music as A Therapeutic Medium at Kyai Ageng Majapahit Semarang Orphanage Foundation

Music plays several significant roles in life, one of which is as a medium for healing and therapy. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the utilization of music as a therapeutic medium at the Kyai Ageng Majapahit Orphanage Foundation in Semarang. The use of music as a therapeutic medium at the Kyai Ageng Majapahit Orphanage Foundation in Semarang is evident in terms of the musical form and the application process. This study employed qualitative descriptive method. The data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis used interactive model, and data validity was ensured through triangulation of data, sources, and time. The findings reveal that the form of music employed in music therapy activities at the Kyai Ageng Majapahit Orphanage Foundation in Semarang involves the use of tambourine musical instrument. The process of music therapy itself takes place in the school building's hall owned by the Kyai Ageng Majapahit Orphanage Foundation in Semarang, and employs specific methods and considers various crucial aspects throughout the music therapy process. The objective of music therapy activities utilizing tambourine is not only entertainment but also serves as a relaxation therapy medium for foster children, particularly those with anxiety disorders.&#x0D;

The Effect of Positive Psychology-based Singing-based Music Therapy Activities on Problem Behavior of Foreign Students

The Effect of Positive Psychology-based Singing-based Music Therapy Activities on Problem Behavior of Foreign Students

The use of music therapy to address psychosocial needs of informal caregivers: An integrative review

In 2020 there were estimated to be 117 million Americans who needed care assistance, which continues to rise as the aging population increases. The complexities of caregiving duties, the balance of employment, and how long caregiving duties last contribute to caregiver physiological and psychological health needs. Music therapy, an interdisciplinary health profession incorporating patient-and-family centered care, is an effective nonpharmacological approach for psychosocial health needs, including those effecting informal caregivers. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and analyze the existent music therapy literature addressing psychosocial needs of informal caregivers. Studies were obtained through a computer-assisted search using OneSearch platform, ProQuest Databases, and a manual search of pertinent journals based on the established criteria. The search produced (N = 50) studies, which were appraised for quality utilizing Cuenca & Crawford’s (2011) Evidence Leveling System (ELS). Three categories were developed to sort and synthesize the literature including articles with interventions targeting joint informal caregiver (ICG) and care receiver (CR) participation (n = 30), ICG specific participation (n = 12), and CR specific participation (n = 8). Most studies utilized an experimental design (n = 15) and incorporated a variety of active music therapy techniques in a group format (n = 10) or songwriting (n = 13).

A 12-month randomised pilot trial of the Alzheimer’s and music therapy study: a feasibility assessment of music therapy and physical activity in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease

BackgroundThe Alzheimer’s and Music Therapy (ALMUTH) study is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) design with 12 months of active non-pharmacological therapy (NPT) implementing music therapy (MT) and physical activity (PA) for participants with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the present article is to retrospectively examine the inclusion of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease patients into the main ALMUTH study protocol and to determine if continued inclusion of AD patients is warranted.MethodsThe randomised pilot trial was conducted as a parallel three-arm RCT, reflecting the experimental design of the ALMUTH study. The trial was conducted in Bergen, Norway, and randomisation (1:1:1) was performed by an external researcher. The study was open label and the experimental design features two active NPTs: MT and PA, and a passive control (no intervention, CON) in Norwegian speaking patients with AD who still live at home and could provide informed consent. Sessions were offered once per week (up to 90 min) up to 40 sessions over 12 months. Baseline and follow-up tests included a full neuropsychological test battery and three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements (structural, functional, and diffusion weighted imaging). Feasibility outcomes were assessed and were determined as feasible if they met the target criteria.ResultsEighteen participants with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD were screened, randomised, and tested once at baseline and once after 12-months. Participants were divided into three groups: MT (n = 6), PA (n = 6), and CON (n = 6). Results of the study revealed that the ALMUTH protocol in patients with AD was not feasible. The adherence to the study protocol was poor (50% attended sessions), with attrition and retention rates at 50%. The recruitment was costly and there were difficulties acquiring participants who met the inclusion criteria. Issues with study fidelity and problems raised by staff were taken into consideration for the updated study protocol. No adverse events were reported by the patients or their caregivers.ConclusionsThe pilot trial was not deemed feasible in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. To mitigate this, the ALMUTH study has expanded the recruitment criteria to include participants with milder forms of memory impairment (pre-AD) in addition to expanding the neuropsychological test battery. The ALMUTH study is currently ongoing through 2023.Trial registrationNorsk Forskningsråd (NFR) funded. Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC-WEST: reference number 2018/206). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03444181 (registered retrospectively 23 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03444181).

Effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with ADHD by activating serotonin and improving stress coping ability

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by activating serotonin (5-HT) and improving stress coping ability.MethodsThis study is designed based on randomization method. A total of 36 subjects participated in the experiment, consisting of an ADHD control group (n = 18) and ADHD music therapy group (n = 18). The ADHD control group received standard care, while the ADHD music therapy group received music therapy and standard care. The ADHD music therapy group received both active music therapy (improvisation) and receptive music therapy (music listening) for 50 minutes, twice a week, for 3 months: a total of 24 times. From a neurophysiological perspective, changes in depression and stress were tracked by measuring 5-HT secretion, cortisol expression, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and CDI and DHQ psychological scales.ResultsThe ADHD music therapy group’s 5-HT secretion increased (p < 0.001), whereas cortisol expression (p < 0.001), BP (p < 0.001) and HR (p < 0.001) decreased. The CDI and DHQ psychological scales also showed positive changes (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the ADHD Con G’s (who did not receive music therapy) 5-HT secretion did not increase, whereas cortisol expression, BP, and HR did not decrease. In addition, the CDI and DHQ psychological scales did not display positive changes.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the application of music therapy as an alternative treatment for ADHD children and adolescents showed positive neurophysiological and psychological effects. Therefore, this study would like to propose a new alternative to medicine for preventing and treating depression through various uses of music therapy.

The Social Interaction Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Relevant Interventions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involved with genetic mutations. The individual's aberrant social communication and interaction and restricted repetitive behaviours are the manifestations. ASD can be diagnosed as young as age 2. ASD is classified as high functioning and low functioning disorders based on intelligence. Factors that influence ASD include "Theory of Mind" (ToM) and social Interaction, in which individuals with ASD have severe difficulty in understanding the thoughts of others, such as their emotions, feelings, beliefs, and opinions. This review is a retrospective study on social interaction impairment in ASD and the relevant interventions. This paper aims to evaluate social communication barriers and their impacts on school functioning, as well as the atypical social attention development during the early stage of ASD. The interventions are mainly divided into parent-child companionship, music therapy, video therapy, and active physical activity. There are still limitations in this review. Most of the methods quoted in the literature adopted cross-sectional designs, and the experimental techniques are relatively narrow. In addition, most intervention programs focused on the early developmental stage. More attention should be paid to the transition between developmental stages in the future. This review can provide some guidance to future intervention research and practice in the special education area for ASD.