Resources & references

This pilot controlled prospective and cohort trial assessed feasibility and effects of twice-weekly group West African drum circle classes for 6 weeks on Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients’ quality of life, symptoms, motor findings, cognition, and mood. Drum circle classes significantly and reversibly improved quality of life in patients with PD.

This article reviews the use of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) to improve gait and other motor behaviors in Parkinson's Disease (PD). It aims to appraise the current state of knowledge in order to direct further neuroimaging studies about the therapeutic effects of rhythm and music based interventions for motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. 

Music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals

This video presents how music therapy is being used in Calgary to help individuals with neurological conditions work towards their goals.  It includes patient testimonies and perspectives from a music therapist.  

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 Elizabeth Stegemöller presents at the TEDx Iowa State University event on music therapy and its impacts on the brain. She is a music therapist and utilizes music therapy to treat people with Parkinson's disease.

A music therapy group for individual's with Parkinson's disease is hosted on a weekly basis at Drury University. A music therapist and participants share how the sessions improve neurorehabilitation and symptom management through drumming, instrument playing, and singing.  The text includes an audio excerpt embedded in the article.

This  systematic review examines existing scientific literature on the effects of music therapy on individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Results display a great diversity of evidence, confirming positive effects on in motor, communication, emotional, and cognitive skills.

Research article about how neurologic music therapy can enhance neurorehabilitation among stroke patients, traumatic brain injury, autistic individuals, and those with learning disabilities.

Valérie Saulnier, a professional singer and music therapist presents the benefits and applications of music therapy for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Music can help them regain fluid motion, improve cognitive abilities, enhance coordination, facilitate rhythmic movement, and support social and emotional functioning. 

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an interdisciplinary singing-based therapeutic intervention (ParkinSong) on voice and communication in people with Parkinson’s disease. The results show that ParkinSong is an engaging intervention with the potential to increase loudness and respiratory function in people with mild to moderately severe PD.

The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an online mode of delivery for a Parkinson’s singing intervention (ParkinSong) as well as remote data collection procedures. This mode of delivery aims to increase the accessibility of singing interventions.

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that affects movement, among other skills. Kerry Willis, a board certified music therapist, explains how neurologic music therapy enhances neurorehablitation through movement, singing, and instrument playing.