Resources & references

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The purpose of our database is to provide an easy access to knowledge about music therapy and its application with a diverse array of clientele.  We therefore propose a selection of pertinent* references, however not exhaustive, given that each week more research and other information are published around the world. 

Language
Type of reference
Clients
Format

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Note (*) : the Institute does not endorse any promotional content, publicity or donation requests that might be included in any of the references.

288 results
A home-based walking program using rhythmic auditory stimulation improves gait performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
2010
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Dwyer Conklyn, Darlene Stough, Eric Novak, Sarah Paczak, Kamal Chemali, Francois Bethoux
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair

This research article explores the effects of a neurologic music therapy technique called rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). The results demonstrated that a home-based program using RAS can improve walking velocity, cadence, stride length, and step length.

How and why music therapy reduces distress and improves well-being in advanced dementia care: a realist review
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Naomi Thompson, Helen Odell-Miller, Benjamin R. Underwood et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Nature mental health

People with advanced dementia are at increased risk of institutionalization and experiencing distress. This study uses existing research to demonstrate that music therapy can effectively help reduce agitation and improve well-being within interpersonal contexts in long-term care.

How Does Music Therapy Help with Addiction Treatment?
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Addiction Rehab
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Addiction Rehab Toronto

This article is published by a center that offers services to facilitate the rehabilitation of clients that suffer from substance abuse/dependency, using proven traditional methods in conjunction with a holistic approach. The article presents how music therapy works and how it can help to contribute in the treatment for addiction recovery.

How Music can Heal our Brain and Heart
2015
Type of reference
General information
Author
Kathleen M. Howland
Language
English
Source / Publisher
TED Talks

Music therapy is an ancient and yet very modern practice that has the power to heal and transform our brains and bodies in significant ways. Kathleen Howland, speech language and music therapist explains how music really does have the power to heal our brain and heart.

How Music Therapy Can Become Medicine for Hospital Patients
2023
Type of reference
General information
Author
Anicka Quin
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Reader's Digest Best Health

This article summarizes many ways in which music therapy is used in medical institutions. Testimonials from patients and interviews with therapists are featured. 
 

How music therapy can help anxious children
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Dr. Elizabeth Coombes
Language
English
Source / Publisher
The Conversation

This article describes the ways music therapy has been applied to help children cope with anxiety related disorders

How music therapy is helping psychiatric patients heal at UofL Health
2021
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
UofL Health

UofL Health (Louisville, Kentucky) is integrating music therapy into its care plan for inpatient psychiatric patients at UofL Hospital. This video introduces you to Katelyn Farris, the music therapist who is helping patients relax and recover through the soothing sounds of music.

How music therapy helps sick children cope
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Michigan Medicine
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Michigan Medicine

This video exposes a case study of a child who was born without eyes and has always feared medical procedures. She is enrolled in music therapy at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s to decrease her anxiety.

Improved motor skills in autistic children after three weeks of neurologic music therapy via telehealth: a pilot study
2024
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Nicole Richard Williams, Corene Hurt-Thaut, Jessica Brian, Luc Tremblay et al.
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Frontiers in Psychology

This mixed-methods pilot study investigated whether nine Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)® sessions via telehealth would improve motor and attention skills in autistic children. The improvements in motor skills and positive caregiver and therapist views of telehealth indicate that NMT motor interventions administered via telehealth are a promising avenue of therapeutic support for movement skill development in autistic children.

Individual music therapy for agitation in dementia: an exploratory randomized controlled trial
2013
Type of reference
Scientific publications
Author
Hanne Mette O Ridder, Brynjulf Stige, Liv Gunnhild Qvale, Christian Gold
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Ageing & mental health

Agitation in nursing home residents with dementia leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in psychotropic medication, patient distress, and caregiver burnout. This study shows that after six weeks, music therapy reduced agitation disruptiveness and prevented medication increases for persons with moderate to severe dementia.

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again
2019
Type of reference
General information
Author
Jil Croteau
Language
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

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

Innovative music therapy in Calgary hopes to help people walk again - Video
2018
Type of reference
General information
Language
English
Subtitle
English
Source / Publisher
Global News

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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