Resources & references

Read how 3 adults with neurologic conditions received interdisciplinary care integrating neurologic music therapy and physical therapy to enhance neurorehabilitation.

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.

Learn about Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), a system of standardized and evidence-based techniques in applied auditory music neuroscience. Neurologic music therapists use music perception and production to help individuals address sensorimotor, speech and language, and cognitive skills among diverse populations.

A list of key NMT publications (research) is available here.

Read about facilitators and barriers to the development and integration of an inpatient music therapy program for neurorehabilitation, from the perspective of patients, family members, and various health care professionals.

Dr. Jeanette Tamplin, professor, researcher, and Registered Music Therapist, explains how music therapy helps with neurorehabilitation among people with neurologic conditions and injuries.

Click here to watch the video referenced in this interview.

Click here to reference the study by Dr. Jeanette Tamplin referenced in this interview.

This study analyzed existing research on the safety and efficacy of neurologic music therapy for individuals with neurological disorders. Findings suggest benefits for quality of life, gait function, social behaviour, and communication, though results vary across studies. Evidence on safety remains limited, but the risk of severe or irreversible harm appears low.

Read a case study exploring the impact of a familiar song, presented by a credentialed music therapist, on arousal and awareness in an 11 year old child with an acute disorder of consciousness. Results showed more signs of arousal and awareness during the song condition, as compared to a spoken word and a white-noise condition. 

Click here to read a summary of this study.

Research conducted at the University of Melbourne demonstrates that familiar songs can stimulate brain responses that other stimuli cannot in children with severe brain injuries. This article suggests that music therapy can facilitate neurorehabilitation and speed recovery.

Click here to read the study referenced in this article.

Read a scoping review on the use of music therapy in pediatric neurodisability. Results indicated that music therapy is effective both as a stand-alone treatment and in interprofessional teams within this population, and targets a wide range of domains of function.

Click here to listen to a podcast about the article / Cliquez ici pour écouter un balado a propos de l'article.

This article reviews current knowledge to guide future neuroimaging studies on the therapeutic effects of rhythm and music-based interventions for motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

This study examined telehealth Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) sessions for autistic children. Results determined improved motor skills and positive feedback from caregivers and therapists, suggesting telehealth NMT as a promising support for motor development.

Read a systematic review detailing the mechanisms of action and advances of the evidence in the use of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) interventions. Results indicate that NMT can improve cognitive functions and neuropsychiatric symptoms with multiple cognitive disorders, but that the efficacy and goals of the therapy vary significantly by stage of disease progression. It also highlights the continued challenges facing the approach and recommendations for future research.