Music in the treatment of neurological language and speech disorders: A systematic review

Arendzen, H., Bastiaanse, R., Boonstra, A. M., de Bruijn, M., Hurkmans, J., Jonkers, R., & Reinders-Messelink, H. A. (2012). Music in the treatment of neurological language and speech disorders: A systematic review. Aphasiology, 26(1).

Abstract:

This article takes a look at different studies on the effect of music parameters in the treatment of music parameters in the treatment of neurological language and speech disorders such as aphasia and apraxia. While examining these parameters, the authors also investigate possible mechanisms that explain recovery. They reviewed 1250 articles by looking at patient characteristics, interventions, and methodological quality. The authors then selected 15 to include in this study. They discovered that the Melodic Intonation Therapy was the most studied programme, and that melody and rhythm were the most applied interventions. Each of the studies reported that using music in the treatment of neurological language and speech disorders produced measurable recovery. The authors applied the ASHA level of evidence indicators for judging research to research of validity of these claims. They discovered that methodological quality was rated as low and interpretations of mechanisms of recovery were contradictory. This article argues that researchers and readers should use caution while making conclusions about the effectiveness of treatments that incorporate components of music with neurologically impaired individuals. The authors conclude by providing suggestions for standardising and improving methodological quality.

Link: http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/doi/citedby/10.1080/02687038.2011.602514#tabModule