Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system, leading to significant neurological disability, particularly in young adults. Affecting over 2.8 million individuals globally, its prevalence has surged due to factors such as increased life expectancy and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. The disease manifests through various symptoms, including optic neuritis, sensory disturbances, and gait ataxia. Understanding MS types is crucial, as the most prevalent form, Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), accounts for approximately 85%-90% of cases.
While disease-modifying therapies can mitigate relapse rates and slow disease progression, they do not comprehensively address the multifactorial challenges faced by MS patients. The focus is shifting towards non-pharmacological approaches, including arts-based therapies, to enhance the quality of life and supportive care for individuals living with MS.
Music-based therapies (MBTs) encompass a range of interventions utilizing music to improve physical, mental, and emotional health. Unlike traditional music therapy (MT), which requires certified professionals, MBTs may involve structured musical activities designed to enhance well-being without needing formal clinical interventions. Definitions of MT vary internationally, adding complexity to its study and application. This review utilizes a clear operational definition of MBTs to facilitate understanding and application in clinical settings.
The review synthesized findings from 23 studies involving 955 participants, predominantly individuals with MS. The outcomes primarily assessed included motor function, quality of life, and psychological well-being. Rhythmic auditory stimulation and music-cued motor imagery emerged as notable techniques within MBTs, showing promising results in improving gait, walking speed, distance, and overall mobility. Noteworthy, however, results for other rehabilitation domains were less consistent.
Prior reviews on MBTs for MS often focused narrowly, examining either specific outcomes like gait or psychological effects, thus highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment across multiple domains.
Existing literature has shown a fragmented approach to examining MBTs’ effects on MS. Most reviews centered on limited outcome measures, typically focusing on mobility or psychological aspects without integrating broader therapeutic impacts of MBTs. With insufficient clear definitions and evaluation criteria, past studies have failed to provide cohesive insights specific to MS. This systematic review addresses these gaps by offering a broad analysis of MBTs’ effectiveness.
This review aims to assess the impacts of MBTs specifically tailored to MS rehabilitation outcomes, focusing on:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the systematic review was meticulously designed and methods employed ensure comprehensive coverage of the literature on MBTs and MS context. The inclusion and exclusion criteria adhered to were rigorous, aimed at synthesizing high-quality data relevant to the defined aims.
The systematic review leveraged multiple databases, analyzing articles published in English, ultimately yielding 23 studies reflecting various MBT applications. Criteria included studies exploring rehabilitation outcomes such as gait, motor recovery, and quality of life improvements. Due to the heterogeneity in study designs and intervention protocols, pooling data for formal meta-analysis was not feasible, leading instead to a narrative synthesis of findings.
The primary focus was on functional recovery pertaining to mobility and psychological aspects, while secondary measures included the enhancement of cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. This comprehensive approach aimed to capture the multifaceted benefits of MBTs for individuals with MS.
Evidence from the study indicates that MBTs could yield significant improvements in mobility and quality of life for people with MS, particularly through interventions such as rhythmic auditory stimulation. However, variability in the nature of therapies and outcomes underscores the need for more robust, standardized studies. Ongoing efforts to clarify effective therapeutic interventions through higher-quality clinical trials are recommended.
The systematic review underscores the potential role of MBTs in MS rehabilitation, specifically in enhancing disability management and quality of life. Future research should strive to standardize methodologies and intervention types to facilitate clearer insights and clinical applications of MBTs in MS treatment protocols.