A structured music-based intervention for motor rehabilitation and exploratory cognitive and quality-of-life outcomes after stroke: a study protocol for a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study - Report - MDSpire

A structured music-based intervention for motor rehabilitation and exploratory cognitive and quality-of-life outcomes after stroke: a study protocol for a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study

  • By

  • Aída Estévez

  • Miguel Ángel Pérez Nieto

  • Laura Herrero

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: A Protocol for a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Study on a Structured Music Intervention Aimed at Motor Rehabilitation and Cognitive and Quality-of-Life Improvements Post-Stroke

Overview

This study protocol outlines a randomized waitlist-controlled trial to evaluate a structured music-based intervention for post-stroke rehabilitation. The primary focus is on motor function, with exploratory outcomes including executive functioning and stroke-specific quality of life as stated in the protocol.

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in motor, cognitive, and emotional impairments that significantly affect quality of life. Music-based interventions have shown promise in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes, yet evidence for structured programs remains limited.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • The study will include adults aged 18–70 who have experienced a stroke at least 3 months prior.
  • Participants will be divided into an experimental group receiving standard care plus music intervention and a waitlist group receiving standard care only.
  • The intervention consists of 10 sessions of structured music-based activities.
  • Primary outcome measures will focus on motor function, with secondary assessments on upper-limb function, executive functioning, and quality of life.
  • Analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle and utilize linear mixed-effects models.

Clinical Implications

This protocol aims to evaluate the feasibility of integrating music-based interventions into post-stroke rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured music-based intervention in enhancing motor rehabilitation and cognitive outcomes post-stroke.

Related Resources & Content

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  2. DIGITAL HEALTH, Feasibility of a live-stream group dance intervention with inpatients in subacute post-stroke rehabilitation: A pilot study, 2026
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke spasticity: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial, 2026
  4. Frontiers in Neurology, Effects of blood flow restriction combined with robot-assisted training on upper limb motor function after stroke: a randomized controlled trial protocol, 2026
  5. European Stroke Organisation Guidelines
  6. NICE Guidelines on Stroke Rehabilitation
  7. WHO Fact Sheet on Stroke
  8. Effects of unilateral step training along with rhythmic auditory stimulation on balance and postural stability in stroke patients | Scientific Reports
  9. Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Combined with Real-Time Vibrotactile Feedback on Muscle Activation and Gait in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial - PubMed
  10. Influence of wearable rhythmic auditory stimulation on Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Scientific Reports
  11. Music-based interventions for nonfluent aphasia: A systematic review of randomized control trials - PubMed
  12. Structural and functional neuroplasticity in music and dance-based rehabilitation: a systematic review - PubMed
  13. Outcomes and Health Economics of Stroke using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (OrcHESTRAS): a protocol for a pragmatic, decentralized, longitudinal, multi-phase, withdrawal with randomized re-treatment trial of MR-001 in chronic stroke - PubMed

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