The Effects of Music-Based Patterned Sensory Enhancement on Motor Function: A Scoping Review

TL;DR

This review explores how music-based therapy can improve motor function in various patient groups, showing promise but highlighting the need for more research.

Contribution

The first scoping review to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of Patterned Sensory Enhancement across diverse clinical populations.

Findings

PSE is effective in improving motor function for patients with Cerebral Palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Results for geriatric populations using PSE are inconsistent.

Only a small number of studies on PSE have been conducted across different populations.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patterned Sensory Enhancement (PSE), a Neurologic Music Therapy technique, utilizes rhythm and other musical elements to facilitate functional movement in diverse clinical populations. This scoping review is the first to systematically synthesize the current evidence surrounding PSE’s use and its effects on motor function across various populations in order to evaluate its therapeutic potential, identify gaps in the existing literature, and guide future research efforts. Methods: A literature search was conducted across five major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: From 1018 screened articles, 15 met the inclusion criteria. PSE has been demonstrated as effective across clinical populations, including Cerebral Palsy, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and psychiatric conditions. However, the results for studies on geriatric populations remain inconsistent. Despite the variability in the outcome measures and movement types assessed, PSE is consistently supported as an effective approach for enhancing motor function. However, to date, only a small number of studies across populations have been conducted. Conclusions: This scoping review suggests that PSE holds significant potential for improving motor function across a range of clinical populations. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects, use standardized terminology, and identify the optimal implementation strategies tailored to the unique needs of different populations to maximize its therapeutic benefit.

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