Musical Neglect Training for Patients With Visual Neglect

Music Neglect Training has been developed for patients with hemispatial neglect to improve their attention on the left side. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and carry-over effect of Musical Neglect Training on unilateral visual neglect. Standardized assessments (Albert's test and Line Bisection Test) were used to measure a range of visual field. A total of 6 musical exercises with tone bars which are aligned horizontally helped to improve attention and perception of the visual field on the left side.

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Key information

Conditions

Hemispatial Neglect Behavior Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Orientation, Spatial Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Perceptual Disorders Signs and Symptoms Spatial Behavior Stroke Vascular Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Unilateral visual neglect from right hemisphere stroke is a condition that reduces a person's ability to attend to and process stimuli in one half, mostly left side, of their environment. This perceptual processing deficit can negatively affect individuals' daily living which in turn reduces functional independence. Music has been used as a therapeutic tool in a variety of settings to promote cognitive functions. In particular, music has been used to improve attention in the left sides for patients with visual neglect. Musical Neglect Training (MNT) has been developed for patients with visual neglect to improve attention in the left side.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and longer-lasting effect of Musical Neglect Training (MNT) on unilateral visual neglect. A single-subject design was used, as participants served as their own control. Two individuals participated in this study. Participants underwent six individual MNT sessions. MNT uses musical exercises which are structured in pitch, time and tempo, and musical equipment (tone bars, keyboards, drums) configures to focus attention to the neglect visual field. Two standardized assessments (Albert's and Line Bisection Test) were used. The assessments were administered immediately before and after each of the 6 MNT sessions to assess the immediate effect of MNT. Moreover, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT. Paired t-test was used to examine the immediate effect, and both participants showed significant improvement with Albert's Test in immediate effect.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

patients with visual neglect after stroke
right-handed
medically stable
no previous music therapy experiences
no hearing impairments
no cognitive deficits

Exclusion criteria

hemianopia
previous music therapy treatment experiences

Treatment and study plan

Musical Neglect Training

Other

MNT uses musical exercises which are structured in pitch, time and tempo, and musical equipment (tone bars, keyboards, drums) configures to focus attention to the neglect visual field.

Other names: Neurologic Music Therapy

Primary outcomes

Changes of Albert's Test between before and after the sessions

Time frame: Albert's test was given to participants before and after of all 6 sessions. The outcome measure was assessed two days a week for three weeks. Also, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT.

The Albert's Test was scored as the number of uncrossed lines on the sheet. The test paper consisted of 18 lines on each side, and 4 lines in the center. Since the un-crossed lines have been calculated, less score indicates positive outcomes.
Changes of Line Bisection Test between before and after the sessions

Time frame: Line Bisection was given to participants before and after of all 6 sessions. The outcome measure was assessed two days a week for three weeks. Also, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT.

The Line Bisection Test was calculated as percentage of the deviation from the true center of the line. A different length of 17 lines were aligned horizontally on the test paper. Since the deviation from the true central point has been measured, less score indicates positive outcomes.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Toronto

Other

Collaborators

Colorado State University

Registry information

Official study title

Musical Neglect Training for Unilateral Visual Neglect in Right Hemispheric Stroke Patients

Important dates

Study start: 2015
Primary completion: 2016
Study completion: 2016
First posted: May 4, 2018
Registry last updated: May 4, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed