Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with upper limb dysfunction being a major determinant of reduced independence and quality of life. Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (m-CIMT) is an evidence-based intervention for upper limb motor recovery, while music therapy has emerged as a promising adjunct that stimulates neuroplasticity, enhances motivation, and improves emotional well-being. Integrating these two approaches may yield synergistic effects on post-stroke rehabilitation.
Methods: Eleven post-stroke patients meeting inclusion criteria were recruited through convenient sampling. Participants received a combined intervention of music therapy and m-CIMT, consisting of three hours of daily restraint of the unaffected limb and structured functional tasks (pegboard and box-and-block activities) performed over two weeks, with concurrent exposure to rhythmic music (Pachelbel’s Canon in D). Upper limb motor function was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT).
Results: Significant improvements were observed in upper limb motor recovery following the combined intervention. FMA-UE scores increased from baseline to post-test with high statistical significance (p < 0.001). WMFT functional activity scores also improved significantly (p < 0.001), while WMFT time scores did not change significantly. Patients tolerated the intervention well and reported positive engagement with music-assisted training.
Conclusion: The integration of music therapy with m-CIMT significantly enhances upper limb function in post-stroke patients. This combined approach is feasible, motivating, and clinically valuable, offering a cost-effective adjunct to standard neurorehabilitation. Larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.