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REVIEW article
Front. Psychol.
Sec. Performance Science
Volume 16 - 2025 |
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1532925
This article is part of the Research Topic The Human Neuroscience of Music Therapy in Neurodegenerative Diseases View all articles
Music-based Interventions Using Digital Technology for Individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries: A Scoping Review
Provisionally accepted- Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Background: The use of digital technology in music-based interventions for individuals with brain injuries has gained traction, especially post COVID-19, in addressing the need for effective, long-term rehabilitation. This scoping review examines the landscape of digital music-based interventions, focusing on their application in motor and cognitive rehabilitation for patients with brain injuries.We conducted a literature search using five academic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Twenty-six studies met the predefined criteria for inclusion in this review, and these studies were analyzed including digital interventions used.Results: Twenty-six of 1994 studies were included. Results demonstrated a clear evolution in intervention methodologies, with earlier research focusing on rhythmic and MIDI-based tools, while more recent studies integrated virtual reality, augmented reality, and adaptive feedback mechanisms. The findings showed significant improvements in motor functions, such as upper limb movement and gait, in most of the reviewed studies, as well as some cognitive benefits, particularly when personalized music interventions were applied. However, challenges were noted regarding device complexity, cost, and inconsistent assessment methods across studies.Discussion: Digital music-based interventions show substantial promise in enhancing motor and cognitive function for individuals with neurological impairments. Nevertheless, barriers such as technological accessibility, the need for patient comfort, and a lack of standardization in assessment remain. Future research should focus on simplifying interfaces, standardizing protocols, and exploring hybrid interventions that combine immersive virtual reality with the adaptability of music therapy to create holistic, patient-centered rehabilitation solutions.
Keywords: acquired brain injury, Music, Digital technology, Scoping review, Music Therapy
Received: 22 Nov 2024; Accepted: 22 Jan 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Kim, Yu and Lu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Soo Ji Kim, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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