Music Upper Limb Therapy - Integrated (MULT-I) supports a positive transformation in sense of self post stroke: a thematic analysis.
Anna Palumbo, Caitlin Balagula, Alan Turry and 2 others
PMID 38682830WHAT IT FOUND
Stroke survivors described a three-stage shift in self-perception during group music therapy.
Enjoyment and autonomy in playing instruments engaged them, peer support helped process distress, and a sense of belonging fostered acceptance of their changed abilities and strengths.
Key findings
01Participants described a three-stage process: music-making activated movement and autonomy, peer support helped process emotional distress, and a sense of belonging fostered a positive transformation in sense of self.
02Enjoyment of the music-making was a primary driver of participation, with participants describing it as 'fun' and a 'good feeling' that motivated them to attempt physical challenges.
03The sense of belonging was strengthened by accepting peers with similar impairments, allowing participants to realize personal strengths and counter feelings of being a burden.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The analysis relied on interviews with only thirteen participants from the intervention arm, which may not capture the full range of experiences. The primary researcher was also a music therapist who delivered the intervention, creating a dual role that may have influenced the interpretation of participant experiences. Some interviews were conducted with caregiver support, which may have affected the accuracy of the participants' reported internal states. The study did not evaluate participants' prior musical expertise, which could have modulated their engagement with the therapy.
Declared interests
The authors report no competing interests to declare.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this study as evidence that music therapy is superior to other interventions for improving sense of self. This was a qualitative analysis of participants' descriptions within a trial, not a quantitative comparison of outcomes, so it cannot establish efficacy or superiority.