Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review

BackgroundThe 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, foc...

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Main Authors: Huiyuan Yu, Xin Lu, Soo Ji Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1532925/full
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author Huiyuan Yu
Xin Lu
Soo Ji Kim
author_facet Huiyuan Yu
Xin Lu
Soo Ji Kim
author_sort Huiyuan Yu
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundThe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsTwenty-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.DiscussionDigital 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.
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spelling doaj-art-45c01e2d0f7e4cd4a63bd54833d55d682025-02-05T18:24:07ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-02-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15329251532925Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping reviewHuiyuan Yu0Xin Lu1Soo Ji Kim2Department of Music Therapy, Graduate School, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Music Therapy, Graduate School, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaMusic Therapy Education, Graduate School of Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of KoreaBackgroundThe 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsTwenty-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.DiscussionDigital 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.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1532925/fullacquired brain injurymusicdigital technologyscoping reviewmusic therapy
spellingShingle Huiyuan Yu
Xin Lu
Soo Ji Kim
Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
Frontiers in Psychology
acquired brain injury
music
digital technology
scoping review
music therapy
title Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
title_full Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
title_fullStr Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
title_full_unstemmed Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
title_short Music-based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries: a scoping review
title_sort music based interventions using digital technology for individuals with acquired brain injuries a scoping review
topic acquired brain injury
music
digital technology
scoping review
music therapy
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1532925/full
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