Neglect, Virtual Reality and Music Therapy: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Neglect is typically experienced after suffering from a stroke. Despite various rehabilitative interventions used in treatment for neglect, there is no consensus about the most effective intervention or treatment. Virtual Reality (VR) combined with music therapy practices may offer a promising intervention for use during neglect rehabilitation. This review summarises evidence of existing interventions and assessments used for post-stroke and neglect rehabilitation on patients in VR and music therapy research. Non-systematic searches of the PubMed and PsycINFO databases were conducted to retrieve relevant articles. Overall, literature found in small studies suggests promising findings for symptom reduction during neglect rehabilitation through the use of VR and Musical Neglect Training interventions. This was coupled with a demonstration of feasibility and safety. Novel evidence is found in stimulation of specific neurological regions in neglect patients during exposure to a VR intervention. However, larger trials with consistent assessments are needed to arrive at generalisations. Based on the evidence reviewed, the article explores intersections of VR and music therapy interventions with the purpose of neglect rehabilitation.