Rhythmic exercises as tools for rehabilitation following cerebellar stroke: A case study integrating music therapy and physiotherapy techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction This article explores the use of music and multisensory stimuli in the construction of compensatory neural networks for motoric functioning in a patient recovering from cerebellar strokes (CS). This study aimed to address the real-world clinical concern of patients having a passive role in therapy, by arousing the client’s interest and self-motivation in rehabilitation. Method The article presents a case study of a CS survivor, using data derived from rehabilitation sessions combining music therapy techniques with physiotherapy techniques to improve the fluency and accuracy of his motor performance. Qualitative and quantitative data are used to identify, describe, and evaluate the key elements of tasks used in the ten therapy sessions. Therapy focused particularly on facilitating the CS survivor to produce his own exact and fluent movement and generate his own vocal cues via rhythmic reciting and chanting. Results The CS survivor achieved his therapy goals, and the therapist was able to facilitate the CS survivor’s increased motivation and ability to perform movements that were goal-directed, repetitive, functional, and progressive in complexity. Discussion Results support the need for further research on multisensory, rhythmical exercises within physiotherapy and music therapy work with stroke patients and others with neurological disorders. The use of self-generated vocal cues would be a particularly interesting focus for further research. Results are discussed in the context of current music therapy research and theory.