The Effectiveness of Music Therapy for Individuals Living with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.  The process of rehabilitation in CP includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support along with should be multidimensional and unconventional modes of intervention technique which can help individuals lead fulfilling lives. Music therapy (MT) is one of the methods that apply a wide range of music to enhance health and the quality of a patient’s life. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy intervention for individuals suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP).  Material and methods: This review aims to explore research done with the help of Academia.edu, Pub Med and Google Scholar selected as primary databases for our review. Twelve studies were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for further analysis. Results: The findings revealed the most significant effects of music therapy on individuals suffering from spastic cerebral palsy children introduced changes in the underlying motor function. There was also a significant effect of music therapy on child’s emotional state, self-confidence, reduced anxiety levels, and communication skills. Conclusions: The existing literature on music therapy for cerebral palsy children in India is limited and therefore, the present study tried to address the effectiveness of music therapy for individuals with cerebral palsy. As there is no cure for cerebral palsy, music therapy can provide a comprehensive care for individuals with cerebral palsy.