Skip to content

Playing Piano to Improve Hand Function Early After Stroke

Stroke

The goal of this clinical trial is to study the feasibility of a 6-week piano playing training intervention in a subacute stroke population. More specifically, the investigators aim to (1) implement and test the feasibility of the intervention in the subacute stroke rehabilitation program; and (2) explore the acceptability of the supervised training sessions and home practice sessions. Researchers will also (3) estimate and contrast the effects of the piano training intervention as compared to conventional therapy on manual dexterity, coordination, functional use of the upper extremity, attention and mood.

Therapy specifically provided as part of this project will be delivered above and beyond usual therapy time in both intervention groups. Participants of the piano group will:

* Engage in a step-by-step musical training consisting of two supervised, individual 45-min sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks, for a total of 12 sessions.
* The supervised session will also be complemented with a biweekly home program (15 minutes) consisting of piano exercises.

Participants in the conventional group will:

* Engage in two individual 45-min sessions per week for 6 consecutive weeks consisting in conventional occupational therapy treatment.
* They will also receive a biweekly home program consisting in occupational therapy exercises (15 minutes).

null

Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL
  • Eligible Ages:

    40 to 74

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have normal/corrected visual and auditory acuity
* Present a first-ever supratentorial unilateral stroke (1-24 weeks post-stroke)
* Present some capacity of dissociation of arm and finger movements, as reflected by scores of 3 to 6 on the arm and hand components of the Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment
* Have the capacity to follow simple instructions
* Have no professional piano experience (only for the piano group)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of visual field defect, hemineglect as well as dementia or moderate-to-severe cognitive deficits (score less than 18 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment).

Study Location

Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
Laval, Quebec
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Anouk Lamontagne, PhD

[email protected]
450-688-9550
Backup Contact

Vira Rose

[email protected]
450-688-9550
Study Sponsored By
McGill University
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT06621771