A structured music-based intervention for motor rehabilitation and exploratory cognitive and quality-of-life outcomes after stroke: a study protocol for a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study

 

All this previous research on music and yet STILL SO FUCKING INCOMPETENT YOU CAN'T WRITE A PROTOCOL ON IT! 

music (94 posts back to March 2011)

music therapy (85 posts back to October 2014)

musical training (13 posts back to June 2014)

singing (12 posts to July 2013)

• music playing (2 posts to April 2023)

Doesn't anyone in stroke know how to write a protocol? Why did you research this anyways? You incompetently haven't been following research in your specialty?

A structured music-based intervention for motor rehabilitation and exploratory cognitive and quality-of-life outcomes after stroke: a study protocol for a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study

• 

  Aída Estévez 1*

• 

  Miguel Ángel Pérez Nieto 1,2

• 

  Laura Herrero 1,2

• 1. Faculty of Health Sciences - HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, Madrid, Spain

• 2. HM Hospitals Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Background: 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability and is frequently associated with persistent motor, cognitive, emotional, and social sequelae that affect autonomy and quality of life. Music-based interventions have shown potential benefits in post-stroke rehabilitation, particularly through rhythmic auditory stimulation, structured instrumental practice, and active musical engagement. These approaches may support motor coordination and motivation and may also contribute to emotional regulation, social interaction, and perceived quality of life. However, evidence remains limited regarding structured music-based interventions that integrate motor activities with broader cognitive and psychosocial components into post-stroke rehabilitation. This randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study aims to evaluate the effects of a structured music-based intervention on motor function after stroke, with executive functioning and stroke-specific quality of life being examined as exploratory outcomes.

Methods: 

A prospective, phased, randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study will include adults aged 18–70 years who have experienced a stroke at least 3 months before enrollment. The first recruitment phase will be conducted in a single outpatient neurological rehabilitation center in the Community of Madrid, Spain, with subsequent recruitment phases planned at additional outpatient neurological rehabilitation centers within the Community of Madrid until the required sample size is achieved. Two groups will be formed: an experimental group receiving standard rehabilitation care plus a structured music-based intervention consisting of 10 sessions and a waitlist group receiving only standard rehabilitation care during this period, followed by the structured music-based intervention. Assessments will be carried out at week 0 (baseline), week 5 (post-intervention), and week 10 (after group crossover), with an additional follow-up at 3 months. The primary outcome will be motor function. Upper-limb motor function will be assessed as a secondary motor outcome, while executive functioning and stroke-specific quality of life will be examined as exploratory outcomes. Analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle, with additional analyses conducted for participants completing at least 80% of sessions. A linear mixed-effects model will be used to estimate the main effect of the intervention on the primary motor outcome, with additional secondary and exploratory models performed for upper-limb motor function, executive functioning, and stroke-specific quality of life. The model will include time, group, and the interaction between group and time as fixed effects, with time since stroke included as a covariate. Additional analyses will be conducted using intraclass correlation coefficients to explore the agreement between participant and family member reports of executive function.

Discussion: 

This protocol will evaluate a structured music-based intervention as a complement to standard rehabilitation care, with a primary focus on motor rehabilitation. Exploratory analyses will examine whether the intervention is associated with changes in executive functioning and stroke-specific quality of life. The study is expected to provide preliminary evidence on the feasibility and potential effects of this integrative music-based intervention within post-stroke rehabilitation and to contribute to the development of multidomain rehabilitation approaches. The findings may inform the design of future studies and the potential implementation of music-based interventions in post-stroke rehabilitation settings.

Study protocol preregistration:

https://osf.io/hqruw.

Study reveals doing this highly enjoyable activity every day could lower your dementia risk by nearly 40%

 Oh, your incompetent? everything in stroke  didn't prescribe music for better stroke recovery? WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT SUCH MASSIVE INCOMPETENCE?

• music (94 posts back to March 2011)
• music therapy (85 posts back to October 2014)

• musical training (13 posts back to June 2014)

• singing (12 posts to July 2013)

• music playing (2 posts to April 2023)

Study reveals doing this highly enjoyable activity every day could lower your dementia risk by nearly 40%

Turn up that Zeppelin: A recent study found that older adults who regularly listen to or play music have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia.

A research team from Monash University in Australia looked at data from more than 10,800 adults over the age of 70 and found that those who listened to music most days experienced a 39% lower likelihood of developing dementia compared with those who sometimes, rarely or never listened to music. 

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Those frequent music listeners had a 17% lower incidence of cognitive impairment, along with higher overall cognitive scores and better episodic memory (used when we recall specific, everyday events).

Playing an instrument ― including singing ― was associated with a 35% reduction in dementia risk. Those who both listened to and played music on a regular basis had a 33% reduced risk of dementia and a 22% reduced risk of cognitive impairment.

For older adults worried about dementia ― a disease that affects 7 million people and is becoming more common as life expectancy increases ― turning on some music is an easy, low-effort way to ease a bit of that anxiety.

“We know that listening to music engages multiple brain areas at once, acting like a full-brain workout,” said Emma Jaffa, a biomedical science Monash honors student who conducted the study alongside Joanne Ryan, a professor of biological neuropsychiatry at Monash.

Although the topic is still relatively underexplored, the study’s co-authors have several hypotheses — supported by earlier research — about why music might stimulate the brain.

“We know that listening to music engages multiple brain areas at once, acting like a full-brain workout,” said Emma Jaffa, a biomedical science Monash honors student who co-authored the study with Joanne Ryan, a professor of biological neuropsychiatry at Monash.

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“Previous studies show it improves processing speed, language, memory and coordination,” she told HuffPost. “Plus, it often involves socializing with others, which helps protect brain health.”

As a bass player and singer herself, the findings were of particular interest to Jaffa.

She also loves the idea of tangible research ― research that you can actually do something with, that truly helps people. “I think that’s what drew me to this topic. It was the combination of a hobby and the possibility of delivering actionable insights to others,” she said. 

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

“Previous studies show [listening to music] improves processing speed, language, memory and coordination,” Jaffa told HuffPost. “Plus, it often involves socializing with others, which helps protect brain health.”

Jaffa said the question she gets most often about the study is, “Are some genres of music more beneficial than others?” Is Coltrane or Clapton superior when it comes to improving cognitive function? 

While she doesn’t have the answer (participants weren’t asked about what they were listening to), she said it’s definitely something she wants to explore in future research. (That and if listening to music has any bearing on reducing the risk of cognitive decline for those younger than 70.) 

Health: Experts Say 'Insinuation Anxiety' Is On The Rise — And Technology Might Be To Blame

It’s no surprise that researchers like Ryan and Jaffa are exploring this topic, given how devastating dementia symptoms can be. People with the condition may develop speech difficulties, memory loss, mood changes and trouble completing everyday tasks.

Another recent study, published in October in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, found that having a sense of purpose may protect against dementia by keeping the brain more resilient and is linked to a lower risk of developing it. Other research-backed ways to support cognitive resilience during the aging process? Moderate to vigorous exercise, spending time with others ― hopefully while listening to music ― and even doing chores.

The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

Portrait of senior couple in dining room (Photo: MoMo Productions via Getty Images)

Related...

• 10 Common Misconceptions About Therapy
• You Can Cut Your Dementia Risk By Almost 30% With This 1 Thing, Study Says
• 11 Foods Experts Say Can Boost Your Brain Health And Help Ward Off Dementia
• Dementia Researchers Discover 2 New Dementia Risk Factors — Here's What They Are
• 5 Unusual Things Neurologists Do Every Day To Lower Their Risk Of Dementia

This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Keep independent journalism alive. Your support funds the deep reporting that matters most. Become a HuffPost member and support our journalism today.

To Live Longer, One Surprising Factor Matters As Much As Exercise

 I do this whenever I travel.  I'll easily get there.

To Live Longer, One Surprising Factor Matters As Much As Exercise

Key Takeaways

• A 2026 study found that leisure activities, such as visiting museums, reading, or walking with friends, were linked to slower biological aging and greater longevity.
• Leisure activities may benefit physical health, brain health, stress levels, and psychological well-being in ways similar to exercise.
• While they are not a replacement for exercise, adding leisure activities to a healthy routine may help support healthy aging.

Research suggests that participating in leisure activities, such as visiting museums, crafting, reading, and listening to music, may support healthy aging as much as regular exercise.1

Leisure Activities May Slow Biological Aging, Similar to Exercise

A 2026 study published in the journal Innovation in Aging found that participating in arts and cultural activities may help slow biological aging.1 Researchers analyzed data from more than 3,500 adults in the United Kingdom and compared leisure activity habits with biological aging, a measure of how quickly the body ages at the cellular level.

The study showed that people who regularly engaged in leisure activities, including painting, listening to music, visiting museums, and attending cultural events, aged slower those who rarely did so.1 The effect was especially strong for people over 40, suggesting that adding fun activities in middle age can support a longer, healthier life.

Other studies have found similar results. In a large study of adults over 65, those who often engaged in hobbies and leisure activities were more likely to remain physically healthy, maintain mental sharpness, and feel emotionally well over time.2

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Why Leisure Activities Matter for Healthy Aging

Leisure activities often combine mental stimulation, movement, stress relief, and social connection. These factors are all linked to healthy aging and improved long-term health.3 Evidence suggests leisure activities may help:425

• Encourage social interaction
• Improve mood and psychological health
• Increase daily movement
• Lower feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Promote a greater sense of purpose and life satisfaction
• Reduce stress levels
• Support brain health and memory

Research also shows that older adults who stay socially and mentally active may have a lower risk of conditions like dementia, heart disease, stroke, and depression.6 Participating in enjoyable activities can also help people manage stress and life changes as they get older.5

The Best Leisure Activities for Longevity

A wide range of leisure activities may benefit healthy aging, especially activities that keep people mentally, physically, and socially engaged. Examples of leisure activities linked to healthy aging include:7

• Crafting or knitting
• Dancing
• Gardening
• Joining community groups
• Learning new skills or languages
• Playing cards or board games
• Playing music
• Reading
• Swimming
• Visiting museums or cultural events
• Volunteering
• Walking with friends

Activities do not need to feel intense or highly structured to support health. Even participating a few times per month may offer benefits, though weekly engagement is most strongly associated with healthy aging.1

How To Add More Leisure Activities to Your Routine

Many adults struggle to make time for hobbies because work, caregiving, and daily responsibilities take priority. Starting with small, enjoyable activities that fit into your schedule and lifestyle can make it easier to add leisure time to your routine.5

Simple ways to add more leisure time include:89

• Attending community events
• Joining a local book club or hobby group
• Replacing some screen time with a hands-on hobby
• Scheduling one creative activity each week
• Spending time gardening on weekends
• Taking a short daily walk with a friend or family member
• Trying a beginner class for art, music, or dance
• Visiting parks and museums

Regular exercise still plays an important role in longevity.5 One study found that older adults who regularly participated in leisure-time physical activities, such as golf, racquet sports, walking, swimming, and cycling, had a lower risk of death during a 12-year period.10

Neuroscientists recommend these 10 hobbies for brain health

 

Have your competent? doctor summarize this INTO AN EXACT PROTOCOL! You don't want to do it wrong and your doctor, IF COMPETENT AT ALL, should easily be able to do that. But you don't have a functioning stroke doctor, do you?

Neuroscientists recommend these 10 hobbies for brain health

Living a long and healthy life might be surprisingly impacted by your leisure activities. Finding the right hobbies to keep your brain sharp is something that doctors recommend for people of all ages. No matter what your interests are — getting outside, music, painting, socializing with others in your community — there's sure to be a brain-boosting hobby on this list that you'll want to try.

“Engaging in hobbies is one of the best ways to keep your brain healthy,” says Vonetta Dotson, PhD, chief of neuropsychology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, author of Keep Your Wits About You: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age and founder and CEO of CerebroFit Integrated Brain Health. “Many hobbies, such as making art or playing music, challenge your mind, which strengthens the brain’s ability to adapt and build new connections.”

“Learning something new is stimulating and rewarding. Many studies have shown that novel, positive experiences promote the release of dopamine, which reinforces the actions involved in the positive experience,” says Margaret Rice, PhD, professor in the departments of neurosurgery and neuroscience at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Here are the best hobbies for brain health, according to experts.

Aerobic Exercise

It’s probably no surprise that physical activity, such as brisk walking or hiking, tops the list of hobbies that are good for you. One recent review found that exercise improved cognitive function in the study participants in their 50s and older, regardless of their cognitive status. It doesn't matter what you choose: “The best exercise is the one you’ll do regularly,” says Rice.

Dancing

(The one thing I will not do because embarrassment. My left arm bounces, not a good look for my partner.)

Take a dance class alone or go dancing regularly with a partner, either way, dancing requires both physical and mental engagement, which supports neuroplasticity. While dancing ticks the box for aerobic exercise, it also often involves a social aspect, which is protective for brain health, says Dotson.

Music

(Live music Sunday and Tuesday night at bars; there will be no condemnation of my drinking. It improves my social connections which will prevent dementia)

Whether listening to music, singing, or learning to play a musical instrument, music has been shown to keep our brains nimble. Research hasn’t identified why music is so good for us, but one theory is that it engages multiple neural systems of the brain. In addition, if you’re learning a new instrument, for example, you’re challenging your brain to adapt, and novelty activates neuroplasticity, says Dotson.

Gardening

(Not going to occur, live in a condo.)

Whether you plant flowers, vegetables or herbs, gardening has been shown to be good for the brain. One study showed levels of brain nerve growth factors related to memory were significantly increased after gardening activity. Gardening also yields a sense of accomplishment, which is linked with better cognitive health, says Dotson.

Arts and Crafts

(Most of these are two-handed endeavors so impossible for me because of massive failures of my doctor and therapists!)

Creating something with your hands is another way to keep your brain healthy. Dotson notes that one study found that engaging in visual arts, such as coloring, doodling and free drawing, activated the medial prefrontal cortex. Participants found the activities relaxing and reporting improvements in creativity and problem-solving at the end of each art-making session.

Volunteering

(Not in my wheelhouse.)

Social interaction keeps the brain agile, and volunteering also allows us to feel a sense of connection and purpose, says Dotson. One study found that formal volunteering was associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning over time, especially working memory and processing.

Needlecraft

(Doctor failure, Two hands needed most of the time.)

Sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, lacemaking and embroidery are hobbies that can support brain health. Dotson highlights the findings of a recent review which noted that needlecraft has a positive effect on mental health and general well-being, including fostering social connection and providing a sense of purpose, achievement and satisfaction.

Reading

(Doctor failure, Physical books are hard to keep open one-handed and turn pages without dropping the book. eBooks are not the answer.)

One long-term study found that reading, especially in those who do it more than once a week, prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people. Reading keeps language centers activated, so choose whatever fascinates you, whether it’s mystery, fantasy, or historical fiction, says Rice.

Puzzles and Games

(Scrabble is frustrating when going up against someone who has memorized all the 2 and 3 letter words. Several online games I play daily; Best fiends, Bolts Off, JigLive.)

Research has found that your daily word puzzle aren’t just a way to waste time; they support brain health. “Word puzzles can help your language skills and strategic and flexible thinking,” says Rice. So, go ahead and enjoy your daily dose of Wordle, Scrabble or a word search.

Birdwatching

( I turn on the Merlin app which identifies bird sounds, very seldom do I see the birds.)

Besides supporting local wildlife, who knew birding could be good for you? Dotson points to a recent study that found that encounters with birdlife were associated with improvements in mental wellbeing, including in people with a diagnosis of depression. So, go ahead and feed the birds or bird watch in your own backyard to get a positive brain boost.