NCT07522463

Enhancing Attention and Processing Speed Through Home-based Music Rehabilitation Program After Stroke in Malaysia

Enhancing Attention and Processing Speed Through Home-based Music Rehabilitation Program After Stroke in Malaysia: A Feasibility Random Controlled Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Malaya · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 55 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Stroke often leads to significant cognitive impairment, impacting quality of life. While existing rehabilitation options exist, there's a need for innovative, accessible, and patient-centered solutions. Research suggests music can engage multiple brain networks associated with sensory and motor processes, cognition, and affective regulation, potentially enhancing cognitive functions like attention and processing speed as well. Home-based interventions have also demonstrated positive impacts on rehabilitation adherence and outcomes. Building on this foundation, this study proposes to develop and pilot test a home-based musical rehabilitation program to improve attention and processing speed in Malaysian stroke survivors.

Detailed description

Stroke often leads to significant cognitive impairment, impacting quality of life. While existing rehabilitation options exist, there's a need for innovative, accessible, and patient-centered solutions. Research suggests music can engage multiple brain networks associated with sensory and motor processes, cognition, and affective regulation, potentially enhancing cognitive functions like attention and processing speed as well. Home-based interventions have also demonstrated positive impacts on rehabilitation adherence and outcomes. Building on this foundation, this study proposes to develop and pilot test a home-based musical rehabilitation program to improve attention and processing speed in Malaysian stroke survivors. Using a randomized controlled trial, the program's feasibility and preliminary effectiveness will be evaluated. Participants will undergo cognitive assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up, complemented by qualitative data collection to understand patient experience. The anticipated outcomes include a culturally relevant, accessible home-based program tailored for Malaysian stroke survivors, preliminary evidence on the program's impact on attention and processing speed, insights into its feasibility and acceptability, and a foundation for a larger-scale randomized controlled trial. This research has the potential to transform stroke rehabilitation in Malaysia by offering an innovative, patient-centered approach that utilizes music therapy to enhance cognitive recovery and improve quality of life.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Attention
• Rehabilitation Program
• Music Intervention

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Musical Home-based Rehabilitation Program	* A certified music therapist will conduct an initial assessment (at the hospital or at your home if travel is not feasible). * You and your caregiver will receive structured training so you can carry out the programme at home independently. * You will complete home sessions of about 40 minutes per session, daily for 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. * Your caregiver will use a simple checklist after each session to record completion, duration, alertness, fatigue, and any concerns. * The therapist will make weekly phone calls to support adherence and address questions. * The therapist will conduct level checks approximately after 2 weeks (at hospital or at home) and may adjust the song tasks to match your progress.
OTHER	Control group (standard care)	* You will continue with the standard neurorehabilitation programme as prescribed by your rehabilitation team. * You will not take part in the home-based music therapy programme.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-01
• Primary completion: 2026-09-30
• Completion: 2026-10-31
• First posted: 2026-04-13
• Last updated: 2026-04-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Malaysia