Important findings of a technology-assisted in-home music-based intervention for individuals with stroke: a small feasibility study

PurposeTo examine the feasibility of stroke survivors receiving music-based rehabilitation via a mobile app.Materials and MethodsWe recruited ten chronic stroke survivors who were community-dwelling with mild-moderate upper extremity (UE) paresis. Participants were encouraged to exercise their paretic UE with a commercial instrument training app, Yousician, with a piano keyboard at home for three weeks. The feasibility of the training was measured by: (a) the acceptance of using the app to receive in-home piano training (e.g., daily usage time, exit interview) and (b) the effects of the app functionality as a rehabilitation tool (e.g., participants' motor improvements after training).ResultsOur small sample size of participants demonstrated general positive feedback and self-motivation (e.g., interest in extended training time) about using a mobile app to receive in-home, music-based UE training. Participants showed no trend of declined usage and practiced on average similar to 33 min per day for 4-5 days per week during the 3-week participation. We also observed positive results in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, and Nine Hole Peg Test after training.ConclusionsThis study provided insight into the feasibility of delivering music-based interventions through mobile health (mHealth) technology for stroke populations. Although this was a small sample size, participants' positive and negative comments and feedback provided useful information for future rehab app development. We suggest four ways to further improve and design a patient-oriented app to facilitate the use of a mHealth app to deliver in-home music-based interventions for stroke survivors. Stroke survivors showed acceptance and positive feedback on receiving in-home music-based training via a mobile app.mHealth technologies may allow positive effects of music-based interventions in motor performance and home practice compliance.Further developments in the co-design process with patients, caregivers, and therapists are needed to design a patient-oriented app to deliver better in-home music-based interventions for stroke survivors.