A Review of Music Intervention Studies Involving Instrument Playing for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to analyze the use of musical instruments in music intervention studies for upper extremity rehabilitation. Twenty-one studies published in domestic and foreign academic journals were identified and analyzed. Differences were found based on the academic background of the researchers and the playing technique used. However, the activities for improving upper extremity function and the types of musical instruments employed shared a number of general characteristics. Music intervention studies in Korea were conducted mainly in the field of music therapy, while music intervention studies in other countries were conducted mainly in the medical field. Outcomes differed depending on whether the functional goals of the instrument playing involved gross motor or fine motor movement. Further research is necessary to expand the scope of instrument playing and the use of musical instruments in music interventions for upper extremity rehabilitation.